’Heritage’ suggests gov’t boycott as protest looms

Floyd ‘Heritage’ Burnett

A group of Virgin Islands residents is preparing to stage a peaceful protest in the heart of Road Town on Monday, June 2, calling for urgent action on a wide range of national issues.

The protest, led by Floyd ’Heritage’ Burnett, will take place at the Road Town roundabout from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Organisers expect up to 1,000 participants, according to a letter sent to Governor Daniel Pruce and other officials.

In addition, the group plans to deliver a formal letter of demands to the Premier and Governor, seeking responses and action within seven days. “Failure to comply will result in the call for a nationwide boycott of all government workers and private sector for seven days,” Burnett warned in a social media post promoting the protest.

“We believe in the right to peaceful assembly and will conduct our protest lawfully and respectfully, adhering to all pertinent laws and regulations,” he added.

The planned demonstration comes amid growing public frustration over issues including water shortages, the high cost of living, poor infrastructure, and the lack of a national energy plan. Protesters also want greater transparency from elected officials and improved support for vulnerable groups.

“We the people are once again fed up with the poor conditions of living in this country and the lack of accountability of the people elected to do what they actually say they want to be elected for,” Burnett stated.

The protest will also highlight calls for consumer protection, legalisation of marijuana, reversal of the so-called ‘Greedy Bill’, term limits for officials, and improvements in public services such as fire stations, clinics, and roads.

Protest organisers have submitted a request for police protection during the event and have asked for an hour’s leave of absence for civil servants and students to attend. They also called on the Governor to reassure participants that no reprisals will result from their involvement.

“This non-violent march is to bring greater public awareness to the failings of our leadership,” Burnett argued.

The demonstration comes as concerns continue to mount about the territory’s governance, rising living costs, and stalled infrastructure projects.