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‘Lack of respect for laws pervades VI’ – radio show caller

- said parents must do a better job of raising respectful children & not try to be ‘friends’ with them
The caller alleged that 30 to 40 percent of persons he observed in one instance were using their cell phones while driving. Photo: www.autoevolution.com
The show aired on ZBVI 780 AM between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 pm and dealt with a number of topics thrown out by the host Doug Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
The show aired on ZBVI 780 AM between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 pm and dealt with a number of topics thrown out by the host Doug Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A caller to the Speak Out BVI talk show last evening January 12, 2016 slammed the territory for what he called the erosion of respect for authority as he spoke of the wanton disregard for laws which he believes starts in the home.

The show was aired on ZBVI 780 AM between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 pm and dealt with a number of topics thrown out by the host Doug Wheatley.

“The trouble with this place is there is no respect anymore for the law. There are all kinds of laws here but they don’t seem to be interpreted very well,” the caller said.

According to him, he can sit on the streets and watch cars go by “and I can see 30 to 40 percent of persons on their cell phones. That’s against the law.”

Further, he said pedestrians walk around as if they are “at Disney World” without paying attention to where they are going.

“You really have to be alert... and especially with these young fellows on motorcycles without helmets or lights,” he said.

The man, who said he has been in the territory since 1979, said he has seen no improvement in all the time he has been here.

Asked by host Doug Wheatley what might be done in the short run to address the issue, the caller responded, “respect starts at home and that’s the first basic problem we have here. For the kids now, the parents are not trying to be parents. They are trying to be their kids’ friends. They don’t know the word no.”

The caller made the point that parents must address the issue of respect while their children are young and not when they reach to a height of “6 foot 3 inches.”

19 Responses to “‘Lack of respect for laws pervades VI’ – radio show caller”

  • rico (13/01/2016, 08:42) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop being hypocrites, some people can get away with high level corruption and conflict of interest, but you want the youth to be different. The BVI is a lawless society, the laughing stock of the Caribbean, a banana republic because of justice is only for some!
    • @rico (13/01/2016, 09:45) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      The problems you're talking about exist in every country. Yes we have problems that need to be resolved, but we are different than any other place. The only in the BVI everything is negative mentality needs to stop.
  • wize up (13/01/2016, 08:44) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I keep saying or asking: please count the number of police that you see on patrol throughout this territory; the very presence of the police goes a long way to prevent crimes: I have seen vehicles pass right in front the police station with no headlights, continue to see vehicles during the night on the highway no light....come to me the police are afraid of the criminals; also when you do see a police vehicle the Windows are role up and them under the breeze ( so even if you need help, them won't hear you cries)....the Governor is responsible for security ask him about the lack of police throughout the territory
    • cop (13/01/2016, 12:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @wize up Very Good Observations!! I must agree with you on certain points. The problem is, for many years the Police have become one or probably the most hated profession in this Territory. If you want a radio show talk about them. If you want a thousand bloggs/hits the topic should at least mention "Police" One may argue that they contributed to this cultural belief. The Police on the other hand may blame other factors. I have seen the Police enforcing the laws in more than one way and motorist and other on lookers shouting out to them to stop "harassing people" "You down Island...." You not from here" "Go look for something better to do". and those are the ones I could mention. Hardly anyone will take the time to say "Good jjob Officer" or an equivalent I have also seen offences being committed in the presence of Officers who did nothing whatsoever about them. The truth is in the absent of law and oder in any Country regardless to who or what is responsibleevery citizen will eventually feel the cruel pinch of crime.
  • Hmm (13/01/2016, 08:57) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Almost got hit this morning because one said driver decided to drive through a pedestrian crossing (I was already 3/4's way across, looking directly her), all while staring into her phone. we need a " zero tolerance" day, where police out in numbers, surprising these folks and sharing ticket like Christmas candy.
  • No Accountability (13/01/2016, 09:44) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bottom line: there is no accountability in the BVIs. Government corruption and cronyism are rife and obvious to anyone who care to read the online media. What about the hospital completed at twice the budget and we still need donations to have it fully functional. How about the Pier Park scandal? The Airport project about which we've been promised updates years ago now? Or, even today, our own Premier tells us he has no idea when there will be a budget forthcoming. Other than online criticism, no one ever gets brought to task. On the basis of leadership by example, the message sent is don't worry yourself. It's no wonder many people drive the way they'd do (too fast, recklessly, etc). So what? Nothing happens and nothing ever will. If you have a culture of no accountability from the top down, then you can't expect young people or anyone else for that matter to be law abiding. The BVIs has alas become all about the money and not much else.
  • muduro (13/01/2016, 12:27) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The governor needs to be investigated
  • Citizen (13/01/2016, 14:35) Like (61) Dislike (4) Reply
    i follow the laws of God not those of man
    • +++ (13/01/2016, 17:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      you are part of a society and are bound to others to remain civil for the benefit of all people. Love they neighbor,
      help the less fortunate, etc. you aren't even bound to God but to selfishness.
      • Citizen (14/01/2016, 09:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        by following God's laws I am already doing all you suggest, my point is that I don't put the laws of man above those of God
  • Mark (13/01/2016, 21:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Since Super Cop aint around now nobody got that fear of getting caught by him so everybody get lawless. People aint wearing seat belts, talking on phone, illegal parking all over the place... so until someone start doing what he was doing nothing aint gonna change.
  • 123 (13/01/2016, 21:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    laws are for the lower class the big shots get away all over the world
    • one eye rooster (14/01/2016, 21:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What lower class you talking about we all were created equally thank god for his mercy that people like you will not judge me on judge mentioned day .AMEN
  • S.R. (14/01/2016, 08:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The show and many comments RIGHT ON!! Enforce what is on books Top (transparency) to bottom (no helmets). collect fines imposed and this will be a whole new good country.
  • DroNe (14/01/2016, 10:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just saying..is POLICE supposed to be the ROLE model.?. Why is it that they also used cellphone while driving..


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