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Talking Points zoom in on Territorial pride & infrastructure woes

From left to right Co-host Elvin G. Grant, Co-host Violet Thomas Gaul, and guest Mr Ian Thomas aka DJ Commodore on Talking Points on December 9, 2024. Photo: Facebook
Talking Points on December 9, 2024, discussed a number of issues such as road maintenance and waste management. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Talking Points on December 9, 2024, discussed a number of issues such as road maintenance and waste management. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI—The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is at a critical juncture, facing pressing challenges in infrastructure maintenance, economic policy, and cultural pride. These were among some of the issues candidly explored during a lively discussion on Talking Points, a ZBVI 780 AM radio programme aired on December 9, 2024.

The panel consisted of co-hosts Violet Thomas Gaul and Mr Elvin G. Grant, and guest Mr Ian A. Thomas aka DJ Commodore tackled topics ranging from the lack of Virgin Islands pride to inadequate garbage disposal systems.

Cultural pride

Mr Thomas, himself a local business owner and community advocate, criticised what he described as the "lack of self-pride" among residents or belongers.

Among the issues emphasized was the pervasive littering undermining the territory’s image, particularly in key tourist areas. “When we could sit next to garbage and sell things, we don't have any pride,” he remarked.

Infrastructural failures

Mr Thomas, as such, proposed transformative ideas to revitalize the territory, including converting neglected waterfront areas into picturesque public spaces. "Imagine steps where people can sit and watch the waters instead of the big rocks and garbage there now. That would boost our pride and tourism appeal," he said, calling for a collective effort to enhance public spaces and instill civic responsibility.

The discussion extended to broader infrastructural concerns, such as road maintenance and waste management.

Mr Grant however lauded recent improvements that include organized garbage collection on Main Street but stressed the need for consistent application of such initiatives.

“We clearly can do it; we just need to go back to it and amplify our efforts,” he said.

7 Responses to “Talking Points zoom in on Territorial pride & infrastructure woes”

  • Doooom (11/12/2024, 16:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Waste of time Tortola systems
  • resident (11/12/2024, 18:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is right, many in this place have no pride and won't lift a finger to change things, they will blame everyone else when they could start by doing something small like not littering, or donate food for the homeless etc, our culture is broken what we need is a government willing to do the hard things that can make the bvi a decent place to live again
  • resident (11/12/2024, 19:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    You're setting the bar pretty low when you talk about organized garbage collection on one street in the capital. Yet no library for at least two years? It's very sad how low things have sunk.
  • Norris Turnbull (11/12/2024, 21:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What positive do you suggest "dooom"?
  • drive mad (12/12/2024, 06:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "We clearly can do it; we just need to go back to it and amplify our efforts" u sure 'bout that?
  • Josiahsbay (12/12/2024, 08:25) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    The answer to many of these issues has been obvious for decades. District Councils are the answer, where district people can be organized to deal with specific problems in their district. Properly empowered, it can generate revenue, create ordinances, and implement fixes. We are nibbling at it but won't take a full bite. When we can't get the Government to lead properly, we, the people, must lead to our greatest capabilities.
  • Citizen (12/12/2024, 09:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    everybody deserves there 5 mins even a DJ


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