Referendum on Independence would be ‘overwhelmingly’ defeated- Hon Fraser
It was at a Public Meeting at Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay on October 20, 2016 that Hon Fraser was responding to a question about what he felt would be the result if there was a referendum next year on independence for the territory.
“Based on what the people know on the ground I believe it would be defeated, overwhelmingly defeated,” Hon Fraser responded.
According to the Third District Representative, people have a fear that that the Virgin Islands will have much to lose by going independent, however, he does not agree.
“I want somebody to tell me what is going to change from what is happening right now to what is going to happen after we become independent. The British Government gives us nothing…We get nothing from these people…The economy that we have now will be the same economy. What is going to change?”
Hon Fraser also explained that the Virgin Islands gaining independence did not necessarily mean that the territory would sever all connections with the United Kingdom and noted that The Commonwealth still exists and the Queen is still the Head of The Commonwealth.
“She remains the Head of State unless we decide to become a Republic…and there are safeguards that prevent you from just becoming a Republic.”
Education over Persuasion
A member of the audience suggested the use of “persuasion” to push the independence agenda, however, Hon Fraser said he would not be persuading anyone but would prefer to educate them “because I believe it should be so clear and acceptable that you would want to go independent.”
Meanwhile, former Fourth District Representative under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Administration, Dr Vincent G. Scatliffe said the United Kingdom of her Majesty the Queen is not the problem. “I think we are our own problem right here because we have not shown the political maturity to handle our own affairs and take control of our own destiny.”
According to Dr Scatliffe, people are also just allowing politicians to get their way and not demonstrating the will to hold leader accountable.
“Right now we feeling that a lot of things are wrong and we bawling…and we not doing anything about it. We ain’t hearing no march, no protest, no uprising, nothing. But we want the imperialist to come in a fix it. People afraid of the same people they elect,” Dr Scatliffe stated.
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10 Responses to “Referendum on Independence would be ‘overwhelmingly’ defeated- Hon Fraser”
Nevertheless, increasingly, independence seems to be on the public consciousness. Politicians are elected by the people to represent them in the HOA, not tell the electorate what is good for them. As such, any decision(s) that is made should be the desire of a majority of the people, not the personal desire or wishes of politicians.
In regards to and though IMO I don't think that VI is ready for independence, let the people vote through a referendum for 1)For or 2)Against independence. This is the first step to even pursuing independence from the U.K. The U.K. cannot stop the will of the people for independence; it is guaranteed under UN charter. Let the people vote once and for all as the U.K. did for Brexit. As stated earlier in this rant, IMO the VI/BVI is not resdy for independence. E. Leonard, my friend, in other blogs list the disadvantages and vulnerabilities of the VI's small size that may be obstacles to it going independence or going it alone. Perhaps, Ed can elaborate on those disadvantages and vulnerabilities. In any event, put independence to a vote and let the PEOPLE decide, not politicians. Why do politicians think know what we want and what is good for us without asking us? The all knowing attitude comes from the electorate voting and then going in hibernation and refusing or demonstrating a lackadaisical attitude to demand transparency, responsibility and accountability. Too many are afraid to speak out because the faucet may be shutoff at the trough. Is not our system a representative democracy? Let the people vote?