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'The CoI is causing all of our systems to fail'- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton

April 10th, 2024 | Tags: CoI Ronnie W. Skelton systems red tape Failure HOA
Opposition Leader in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) has accused the CoI and its sweep recommendation on the Virgin Islands of causing the system to fail in the VI. Photo: HoA/Youtube
BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) reported in late March said that it was forced to make adjustments to some of its services due to an ongoing issue with the AC system. All elective surgeries were put on hold and only emergency procedures were being accommodated. Photo: VINO/File
BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) reported in late March said that it was forced to make adjustments to some of its services due to an ongoing issue with the AC system. All elective surgeries were put on hold and only emergency procedures were being accommodated. Photo: VINO/File
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom. Many have found it troubling to understand how a retired judge from the United Kingdom (UK) can single-handedly decide what is good for a territory that elects its leaders and practices democracy. Photo: Daily Mail
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom. Many have found it troubling to understand how a retired judge from the United Kingdom (UK) can single-handedly decide what is good for a territory that elects its leaders and practices democracy. Photo: Daily Mail
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Opposition Leader in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) has accused the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and its sweeping recommendations on the [British] Virgin Islands of working against the territory.

The Opposition Leader was at the time speaking on issues at the main Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital and its recent challenges with the Air Conditioning (AC) unit.

“The CoI is causing all of our systems to fail. I know there is something they're [UK] concerned about because they asked me the question, the Governor asked me the question, Rankin [John J. Rankin] asked me the question, The Minister came and asked me the question. How is the recommendation from the CoI affecting the country?” he said at the Continuation of the Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on April 9, 2024. 

“And I basically tell him it is causing some serious problems, because the whole efficiency of the civil service system is being retarded. So they recognise that there is a problem, but you can't tell me we have a major problem with our healthcare system and we've got to go through some standard operating procedure,” he added.

There have long been complaints by legislators about simple projects being stalled because of the sometimes unnecessary red tape put in place in the wake of the Commission of Inquiry and its recommendations.

AC System malfunctioned @Hospital

BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) reported in late March that it was forced to make adjustments to some of its services due to an ongoing issue with the AC system. All elective surgeries were put on hold and only emergency procedures were being accommodated.

“So, for us as we see that sit by and watch a whole healthcare system fall apart is wrong,” Hon Skelton detailed.

He reminded that the VI was built on educating its people and providing decent healthcare.

The Opposition Leader said the VI cannot continue to have these positions of authority to get things done for people sidelined and those in the House just sitting and allowing those things to happen. 

“We need to fix our healthcare system and don't let no governor, nobody, tell you no foolishness, because we are the ones going to be there. If anything goes wrong, they're going to send in a military plane,” he added.

Many have found it troubling to understand how a retired judge from the United Kingdom (UK) can single-handedly decide what is good for a territory that elects its leaders and practices democracy.

60 Responses to “'The CoI is causing all of our systems to fail'- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton ”

  • Interested (10/04/2024, 11:25) Like (71) Dislike (6) Reply
    Ronnie can you please explain what the COI has to do with the failed AC system at the hospital? I am afraid I don’t understand.
    • Answer ur phone Ronnie. (10/04/2024, 11:44) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
      Cindy is calling.. We want to hear you. Stop hiding. Man up you are the leader.
    • @ interested (10/04/2024, 20:22) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      The AC system failed and it took an inordinate amount of time because the Minister of Health and the Premier can no longer just call in a repair man in and fix things even in emergency situations. There are several 'protective' systems, I guess, put in place by the COI where hiring anyone once it is over a certain amount must be put out to bid. He mentioned 'standard operating procedure' put in place by the COI. What boggles my mind is that we have politicians who cannot say to the Governor that the patients are suffering so we have to order an emergency part or bring in an emergency work man in 24 hours and get it done. After all a hospital is to make the sick well so you cannot have that hot environment for even an hour and think it is okay. Not to mention heat breathes germs. So go figure.
  • Ponder (10/04/2024, 11:30) Like (21) Dislike (26) Reply
    Lavity would have told the UK to kick rocks. Where is our leader with a spine?
    • Ponder the Premier in a US jail (10/04/2024, 11:39) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hard to throw rocks all the time when you live in a glass house
  • Wow. Wow. (10/04/2024, 11:30) Like (28) Dislike (16) Reply
    Ronnie. How you get so soft? That leadership Job ain for you. This country at a stand still. This Govt in Park. Nothing happen in this country..You disappointing. Step aside and hand leadership over to Walwyn..Thk God we have Britain to defend us. People like you not good for us..
  • Xxx (10/04/2024, 11:56) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply

