Local News
Emancipation Today is About Protecting Our Rights as a People: A BVI Perspective
By Benito Wheatley
Every year the British Virgin Islands as a post-slavery society commemorates Emancipation in celebration of our freedom as a people. This year marks 190 years.
However, Emancipation today is more than just about celebrating our foreparents freedom from slavery on 1st August 1834. It is also about protecting and preserving the rights we have since gained as a people in our long and continuous struggle for human dignity and the freedom to determine our own destiny.
The ultimate expression of these rights is self-government, which is a fundamental principle of self determination.
The people of the British Virgin Islands have an inalienable right to govern themselves as a national community, as enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter. Our foreparents fought hard for self-government to give us the power to build better lives for ourselves, our children, and grandchildren, because Britain had done very little to help their situation over the 116 years following Emancipation, in contrast to the payments made by the British Government to the former slave masters to compensate them for the slaves they previously owned.
After decades of poor economic and social conditions in the British Virgin Islands and the colony’s lack of opportunity, the people organised the Great March of 1949 to protest colonial neglect and to demand self-government.
The protest was successful in pressuring Britain to approve a constitution in 1950 that reconstituted a local legislature (i.e. Legislative Council) and gave the people of the islands the democratic right to elect their own representatives to make laws for the society, and embedded their political right to participate in the governing process through their representatives.
This initial step was followed by the introduction of Ministerial government in 1967 that gave the local Government executive authority for the first time. In 1977, this authority was further expanded by the devolution of the public finance portfolio from the British appointed Governor to the elected government.
The historical record shows that the modern development of the British Virgin Islands came on the back of the tireless efforts of the islands’ political leaders who ensured the provision of modern primary schools in each district, modern comprehensive secondary schools to serve all students, tertiary education at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the granting of scholarships for higher education abroad, a modern hospital to take care of the sick, a road network for vehicular transportation, electricity and running water for modern living, and modern government facilities from which to administer the affairs of the islands, among other things.
This is in stark contrast to the previous era of direct rule by Britain in which there was little progress and the British Virgin Islands became the poorest part of the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands.
Today there are some members of our community who are dissatisfied with local governance and continue to call for Britain to take over the islands or for the Governor to be granted additional constitutional powers over Ministries for a temporary period. This is wrongheaded and said out of frustration.
They must keep in mind that removing or overriding a democratically elected Government simply because there is dissatisfaction with their performance is incongruent with democratic principles in the Commonwealth and beyond.
Democracy is not perfect anywhere and imperialism is not a cure.
The British Virgin Islands’ path of political change remains elections, which we have proudly practiced uninterrupted since 1950.
Any concerns about the performance of government should be addressed through reform and technical assistance. Not the removal of democracy or colonial impositions.
Those individuals who feel disillusioned must remember that in spite of some errors by various Government Administrations and ongoing challenges in the society, on balance, self-government has delivered much for the people of the British Virgin Islands. We must not forget this or dismiss or downplay the accomplishments of local government, regardless of political affiliation or personal views.
As a people whose ancestors suffered the indignation of slavery and British colonial maltreatment, we must never compromise the freedom we have gained, especially our democratic, political and human rights. Nor should we seek to justify why Britain should have the unilateral authority to take these rights away from us.
The enduring lesson of slavery is that once your freedom is taken away, there is no guarantee if and when it will be given back. No nation, government, people or person should have that power over another people.
We owe it to our foreparents to preserve and protect the freedom we enjoy today that they suffered, endured and fought so hard to gain for our benefit and that of future generations.
As we celebrate this Emancipation season, let us not forget their sacrifice and our responsibility today as a people.
Benito Wheatley is a Continuing Policy Fellow at the Center for Science and Policy (CSaP) at the University of Cambridge. Responses can be sent to benitowheatley@gmail.com.
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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