We wonder what makes the USVI Lieutenant Governor so hopeful that in some future, the two Virgin Islands may merge into one jurisdiction?  

Is he enchanted by the new geopolitical rhetoric or does the inspiration come from the C-24? (The UN Special Committee on Decolonization)

We can only hope that his people are more enlightened about the exchanges in that August Body than we are.

In any case, Roach’s speech to the graduands at the 2026 commencement ceremony on St Croix was forward-thinking.

He admonished them, as future leaders, to consider their options when they are making decisions on behalf of their ‘country.’ 

He was keen to identify the valuable assets that the USVI and the BVI  possess.  Amongst them, three international airports.  Surely, he knows that only two; His, fit the true definition of ‘International.’

But the good Lieutenant Governor is aware that BVI is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland…

…So, he understands that, if the Kingdom so chooses, BVI too can have a runway that supports its ‘national’ security obligations, tourism trade and personal movements.  

So, we put him on notice that, for the stroke of a pen in the FCDO, the Territory’s reliance on the USVI vanishes and his advantage is neutralized.

Regardless, he unwittingly highlighted the danger of such a union.  It will have a paucity of economic drivers and the all-important Federal Treasury will not be one.

So, Roach may be sailing his vessel into dangerous waters, perhaps even flying past his nest.  For the $100, million gained from the BVI side for use of its marine assets, is but a smidgen in the grand scheme.

And he must reflect on the balance sheet that while his islands were purchased; Ours were not.

Is his dream for a United Virgin Islands merely replacing one level of dependency with another?  And which third country will be approached?

That is a different story.

Post COI, BVI have serious challenges.  Our public servants are reluctant to efficiently provide services to the public and stalling tactics have reached a crescendo.

Officialdom seems to believe that to avoid decision making by passing the buck, improves transparency in government.

False!  It only compounds inefficiency and the COI is blamed for everything.

But those who speak honestly may have done the Territory a good turn; certainly, what the 13 have failed to do ever since a Premier of the land was detained on foreign soil.

The irony is that if that fate had befallen any member of the NDP whom he branded the most corrupt government in the history of BVI Governments, he would have shouted it in the House at every opportunity.

But the 13 refuse to say that they distance themselves from his actions and sentiments.  They left that to a talk show host.

Amazing representation!

That they love and admire Fahie, is understood.  That he was a role model is clear.  When one is in a position of trust and power, one is of interest  to everyone.

Enter Rudyard Kipling.

Still, it could not have escaped the 13 that our children are watching and learning.  They are learning that we are willing to accept, even, corrupt behaviour especially if no external pressure is applied.

Enter COI.

They are probably shocked that their leaders withhold a few words that can shift the perception that their future matters.  Words like ‘we hate what was done.’  The Territory is set back decades.

Instead, the leaders may be comfortable that our UK partners mistrust us and institute or plan measures that we know are not in our best interests.  

But their silence leaves them without a moral high ground to claim.

Enter Skelton-Cline.

But they were keen to say that Fahie should not be abandoned.  That he is one of us.  

And although Fahie was/is a valued son of the soil, tenacious, charismatic, talented, he asked the wrong question.  He asked, in his actions; ‘What can country do for me?’  

So, we mourn a lost opportunity and we have placed the deficit on the children’s future.

So, no wonder our neighbours can entertain the thought of a ‘United Virgin Islands.’  They too have seen our Laissez-faire attitude’ That our word holds no value and yet the masses follow shouting our praise.

Enter the PLM.

What will become of our little paradise?  Our folly, indecision, avarice and duplicity have brought her to her knees.  

We are not sure how much more of the spoils of the ‘country’ our leaders require before they can be made to act on its behalf.

“Cry the beloved Country,” or at least, think about her wellbeing on our Fridays.

Happy Friday!