50th Anniversary Of The Restoration Of Legco To Be Observed In November
Plans are underway for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Legislative Council in November, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal announced last week. The celebrations will take place under the auspices of the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands. "As Minister for Finance, I have made provisions in the supplementary appropriations to ensure that the event has its own budget. Of course, that is subject to the approval of the Legislature," he said during his regular press conference. He said a coordinator will shortly be named, who will be responsible for the management and operations and will have daily contact with the Honourable Speaker and the Clerk of the Legislative Council.
Legislators will serve as the central committee. Chief Minister O'Neal said they would ensure that the celebrations of the 50th anniversary drive home to people the message that "we did not get a Council by just saying that we wanted one". He noted that at that time in the history of the BVI when the Council was restored in 1950, women could not vote and men had to be over 25 years and be property owners. "Back then, persons were elected as Representatives only, they represented the views of the people; today the Representatives have gone a little further and are making policy and guiding the development of the young nation," he reminisced. "There is a difference between representative government and responsible government!"
The first Legislative Council, which is considered the pre-Ministerial era, started with four Elected Members - Messieurs I. Glanville Fonseca, Howard R. Penn, J. Charles Brudenell Bruce and Carlton de Castro; two Nominated Members - Messieurs J. Olva Georges and Benjamin A. Romney and two Official Members. The Official Members varied. At times, it was the Assistant Treasurer, the Chief Medical Officer or the Chief Agricultural Officer. It is highly likely that an event will be held on the island of Anegada. "We want to ensure that the efforts of Anegadian Theodolph H. Faulkner are recognized," said Hon. O'Neal. It was Mr. Faulkner who "put his life in danger" to criticize Commissioner Cruickshank and to spur people into action to call for a Legislative Council. Most of his meetings were held at the site of the old market, in what is now known as the Sir Olva Georges Plaza.