The people of the British Virgin Islands stands in solidarity with the worldwide Black Lives Matter Movement.
On June 20th 2020, the BVI will march peacefully in conjuction with the Kneel with me movement. The protest will commence at 3p.m. at the Noel Lloyd Park to the Queen Elizabeth Park.
Our newsroom spoke to one of the co-organizers of the protest, Mr. Nicoy Hendrickson. He explained why it’s important to stand in solidarity and the importance of organizing a protest here in the B.V.I.
Mr. Hendrickson said “We feel as though a demonstration is necessary in the BVI, not only for George Floyd but against racial injustices in America, our home and the world moreover.”
“Although slavery was abolished in the late 1800s, people of the African diaspora have been fighting to be treated as more than sub-humans for generations and I think it’s time to put that fight to an end.”
He further said “We as a Territory is not immune to the effects of racism and have silently allowed it to fester within our waters. We want to bring our fight to the forefront because we believe that confrontation is the only true catalyst for change.”
On May 25th, George Floyd died while in the custody of Minneapolis police. The gruesome encounter was caught on tape. For approximately 9 minutes a Minneapolis police over kneeled on Floyd’s neck. Floyd indicated many times that he couldn’t breathe but the officer refused to budge. Floyd died on the scene shortly after.
Floyd’s death ignited protests in all 50 states in the Unites States of America. Other countries have participated in protest worldwide to stand in solidarity and showed their allegiance to the movement.
Earlier this month, right across the waters in the U.S.V.I, residents joined together to protest against the injustices experienced by black people daily.
For centuries black people have faced injustices primarily based on the colour of one’s skin. Over the years many lives have been taken in America; Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breanna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, most recently Rayshard Brooks and unfortunately so many others.