    Let them r@$£ suffer they love the white Msn and hates the people who we elected

  • smh (10/04/2024, 12:02) Like (20) Dislike (7) Reply
    Really Ronnie, Really?

  • Wha? (10/04/2024, 12:04) Like (55) Dislike (4) Reply
    The system had already failed. Thats why the COI was implemented in the first place.
  • YEAH RITE (10/04/2024, 12:11) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    WE SHOULD NOT BE SUPPRISED , IF AFTER
    ALL THE CORRUPTION THAT WAS DISCOVERED AND WAS BEGGED FOR BY THE SAINT IN MIAMI WHO HAS LEFT A STAIN ON THIS BEAUTIFUL AND ONCE PEACEFUL COUNTRY AND WHO BY THE WAY ( STRANGELY ) NONE OF THE WANNABE POLITICIANS AINT SAYING ANYTHING ON THAT OR ABOUT THAT ???? THIS SO CALLED ARISTOCRAT HAS BEEN HOLLERING OUT AGAINST THE SAME COI , AND HAS CLAIMED THAT FROM HIS OBSERVATIONS THAT IT IS CAUSING ( RETARDATION ) AND HAS JOINED YHE BAND WAGON IN SINGING THE BLAME GAME SONG , WELL CSC PREDICTION SEEMS TO COMING TRUE / WE ARE ( FRIGGED )
    BY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION & THE RULING PARTY ,/ ITS ALWAYS THE WHITE BOYZ FAULT , BUT ONE GOOD THING ABOUT THEM , THEY HAVE A WAY OF EXPOSING THEIR LACK OF INTEGRITY , BY THEIR ACTIONS , WHICK SPEAKS VOLUMES / THE WORD ON THE STREETS IS * INCOMPETENCE * AND THE LAST ELECTION CLEARLY SHOWED IT , BUT EVEN IF THEY LOOKED IN THE MIRROR THEY STILL WON'T SEE THEMSELVES AS WANNABES
  • Same Tactics Different Day (10/04/2024, 12:13) Like (5) Dislike (15) Reply
    Those problems the gentle spoke of were and are in fact their intended results. Their aim, to create a farce to come in under and take over first the Financial Sector, then the rest of government and country and pocket all for their greedys selves. The purposes are identical to those of colonial UK and others.
  • trellis (10/04/2024, 12:27) Like (34) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ronnie electricity, water, sewer, garbage, pot holes and hospital been going on long before COI. Blame NDP and VIP.
  • GPM (10/04/2024, 12:28) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
    Simple, the COI is to stop corruption. So if our systems are failing then that just proves how corrupt you guys have had this country.
  • resident (10/04/2024, 12:29) Like (46) Dislike (1) Reply
    I thought this guy was smarter, smh
  • resident (10/04/2024, 12:37) Like (59) Dislike (0) Reply
    The COI is not causing the problem. The SOPs (standard operating procedures) are causing the problem.

    You don't wait for the air conditioning to break down and then hand out a no-bid contract to fix it just enough to keep the place cool enough to limp along until it breaks again.

    You bid out a contract to maintain the hospital's HVAC system. You have someone come in regularly to clean the ductwork and service the entire system. When it's approaching the end of its useful life, or if any problems are identified, then you bid out a contract to get it replaced.

