Politics: Party vs Independents Part
POLITICS: PARTY vs INDEPENDENTS PART 2 In PART 1 it was shown that a government consisting of Independent elected members of Parliament, can be formed under Section 52 of the Virgin Islands Constitutional Order 2007. Virgin Islands voters are accustomed to the Party system, it's the only system they know since ministerial government was introduced in the 1967. The Party system was led by vibran...
POLITICS: PARTY vs INDEPENDENTS PART 2 In PART 1 it was shown that a government consisting of Independent elected members of Parliament, can be formed under Section 52 of the Virgin Islands Constitutional Order 2007. Virgin Islands voters are accustomed to the Party system, it's the only system they know since ministerial government was introduced in the 1967.
The Party system was led by vibrant and charismatic leaders such as the late Hon. H L Stoutt of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and Hon. Conrad Maduro (still with us) of the United Party. PARTY LEADERSHIP A Party leader must not only be charismatic, but also humble. The leader must be willing to share power, admit mistakes and take correction.
In 1967 when the land deal was signed between Bates Hill and the government, Stoutt was the Chief Minister under Administrator Staveley. After hearing about the deal to lease away Wickham's Cay and Anegada for 199 years, the late Noel Lloyd led a protest to reverse it. Lloyd's heroism would have been wasted if Stoutt didn't exercise humility and ask the UK to help fix the matter.
Money had to be paid back to Bates Hill with the interest for breaking a contract. Without the UK's assistance the deal would have had to stand. Stoutt put the people and the country above Party politics. That is not the case today with the new VIP leaders who run government. Also, in the 1983 elections both the VIP and the United Party won four seats but five was needed to form the government.
The late Cyril Romney won a seat as an Independent representative for the 5th District. Romney was the deciding factor as to which party would rule. Maduro forfeited his chance to be Chief Minister by giving it to Romney, who served until 1986. This is political history which the voters in this Territory should be aware of.
TODAY'S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE The political landscape in the BVI is much more complex today. Political Party leaders lack the connectedness with the people that can inspire them to put the people first. They are introverted narcissists with their own personal agendas, chasing after making a name for themselves, seeing the world and having fun at the people's expense.
Political Parties today are private clubs that only serve party members. And come to the public with propaganda as campaign material, hoping to win an election. There is no confidence in political parties anymore. The public has been disappointed one too many times by the people they trusted.
In a small Territory like the BVI where everyone knows everyone, the betrayal is personal on many levels; family, friends, colleagues, old schoolmates. When politicians are given the opportunity to serve the people, sometimes repeatedly, term after term, and their achievements are minimal, it can only be viewed as a waste of time, and money.
Recycling themselves into different groupings under different names, party or movement does not change things. Voters must demand more, much more: a fresh perspective, new people. And that's where Independents can be fit for purpose. THE INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE Candidates who do not choose to be affiliated with the old regime offer the best prospects for change. ✅ They do not bring any political baggage to the House. ✅ They start with a clean slate. ✅ Those with a background in Public Service knows how the system works; knows what can make it more effective. ✅ Skill sets of all kinds are needed in running a government.
It's not only persons with PhDs have value. Experience in contribution to society through volunteerism and private sector initiatives should not be discounted. Approachability, accessibility and humility are key ✅ But perhaps of greatest importance is character and reputation. The responsibility for good governance can only be carried out by law-abiding, conscientious and committed individuals who follow a strict code of conduct in public and private life.
Independent candidates may not completely form a government, but having them in the House is a plus for the people. Power for the people is not in parties, but in people who genuinely desire to serve in the best interest of those who elected them, and setting the country on the right course for those coming after. #focusforward #charactermatters #reputationmatters #BVIgeneralelevtions2027
Primary source: The Real BVI Community Board (Facebook)