We should back the Premier as he fights colonialsm
As the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into political corruption continues to unfold, Deputy Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the community should back Premier Andrew Fahie in his fight against colonialism.
As one of the most vocal proponents of greater self-determination for the BVI, Premier Fahie is known for challenging the restrictions local administrations face under the rule of the United Kingdom.
While some Virgin Islanders support this, some hold the view that such defiance of UK authority is part of the reason former governor, Augustus Jaspert ordered a COI into political corruption in the territory.
Speaking at a February 7 Remembrance Ceremony for BVI’s ancestors, Dr Wheatley said Premier Fahie’s efforts should not be taken for granted because he stands up for the people and pushes back against colonialism.
“Sometimes we get fearful when we speak about not being under this colonial system anymore and when you have a leader who is willing to stand up and fight against it, give him some backup,” Dr Wheatley said.
He continued: “Even though we might disagree with the Premier on one or two issues here, don’t take it for granted that you have a leader of a territory who is not afraid to stand up for the people and not assert our rights as people because you and I know that this thing called colonialism is not right. It’s not human. It’s not what should be promoted.”
Talks against colonial rule became louder after the 2017 hurricanes when the UK signalled that the BVI should shoulder the majority of costs for its own recovery.
However, it is unclear where Virgin Islanders stand on the matter of greater self-determination as no referendum has been called to declare a national stance on the matter.
While some Virgin Islanders support this, some hold the view that such defiance of UK authority is part of the reason former governor, Augustus Jaspert ordered a COI into political corruption in the territory.
Speaking at a February 7 Remembrance Ceremony for BVI’s ancestors, Dr Wheatley said Premier Fahie’s efforts should not be taken for granted because he stands up for the people and pushes back against colonialism.
“Sometimes we get fearful when we speak about not being under this colonial system anymore and when you have a leader who is willing to stand up and fight against it, give him some backup,” Dr Wheatley said.
He continued: “Even though we might disagree with the Premier on one or two issues here, don’t take it for granted that you have a leader of a territory who is not afraid to stand up for the people and not assert our rights as people because you and I know that this thing called colonialism is not right. It’s not human. It’s not what should be promoted.”
Talks against colonial rule became louder after the 2017 hurricanes when the UK signalled that the BVI should shoulder the majority of costs for its own recovery.
However, it is unclear where Virgin Islanders stand on the matter of greater self-determination as no referendum has been called to declare a national stance on the matter.