    The same is true for every system and piece of equipment in the hospital. The COI did not cause the problems, but highlighted systemic issues with poor management.
    • @resident (10/04/2024, 22:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Excellent point. Too often the government is reactive rather than proactive. There is absolutely no justifiable reason the hospital HVAC should ever go down like this. With proper and regular maintenance, this could have been avoided or even if it occurred due to electrical issues, could have been up and running in short time.

      Just unacceptable and shows how inept those responsible for the hospital upkeep are. They deserve all the tongue lashing they are getting.
    • root & fruit (11/04/2024, 08:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This exactly.
    • LCS (11/04/2024, 09:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are so right!!! But this is foreign to them.
  • jack@$$ (10/04/2024, 12:47) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    And they knew this would happen, and you guys did nothing to prevent it. And the public will be manipulated into believing that only their direct rule can fix it.
  • 2024 (10/04/2024, 12:55) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP caused the COI or contribute towards the COI

    Government Money|
    A. The Wall Project
    B. The Aeroplane
    C. East End Sewage Project
    D. The Millions associated with Pier Park

  • Citizen X (10/04/2024, 13:03) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    "He reminded that the VI was built on educating its people and providing decent healthcare."
    Since when exactly?
  • onlooker (10/04/2024, 13:24) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so pixxing mad right now. Who caused the COI in the first place? We looking just like a plucking third world country. NOTHING works!! And the 13 still collecting fat paychecks and allowances. Nobody wishes for a British govt takeover but any help is wayyy better than this bunch. All they good for is spend taxpayers money FOOLISHLY and TALK TALK TALK!! NO action. Hotels opening around the Caribbean but what do we have? Sewerage in the street, no water for weeks, AC in hospital breaking down, roads in deplorable conditions, agriculture going backwards, WTH. Do the 13 of you really think you will be reelected? Maybe Walwyn but not another one. I'm serious.
  • annudda2cents (10/04/2024, 13:33) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Or perhaps, a failed system is what caused the COI?
  • Yes to UK (10/04/2024, 13:59) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ronnie W. Skelton if you don’t know what to say why don’t you STFU I am sick of you people who caused the COI talking sh1t, You blame the COI for everything that goes wrong in the BVI the reason being you had it good for so long now that something is being done about all of you corrupt politicians you are crying instead of trying to fix things.
  • Big Richard (10/04/2024, 14:00) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Our system" The Politian's system where they get rich by stealing from the taxpayers.
  • The watchdog (10/04/2024, 15:04) Like (2) Dislike (15) Reply
    Ronnie is a truth teller
  • rubbish (10/04/2024, 15:37) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply

    The UNITY Government are the ones that destroyed this party after the VIP of 2019 started the destruction. Everybody pretending as if this issue just started, Mitch and Marlon are complicit as well and should share in the blame. In the interests of pursuing their life-long dream of being Ministers in Cabinet, they signed on to every stupid bulls*** that the UK put forward with respect to COI recommendations and claimed it was to avoid a UK takeover. Well what do we have now? They agreed not only to stupid recommendations but also to fast-track them without proper resources and without consideration of how it would impact the Territory. Now these same two guys are in the Opposition trying to question Sowande when they were the ones that enabled him to become the Premier in the first place? We just have a whole set of wannabe people in this place, nobody really cares and that's the real problem. All elected officials under the age of 50 should be totally @#$%%^& ashamed because they are 10 times worst than the old guard and it shows.

    • Technical Foul (11/04/2024, 02:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Each one, in their quest for power, pat on the back, or ego-stroke, threw their stones, held private meetings and postured themselves to the UK powers as likely replacements to the then government. They played checkers, but thought they were playing chess. After their self-assured victory proved to be a failure, they cry foul to the results of events set in motion by them.

      If the voting public had been paying attention, they would have noticed that elections are based on persons’ need to be validated by the belief that someone else is worse at their job, which makes them the better option. It does not matter if once they’re elected they have to comply by the same rules, policies, ceremonies and functions, while given the task of picking which projects they should prioritize based on personal or political advisement.

