Fraser blasts expats for opposing BVI independence
Third District Representative, Julian Fraser. Veteran legislator Julian Fraser has accused residents from other nations of preventing Virgin Islanders from deciding their own political future, say...
Third District Representative, Julian Fraser. Veteran legislator Julian Fraser has accused residents from other nations of preventing Virgin Islanders from deciding their own political future, saying the right to self-determination is being denied in their own homeland. Speaking in the House of Assembly during debate on the Constitutional Review Commission report, Fraser said he had lived long enough to see neighbouring territories achieve independence while Virgin Islanders remain constrained. “I have earned the rights, being an individual who came this close to being a slave, to come here today and advocate for what I, in my humble opinion, believe is best for the people of the Virgin Islands,” he stated.
Fraser argued that the principle of self-determination, enshrined in United Nations resolutions, is being undermined locally. He warned that people who had already secured independence in their own countries were now resisting similar progress in the Virgin Islands. “They got their independence, but they’re denying ours,” he insisted.
The long-serving Third District representative described the constitutional review process as flawed, noting that public meetings could be influenced by individuals without deep ties to the territory. He pointed out that visitors could attend community sessions and shape the record of submissions, raising concerns about whose voices were truly represented.
Fraser also echoed calls for education so residents better understand what self-determination and independence mean. He noted that many misconceptions persist, such as the belief that a country must be self-sufficient in food production before pursuing independence. “The need for much more education was the most repeated comment under this term of reference,” he said.
The debate comes as the Virgin Islands prepares for negotiations with the United Kingdom ahead of the 2027 elections. The Constitutional Review Commission and a recent United Nations visiting mission both recommended that the territory establish a timetable for independence or other forms of self-government, alongside a robust education campaign.
Fraser maintained that Virgin Islanders must have the final say on their future. “If we really believe in self-determination, it must be accompanied by greater reduction in the power of the governor,” he urged
Primary source: BVI News