UK must ‘disabuse self’ from reestablishing C’bean colonial power- David Comissiong

Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong has called on the United Kingdom (UK) to 'disabuse' itself from seeking to re-establish colonial powers in the Virgin Islands (VI) by imposing direct rule from London.

Mr Comissiong appeared on the May 1, 2022, ‘Barbados Morning’ television show, which discussed the situation in the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) and the UK seeking to suspend the local constitution as well as rule the VI from London, as recommended in a Commission of Inquiry report.

No taking away of democratic rights

“You don't take away the democratic rights of the people. In fact, you trust that the people will use their democratic rights in elections to deal with those politicians who are who are guilty of wrongdoing,” he said while quoting Errol W. Barrow.

Mr Comissiong then chronicles a history of the suspension of constitutions across the region and said the majority of those actions had dire consequences for regional countries with Turks and Caicos being the latest to have their constitution suspended in 2009.

“I think the UK needs to understand that the atmosphere in the Caribbean Community in 2022 is not what it was in 2009 and people are much more alert now to these kinds of things and the Caribbean Community, I think, is much more conscious now that it is heading in the direction of sovereignty and independence.”

He said countries like Barbados have become a Republic and other constitutional monarchies have indicated that they're moving in that direction.

“And this seems to be in some contradiction with some thinking within Britain because since Britain left the European Union there is in some circles in Britain this idea that Britain must now reestablish this kind of colonial empire that it used to have.”

Caricom welcomes constructive relationship

Comissiong says while CARICOM welcomes constructive relationship with Britain, any idea that they are going back to colonial relationships, “I think the British need to disabuse themselves of any such idea,” he said.

He added, “We should make the point that if indeed the Premier {Andrew A. Fahie] has involved himself in criminal activity, then you know the legal process will deal with that,” he added.

“You cannot draw up an indictment against a whole nation. You cannot punish a whole people for the infractions of a leader. You have to respect the democratic rights of people,” he added while again quoting Barrow.

Comissiong says while Caricom welcomes constructive relationship with Britain, any idea that it is going back to a colonial relationship will be rejected.