Ralph O’Neal seeks re-election for D-9

Despite the inclement weather, several hundreds turned out for the endless motorcade and rally on Virgin Gorda last Saturday night to officially launch the candidacy of District 9 Representative, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, Leader of the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

The meeting opened with a stirring rendition of “God Save the Queen”, prayer by Pastor Joseph George, an audience song “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” and the usual remarks by Party President Carvin Malone and the At Large Candidates, following which each candidate was given the opportunity to speak.

In addition, there was entertainment from several persons, including Shereen Flax and Morris Mark and a pictorial of the growth of the district over the years. Cousin Mrs. Bellansita Creque introduced the incumbent as a Virgin Gordian who has dedicated his life to serving the community. She chronicled his career to include years in the teaching profession, clerk to the Legislative and Executive Councils, Administrative Secretary, Labour Commissioner and First Secretary to the Governor. She pointed out that he later launched into a career in the private sector before becoming involved in politics. He was elected in 1975 and served the Legislative Council in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Legislatures.

Three months after the 1999 general elections, Mr. O’Neal was called upon to serve as Chief Minister following the death of Chief Minister Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt. Mrs. Creque recounted that under the leadership of Hon. O’Neal, the territory recorded significant growth in the financial services sector, the main port was enlarged, the road network increased, the airfield in Anegada developed, the new terminal at Beef Island opened, negotiations with the British government resulted in the issuance of UK passports to Dependent Territories citizens and he led the territory in celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Legislative Council.

Mr. O’Neal has also been very active in the life of the community. He was the first Director of the BVI Red Cross, a founding member of the Rotary Club of Tortola, past president of the Cricket Association and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the HLS Community College.

He was also honoured by several organizations and Her Majesty the Queen for outstanding services. He is a Commissioner of Oaths, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public and a devoted member of his church and family man.

During his address, Hon. O’Neal declared that if successful, he will continue to serve as he has done in the past. He told his supporters that his record of achievement is there, as he has worked to improve the standard of living for all. “As you know, one of my aims has always been to bridge the gap between Anegada and Virgin Gorda,” the D-9 Rep. stated. He said there are frequent boat trips between the two islands but government is negotiating a 3-day-a-week plane service to come into effect shortly.

“Where were they who said I have done nothing over the past years,” the Chief Minister asked, referring to criticisms from his opponents. “They’re trying to destroy my good name and the leadership of the VIP, but I will not stoop to gutter sniping, but feel I must correct the falsehoods.”

Looking at some of his achievements over the years and projects in train, he spoke of his efforts to bring electricity to Anegada, the construction of a new administration building and fire station, a public works building, the establishing of the public library in a larger building, the renovation to schools, road surfacing and tackling the issue of land titles. Hon. O’Neal also recognized the contributions of Anegadians, including the late Theodolph Faulkner, to the development of the islands.

He said there have been improvements to government services provided on Anegada, in the areas of customs and immigration, the police and agriculture. On Virgin Gorda, the District Rep. spoke of the construction of a new jetty at North Sound, the surfacing of several roads, the clinic and police station, post office building, basketball court, improved school building, community centre, reservoir and desalination plant, asphalt plant, new jetty at St. Thomas Bay, customs building, expansion of government services on the island, senior citizens home, police station and barracks and new PWD headquarters.

He also mentioned plans to improve the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic building and services provided, the existing agricultural depot and the Bregado Flax Educational Centre.

“A big fuss has been made about the fishermen at Little Dix and their boats,” Chief Minister O’Neal stated. He said documents will show they only have to pay $5 a month for using the dock, in addition to paying their water bills etc. He also referred to his desire to help the petty contractors to develop.

He said as he took over, there were five hurricanes to survive and after 9/11 tourism declined. He said it was therefore necessary to inject monies from the surplus account into the economy.

“So ladies and gentlemen, I want you to keep the Virgin Islands Party in the government…vote for the VIP members, don’t mind the noise,” the veteran politician urged in closing. “In order to achieve what we have achieved, it took hard work and dedication….Ladies and gentlemen, we have this country to look after and we need a VIP government.”

The ruling Virgin Islands Party wraps up its launchings on April 12th in Capoon’s Bay. There are also plans to take the public campaigning to Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.