Should ‘God’ be in a national pledge?
However, at the Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 the Virgin Islands adopted a national pledge. It was brought to the House by the controversial Education and Culture Minister Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Territorial At Large Member.
God & Pledge
The pledge reads, “I pledge to my country, the Territory of the Virgin Islands, to encourage national pride and dignity, render patriotic service, promote justice for all, be true to God and remain dedicated to these Virgin Islands.”
However, there is a quiet debate developing ‘after the fact’ about whether ‘God’ should have been a part of the pledge in a diverse and modern society with many religions and different beliefs.
Others have asked if it’s a violation of the constitution where individuals are protected from the imposing of any religion in Chapter 2 Sec 9 under the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
One Member of the House of Assembly, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) told law makers “I see nothing wrong with God being a part of the pledge as we are a Christian and God fearing society.”
A resident from Spy Glass Hill on the western end of Tortola who has lived in the Virgin Islands (VI) for more than 30 years and did not want her name to be used said, “it’s a violation of our rights, the God pledge thing…but as usual no one will have the courage to challenge it in court, and part of the problem is no one pays attention to the Legislature… it has become a joke…”
It seems not many are paying attention to the territorial pledge either, much less the small debate about whether ‘God’ should have been included in it.
Social commentator Edmund G. Maduro didn’t want to hear anything about the pledge altogether, saying it was hypocritical of Hon Walwyn to be wanting to foster national pride when he himself said in the past that the Virgin Islands can no longer make laws to protect locals.
“What national pride he has when he has deliberately said in black and white that they have reached the point now where they cannot make laws and policies to protect our rights. So where is he coming from with this now? We have to stop being idiots.”
Another social commentator, Mr Doug Wheatley said he didn’t get to see the territorial pledge; hence he was unable to comment.
I have to be honest with you I haven’t read the pledge, I don’t know too much about it as I did not attend the Territory Day celebrations [where the pledge was read publicly for the first time],” Mr Wheatly said, noting that he could comment on it at another time.
Pledge oxymoronic
Another social commentator, college lecturer Natalio D. Wheatley said he didn't have a problem with God in the territorial pledge but rather an issue with the pledge aiming to foster national pride as a country when the VI remains a United Kingdom Overseas Territory.
"I don't have a problem with God being included. It is consistent with the history and culture of the Virgin Islands but there is another glaring problem with the pledge. It is the same problem with the other things being done as territorial symbols. It is oxymoronic to refer to a territory as a country."
According to Mr Wheatley, the Virgin Islands has not reconciled its desire for pride in its people with its colonial status.
"We are pledging our commitment to the territory of the Virgin Islands while singing God Save The Queen and may she reign over us forever."
Social Security the new landlord
Meanwhile, at the same Sitting of June 23, 2016, it was disclosed that the Social Security Board is not only purchasing land for a new headquarters but will go into the housing market, according to the minister for the subject Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, a Territorial At Large Member.
According to approval granted in the HoA, the Social Security Board intends to invest in the construction of affordable housing units, with a $20 Million start up fund.
This idea was first brought to the people some six (6) years ago by Virgin Islands Party (VIP) senior Opposition Member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).
The details of when the housing programme will start and how this will work remain unclear.
Critics of the programme are also asking whether this is yet another case where the Government is competing with locals who have built houses for rent, further keeping with the National Democratic Party’s objective of killing the middle class.
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46 Responses to “Should ‘God’ be in a national pledge?”
FIRE BURN THEM!!!
Who knows the 'Etymology' of the Name God?
This situation is quite remarkable, since there is such a long history of people arguing and fighting over the name of God, yet we don't even know where the word came from!
I Dare anyone to present the Knowledge!
If it isn't God who else will it be. May God be glorified in the Virgin Islands.
I am more interested in proper accountability for public funds.
"A resident from Spy Glass Hill on the western end of Tortola who has lived in the Virgin Islands (VI) for more than 30 years and did not want her name to be used said, “it’s a violation of our rights, the God pledge thing…but as usual no one will have the courage to challenge it in court, and part of the problem is no one pays attention to the Legislature… it has become a joke…"
why dont this person stop hiding behind blogs and challenge it in court. If not, go sit down and keep your trap shut.I dont care how long you live here. It goes to show that you coward is not of here.
People like this are dangerous to this country. Reap the benefits but