The roadworks project in Hodges Creek has hit a roadblock—not because of financial demands, but because of a lack of respect, according to landowner Clyde Chalwell.

Chalwell, the owner of the land where the government is carrying out major roadworks, says he was never consulted before the project began, and that is the real issue at hand.

“No one has come to me, my family members, or anyone to have a conversation about the infringement on our property,” Chalwell said. “We’ve been waiting and waiting for someone to come talk to us, and up to now, that has not happened.”

According to Chalwell, his recent move to erect boundary poles was not meant to halt the project, but simply to mark what is rightfully his.

“I haven’t stopped the road, I haven’t stopped the work. All I am doing is marking my boundaries, like any other property owner would do,” he explained. “You can’t just jump on someone’s property and do as you like without consultation.”

The disputed section of land has been in use as part of the roadway for years, but with the new rehabilitation project, Chalwell believes the government should have done the right thing and engaged him in discussion first.

“If this is a new construction, and they have a plan, then let’s have a conversation about it,” he said. “Why do I have to reach out to them? If I needed access to government land, I would have to go to them. They are the ones accessing my land, not the other way around.”

Public opinion has swirled with speculation that Chalwell is seeking money from the government in exchange for the land. He firmly rejects this claim.

“Money never crossed my mind, and it’s still not on my mind. The land is not for sale,” he stated. “It’s about doing the correct thing. This isn’t North Korea. We don’t live in a dictatorship. I have rights, just like everyone else.”

Chalwell emphasised that a simple discussion could resolve the matter immediately.

“All I want is a conversation. Let me know what you’re doing. Get my blessing to continue,” he said. “I’m not against any project. The government just has to be responsible and act as a government.”

A meeting between Chalwell and Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, took place today. Following the discussion, Chalwell agreed to remove the boundary poles, allowing the project to proceed.

“I never wanted to stop anything; I just wanted them to do the right thing and speak to me first,” Chalwell said after the meeting. “Now that we’ve had that conversation, we can move forward.”

Chalwell also criticised what he sees as a pattern of government actions that disregard the rights of local landowners.

“If I needed to use a government facility, I would have to ask. But when it comes to a BVIslander’s land, they do what they want,” he said. “You can’t put a telephone pole in front of someone’s house without permission, but they think they can just take our land without asking? That won’t happen.”

Following this interview with Jahphixtelevision (JTV) , Chalwell met with Premier Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Minister of Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer. After the meeting, he informed JTV that he agreed to remove the boundary poles, allowing the project to move forward.

As the roadworks resume, Chalwell insists that his stance was never about obstructing development but ensuring that due process and respect are upheld.

“The government must be held accountable,” he said. “You don’t just take people’s property without asking. That’s not how it works.”

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Premier Natalio D. Wheatley acknowledged the report’s findings in a statement on February 6, welcoming its recommendations. Key proposals include implementing a national education programme on the path to independence, establishing a timetable for self-governance, engaging in discussions with the United Kingdom (UK) as the administering power, and evaluating the need for a referendum on independence. The Premier confirmed that the report would be presented before the House of Assembly for debate within the framework of the constitutional review process and that public consultations would be held on its findings.

The mission, the first of its kind in 48 years, was met with broad engagement from government officials, residents, and representatives of the UK. It identified three central themes: the need for greater public education on decolonisation and self-determination, the preservation of cultural identity and values, and the role of human capacity in ensuring economic and social resilience.

The mission reported that while the people of the BVI remain determined about their future political status, further dialogue is necessary to build trust among the people, their leaders, and the UK government. Emphasising the fundamental principle of self-determination as outlined in the UN Charter, the report highlights the importance of inclusivity, particularly among young people and women, in shaping the Territory’s future.

The report also noted progress in the constitutional review process and the implementation of recommendations from the 2021 UK-led Commission of Inquiry. However, concerns were raised regarding the UK’s continued influence over the Territory’s governance, economy, and social policies, including regulations affecting the financial services sector and social issues such as same-sex marriage. While some viewed the Commission of Inquiry as an imposition of colonial oversight, others acknowledged improvements in public administration as a result.

The mission recognised increasing public support for independence but noted that a clear process and timeline remain undefined. Achieving independence, it stated, requires strong political institutions, economic sustainability, and infrastructure development. Key recommendations for the BVI’s transition include:

• Strengthening national institutions, particularly in security and economic management;
• Investing in infrastructure, including healthcare, education, and disaster resilience;
• Pursuing international partnerships for technical and financial support;
• Enhancing public communication to foster national unity;
• Implementing long-term development plans with periodic progress reviews;
• Establishing a transition period, with continued UN oversight to ensure preparedness.

The UN emphasised that cooperation between the BVI, the UK, and the international community will be essential in navigating this process. Lessons from other nations that have undergone decolonisation should also be considered to facilitate a smooth transition.

As the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism progresses, the report calls for concrete steps towards self-determination. These include a structured education programme on independence, a defined timeline for self-governance, continued negotiations with the UK—potentially with a UN-appointed arbitrator—and a possible referendum, should public consensus support it.

With the report set for parliamentary debate and public consultations, the coming months are expected to shape the next phase of the British Virgin Islands’ decolonisation journey. The level of engagement from the UK government and the broader international community will be pivotal in determining the Territory’s future political status.

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