VI needs referendum on independence- Rajah A. Smith
Speaking on the October 13, 2020, edition of the Honestly Speaking radio show with moderator, Claude O. Skelton-Cline, Smith said that while he understands some, including Skelton-Cline, are pushing towards their theories of independence, citizens still have a right to decide on the process.
Independence should be decided by citizens- Smith
“As a territory as a whole, independence is something that should be, all the citizens of the territory should be engaged in it… and share their views and I think that we should actually have a referendum with all this talk of independence and self-governance,” he said.
Mr Smith further called on Mr Skelton-Cline to lobby for a referendum on independence.
“You are within your right to support independence, just like I am in my right to oppose independence at this time, or set the stage towards independence,” Smith said.
He pointed to Puerto Rico and its referendum on independence or statehood, under the United States, “I think that is something we should do, and know where the people of the Virgin Islands want to take this territory,” Smith said.
Education is necessary along the journey - Skelton-Cline
Skelton-Cline remarked that while a referendum along the journey is necessary, education of the people is needed so the Virgin Islands would be deciding on its future from a more informed position.
“It is incumbent upon every citizen of this country to do their own homework, do their own studies so that when we have whatever lead-up to determining what path we wish to take, they would, in fact, be voting from a more informed position,” he said.
Skelton-Cline reminded of the UN General Assembly adopting a Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which affirmed the right of all people to self-determination and proclaimed that colonialism should be brought to a speedy and unconditional end.
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47 Responses to “VI needs referendum on independence- Rajah A. Smith”
Who will patrol our shore's? Who will protect us ? Who will run the BVI next ? China? USA?
P.s. i also drank lots and lots of the water they were giving away.
NOO to independence
to vote whether for or against it
He is saying a lot.
He wants to have a referendum on an issue everyone knows is a looser.
But drag the territory through that and the disruption it would bring.
Imagine trying to sell our offshore companies in the run up to a referendum? How many Chinese businessmen would want to incorporate here when people like Mr 22 votes are creating uncertainty about what the territory is.
It’s irresponsible.
1. Any in office party starts and finishes a full term of service with at least 80% of their promises fullfil and none of their projects going over budget.
2. If at least 80% of the police force are born Virgin Islanders.
3. A decent sense of national pride is restored.
4. Stricter immigration standards, not just for people entering the country but for people currently in the country failing to thrive.
5. At least 60% of teachers, nurses and doctors are Virgin Islanders whether naturalized or natural born.
6. No foreigners holding any high position of power, ever.
7. True accountability for politicians (politicians can be jailed).
8. A constitution that absolutely forbids citizen by investment.
9. A law library containing public records and copies of the constitution that is fully accessible to every person in the VI.
10. Updated legislative, judicial and executive systems that can adequately keep branches in balance.
11. Updated public education system. (We are in dire need for civic classes in our school. And please. Can we teach more than Christopher Columbus and slavery... Maybe some 19th and 20th century history....including VI history from that time.)
12. Better public health systems. (Not just in terms of services available but a way to deal with the public health crisis such as the raise of chronic lifestyle diseases and cancer in the territory.)
13. The formation of a military along with mandatory military service for any 20 or over, especially if they wish to run for office or work in high positions of government.
14. Sustainable agriculture and fishing that can support at least 30% of the territory's food needs with plans for exportation if possible.
These are just some of the things on the top of my head. It may seem like much but if you want to have independence, what kind of country we would be is the most important question of all. Do we want a corrupt country that would sell our lands, people and future for the shiniest penny at the moment? Do we want a country of lazy, dependant people who just try to milk the system as much as possible and leave when the cow is dry? Or do we want a country filled with proud, intelligent people who are willing to build and add to our vision of greatness?
Currently, all these talks of independence seem overly-emotional, self-serving, virtual signally, malintentioned and dishonest. They don't even seem to be the thoughts and the feelings of the people. The American people are going through a revolution now and we're just hopping on the bandwagon. If we are going to change our lives our thoughts and our feelings have to be our own because if we're wrong it's our lives, our future and that of our descendants that will be forfeit.
Our poorest and weakest need to talk the loudest and be thought of the most because I gaurentee you the rich will be the first to ditch the boat. Take a look at NHI for example. We were all forced to enter the system and it cost a lot of us our own insurance. We were promised we'd recieved the same level of care but instead we got worse care and doctors all over the territory got rich. It's a battle with NHI to go overseas to get treatment. People have been sent to counties for treatment where they know no one and may not have even spoken the language. Some have even been left stranded there. Meanwhile, our politicians, sitting or otherwise fly off to the US or Europe when they are sick. Where's the fairness in that? And theses are the people who want to lead us and be the highest authorities in the land? With no accountability?
Earlier this year the Premier admitted that NHI is bankrupting the country. In our own country we have actual citizens who have been denied access to NHI while foreigners have access to it. Wasn't NHI suppose to cover everyone? But I digress. The point I was trying to make is if NHI alone can bankrupt the country then what about our roads? Our schools? Our social security? How will we financially support ourselves and sustain and independent economy? Do you all really think the US would continue to let us use their currency if we go independent? That we'd be able to sustain our financial industry without the backing of the UK?
I don't appreciate all these commentators and politicians agitating the public for political brownie points, not caring about the disharmony and harm it is causing to the people.
I'm not against a vote for independence but I want to hear actual valid, well thought out discussions. I want to see a cohesive plan that can leave the population optimistic and motivated. I don't like feeling manipulated and I don't like seeing people being manipulated. Decisions like these will affect people in more ways than can be imagined. Lives would literally be made or destroyed. Only wisdom and intelligence should be accepted.
All he's saying is to give the people of the BVI a chance to say something.... in other words ..there must be a referendum in order so you the people of the BVI get give your input..
That's all he's saying, jeeze yall read and understand before bashing at someone
Independence and self determination but copying black American southern lexicon. Be yourself .If copying, let it be worthwhile.
Independence is a sense of national sovereignty and pride. Many of the VI sister regional Anglophone countries from Guyana to Bahamas to Barbados to Jamaica to Belize have attained independence from the UK, starting with Jamaica on 06 August 1962. Many went into independence with weak economies, poor infrastructure.........etc and are in various stages of growth and development. The VI should benchmark these countries to avoid the pitfalls that they have encountered. Further, the VI before pursuing political independence must do a cost-benefit analysis. Independence must be a win-win for the VI. To prepare residents for a referendum vote, a series of presentations, briefings, workshops.......etc should be conducted on the pros and cons on independence.
Moreover, as noted above, I suggested pursuing economic independence, ie, control of and production of local resources, before political independence. Political independence is an easier lift than economic independence. Under UN Charter Chapter XI, the VI is entitled to pursue self-determination, including independence. Other than full independence, there are other options, eg, free association, federation..........etc. The VI is a small (59 square miles spread over 36 islands, islets, cays, rocks), resource-poor, disaster-prone locale that lacks the natural resources(fishing, forestry, mining, energy) to develop a primary economy or a secondary economy (manufacturing). The VI economy is service-based and anchored by tourism and financial services. The service-based economy is fragile and Covid-19 exposed its structural weaknesses. The VI needs to strengthen, deepen and diversify its economy. The VI has a 12 mile territorial sea and up to a 200 miles exclusive economic zone that it should explore to pursue a Blue Economy, eg, fishing, aquaculture, biotechnology, energy ( wind, thermal, wave, gas, fossil fuel) to help diversify its economy. In addition, human resources is the VI most important resource and it must invest in and on its people to develop a knowledge-based economy. This investment start from Pre K to the tertiary level. STEM needs to a be a focus.
[ Let’s lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff like buffaloes]