‘One BVI or Not?’ Hon Fahie blasts Hon Walwyn’s decision
“Our differences should never be displayed in a manner that divides our people and our country rather it should display our resolve to strengthen democracy where all views, no matter our political affiliations, are respected and valued.
“This is what our forefathers fought for many years ago that with God's help has given us the freedom we celebrate today. Hence this celebration of our freedom through festival should always transcend politics. It should reflect that we have turned the page from the past to a one government, one people, one BVI of the future,” Hon Fahie said today, July 26, 2016.
The former Minister for Education and Culture added that he was skeptical but pleased when Government had announced that “effective immediately” they would operate on the concept of “ONE GOVERNMENT – ONE BVI”.
Having done this, Hon Fahie said, allowed people to feel that as a territory they are now transcending from petty party politics to the point where they can be more laser focused on similarities rather than our differences.
“One BVI means to me that as leaders although we may have differences in our political philosophies and methodologies we would always exhaust all efforts to find common ground on what is best for our people in our beautiful Virgin Islands. One BVI cannot just mean the government of the day! Our actions are what truly must speak louder than words.”
Our people want to unite
Hon Myron has reportedly told the media that Hon Fraser being slated to speak at the opening of Virgin Islands Festival on July 25, 2016 was an error made by the Director of Culture, since it is not customary for Members of the Opposition, unless they are the District Representative, to speak at Festival opening.
Hon Fahie, believes, however, that inviting Hon Fraser to speak shows that Virgin Islanders want to unite.
“I commend the Festival officials that invited the Opposition Leader to be a part of the opening ceremony to open festival 2016. It shows that our people want to unite. They truly want to be one people again. They realise that if it is to be then it must start with someone and somewhere. No doubt our Festival is the best place to birth fresh winds of unity in honour of our ancestors.”
Further, according to Hon Fahie, having the Opposition Leader, which indeed is not historic, playing an integral part in what should be a non political celebration of freedom was an ideal setting for any right thinking government to swallow their pride and show true national pride for the youth and all to see the essence of the true spirit of Virgin Islanders.
“While having a National song, National pledge, National dress, and so on has its place, they will only have a full National appeal if the actions behind them are one to: bring unity and not division; create love and not hatred; build up rather than tear down; create a VI based on what is right rather than who is right based on their "so called" political might; because when destruction is anyone's motivation then their motivation becomes their destruction. Wrong cannot be right based on who we love and right cannot be wrong based on who we hate.”
The former Minister responsible for Culture noted that he is currently unavoidably absent from the territory, but he wishes everyone a happy festival.
“Again, I thank all the Festival officials who invited the Opposition Leader to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2016 Festival Village. It opened the door for our elected Government to walk in and cease the opportunity to demonstrate to the Virgin Islands and the world that despite our differences, despite that we may be separate as fingers we are still one as a hand, one government, one BVI.
“Had this course of action been taken then our ancestors would have been pleased to see that we have matured as a people and as a territory in a manner that respects the freedom they fought for us to enjoy today.”
Hon Walwyn apologises
Meanwhile, Hon Walwyn, instead of communicating with Hon Fraser directly, issued an apology on his (Hon Walwyn’s) Facebook wall, for any “ill feelings” that may have result due to the “miscommunication.”
“I wish to extend my apologies to the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Julian Fraser, RA for any ill feelings that he may have developed as a result of the miscommunication between him and the Festival and Fairs Committee with regards to his participation at the opening of the Rita Francis Festiville last evening.
Based on protocols set long before I came to office, speakers at this event, regardless of affiliations, have always been our Premier, Minister for the subject and district representative. The Committee is under my Ministry so I take responsibility for the miscommunication and the improper invitation that was sent and for any embarrassment this may have caused Representative Fraser,” Hon Walwyn stated.
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49 Responses to “‘One BVI or Not?’ Hon Fahie blasts Hon Walwyn’s decision”
Walwyn said there is... "speakers at this event, regardless of affiliations, have always been our Premier, Minister for the subject and district representative".
Prove that there are no protocols, hah. Without name calling and without begging the question.
His action and his reactions to his action continue to inflict distress; not only to Mr Fraser, but the territory on the whole.
Mr Walwyn is a lawyer by education. Lawyers research. It's all they do. Read and research.
Mr Walwyn needs to research what is an apology and how it should be structured. If he's too busy, Ms Barnes can help. If they're both caught up, there are over a hundred students who could not graduate who have nothing to do for a year; let them earn community hours and / or credits and help him.
Use Google since the library is closed.
Whether the committee erred in their decision to invite Mr Fraser to speak is not the issue. Mr Walwyn's action, words and subsequent actions and words, as well as his inactions, are what have caused the angst. And it for this he should be sorry.
Mr Walwyn's post is not an apology. And so, he needs desperately to apologise. We're waiting.
Opposition or not mr Fraser should not have had to go through that. He is first s BVI belonger by birth.