NDP LAUNCHES DELORES CHRISTOPHER IN DISTRICT FIVE

“Many of my extended family live in the District. I am here daily. I have known the people of this community and their children for many years. They have been my co-workers, members of my church, my church choir and my friends. I don’t feel like I am a stranger to you.”

These were the words of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP’s) Candidate for the 5th District Mrs. Delores Christopher as she presented herself to the voters of the district during a rally in Huntum’s Ghut last Saturday night.

Mrs. Christopher, a businesswoman who ran unsuccessfully as one of the NDP’s At Large Candidates in the 1999 elections, said because of her commitment to people, she feels she must offer herself for service again. She spoke of her involvement of over 35 years in public and community service, in particular her role in helping to stimulate trade as a government Trade Officer, with the creation of Crafts Alive, assisted with the 1st BUY BVI Trade Show and the organization of the Christmas on Main Street fair.

She said she would bring this energy to District 5 to ensure the betterment of the community. “Every time that I am here, I see the glaring needs of the District, I feel your pain and I am moved to act,” she declared. “I didn’t have to live in every District in the BVI to help my fellow citizens.”

She said she has been living at her current residence for 30 years and regardless of where she lives, she has served and will continue to serve the needs of her fellow citizens wherever they happen to be.

Mrs. Christopher said she knows what it means to meet the needs of children, she is well aware of the challenges faced by small business owners to market their produce and the strain of caring for sick relatives without proper health care facilities. She said local farmers long for a steady water supply and the mechanical assistance necessary to yield healthy, full grown crops.

“Your cry for better access roads to your homes, increased street lighting, recreational facilities, your sewerage connection, after-school programmes for youths and job opportunities, have gone unheard,” she declared. “On election day, vote for yours truly with the National Democratic Party team. We can get the job done.”

Mrs. Christopher said as the Representative of District 5 and with the National Democratic Party as the government, they will ensure that the community centres function for after school programmes, as resources centres fitted with staff and equipment. She said while a vocational school is being established, an NDP government would implement apprenticeship programmes for the youth.

According to her, farmers need real support and as part of the NDP’s agricultural development programme, they will assist District farmers with adequate water supply, encourage the development of livestock and poultry, develop marketing and distribution systems for their products and build a farmer’s market in the District. She said they would also establish a senior citizens transportation service in place and to strengthen the tourism industry and create new job opportunities, they will develop nature trails and tourist facilities. “Additionally, the Watch House will be enhanced to restore its historic sentimental value to the members of the Fahie Hill community.”

Mrs. Christopher pledged to work with the NDP to ensure that historical and cultural trades are not only kept alive, but passed on. In the area of small business development, the NDP Candidate for District 5 said businesses in the District will be assisted with the necessary tools, including financing, marketing and training, to grow into bigger businesses that will create their economic empowerment needed for self sustainability and security.

“Many business opportunities can be created by tying in talent with business, for example, now that we are in the computer age, many of our young people will be able to provide an income for themselves with the offering of those computer services,” she suggested.

The politician told residents of District 5 that plans will be implemented to revitalize and beautify the District, which has become one of the main routes for tourist excursions. She said the roads need to be fixed and guardrails added. She reiterated that the potential for the development of the District is enormous, but this potential would only be achieved if they act now “to end this government waste, neglect and mismanagement.” She said the choice is clear – the National Democratic Party is the District and the country’s best hope for the future. She said if ever there was a time for this country to elect strong, principled, knowledgeable and visionary leadership, it is now.