      The hypocrisy of it all is that the same ones that hoped for Andrew removal and sought to replace him turn a blind eye to their own supporters and allies who are also guilty of illicit practices. In haste to hurt another, be mindful of the errors that may cause you to bring harm to yourself.
  • Hopeless Situation (10/04/2024, 16:32) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    With the tentacles of colonization tightly wrapped around us, and no one allowed to speak out by the religious zealots masquerading to hide their greedy and downright evil character, we will continue to exist in a state of confusion. The system has succeeded in creating a society where everyone is dependent on it for their survival and are afraid to rock the boat. We complain privately and bemoan all the tricks and traps but dare not speak out publicly. An entrapped past Premier sitting in a Florida jail cell serves as an adequate reminder to anyone who thinks that "we are all equal here." No wonder the present Premier finds dance and party as the safest way to secure his prearranged well fed retirement. It's inevitable that the house of cards must come tumbling down and this is what we are beginning to feel now so fasten your seat belts because there is serious turbulence up ahead and the captain has a hangover from last night's party.
  • Red Tape (10/04/2024, 16:40) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    WE WANT ANDREW
  • Stealth (10/04/2024, 17:57) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    The Hon Ronnie Skelton,At Large, and Leader of Opposition , has a point in the CoI led by handpicked Gary Hickinbottom has had an adverse impact on governing in the VI, impacting the delivery of basic service. Nevertheless, the CoI is not the engineer of problem(s) at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. The problem at the lone public hospital is a) poor planning and organizing,b) poor facilities management, c) poor leadership and management, d) poor budgeting and execution, e) poor staffing, etc. The hospital is under local control, and funded by local taxpayers, budget proposed by government and authorized and appropriated by the HoA.

    Now let us talk about the HoA. The underperformance of government invited Augustus Jaspert, former controversial UK -appointed Governor commissioning a CoI as he was going out the door. It seems as if the CoI only focus on functions under the purview of locals and the recommendations were predetermined. Functions under Governor were air-brushed if look at all.

    The self-governing characteristic of the VI is a mirage, for the UK has unilateral power over the VI, ie, reserved power, assent power, etc. The UK owns and controls the VI but the VI is not a part of the UK. Consequently,,the CoI made some 49 findings, with recommendations with artificial timelines for completion. They made the recommendations and set timelines without giving a rat’s ass whether the recommendations were in the best interest of the VI people and cared less if they could be in the time line or not, for if they failed to meet them the UK which has the unilateral power will take over. There were not serious discussions with government on the reasonable timelines for completing the recommendations. This artificial timelines force government to find actions to meet timeline, dedicating the lion share of resources to meet the forced UK timelines, fearing the constitution be suspended and UK taking over. Truth, the constitution was suspended but is held in reserved and is being held over the VI and people heads like the Sword of Damocles. To meet the CoI timelines, government focused its effort on brevity, sacrificing clarity, substance, etc, just to satisfy the UK’s desire..

    Moreover, local government underperformance was a contributing factor to the UK imposing its unilateral action. The territory should learn from and capitalize on the situation.

    • Sambo (12/04/2024, 14:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Stealth, meh boi, anything , any facts and truths which bring out the unilateral actions of the colonialists at Mount Olympus, will exercise the Sambos, the Neville Chamberlains, ie, the appears; the Benedict Arnold’s, ie, the traitors and they catch a case of the StockholmSyndrome. There are also nuff two faced spirs running around.
  • ………………………… (10/04/2024, 19:12) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    Love or hate him Ronnie is correct too much suffering by our people
  • james (10/04/2024, 19:22) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Truth be told the UK system is just as broken.
    • @james (10/04/2024, 21:12) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      Truth is you have never visited the uk and know jack s**t about what goes on there
      • @@James James. Wise up. (11/04/2024, 03:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        So if you are a thief is that an excuse for your son to be a thief? Wouldn't it be your job to ensure your son turn out better than you and make something good of himself..That's what good parents do. I.Growi up wanting to make my parents proud no matter their failures,. Thank God for our parents "Britain".
    • @james (11/04/2024, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You know you can't say anything bad or good about the UK or any other so called white people.

