BVI News

We want the UK to be a partner in eradication of colonialism

Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley

Education Minister and Deputy Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed hope that the United Kingdom (UK) would be a partner with the BVI in its efforts at decolonisation.

Speaking at a ceremony earlier this week to observe the birthday of BVI’s first Chief Minister, H Lavity Stoutt, Dr Wheatley said it was part of the mandate of the United Nations (UN) that colonialism is eradicated.

In 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the period 2021-2030 the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

This resolution called upon UN Member States to intensify their efforts to continue to implement a plan of action for the Second International Decade.

“We have a mandate to continue our evolution as a people and we want the UK to be a partner with us in this process,“ Dr Wheatley said.

He expressed pride at Barbados achieving the status of a Republic recently but said despite the BVI‘s numerous strides and accomplishments over the years, its journey is not complete.

“We have a Cabinet now instead of an Executive Council, but our journey is not over. We have a Premier and not a Chief Minister, but our journey is not over. We have a National Security Council now, but our journey is not over. I submit to you, there is more work to be done,” Dr Wheatley said.

“As we approach constitutional talks,” Dr Wheatley continued, “I know the Premier and leader of the territory, in consultation with the people of the Virgin Islands, will lead a discussion about what are the next steps to complete this yet to be completed journey.”

Government officials have continued to advocate over the past few years for the BVI’s efforts at self-determination, with Premier Fahie recently being called to defend reports in the UK press that he was moving the territory in the direction of independence.

He later explained that his comments were taken out of context and said any move towards independence would be through the people of the Virgin Islands, arguing that he would be foolish as a leader to insist otherwise.

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14 Comments

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  1. Here we go again.. says:

    Why not partner with the UK to reform education? Really? Complete waste of time.

    Like 35
  2. Negrito says:

    So let me get this straight you want the TOP COLONIZERS to help end the one thing that made them who they are? Somebody come get yuh boy please lol.

    Like 17
    Dislike 2
  3. UKM says:

    Every time you open your mouth you us more and more that you don’t have a clue, you put down the UK every chance you get now you want to partner with them. Your time is short I think you should start looking for a job.

    Like 22
  4. Styles. says:

    Was this guy not the minister of education? When is he actually going to focus on bettering education in the territory?

    He is only talking about slavery, colonialism, apartheid, etc etc etc. Sometimes with valid points, but not his day job.

    Like 19
  5. Medical Director says:

    Why this man always seen gasping for air?

    Like 13
  6. Real. says:

    The danger is, now that he has found himself in a position of influence, he could do permanent damage when in reality, he shouldn’t be in that position of influence in the first place. Remember, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, he speaks for the people of the British Virgin Islands.

    Like 10
  7. FACTS says:

    VIP ALL THE WAY

    Like 1
    Dislike 15
  8. 1EYE says:

    Well that’s the only way it can happen, the colonizer has to participate in not colonizing. But sometimes people want to be colonized, that also has to be considered. The BVI has folk who want to be 2nd class citizens to the UK or whoever and their lives determined by outsiders. They want the responsibility of competence to be someone else’s burden so they can have their happy brainless lives. Not everyone here wants equality.

    Like 1
    Dislike 9
  9. Two cents says:

    Global Britain is all about ending colonialism and bring the territories under one umbrella of British Citizen. All the Territories will be part of Great Britain like Martinique is the France. One UK passport and no more Territorial Passports.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  10. Strupes says:

    He needs to look at the government of the BVI plantation system they are currently operating where public servants are being victimized and treated like slaves and in most cases are paid slave wages. Just look at how Government has sat back ad allowed the Permanent Secretary and Ag. Chief Medical Officer to mistreat and victimize Public Health staff. Leave the UK alone with your nonsense.

  11. Wellsah says:

    We need wunna out cause it seems ayo is some colonizers and plantation owners too.

    And it seems you all are encouraging it.

    Whole Public Sector crying out and you all just want to sweep it under the rug. From the Teachers to Nurses, to Public Health. And instead of addressing the issues, you all engaging in the modern-day form of lynching, victimization.

    I so sick of this Government.

  12. confused says:

    aint you guys the same one who want to be independent and now wants to be partner with the UK? Also aint you guys the same one too who want to break all ties to the UK ?
    This government is a complete set of fools and clowns

  13. Sigh says:

    Why this man talking about colonialism when literally everything he responsible for going asunder? Show your national pride by doing a good job instead.

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