Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Hon Vanterpool blasts Commonwealth as reminder of UK enslavement

Hon Vanterpool blasts Commonwealth as reminder of UK enslavement

Fourth District Representative in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool has blasted the Commonwealth as a reminder of the scores of nations that were once colonies of the United Kingdom and subjected to slavery.

Hon Vanterpool was at the time speaking on the topic of self-determination for the VI and the way forward during the Emancipation Service held by the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee at Sunday Morning Well on July 31, 2022.

No celebrating the memories of enslavement- Hon Vanterpool


“I no longer believe in this Commonwealth nations thing... the Commonwealth nations thing is a reminder of all of the nations that the United Kingdom enslaved...and we are not going back there,” he said.

The legislator added, “We are going forward. I am not celebrating the memory of us being enslaved as a nation.”

Hon Vanterpool called for the VI to move forward and work closely with the United Kingdom as partners with mutual respect and collaboration to make the Virgin Islands better for the people of this territory.

Founded on December 11, 1931, the Commonwealth also known as the Commonwealth of Nations is a free political association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire.

The former dependencies who are members of the Commonwealth have chosen to maintain ties of friendship and practical cooperation and also acknowledge the British monarch as the symbolic head of their association.

Founded on December 11, 1931, the Commonwealth also known as the Commonwealth of Nations is a free political association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire.


More conversations needed


Meanwhile, the senior legislator called for the conversation on self-determination to continue as the VI must be able to survive and grow as a people.

He reminded the VI that everywhere is now interdependent, including the UK, US, and other larger countries.

“As so it must be in the Virgin Islands, we are no less, we must be able to make our own destiny and our own self-determination,” he added while reminding us that the UK should continue to be a partner in spite of the history.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Russia Expands Military Presence Near Finland Amid Rising Tensions
Indian Scholar Arrested in Crackdown Over Pakistan Conflict Commentary
Ontario Manufacturers Warn U.S. Tariffs Could Create Economic 'Ghost Town'
UK and EU Reach Landmark Post-Brexit Deal to Reset Relations
Israel Eases Gaza Blockade Amid Internal Dispute Over Military Strategy
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Trump Demands Probe into Kamala Harris for Paying Celebs to Fake Endorsements
At Age 92, the World’s Oldest President Has No Succession Plan — and That Could Spark a Crisis
U.S. Concerns Mount Over Chinese 'Kill Switch' Components Found in Solar Power Infrastructure
Bipartisan Criticism Surrounds Trump's Cryptocurrency Ventures
Diplomatic Efforts on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Injuries Reported
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
U.S. and Philippine Forces Test High-Powered Microwave Weapons in Joint Exercise
China Unveils Advanced AI Surveillance Tools at 12th Police Equipment Expo
Japan's Three Major Banks Report Record High Net Profits for Second Consecutive Year
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
US and EU Make Progress in Trade Talks, While Vietnam Negotiations Also Advance
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial: Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura Testifies About Alleged Abuse
Former Wales Rugby Star Jamie Roberts to Pursue Medical Career
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
Passenger Travels Under Wrong Identity on British Airways Flight
Former FBI Director James Comey Questioned by Secret Service Over Social Media Post
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
After 108 Years: Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Peace Talks in Three Years — But No Breakthrough Yet
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
US and UAE Reach Preliminary Agreement on Nvidia AI Chip Imports
KREMLIN has just approved Senator ALEXANDER " THE EXPERIMENT" KARELIN, of Novosibrisk, as Chief Negotiator at the Meeting in ISTANBUL with Ukraine & USA.
Shocking Footage Released: Diddy Caught Dragging Cassie in Brutal Hotel Hallway Assault
Starlink Now Profitable: SpaceX Hits Major Milestone with $11.8 Billion in Revenue
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
EU Court Orders Disclosure of von der Leyen’s Texts with Pfizer CEO Over €35 Billion Vaccine Deal
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Killed During Livestream in Suspected Femicide
This man went to take $5,000 out his own bank account and was arrested for it
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
Daughter of crypto boss escapes Paris kidnap in latest in series of attacks
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Challenges Facing EU Foreign Policy Amidst Diverging Interests
Reports Reveal Alarming Cognitive Decline in Biden Prior to Election Withdrawal
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
×