Walwyn blasts gov’t for ‘arrogance’ in self-determination
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has accused the government of “arrogance” in the way it is handling discussions on greater self-determination for the Virgin Islands, warning that leaders cannot haul...
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has accused the government of “arrogance” in the way it is handling discussions on greater self-determination for the Virgin Islands, warning that leaders cannot haul the public “full speed” toward independence without first earning their trust and addressing everyday concerns.
Speaking in the House of Assembly during the debate on the Constitutional Review Commission’s report, Walwyn said that while he supports the principle of self-determination, the government is failing to educate the public properly and is instead conflating self-determination with independence. “Self-determination is your right.
It belongs to us,” Walwyn said. “But we are doing some mis-education inside this House, because we are using self-determination and independence as if they are synonyms — they’re not. Independence is a form of self-determination.” He stressed that there are multiple paths to self-determination, including free association or other arrangements agreed to by the people, and argued that education must start with leaders themselves before they can teach the wider public.
Walwyn was blunt in his criticism of the government’s approach. “Stop being arrogant! Listen to people,” he said. “We seem to be wanting to haul the people full speed behind us. Who going to follow ayo to independence when they don’t trust ayo? Fix the things that need to be fixed or get the people with you.” The Opposition Leader also warned that many residents are too burdened by cost-of-living challenges to engage in constitutional debates meaningfully. “When I go to the supermarket with $100, I can only get a couple of items.
People can’t buy bread, they don’t have water, they don’t have jobs. You can’t expect them to focus on independence talk when they are busy trying to make ends meet,” he said. He further insisted that any move toward independence or other forms of self-determination must include a referendum to capture the views of Virgin Islanders and not just reflect the wishes of elected officials. “You cannot take people to independence or anywhere else without a referendum to hear what their views are,” he said. “Call a referendum and you will find out — I bet you ayo going shame.” Walwyn’s remarks come amid a renewed push by the government for greater autonomy from the United Kingdom.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said the ongoing constitutional review is a chance to transfer more power from the UK to the Virgin Islands, including areas currently under the Governor’s control. Internationally, the BVI has also gained the attention of the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation, which recently called for the full decolonisation of the territory.
Regionally, OECS and CARICOM leaders have backed the BVI’s right to decide its own political future.
Primary source: BVI News