Nature abhors a vacuum. And somehow, the world believes that BVI has become a vacuum. Otherwise, everyone would not feel so justified in speaking on our behalf.
We cannot dispute that the Diplomat is on the job. He seems to be ubiquitous and based on what is seen in the press, effective.
He obviously has BVI at heart and is an experienced, well-connected professional.
We do not know who advises him but on the issue of his Minister’s ‘private stance’ on self-determination which has become his euphemism for independence, the Diplomat does not speak for us. He cannot. For neither he nor his Minister has asked for our opinion.
We were made to understand that a referendum date was identified for the BVI public to opine but to advance a date without even a pretense at communication is, at best, insulting.
For self-determination has many facets, multiple options and we deserve the opportunity to objectively review them and to decide. That is not the work of a night nor even a single cycle.
To be fair, we have been on the road to self-determination ever since we received the first BVI Constitution and the Ministerial system of government.
So, while the Diplomat and his Minister frequent the halls of the United Nations and make speeches in regional organizations, the people have not been included in the process.
For no attempts at education nor instructions in civics form part of the national agenda; Without which, the populace cannot make intelligent and informed decisions about their future.
Usually, the independence talk waxes strong when the boundaries of the relationship with the UK corral local leaders. Emotions run high and frustrations, unchecked. But those must not, alone, be the driving forces.
We must educate; Thoughtfully.
We must think: Carefully and Deeply.
We must plan: Strategically.
And then we can act: Intelligently.
So, using the voice and power of the people to promote a private agenda and constantly discussing those ‘private issues’ in regional and international organizations behind the people’s backs is disrespectful in the extreme.
And it causes others to disrespect us. We resent that.
Deeply.
We know that there is a loud minority who are on the bandwagon, but it is unfair for them to behave as if independence is a fait accompli and brow beat others to act like lemmings (mythical).
We believe BVI to be a democracy and we expect democratic principles to play out at the highest levels of government.
The Diplomat should understand this. After all, he started his career in the International Affairs Secretariat (We welcome Ms Christopher back to her post in the Secretariat) under the Administration of Chief Minister (Premier) Dr D Orlando Smith and, following a break in service, went on to manage our efforts in the UK in BVI House.
We digress to say that BVI House was purchased for the Territory by Chief Minister (Premier) R.T. O’Neal. The rationale was that we had critical business with His Majesty’s government and we needed an address in London from which to transact that business.
We ended up in Mayfair, across the street from the United States Embassy. (The US Embassy has since relocated)
Our students (we have many in the UK) gather there from time to time to meet with the Leader of Government business and to interact with each other.
We can also deepen our relationship with other Overseas Territories of the UK, Overseas Countries and Territories of the EU, help to protect our financial services industry and improve our shipping registry services.
Of course, it can be a focal point for government ‘diplomatic’ business.
In the past, prior to BVI House, Steve Dickenson was an ally. He represented much of our interests, gratis. We also had the benefit of advice from David Jessop and Adam Dunlop of the Caribbean Council.
Lorna Smith was sent to London in the early 2000s to establish the office and since then we have had at least 5 Directors, all building on the blueprint she provided. The Diplomat, of course, was one of them and he served with distinction for both sides of the political coin.
So, if the Diplomat’s efforts are not as well backed up at home as they should be. And if that causes us to feel that he is trying to bamboozle us into independence, we lay that at the feet of his Minister who has yet to open a dialogue with the people.
For that vacuum that has been created allows people like Sir Hilary Beckles to speak for us, in the UK, of all places. But it comes at a price. We are dragged into his reparations debate although we have no official position on the subject.
And His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition? Do they have a role in any of this? In eighty questions on the Order Paper this week, not even one seeks to bring attention to these issues.
Still, there is enough grey matter in the BVI for us to decide who we are and to give voice to our aspirations. We can carry our own water uphill and if we need assistance, we can ask.
The disrespect must stop! It belittles us.
Are we for or against independence? The simple answer is that we do not know. There have been no attempts at education, no catalogue of the costs, obligations and responsibilities, no talk except in some political circles but a lot of noise and movement in regional and international groups and elsewhere.
We throw down the gauntlet. We ask the 13 to help to enlighten the public so that these issues do not become emotive to our detriment.
What is the purpose of Fridays if not to deepen the dialogue?
Happy Friday!