Dickson Igwe, socio-political columnist
Now, we all know that the grandstanding and theatrics of various politicians in the Virgin Islands in response to the subtle but clear interventions of the UK Cabinet in the affairs of the territory is just that: theatrics.
The recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry must happen in the time given by the Governor or the country will experience Direct Rule. It is that simple.
It is best we get on with what the Commission recommends, or the discomfort with UK intervention will be an extended reality.
Politicians are a proud lot: eating humble pie is not in their DNA. Especially after experiencing the ‘’mirage’’ of power for decades. Having the rug of power pulled from under is a shock to any system.
For years, the country was on autopilot to disaster. Suspicion of nepotism, victimization, corruption, entitlement, mismanagement, criminal misconduct, and toxic secrecy, was a present and poisonous silhouette hovering over the land: these suspicions were a bad genie kept in check inside Aladdin’s lamp.
However, poor diplomacy, miscalculation, and allegations of criminal misconduct, at the highest levels of government were the raison d’etre for a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminal misconduct in government. The genie was out the bottle.
The arrest of the country’s premier and a high official on allegations of a conspiracy to use the country as a base for drug smuggling into the USA was the trigger that put all the preceding allegations and suspicions into one box. The Commission laid out the genie on the operating table for thorough examination.
It was excellent reason for intervention by the Governor, who after all is tasked with final oversight of the territory.
I hope that the Virgin Islands and its people will benefit from this experience in getting its governance overhauled, and a structure in place that will prevent impunity and criminal behavior by high officials in the future.
We should all view the Commission of Inquiry and its Recommendations as a blessing.
Because that is, exactly what it is.
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Dickson Igwe is an education official in the Virgin Islands. He is also a national sea safety instructor. He writes a national column across media and has authored a story book on the Caribbean: 'The Adventures of a West Indian Villager'. Dickson is focused on economics articles, and he believes economics holds the answer to the full economic and social development of the Caribbean. He is of both West African and Caribbean heritage. Dickson is married with one son.
