Rosan Urges Residents to Protest
Social commentator Cindy Rosan has called on British Virgin Islands residents to move from private complaint to public protest over what she describes as widespread poor governance by local leaders and the United Kingdom. Her comments, made during a Facebook Live session, came ahead of a planned demonstration over the demotion of Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool.
Social commentator Cindy Rosan has urged British Virgin Islands residents to take to the streets and protest what she called 'bad governance' by both local elected leaders and the United Kingdom. Rosan made the appeal in a fiery Facebook Live session on Thursday, saying residents must 'fight back' instead of merely complaining.
Her remarks came as organisers planned another protest over the demotion of Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool — an issue that has already sparked public debate in the territory. During the broadcast Rosan named the government-sponsored Soca Uber Cruise as an example of misplaced priorities, saying the event cost taxpayers approximately $500,000 while schools and some public services were paused to facilitate the party. 'School is closed down to facilitate children to have fun at the Uber cruise.
They just shut down the civil service,' she said, arguing that such spending highlights broader governance failures. She called on residents to use the Vanterpool controversy as a catalyst for wider action. 'Jackie’s just a catalyst, but this is about governance in this territory and how it’s handled between all local governments and the bloody UK.
She also criticised people who privately complain but do not act: 'Stop calling my phone if you just intend to whine and don’t get up and fight for what’s going on in this territory.' Rosan has built a public profile using online platforms to mobilise protests and raise awareness about social and political issues in the BVI.
She said she has 'given everything' — creating broadcast groups and making her channels available to inform residents — but warned that change requires broader community action. The call to protest adds to an already charged local conversation about leadership, public spending and relations with the UK.
For residents considering participation, peaceful and lawful assembly remains the legal route for expressing grievances; others may choose petitions, direct contact with elected representatives, or participation in community forums. It remains to be seen how authorities and political leaders will respond to Rosan’s challenge and to any demonstrations that follow.
Primary source: BVI News