ELECTED VIP MEMBERS CONGRATULATE NEW GOVERNMENT & PLEDGE SUPPORT

Former Chief Minister Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, re-elected Representative for District 9; re-elected District 3 Representative former Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser; re-elected 1st District Rep. former Education and Culture Minister Hon. Andrew Fahie; re-elected 4th District Rep. Hon Mark Vanterpool and re-elected 6th District Rep. Hon. Omar Hodge staged a press conference last Thursday June 19th at VIP headquarters in Road Town.

“The elections are over and the country knows the results,” began Hon. O’Neal, “now we have a duty to indicate our party’s position”. The VIP was voted out of power on Monday June 16th after serving more than two decades in government. He pointed out that the Virgin Islands Party sought to govern in an atmosphere where the fundamentals of freedom of speech and association are respected and protected. “It is therefore not surprising that the results have led to a smooth transition to government for the National Democratic Party. I congratulate them again on a well-fought election and assure them that as the opposition we will be of critical support to the new government.”

He said by critical support, he means strong and unstinting support to policies that are in the interest of the people. At the same time, the VIP leader pledged equally vigorous opposition to any measures inimical to the interest of the country, after consultation with the people. Hon. O’Neal said his party is grateful to the people for the opportunity to serve and pledge to do so with no less energy as the opposition in the Legislative Council. He said they shall take their role seriously and serve as guardians of the rights of the people. “The elections results give my party the opportunity for introspection to determine why we lost the confidence of the majority of the voters,” said the former Chief Minister. “This experience will inevitably revitalize the party and make it a more strong and relevant organization.” He concluded by thanking all of their supporters and promises not to let them down. To their non-supporters, he wished them all the best and thanked them for ensuring that the BVI has a democracy that can be respected throughout the world. He also said the VIP looks forward to regaining their confidence.

Thanks to the people and congratulations to the new NDP government also came from former Deputy Chief Minister Hon. Julian Fraser, who was re-elected to the 3rd District. He expressed disappointment at not being in the government, but said he would be holding the NDP to the promise that no district will be left behind in terms of getting projects for his districts accomplished. Among the projects he outlined for completion are the Sea Cow’s Bay harbour development, the liberalization of telecommunication, extension of water throughout the islands, solving the electricity problems and the expansion of the West End port. Former Minister of Education and Culture and re-elected Member for the 1st District Hon. Andrew Fahie was also disappointed at the election results that pit him in the opposition. He worried about the continuity of the projects he began, but also reiterated the NDP’s promise to look after all districts. Hon. Fahie said he was deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in him by his constituents and said he intends to continue to represent them with great pride and determination. He also thanked his opponent, Mr. Archibald Christian of the NDP, for keeping the campaign clean and above board.

“I wish to congratulate the new government and urge everyone to put our political differences behind us and work to make the country more progressive,” Hon. Fahie stated. Former NDP member Hon. Mark Vanterpool, MP D-4, pledged to continue working in the country’s best interest over the next four years. “We will put our hands to the plough immediately and continue to work together for the good of the country.” Hon. Vanterpool pledged his full support to the new government’s programmes that are in the country’s best interest, especially those that relate to the capital Road Town. For his part, Hon. Omar Hodge, MP D-6, said: “the people have spoken and I pledge my support to your selection.” He also congratulated the NDP for a job well done and pledged his support to the government in the interest of the people. “I’ll be watching and prowling throughout the Ministries as is custom. I assure you that the people’s man won’t sleep, but I will make representation from all corners to make sure my people are happy.”

This is the 7th time that Mr. Hodge is being re-elected as the Representative for District 6 and he pledged to continue defending the rights of his people, “not only BV Islanders, but wherever you came from”. Party President Mr. Carvin Malone thanked all of the candidates for contesting the general elections on the VIP ticket. The unsuccessful candidates were Mr. Kelvin Thomas D2; Ms. Ethlyn Smith D5; Dr. Clinton George D7; Mr. Ray George D8 and the At Large candidates of Mr. Reeial George, Mrs. Irene Penn O’Neal, Mr. Roy Pickering and Mr. Elvis Harrigan. “Throughout our journey of inclusion, we told you that Team VIP will report and you the people will decide and you decided,” he conceded.

During the question and answer segment of the press conference, former Chief Minister O’Neal said he would have to do some analysis to decide where the party went wrong in losing the elections. He referred to 20 years ago when the people of the BVI called for change and had to go back to the polls before the term ended and said he hopes this does not happen this time around. “I want to see stability in this country.” He responded to rumours that the VIP used money from the government's treasury to fund its campaign, vehemently denying the accusations. He also countered allegations of his party breaking the law by treating voters. He said what they did was provide entertainment for persons who attended their rallies. Hon. Mark Vanterpool was asked whether he would now seek to rejoin the NDP after he left saying he wanted to be part of a team where he could get his projects accomplished. He said he had no regrets leaving the NDP and has no intentions to switching again.