ELECTION DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

The way is now clear for the staging of general elections in the British Virgin Islands, it was announced here Tuesday evening.

In a live televised broadcast, Chief Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House, Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal announced that he called on His Excellency the Governor in the morning and it was agreed that the 14th Legislative Council of the British Virgin Islands should be dissolved. The Governor was then expected to issue the proclamation as required under section 47 (2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order.

"This clears the way for general elections in the territory and as I pointed out to His Excellency the Governor, the territory should not have to wait too long to get an Elected Council," the Chief Minister declared. He used the opportunity to thank voters for the trust and confidence they placed in him during the two terms he served as Chief Minister. He said the first term, 1995-1999, the government was busy fighting hurricanes; there were some five hurricanes during that period and quite a lot of damage was done especially in the agricultural sector, property and roads.

"But we survived that and we were even able to assist some territories that suffered damage," the BVI leader pointed out.

In addition to that, he said the accounts of the territory were four years in arrears and in order "to protect our good name", a great deal of work had to be done to bring the accounts up to date. He recalled that through loans negotiated with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the European Investment Bank and other regional and international financial institutions, the government was able to carry out developmental works such as the Terrence B. Lettsome airport, the Spanish Town jetty, the cruise ship dock in Road Town, monies for the Development Bank of the Virgin Islands to on lend to farmers, fishermen, small business operators and for scholarships.

According to the Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, a considerable amount of time was spent during that first term revising the territory's financial services legislation to make it more attractive for investors to use the British Virgin Islands. He said with the revenue obtained from that source, government completed a number of capital projects.

CHIEF MINISTER SPEAKS OUT

The second term, 1999-2003, saw some new developments in the political arena, with the emergence of the opposition National Democratic Party. Hon. O'Neal said this was no surprise, as it was hinted that there seemed to be some displeasure about some perceived differences in his leadership style and that of his predecessor, Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt.

"My reply was that my door is always open, I am prepared to listen, but my colleagues in Executive Council must be consulted on any initiative or proposal they would have to put forward," Mr. O'Neal reported. He said from his observation, he concluded that they were not too pleased with his reply. The Chief Minister mentioned what he termed the filibustering by the opposition during the budget debate. He said in discussion with them during the break, he was asked to allocate a sum of money under his charge for projects that did not qualify as main projects.

However, the Chief Minister said when he tried to convince them that this would be better under the Minister of Communications and Works, then Hon. Alvin Christopher, they begged him not to. He said the money was provided and the system worked well.

UNCOOPERATIVE CABINET MEMBERS

Turning to another matter, the Chief Minister revealed the facts surrounding the appointment of At Large Representative Hon. Eileene Parsons as Deputy Chief Minister after the 1999 general elections. He said she had three senior members of the Virgin Islands Party lobbying on her behalf and she was also given the Ministry of Health, Education and Welfare portfolio. The BVI leader then referred to the July 18th, 2000 attempt to oust the government and said the plan to split the Ministry between her and Hon. Andrew Fahie had to be revised and Hon. Parsons' appointment was revoked. He also recalled the Vote of No Confidence brought by the opposition and pointed out that many persons said they could not tell where Deputy Chief Minister Hon. Alvin Christopher's allegiance lay until the vote was taken and they actually heard him say 'no'.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is very difficult to run a country without the cooperation of Members of Cabinet, especially your deputy," Chief Minister O'Neal declared. He said Mr. Christopher, whose appointment was later revoked, would not communicate and many problems arose in his Ministry of Communications and Works electricity, water and sewerage, ports, Beef Island Bridge, Beef Island airport and telecommunications.

The territory's leader noted that he has been accused of wasting public funds, but he said the record is there and the work this government has done is there to be seen. He noted that the plans for the construction of a new hospital are being executed and just as the airport was completed, that too will be a reality. He said action is being taken to remedy the sewerage problem in East End/Long Look and the territory.

Responding to opposition criticisms of the paving of the Huntum's Ghut, Joes Hill and Long Bush ghuts in Road Town, he said this need was felt for a long time. He said government merely followed the advice of a consultant engineer and this has not only remedied the problem, but also provided more parking spaces in the areas.

About the purchase of the building in London, Chief Minister O'Neal said the matter was discussed with the opposition beforehand and so they were fully aware of and agreed to the plans. He reiterated that this move would save office rental fees for the BVI Tourist Board, provide space for the BVI Finance Centre and other sections would be leased.

He said it was interesting to note that no mention has been made by the opposition of the rental fees for the temporary residence of the Governor at Beef Island. He also discounted the question brought up by At Large MP Hon. Ronnie Skelton about the cost of the new Government House.

The leader of the ruling Virgin Islands Party said there is a great deal more to be said and this will be done on the campaign trail. He encouraged residents, in the short time at hand left for registration to vote, to do so without any hesitation. "Make sure that your name is on the final list of voters, so that on Election Day, you can vote Virgin Islands Party all the way!"