We wonder when the Premier would think it appropriate to open a dialogue on independence with the people of the Territory?  

We haven’t the faintest idea if he has considered the costs, obligations, responsibilities, threats and opportunities that accompany independence.

We are not even a cohesive group in the Territory.  Whatever the country of origin of our guest workers and those who have chosen to make the BVI their home, they tend to form their own associations including country associations and continue their ‘home’ culture and traditions.

So, what will our shared values be?  What will engender national pride? With whom will we associate?  Where will we establish embassies? What currency will we spend?  Who will protect us?  Who will guard our borders?  Where will we get the money?

The list of questions is long and yet, for so serious a topic, it has mainly been managed behind the backs of the people; in halls that do not really matter since it is the people who will have to decide their own fate.

Unless the government’s consultant is correct and we can proceed to a position and declaration of independence without a referendum;

And unless the Premier believes that in negotiating a new constitution for the Territory, he will be allowed to slip his personal preference into the Order; 

Then, there is no getting around speaking with the people.  Otherwise, it would be irresponsible of the kingdom to allow the will or acquiescence of the people to be brushed aside.

Last week we saw a long congratulatory statement from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States:

“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has extended its firm support and solidarity to the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as they continue their journey toward achieving a full measure of self-government and realizing their aspirations for constitutional advancement and political self-determination.”

We immediately thought about former Premier Fahie who said on occasions that wherever he turned in the Territory, he would hear people saying that this or that came from the horse’s mouth.  But his protest was: “I am the real horse and I don’t know anything about it!”

And so, it is with the people of the Territory on the question of independence.  The Premier and his supporters have not let us in on the secret.

And the Premier continues to miss opportunities at home to educate the people and to help them to catch his vision.

Is our learning institution, the HLSCC, engaged?  Its President and top brass are silent!  

Do those who manage our public library in the Territory’s capital put on exhibitions in the library to engage students and other users?

Ah!  But we have not had a library in the capital since 2016.  What kind of people have no community mechanism for learning, reading, engendering thinking?  What can the future of such a people be?

To be fair, the library was poised to move to the CTL building in Pasea Park in 2016 but after Hurricane Irma struck in 2017, the space was taken over by the Education Ministry to house secondary school students.

But there is a proposed, permanent home and it will likely be left to the RDA to deliver, subject to funding.  But we are 9 years on.

How long???

The concept of a library would, no doubt, have changed.  After all, we live in a high-tech world and a digital age.

So, while part of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition is content to bring an outdated and possibly, moot, motion of no confidence against the government to highlight its eloquence which is already well known;  The real business of the people suffers.

This is where we may have to call upon the goddess Athena.  In ancient Greek religion, she is the goddess of reason, wisdom, and warfare.  We need her for her wisdom and guidance…

Canada has a population of around 41 million people, making it the 37th most populous country in the world although the second largest.

Canada spans across six time zones with a total area of 3,855,103 square miles. 

And yet, Canada finds it strategic to bend its knee to King Charles.  

On Tuesday, he delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the 45th session of Canada's parliament in Ottawa. 

It was a ‘tour de force’ to quell the aggressive jargon of her neighbour to subsume her into the American dream.

What does Canada, with her millions of square miles, know that we in 60 (counting rocks and cays) couldn’t?

Such issues should be part of the Premier’s dialogue if he will ever get around to speaking with the people about his aspirations; 

If he would only resolve to take his dialogue on the subject out of the halls of the UN, OECS and CARICOM…

…And bring it home!!!

Then he would know how the people truly feel.

On our Fridays, we need more hands to carry the torch.

Happy Friday!