Could the proposed return of British Virgin Islands to temporary UK rule be a case of pot, meet kettle? · Global Voices
The British flag flies above that of the British Virgin Islands on Peter Island, BVI. Photo by <PERSON> on Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Ever since British Virgin Islands (BVI) premier <PERSON> and Port Authority director <PERSON> were arrested in Florida during an April 28 sting operation, the regional social media conversation has focused on the pair's charges of drug smuggling and money laundering, the brazenness of their betrayal, and the embarrassment they have caused to the country. (<PERSON>'s son <PERSON> was also arrested in connection with the charges.)
Less than a week later, however, the discussion has turned to a specific recommendation contained in a recently concluded Commission of Inquiry into alleged mismanagement by the premier and his administration: that the overseas territory should revert to direct rule by the United Kingdom for at least two years.
By May 2, there were protests against the proposal:
#HappeningNow: Mass demonstration currently taking place outside of Government House, Road Town protesting British direct rule over BVI; comes following inquiry report which recommended the BVI should be directly administered from London temporarily (1) (📸VINO) pic.twitter.com/Lh5aPRa7gA
— Kevz Politics (@KevzPolitics) May 2, 2022
However, the BVI — especially in light of the arrests — may not have much of a say in the matter. The political relationship between the overseas territory and Britain is structured in such a way that ultimate authority for the islands rests with <PERSON>, with the current governor, <PERSON>, acting on her behalf. 678
As such, the final decision will be taken in London, and the citizens of the BVI will have to abide.
While some welcomed the UK's help — to a degree — it is a reality that made Twitter user <PERSON> uncomfortable:
Whether there was large scale corruption in government or not direct rule from the UK is not a panacea for rectifying those issues. Let the people through elections and pressure repair those issues.
— <PERSON> 🇰🇳 (@skbsacky) May 2, 2022
Some were also concerned that the recommendations included partially suspending the BVI's constitution, and that the move harkened back to colonialism:
#BVI #Protests
Placards read: ‘I was born free’, ‘no suspension of the constitution’, ‘no UK rule, no going back to chains’, ‘yes to assistance – no to dominance’. pic.twitter.com/2j2cdaE4Bf
— <PERSON> (@Nadine_Writes) May 2, 2022
From the #BVI to the #UK with love @10DowningStreet pic.twitter.com/JQJJX1WkGI
— <PERSON> #Windrush #HostileEnvironment #FBPE (@LaserMike) May 2, 2022
Others speculated on possible reasons the UK might want control:
The Queen and her Corrupt Cronies,Oligarchs are hiding their money in BVI!!! People need to wake up! They only care about what is hidden in these offshores Tax Havens!
— BarbaraT (@Barbara27541025) May 2, 2022
Found very coincidental that the President of BVI was arrested, and in under a week U.K. announces it’s going to take direct rule, is this part of the Platinum Jubilee gift to the Queen so RF can say they still have a colony 🧐#BVI has a right for self determination & democracy
— LovernG💜#WeThe15 (@Lorentag) May 2, 2022
<PERSON> commented (tongue firmly in cheek):
British Virgin Islands
One wonders what Britain thinks it can teach BVI
Perhaps how to lie to voters
Perhaps how to ignore the truth
Perhaps how to hide corruption
Perhaps how to lie to Parliament
Perhaps how to ignore agreements just signed#BVI https://t.co/L6YJCS7JDI
— <PERSON> (@LiamSco79664081) May 2, 2022
Meanwhile, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has also spoken out against the recommendation, saying it rejects the intention of the British to impose direct rule on the BVI, noting that the region's fraught colonial history should be proof positive that such measures have “never delivered the desired result.” It also made the point that arrests do not necessarily translate into convictions. <PERSON>, if found guilty, could face life in prison. 142