Sitting member of the Virgin Islands party administration and 6th District Representative Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines has shared her sentiments on the present state of affairs in the territory of the Virgin Islands, in a recent statement.
Maduro-Caines said, “Like most Virgin Islanders, I received the news of the unfortunate arrest of the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Andrew A. Fahie with great concern. In my official capacity as an elected official, my first consideration was the recklessness it might take for any elected official to engage so casually in an illegal act, such as those alleged. As a Virgin Islander I am beset with disappointment at the thought that anyone elected, appointed, anointed or other would barter the safety of our country and sanctity of our laws for any price.”
A series of unfortunate setbacks
Bringing light to a number of unfortunate events, Maduro-Cains said, “The Virgin Islands has had a series of unfortunate setbacks: a major flood, two major hurricanes, a global pandemic and the imposition of a Royal Commission of Inquiry and none of us could imagine that the arrest of the leader of government business and other BVIslanders would punctuate this period where collectively we were looking towards the light at the end of a long tunnel. Then, the findings of Commission of Inquiry were released and we must now come to terms with some 45 recommendations, four overarching ones which are particularly significant and ominously challenging.
I am cognisant that in the coming days, the territory and the world will be looking to the elected officials and people of the Virgin Islands, many in judgement to see where we will fall on this side of history. I am most certain that I will continue to fall, as I always have, on the side of what is best for the people of these islands and fervently on the side of what is best for the Virgin Islands.”
“EACH DECISION MOVING FORWARD MUST STRONGLY SIGNIFY THAT WE CHOOSE THE BVI.”
She also asked Virgin Islanders to choose the BVI saying, “We are reminded again that each decision moving forward must strongly signify that we choose the BVI even if that requires our separation from anyone that could potentially harm us as a country of faithful citizens, as a tourism destination and as a leading financial jurisdiction. The opportunity is here for us to choose BVILove for the country over our individual needs. And so, it will be for us as elected members to decipher what can and should be done, as we hope the people remain confident in the fact that the Virgin Islands will always continue to rise from the ashes of international scrutiny, judgement and embarrassment.”
Call for prayer
Once again calling for prayer, Maduro-Caines said, “I join all of you in praying for this county first and foremost. I also pray for the family of the Hon. Andrew A. Fahie. The death of his sister, now coupled with this unfortunate arrest undoubtedly must be difficult for his family. May they be strong in the coming days as more information becomes available and the judicial direction is determined. As a leader, I have always recognised in the heart of Hon. Andrew A. Fahie a genuine love his people. But if proven guilty of these charges, I am committed to assisting others best suited for the job, to chart a new course for our territory.
To the people of the territory and my district, I offer a prayer that we must all continue to pray in the coming days: may God richly bless this territory; may we ask three things of thee: courage for our great leaders that [we] may rule our destiny. We ask for wisdom for our people that they may live in harmony and understanding for our children that they may cherish this legacy.
We will get through this together.”