      They don't tolerate criticism to well. In fact, they are very bad at it. They feel very nice when nice things are said about them, but hate the bad stuff, even if its the truth. They are a fickle thin skin literally and figuratively.

      They been living the same lies for centuries and no end is in sight for them changing either. For example, the started, in the 16th century, referring to themselves as "white." And people been asking the question, if they are white, whatcolor is milk, teeth and other? But they still basking in that lie.
  • Yeah Right (11/04/2024, 04:25) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    But the COi isn’t stopping them from hiring consultants and throwing parties though…
  • NB (11/04/2024, 07:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ronnie, me love you bad but nuh start with this now. You know is wah cause the COI in the fuss place? Yes the gr33dy people who we elected over the years to lead our country.
  • YEAH RITE (11/04/2024, 07:05) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    SKELIE HAS AWAKEN THE WIGGE ON WHO IS DELIGHTED TO EXPRESS HIS NARCISSISTIC MENTALITY USING RACISM AS HIS EXCUSE TO BANG OFF HIS TRAP , WE ALL K OW WHAT CAUSED THE COI AND THE FACTS SPEAKS FOR TTHEMSELVES , SEEMS LIKE BOTH OF YOU IS AFFECTED WITH RETARDATION , EVERYTHING IS A SET UP WHEN YOU ALL CORRUPTION IS DISCOVERED
  • just wrong (11/04/2024, 07:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Maybe that would be a good thing.....LOL
  • WITH ALL THE BRAINS (11/04/2024, 07:50) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    THAT YOU IS SUPPOSED TO POSSESS , YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER , / BEFORE YOU GO TO WHAT THE COI IS CAUSING , / FIRST YOU SHOULD DO A LITTLE RESEARCH TO FIND OUT WHAT ~ WHY AND WHO CAUSED IT , SURELY THAT CANNOT BE THAT HARD OR PAINFUL FOR YOU ? IF YOU WANTS TO RUN THE COUNTRY , YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN THE COUNTRY BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO HAVE INTEGRITY , IF YOU REALLY HAVE THE SAME COUNTRY'S BEST INTEREST AT HEART ♥ ( DO ANY OF YOU ) ❓️ ???? SCAPEGOATING THE ENGLANDERS IS ONLY EXPOSING YOUR HYPOCRISY / AND MAKING YOURSELF LOOK BAD , AINT YOU ALONE GOT BRAINS , AND REMEMBER THAT WE ONLY LIVE ONCE , SO TRY AND DO THE RIGHT THING ,SO PEOPLE CAN RESPECT AND HONOR YOU WHEN YOU ARE GORNE / ( MR - STOUTT IS AN EXAMPLE
  • E. Leonard (11/04/2024, 13:10) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    To Resident, good insight on the facility management process. The D. Orlando Smith Hospital, the sole public hospital in the (British) Virgin Islands( VI) is a critical/essential facility which must be operated with a zero(0) defect mentality, ie, low or no tolerance for avoidable failures/breakdowns of systems, equipment, etc. In the universe of facility( buildings, equipment, systems, structures, utilities, etc) a programmatic programme of planned, structured, periodic maintenance, etc is a must for maintaining and providing the reliability, operability, functioning, and delivery of intended services to meet the mission. Maintenance, eg, preventative, corrective, breakdown, etc is a critical process for preventing and/or minimizing failures/breakdowns. It is Proactive v. Reactive. Reactive action may result in cost savings/avoidance in the short-term. Proactive action, on the other hand, can be more costly but in the long-term cost less than reactive action. If you think proactive action/maintenance is expensive,, try reactive action. The bottom line is proactive maintenance results in a) reduce frequency of failures /downtime, b) improves service delivery, c) reduce operating cost, d) improves operations, e) extends facility lifecycle, etc. Facility(s) ownership comes at a cost from the point of Commissioning to disposal. Further, in regards to the hospital and since the VI is remote from major markets and just in time( JIT) is not an option, I will suggest maintaining a high/low inventory on critical parts for systems and equipment.

