'We gotta make a decision'- CSC calls for referendum on independence in 2023
![The [British] Virgin Islands is one of 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. Photo: VINO/File](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_f_f3663d4229914d10aedd830d0ab72987.jpg)
![Commentator and consultant, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has said the [British] Virgin Islands can ill-afford to remain 'much longer under the administrative power of the United Kingdom.' Photo: travelworlds24.com](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_i_img_54090012ss_02.jpg)
The commentator said the people of these islands need to make this crucial decision.
"I am calling and advocating that a referendum for independence be on the ballot in the next General Election, which is constitutionally due no later than May 2023. Hence, we the people must set out on an intensive and an intense educational journey of every individual in this country," he stated.
"And yes, though we should not wait for the government, the government, however, must bring to bear every institution muscle at its disposal to inform the citizens of this country of their civil responsibility and their fundamental human rights relative to the matter of political and economic independence. This needs to be a centre piece for whomever is thinking about running, whoever ends up running, whatever party decides to reemerge, this has to be a centrepiece – do you want to be free or not?" he added.
Education time
However, Skelton Cline said before that date, the people of the territory should be extensively educated on the matter.
"So, therefore, what should we be doing, 2021, 2022? Education, educating, educating, our people on the matter. Just like the United Kingdom had their referendum on Brexit, their decision to leave the European Union, I am talking about the similar construct. This has to come front and centre; we must debate, we must deliberate, we must dig deep, we must understand our culture, our history, we must put the systems in place that will fortify us as a people, economically and politically and constitutionally. Everybody needs to be mobilised and marshalled and then come 2023 we gotta make a decision."
He said the [British] Virgin Islands can ill-afford to remain "much longer under the administrative power of the United Kingdom."
He continued: "The United Kingdom has shown that they don't have us in mind in any meaningful or substantive way except for when they want to do what they want to do."
Hon Fraser also called for a referendum
It was just on Friday, December 4, 2020, during the Fourth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) held at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola, that Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) uttered similar words.
He urged legislators in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) to bring forward a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom (UK) if they are serious about wanting the territory to move on the path of self-determination.
"The simple thing to do for us, if that's what we want to do, the direction we want to head in, have a referendum. Courageous men and women in the same House of Assembly passed a bill and referendum we have the Referendum Act. So no matter how much talk you hear about self-determination, unless you see movements such as that, those kinds of movements… its only talk," he said regarding independence chatter.
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44 Responses to “'We gotta make a decision'- CSC calls for referendum on independence in 2023”
I fully SUPPORT this. This needs to be the Centerpiece of our 2023 general elections for us as a Territory to finally come to a ground DECISION on whether the next Government should lead the Territory into Independence.
BRILLIANT CLAUDE!!!!
You claim that you a man of God. Did Gid give 2023 as the year best for the citizens to vote on independence? He certainky did not.
Hopefully, the time will come when there the B.V.I may be ready for indendence, but before then, we need to "GET OUR HOUSE IN ORDER." OUR HOUSE WILL NOT BE PUT IN ORDER BEFORE THE WIDE GAP BETWEEN THE HAVE MUCH, AND THE HAVE LITTER IS HONESTLY, AND PROPERLY ADDRESSED. ONLY FOOLS HANG THEMSELVES. Our closest neighbours, the USVI is in a better, by far, position than we are. They know that small trees can weather a great storm being sheltered under a large (USA) tree.
MAY GOD, BY THE STRENGTH OF HIS WISDOM, PREVAILED AGAINST IGNORANCE, PRIDE, AND ORROGANCE IN THE B.V.I.
This is what I would like to know before decided on independence.
What will drive our economy
Will there be a change to our standard of living
What currency will we use how do we maintain currency strength
Will our education system be able to compete in a ever changing world
Boarder/Security/ Immigration policy
Laws/Institution that will protect the people and the peoples Finances
What measure are available to police our politicians
Environmental policy vs business development able to feed self.
All I have ever heard is "we" must go independent.
Where is the plan to fully and sustainable implement all the things you listed? Will they automatically fall into place once we go independent? The fact that you are asking the things you listed should be proof enough that we are not yet ready.
Agree with Hon Julian Fraser(R3) and Claude Skelton-Cline and others that the independence issue should be put to a referendum to let a majority of Virgin Islanders vote on the path forward. Nonetheless, the referendum given the significance, importance and giant leap of independence should be a stand alone issue at the polls it should not be on the same ballot as the next general election.
However, before a referendum is held, there is much work to be done. A public education and outreach rolled, a cost-benefit analysis conducted, a SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat) analysis conducted, a SMART (Specific Measurable Attainable Relevance Timely) analysis conducted and numerous workshops and town halls held through the length and breath. Britons voted with a simple majority of eligible voters to leave the EU. Now it seems like the UK has buyers remorse. The VI cannot make the same mistake. The decision to pursue independence should be made by at least 2/3 of eligible voters who voted at the polls.
Anyone with common can c we r in no way shape or form 2 go independent.