BVI needs more education on self-determination

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has stressed that Virgin Islanders need more education about self-determination, calling it a human right and a necessary step in the territory’s political journey.

Appearing on the Honestly Speaking radio programme, Dr Wheatley explained that many people misunderstand what self-determination means and why it matters.

“It is clear to me, even more clear since we’ve started having these discussions, that education is needed among our people. I don’t say that in a condescending way at all. It’s just a matter of whether you know or you don’t know,” he stated.

UN mandate on decolonisation

The Premier pointed out that the issue is not one of choice but of international law.

“Persons believe that we have a decision to make as to whether we decolonise or not. The first thing persons have to understand is that decision was already made. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 1960 and the resolution in essence said there should be no more colonies in the world,” he explained.