    If the BVIHSA do not the have staff to perform the required maintenance, I suggest outsourcing the maintenance to an experienced company. Low bid contract on such a critical need may not be the best acquisition option; best value may be a better option. There are several contract options available, eg, IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quality).

    Moreover, all facilities have design lifecycles and maintenance help in attaining and extending the design lifecycles, but eventually the facility(s) will have to either a) undergo a major overhaul or b) replaced. A funding source should be identified to fund either option. For self-revenue generating entities, ie, perhaps statutory bodies, a part of the fee/revenue structure should include capitalization for overhaul or replacement of facilities.
    • book smart (11/04/2024, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
      To E. Leonard, you telling truths, stating facts, talking like you something about facilities management.. Nevertheless, you sound a little too bookish and too gogglish. So what actual, hands on experience on plant maintenance and repair planning, maintenance and repair do you have? Show us the receipts for validation to set the record straight. Nonetheless, no diss,,disrespect, insult intended. Just a curiosity. Are you Bobby’s from Bobby’s supermarket son? Some peeps say you are. Some think E. Leonard is Uppity.
    • Facility Expert (11/04/2024, 17:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr. Leonard, good read; you seemed able to effectively navigate your way through the facilities maintenance and repair. Should the purchase of the air conditioning and ventilation system at the D. Orlando Smith Hospital should have included Operations & Maintenance (O&M) training? While I’m posing questions, I have one for the chairperson of the BVIHSA. Does the hospital have trained and certified biomedical equipment maintenance technicians(BMET)? Patients and professionals depend on this equipment every day and it needs to be in a safe, secure, calibrated, effectively functioning, etc state. This is an actionable items for Mr. Potter and the Board?
      • @Faciility Expert (13/04/2024, 08:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Facility Expert, now you know that neither Mr. Potter nor anyone else on the Board is not going to answer the question regarding trained and certified Biomedical Equipment Maintenance Technicians(BMET). Are you nuts, loco? You are either dreaming, hopeless optimist or deliberate in your ignorance. Clearly, you are not residing in the BVI or you would have known how tings in the BVI run. Members serve on boards as political patronage, payback, for a check list, for self-interest, for compensation, not for the most part for the public good. Boards should be staffed by volunteers appointed the HOA? Here is a news flash. If members of boards were not paid, it would be a big challenge to staff?? Hon V. Wheatley, what you say about trained and certified BMETs?? Step up and take the bull by the horn.
    • class mate (12/04/2024, 09:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      E. Leonard, Major Bay Primary class mate, good vibes on facilities management. . Can the same process be applied to our roads? Let’s give a shout out to our departed classmate Wilbert Malone aka Wiley. May he rest in peace.
      • E. Leonard (12/04/2024, 14:05) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        To Class Mate, indeed warmest and deepest condolences to Wilbert’s family and may he rest easy in eternal peace. Wilbert transitioned from humble beginnings in Major Bay, playing on the Major Bay Primary School rocky grounds during and after school, sailing battalogs and row boats from Parham Town to Fat Hogs Bay, roaming through the pond brush, raiding fruit trrrs, etc., to promoting to Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. For my classmate Wiley, I penned the following few lines which was posted on another platform:

        “Deepest and warmest condolences to the Malone Family on the sudden passing of Store Keeper Chief Petty
        Officer (SKC) Wilbert Malone. Chief you are gone but not forgotten. Chief and I were class/school mates at Major Primary School ( now Williard Wheatley Primary), along with being shipmates, serving in the US Navy. Chief Malone attained the coveted rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) ( E-7). Attaining Chief in the Navy is special, a big deal, and is different from attaining the same rank in other branches of the military ( USMC,USA, USAF, USCG). For starters one has to go through an initiation, it entailed a distinct uniform change, comes with a high level of personal and professional respect, etc. It is a common belief among many that Chiefs are the de facto leaders of the Navy, makes things happen, run things, etc.

