While the relationship is still rooted in colonialism, Hon Fraser used Barbados as an example, having had its independence on November 30, 1966, but only recently ‘dumping’ the UK on November 30, 2021, when it officially became a republic.

“And that’s only severing the ties with the crown,” he said during the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on January 18, 2022.

Barbados will have healthy relationship with UK - Hon Fraser

“But they going to have a healthy relationship with the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is still going to have their embassy in Barbados, they still going to give them financial aid whether they ask for it or not,” he said.

He said in the case of the VI, the quest is for the people to call themselves ‘truly free’.

“Truly in the sense that you are not beholding to another man,” he added.

“And it’s the job of the Government to promote this, if they so believe in this, if they so desire… it’s their job,” he added

He said legislators and the Government have a huge responsibility to play in the process.

The Virgin Islands is an Overseas Territory of colonial power, the United Kingdom.

VI in need of change - Hon Fraser

Hon Fraser added that in the 22 years as a Legislator, nothing has changed in the House, “Nothing, even the furniture is the same, they didn’t even find it in their selves to give us some good chair, the same old chairs, Mr Speaker.”

He called for action towards change, ‘change is challenge and if you are afraid to meet a challenge it's only because you are afraid to meet a challenge.”

Hon Fraser said the VI opposition is prepared to work with the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) administration to achieve change in the VI, as he called for more education of the people to make them allies of the cause.

Hon Fraser added that the Speech from the Throne had to be delivered by someone who has nothing in common with the members and staff of the HoA and who was not elected.

“This is probably the last best opportunity that you will have to make this push,” Hon Fraser said.