Alred C. Frett. Photo: VINO/File

Recent revelations make it more and more difficult to separate the dangers of Covid-19 from the Evils of Trump, for it is now being revealed that he, not only almost destroyed the USA, but, his actions and inactions are accountable for the vast majority of Covid-19 deaths in America and, likely across the World… Sadly, when I spoke of his Badness and Madness, very few seemed to take it seriously.

Unfortunately, his influence is still manifested in the behaviour of some Politicians and Religious Nuts, with little concern for others and no good ideas about governing a country… Many would rather die than be progressive or sensible but, this may be more from fear than stupidity, since Oppressors know the wrongs they do and are terrified of being replaced, in case, what they did to others is done to them.

Are we really Brothers & Sisters?

The [British] Virgin Islands (VI) is not immune from Copy Cat Syndromes so when I speak of Immigration and Labour issues it is because these play major roles in both past and present facets of Oppression… After all, Slaves were just ordinary persons, transported from Country to Country and forced to work under conditions against their control and best interest – They had no say in their lives and were considered as less than human.

In open hypocrisy, we often refer to them as our Brothers and Sisters while treating them as Indentured Servants and stripping them of basic rights and dignity… None of this is necessary, yet, whenever we put Persons in positions of Authority, they abuse their Privileges… Too often, it’s like putting Rats to guard Cheese; especially when it comes to Registrations in which they may have a personal interest.

As a result, simple processes like Work Permits and Professional Registrations have become so tainted and corrupt that, even the Health and Economy of the Territory is being placed at direct risk… Ironically, even when those in positions of power acknowledge the faults, they still think that in order to fix things it is necessary to wreck them even more, when all required is to first, stop doing what’s evidently wrong.

The 3 Simple Steps for completing a Work Permit:

For Months – and to me, for years - we watched as Actions became Practices and Practices became Habits and then Habits became Customs or Traditions - This is the way Cultures are formed… For years I seemed to be the only one affected by bad practices of Immigration and Labour but today the cries are far and wide as those Actions have now created a Culture of Inefficiency and Oppression.

What is unbelievable is that until I fought against it, the intent of our Government was to accept CARICOM’s Freedom of Movement – This would have required no Work Permits and turn most V-Islanders into beggars and strangers in their own home… Today, we are still like Sheep led to slaughter for it is difficult for persons who are unaware of your History to be the best arbitrators of your Destiny.

Furthermore, just think about it – Basic Work Permit Processing can be done in three steps and requires no Brain Surgery… Step #1: The need for the Services, capability of the Applicant and the Agreement between both Parties… Step #2: Immigration verification of the legal suitability of the Applicant to reside within the Territory… Step #3: Registration, if necessary, which can be done the same time as Step #2.

With Today’s technology, this whole process can be easily completed in less than 1 month, thereby allowing Employers and Employees - Businesses and Workers - to function efficiently, ensure stability and generate Revenues for all concerned – Including Government… Unfortunately, this simple process is so politicised, reversed, duplicated and corrupted that it loses Funds and Opportunities for everyone.

Choosing between Facts of Life or Bags of Lies in the VI:

Leaders finally acknowledged hearing our cries and it’s good of them to offer help, but the delivery would be difficult, without first acknowledging that their Policies and Procedures helped to create and foster these problems… The simple task of teaching how to ride a Bicycle remains impossible if you never rode one – We see this as Theories learnt in Business Class become Tragedies in Real Life.

 We have no exportable Resources which leaves our Finances dependent on Imported Goods, Services and Labour, and, without these we virtually cease to exist… Like our Ancestors who were taught that Fairness and Justice came after Death, we are expected to close our eyes to Reality and call on Gods for Salvation… Our Mouths would need to be really large for many others are doing the same,

It remains normal to fool us into following examples of self-proclaimed Financial Leaders who base their own Economic Virtues on Fiat Currencies, rolling Credit and growing Deficits… However, they print their own Money - while we do not – and that is just as misleading as believing ‘the rising tide lifts all boats’… Fact is, if your Anchor is too heavy and Chain too short, rising tides will overwhelm and sink your boat.

Failure to Help Ourselves is Success at giving Persons the Right to Destroy Us:

Covid-19 has caused Inflation and disparity in the Social and Business Worlds to such a degree that even within the same Household what applies to one does not apply to all… Two incomes have been diminished to one or none and, even before Salaries are received, Governments ensure that Taxes, Social Security, NHI and any Penalty they deem necessary are taken out to feed their own Agendas.

Many Families are left to scratch and scrape for survival by any means necessary… This is unhealthy and plays into the Theory that, Criminals are created when Children see their own Destiny as being worse off than the existing conditions of their Parents… They are mentally scarred by the perception of Rulers living above their Responsibilities by awarding themselves Perks and Pensions for works not done.

These time are too tough for bad Labour Policies and Practices that hurt us all and, while Seniors may think preventing Persons from making a living can be excused or ignored, the Youth are programmed for survival so this is not easily forgotten - They see this as a threat to themselves, the Public and the Country… Life will go on but the VI may be all we have so let’s fix it now or at least stop screwing it up.

PS:Will continue addressing some of your Questions & Comments on Live BVP Radio Programmes