UK direct rule is a ‘long-term plan’ to takeover VI– Patsy C. lake - calls on Virgin Islanders to continue standing up against the potential removal of democracy

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Virgin Islands icon and businesswoman Patsy C. Lake says she believes the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendation for direct rule is a long-term plan of the UK.

Ms Lake made the comments during the May 2, 2022, demonstration where scores of Virgin Islanders protested the possible suspension of the local constitution and imposition of direct rule.

Speaking at the event, Ms Lake said she was proud to see young people out in numbers to stand up for their rights after realising what was happening in the territory.

“When we started to protest against Wickhams Cay, it was just a handful, and quite a few kept saying… they ain't going to get through.”

Ms Lake was part of the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement, a fight for the people of the VI to support their right to land ownership in the territory.

“While some may think that the representation that has come out this morning is not enough… let me tell you this is only a small representation because the organisers didn’t have enough time,” she added.