Willock calls on Bishop Cline & Pastor Turnbull to lead another march
He made the call over the weekend, some 48 hours following the highly successful march spearheaded by Bishop John I. Cline of the New Life Baptist Church in Duff's Bottom.
Mr Willock said he has now called on Bishop Cline and the Senior Pastor of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church, Dr Melvin Turnbull, to organise the second march to deal with domestic issues.
He said the first march was about external issues and coming together for the country while the second will be calling on government and some in the private sector for accountability.
What are we marching for?
The former Director of the Water and Sewerage Department stated that this march is to show the people’s displeasure over several issues, including:
1. Poor Telecommunications Services, especially internet;
2. Someone to answer about BVI Airways and the $7.2 million of taxpayers funds that may never be returned;
3. The treatment of residents and businesses by some Insurance Companies following the 2017 hurricanes and floods and the long-awaited Consumer Protection Bill;
4. Crime, more resources for the police and to show outrage over the murder of 11-year-old Trinity;
5. Someone to answer for the $40 million overrun on the Tortola Pier Park Project, a $1.6M Elmore Stoutt High School Wall when scholarships have been placed on hold, due to funding and taking politics out of the education system;
6. Better infrastructure, especially, roads and honest answers with regards to the fire, now almost three weeks old at Cox Heath, Tortola and the health struggles caused by the smoke;
7. More resources and attention for the sister islands, as they are an equal part of the Virgin Islands, and a new look at representation for the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost van Dyke;
8. A more transparent Government and one that produces timely financial audited reports, NO to bullying, and commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law and respect for the Virgin Islands Constitution;
9. A judicial system that is fair and transparent and one where even the poor can get justice, especially, if they cannot afford legal representation;
10. Better treatment in the workplace and better working conditions for both public and private sector employees, better treatment of our brothers and sisters from the Caribbean and to end discrimination against locals, and building a society where there are equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, place of birth or religion;
11. Someone to be held accountable for businesses, homes, boats and churches that were looted after the 2017 hurricanes and a plan of action to prevent another breakdown in security;
12. A call for the Government to diversify the economy, look for new revenue initiatives, and greater support for Agriculture, Fisheries, the environment and reduce local taxation that is now a burden to most residents and affects their quality of life.
In the spirit of Martin Luther King
Mr Willock said he has called on the two religious leaders Cline and Turnbull because they have the moral authority to rally the people just like in the days of Martin Luther King Jr.
He noted that Mr King who was a drum major for justice had marched for both internal and external issues. “He marched against the Vietnam war, which was external for the United States of America just like we marched on May 24, 2018, against the United Kingdom Parliament over the public register for beneficial ownership”.
Mr Willock, a student of social sciences and history, added that Martin Luther King Jr also marched on domestic issues of his day, including "better working conditions for sanitation employees, a more democratic society, transparency and to hold both the local and federal governments in the United States accountable."
The time is now for us to do another march just like King did, "addressing issues going back some 10 to 12 years,” Mr Willock stated.
Mr Willock added it is "now important that the other issues be placed on the agenda", as we discuss self-determination and a way forward.
The local businessman said that he is "confident that both Bishop Cline and Senior Pastor Turnbull will take on this challenge and let the people voices be heard, as he looks up to both men in the spirit of Martin Luther King where he stood against injustice anywhere.”
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29 Responses to “Willock calls on Bishop Cline & Pastor Turnbull to lead another march ”
Or add #13. Children of those expats still have No Rights, No Status, they do not belong. Men and or women (expats) married to your citizens who should have status after 5 years, still have none after marrying for 10 and up to 15 years.
Stop the Discrimination and Abuse of Human Rights of those Expats.
Post Hurricanes, Premier stated he would fix the discrimination of the expats by the first quarter of 2018. Now it is almost 2 quarters into 2018 and absolutely Nothing is being said. People are still suffering. No one is listening, No one is helping. A match by those expats should be held, for expats by expats.
They must demand transparency, accountability, responsibility, fiduciary responsibility, effective stewardship of resources.........etc not just by talk and hope but by action, peaceful action.