At some point we need to stop and ask ourselves the simple question:

For whom are we building the BVI?

We are on the slippery slope; Have been for some time.  It takes more resources to maintain the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed.  But each time we decide upon investments in the economy, a chain reaction is set up.

For starters, we need workers.  The BVI market is a workers’ market.  We bring them in by the droves.  And we have the disclaimer in every job that BVIslanders or Belongers preferred.

To be fair, the government is only now in a position, using the new software for work permit applications, to give some teeth to that clause.  

We commend them for if BVIslanders and Belongers do not have opportunities to work in the BVI, then we are setting the stage for unrest.

We saw that unrest take place in Fiji and we are not immune.

The schools are our next concern.  Our guest workers are coming with their families.  They represent more than half the workforce.  

So, we are building more and bigger schools but we, ourselves, are having fewer children than our parents; 1.94 children per family, just like the Americans.

And we need more teachers and cannot raise them fast enough from the local population.  So, they are added to the list of workers we must recruit.

Healthcare is essential to the package.  We already settled the question of a hospital having expended north of $100 M.  But what about preventative health?  

And then there are the roads.  Due to many factors including design, weather and wear and tear, they do not represent us well.  The current upgrades are encouraging, nonetheless.

Still, we believe that owners of vehicles should be paying road tax based on size and function.   We cannot have an excellent road infrastructure otherwise.

We tremble on the question of air and sea transportation.  They are essential to our tourism product, without which, the economy collapses.

And if we are building BVI for its citizens and belongers, why would we refuse to work with each other?

Should the people’s business suffer because members of the Cabinet will not meet with a locally appointed governor?

And if the people choose independence over continued free association with the UK as others have done, with whom do we expect to work?

What do we really think of ourselves?

We hear the pride with which those who are grafted in say, “I am speaking as a Belonger.”  Where is the leadership that turns that personal pride into national pride?

Hull is doing his part with the Virgin Islands Icon Awards.  He is helping us to understand that we have to celebrate ourselves; We must recognize ourselves.

We should love and accept ourselves.

Otherwise, for whom are we building this Territory?

Where is the spirit of Eileene Lucia Parsons OBE, that cuts through the differences to embrace everyone?

And where are the discussions about the future of the Territory?

Have we asked the young people what they would like to see; What they want?  Have we dared to organize town hall meetings to talk about crime, drugs, stability and topics of social cohesion and public health and safety?

Is civics of any interest?

At least we have Fridays to bring up these issues for consideration.

Happy Friday!