Rename colonial institutions to build BVI pride
At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton has called on legislators to play their part in dismantling colonial structures, suggesting that one way forward is by changing the names of public institutio...
At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton has called on legislators to play their part in dismantling colonial structures, suggesting that one way forward is by changing the names of public institutions that still carry colonial references. “We still believe names don’t mean anything.
His Majesty’s Customs – when they call it that, they believe it belongs to the king. Crown lands – it belongs to the king, so you shouldn’t have any rights to it,” Skelton said during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly. The veteran legislator argued that these labels carry historical weight and reinforce outdated notions of ownership. “It is true that it was taken from people for not paying taxes when the king used to collect taxes.
So, some of those things need to be changed,” he added. Skelton noted that during his time as Minister of Finance, he oversaw the removal of one colonial title. “If you notice, you don’t have ‘Her Majesty’s Post Office’ anymore, right? I was heading for Customs, but I got fired,” he said, drawing chuckles from fellow House members.
While insisting that most colonial-era names should go, Skelton joked that “His Majesty’s Prison” might remain since, as he put it, “they gave us the money to build it.” His comments come as the BVI undergoes a constitutional review process amid growing calls for the United Kingdom to grant the elected government greater autonomy in managing the territory’s affairs.
Skelton said renaming institutions would not only help build national identity but also serve as a tangible step toward progress. “We got to get rid of some of this colonial stuff, and then we’re gonna feel lighter and able to move forward,” he said.
Primary source: BVI News