In Defense of Political and Social Stability
A Commentary
by Virgin Islands Party President Carvin Malone
For almost half a century, from 1902, the British Virgin Islands were stripped of its Constitution. On Wednesday, 24th November 1949, following years of protests and dissatisfaction, the union of Faulkner, Fonseca and deCastro led a demonstration march calling for the removal of the commissioner, the reinstatement of our constitution and demanded that British Virgin Islanders be allowed to vote and decide on the members of their Legislative Council. The Late Honorable Howard Penn, as the appointed chairman of a UK approved Constitutional Committee, in July of 1950, represented the BVI at a meeting in Antigua and was instrumental Legislative Council since 1902.
These activities led to the passage of the Constitution Act of 1950 and resulted in the conduct of Elections to the First Legislature on November 20, 1950---some 50 years ago. We must not forget that it was as a result of expert planning and the vision of numerous unsung BVI heroes, that the economy of the British Virgin Islands has evolved from that of an agriculture base to those of Tourism and Financial Services. Let us never forget that in earlier years, while some were forced to flee our shores in search of economic security, others have stayed the course and have cultured a social and politically stable society that are the prerequisites to the continuing growth of the twin pillars of our economy. Some 50 years later, in May of 1999, elections to the 14th Legislature were held. The people of the British Virgin Islands went to the polls and decided on a government of their choice. Notwithstanding the will of the people, in the stillness of the night, while our people slept and prepared for the dawn of a new day, attempts were made by some to:
a) Unceremoniously and unilaterally reverse the results
of the May 1999 general elections.
b) Unconstitutionally install a new government.
c) Unapologetically and with great indifference and insensitivity to the
feelings of many, force the will of the few on the majority.
Alarmingly, words such as treason, political overthrow, coup and mutiny that were once foreign to our society,---heard only on international news, read only in magazines--- are now being debated on every street corner---.
If our Constitution is read and understood, those who think otherwise will know that it protects against such foreign and unwelcome actions.
In my personal view, the Chief Minister's actions were taken:
a) In defense of our 50 year old Constitution.
b) In defense of Political and Social stability.
c) In defense of our unsung heroes.
d) In protection of our Tourism and Financial Sector Industries,
e) In defense of honor and integrity, and finally
f) In defense of the people and friends of the British Virgin Islands.
May the will and wishes of the people of these Virgin Islands never be taken for granted.