        Moreover, Chief Malone serve with honor, courage, commitment, distinction, and professionalism . Chief, a sailors sailor, led from the front, performing a difficult and challenging job well done, and setting a personal example worthy of emulation. He was a warrior who volunteered to serve to protect and preserve the rights, freedoms, privileges, democratic principles, for the nation and American people, and to keep the peace, and protect US security interest etc at home and abroad for the benefit of the US and its allies.

        Chief, shipmate, fair winds and following seas. Rest easy in eternal peace!!”
        ———————————————————————————
        ☮️ In regards to the road construction, maintenance and repair process, it is not rocket science. It requires proper design, construction, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, investing, management, commitment, etc, .Though the Romans may not have invented road building, they mastered the art and improved the process. Some of the roads constructed by the early Romans may still be in use today.
        • School Mate/Fam (12/04/2024, 21:56) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ E. Leonard, good write up on Wilbert; he would be appreciative and must be smiling. Nonetheless, it is about him but is for the family, friends, community, etc. As a community and culturally we must give people their flowers while they are alive and can cherish and appreciate them.

          Wilbert home coming service is on Saturday, April 13, at the First Church of Open Bible at 4767 NW Lauderdale Lakes, FL . Burial will be on Saturday, April 6, at South Florida National Cemetery , Lake Worth, Fl. ( Department of Veteran Affairs).

          A memorial service is planned for Tortola at a later date.. Gone too soon but God knows best.
        • Curious (13/04/2024, 17:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          May he rest in eternal peace. What is a battalog?
    • Lessness (14/04/2024, 09:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ E. Leonard “….. must be operated with a zero(0) defect mentality, ie, low or no tolerance for avoidable failures/breakdowns of systems, equipment, etc.” You have high expectations, for the BVI cannot ‘eben’ maintain potholes. Checkout Hon Stacy Mather Ticktock post on BVI roads. Less, less, lessness.
      • @Lessness/E. Leonard (14/04/2024, 13:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        To Lessness/E. Leonard, what the hell is ‘zero’ defect’ mentality?
  • @@@ James James Wise Up (11/04/2024, 18:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    " Thank God for our parents Britain" really poor you. This is the clueless mentality that is keeping us in bondage. We may possess all the material comforts of life but mentally in darkness. How can Britain be our parents when it has been proven that we are their parents. The truth will set you free but sadly some of us can't handle the truth. Melanated people were the first inhabitants of the planet. People like you are the colonizers prize possessions.
  • parents (11/04/2024, 21:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Parents train you to do good, they feed you and clothe you. While we have had UK as parents, all my life, we have clothe ourselves, fed ourselves and trained ourselves. So, the way I see it, they should have mind their damn business and keep away with this COI. While I am happy that somebody showed politicians that it is important when elected to try your utmost to leave the Virgin Islands better than you met it, I was disappointed that we weren't assisted, even minutely after Irma/Maria. I think if we were assisted in at least fixing back some of our roads, they would not be as bad as they are now.

    Come to think about it, the only thing our parent did for us other than providing us with a Governor, overseer, is built us Her Majesty's Prison. They have now brought a white Chief of Prisons and a white Commissioner of Police. Didn't do much for crime solving having somebody with the experience of being a part of a metropolitan police force. I can guarantee with a local COP Jamal Smith would have been found much earlier since he was able to call 911 to say that he was shot at his home.

    Why I mention this, well, we needed a High School, a Library, a youth center, a cafeteria and gymnasium for the High School, a coast guard, so many things, but we got a jail and a COP. Well, all I can say is we must be pretty naughty children indeed.
  • Yeshi (12/04/2024, 07:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ii guess that is the statement to the public when you can't steal money no more for your family and friends.
  • @ PONDER (12/04/2024, 07:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    U are either lost or conceited , ( WHEN MR STOUTT WAS THERE , THERE WASN'T ANY NEED FOR A ( COI ) SO DO YOUR RESEARCH , / IF THESE WANNABE ARISTOCRATS HAD EMULATED MR STOUTT , WE WOULD NOT BE IN THIS PREDICAMENT , / FIASCO


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