VIRGIN ISLANDS PARTY CONCEDES VICTORY 

Leader of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Ralph T. O'Neal has conceded 
victory to the National Democratic Party (NDP) of Dr. Orlando Smith 
following Monday's general elections. The NDP captured 8 of the 13 seats 
in the Legislative Council, versus the VIP's 5 seats. Winners for the NDP 
were At Large candidates Dr. Smith, Mr. Ronnie W. Skelton, Mrs. Eileene 
Parsons and Mr. Paul P. Wattley, while Dr. Kedrick Pickering won in 
District 7, Mr. Lloyd Black in District 8, Mr. J. Alvin Christopher 
in District 2 and Mrs. Delores Christopher in District 5. For the VIP, 
the winners were former Chief Minister Ralph T. O'Neal in District 9, 
former Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works 
Mr. Julian Fraser, Representative for District 4 Mr. Mark Vanterpool, 
Representative for District 6 Mr. Omar Hodge and former Minister of 
Education and Culture Mr. Andrew Fahie in District 1. "This morning, 
we thank Almighty God for bringing us successfully through a rigorous 
general election campaign without incident," Mr. O'Neal said early 
Tuesday morning as the battle for the final district seat (5) was being 
fought. He said democracy in the British Virgin Islands was tested and 
is the true victor at the end of this near 3-month campaign. "As 
Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party, I unreservedly congratulate 
Dr. Orlando Smith and his National Democratic Party on what appears 
at this time, with one seat still to be declared, as a convincing 
victory in yesterday's elections," the former Chief Minister stated. 
He also congratulated other elected members, especially NDP newcomer 
Mr. Paul Wattley and his colleagues in the VIP and commiserate with 
those who were unsuccessful. "My fellow Virgin Islanders, general 
elections 2003 are behind us, the people have spoken and the Virgin 
Islands Party accepts and respects the voice and will of the people," 
he declared. "I urge all residents of these beautiful islands to 
cooperate with the new government and let us work to build this country 
for the betterment of us all." "Again, I concede victory to the National 
Democratic Party and congratulate Dr. Smith on a hard fought victory," 
Mr. O'Neal concluded.