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Governor's talk & position on reparations 'Trump-like'- Talk show host
Skelton-Cline addressed the issue during his radio programme Honestly Speaking on ZBVI Radio on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
He said: "Today marks day seven of no apology from Governor Augustus Jaspert to the people of these Virgin Islands from Governor Augustus Jaspert on his dismissive posture on reparations and his position on believing they should be allowed the monuments that represent and emanate former slave masters to remain prominent in a country and culture of the descendants of former slaves."
Skelton-Cline added: "That kind of talk and that kind of position is Trump-like. It's a Donald Trump-like sound antenna."
Background
Following Governor Jaspert's statement during an interview with 284 Media on September 7, 2020, that the VI has no reparations to get for acts of slavery, it has sparked outrage across the Territory.
"I think it was a horrific period in British history, and a disgusting approach was taken in terms of how people were treated less than people, and I think this should never be forgotten. In terms of the past, I think it is an issue that I think is right to recognise and to think through in terms of ensuring that we keep on tackling and challenging any injustices. In terms of specifically on reparations I know that has put forward a lot, but it is not a position that the United Kingdom has taken, it is not something that here, is in a position, but I think it is always worth ensuring that we learn the lessons from the past and we reflect on what a horrific period in our history that was," Governor Jaspert said.
Furthermore, Mr Jaspert, who will depart the VI year-end, said he believes that the renaming places named after slave owners should be preserved as it is part of the VI's history.
Apologise!
Skelton-Cline called for the apology and said on September 12, 2020, on his show that: "These things cannot be swept under the rug, these are real and dear things… and we must do our part to ensure that honour and due respect are due to our fore-parents."
Another social commentator Kenneth G. Gladstone became the second radio moderator to condemn the governor's statements, calling it 'absolutely insulting' to the people of the Territory.
"I'm a black man, and when a white man who represents slavery can tell me that I don't deserve reparations, you infuriate the hell out of me," Gladstone told Virgin Islands News Online after invited comments.
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55 Responses to “Governor's talk & position on reparations 'Trump-like'- Talk show host”
It is interesting how this has all been twisted (and assisted by the media) to be the Governor's personal opinion rather than the position of the UK Government. By the same logic one could accuse Premier Fahie of personally being racist against work permit holders because of his government's polices against them travelling and money transfer taxes on the poorest expats. That has a lot more in common with Trumpism than the Governor parroting the UK's position on reparations etc.
What is next? Address the so called black lives matters by acting on guns which are being used to take black lives by black people here in the BVI.
I dont take racial offense to be called a black person, or African American. Why should you take offense to be called a down islander? Especially if that is where your place of origin is geographically located. What do you want to be called?
There is more racism and side eye for existing as a VI lander in this place full of strange faces than you will ever experience from US. Who you fa? You wouldnt know about that & them times.
Now you & others who feel small and need attention, made a self fulfilling prophesy when you continually call BVI people racist, and stupid. Only now we going on racist and stupid.
If it was so before you would not have landed here in the first place. You and all them people liking your comment.
You will never take over with that attitude.
Wait.... you want to TAKE OVER the BVI?! Thats rich.
There are people from all over the Caribbean living here peacefully for decades before this petty drama. Your comments & opinion of VI people do not represent the opinions of longstanding people of foreign origin.
We need orientation for new expats because this is getting ridiculous.
Take a page out of the Spanish community. Spanish people come from all over yet they have no problem to be called Spanish. The 'Syrians' arent even from Syria. Now you & others want to be offended because someone calls you a down island person when that's where you came from. Petty
Now they want to change the workforce from its current 70% expat/30% belonger. See where this attitude is leading you & yours?
You want to fight racism start with the man in the mirror. Again I do not take offense to be called black, that dark devious destructive evil color. It is what it is. Im black and Im proud what about you?> Flip the script
Which families get all the governement kick back contracts?
Who is it that is belittled by government officials?
Who is allowed to vote?
Who is it that gets expelled from island for any offense?
Who in the BVI has personally been negatively effected by slavery?
Where does the church spend all the money it collects .... on pastors house and cars.
Just a few questions for this "Man of God" political pastor to answer.
Y is cline still on dis wat kind of pastor are u u dnt practice wat u preach at all live governor jasper alone u just made caz he said alot of people a are afraid to boldly say which is d truth. Beside u all need yo look pass dis whole slavery sh*t. If we hav to move on u ar so stuck in d pass dat is people like u dats is d readon y d bvi cant ascend to be better. Jasper is living and dats wat u all wanted. So be happy wit dat but also be prepared caz d new governor is no bulshit just lije jasper and just like u all cudnt control jasper u wont control d new man. So u people now start to find fault
You need to listen to one very smart Black man for a bit, you might learn something.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWrfjUzYvPo
The Governor said nothing wrong in my opinion but as I guess because money is involved he now becomes the target and label as racist the BVI people needs to acknowledge and honour their own history by teaching the truth in school and stop brain washing others and looking to blame the Governor for their short coming.
God doesn’t operate in this way. God is love.
CSC, you remember what that is?
Either the r**** governor apologized or we march
As for the Governor, let us not remember that he kept the whole place together in the months after Irma, and that he has tried to keep the UK/BVI relationship running smoothly, despite being thwarted by local racists and corrupt officials. Thank you for your work her, Governor Jaspert, and the best to you and your family in your next assignment.
Moreover, it has been over a week since Governor Jaspert uttered his dastardly comments yet to date not one elected member of HOA has made a public comment condemning the Governor. Do their silence imply that they concur with Governor? Is government making an official written complaint to the FCO? If no action is taken, it is shameful and disappointing. Harsher language in held abeyance for now.
And don’t ever come back!!
Worse than Trump!
Thank goodness
Honorable Premier please investigate the governor office and expose their cronyism favoritism and corruption
I only see white non belongers there, smoking drinking selling their books
All gus does is flaunt his lavish lifestyle on social media
He must never be allowed back. He’s still not apologized for insensitive insulting comments
He’s a disgrace to civil servants. A racist bigot we hate
I think you all will find it very interesting listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWrfjUzYvPo
Then we can have an educated discussion on the topic. That invitation is extended to CSC... especially CSC.
If I am going to be persecuted for things people with the same color skin as me did centuries ago... I want to take the praise as well.
You are welcome! It was my pleasure to destroy 90% of world slavery and fight to free all Africans from slavery around the globe. I didn't have to, I wanted to... well the ones outside of Africa anyway.... because they are still playing that game in Africa. Just couldn't get them to stop no matter how hard I tried.
No really... thank you all, you are too kind... It didn't take much tbh but thank you away! xxx