VIP PROMOTES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The ruling Virgin Islands Party brought together all of the talent displayed during the past weeks of campaigning for a National Talent Exposition 2003 last Saturday night at the Little A Race Track in Sea Cow’s Bay.

Youths from across the nine Districts showcased their talent by way of song and dance paying tribute to their respective District candidates. The event followed a grand motorcade leading from the east and the west of Tortola.

Entertainers included Kamau Georges, Crystal Frett, Andy George, a dance group from District 7, the Lashing Dogs, Sharlene Penn, Kareem Hull, Keith Malone, Jacintha Faulkner, Vincent Wheatley, Deanna Wattley and members of the Latin community. At the start of the show, Virgin Islands Party President Mr. Carvin Malone announced that the Virgin Islands Party journey of inclusion would continue on the sister islands of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as we made our journey, it is evident to us that we would have to give our youths the opportunity to showcase their many talents,” he said. “Youths from Districts One through Nine were magnificent in their presentations.” Mr. Malone said this is the tradition of the VIP opportunities for all. He said this is the legacy of empowerment his party has been endorsing, empowerment through education, both in academics and the trade, through sports, economic opportunities, cultural heritage, performance and the arts.

The VIP official said the party has scheduled a number of town hall meetings, live radio and television shows. He said the party has a proud record of accomplishments, an aggressive agenda for progress and a vision for the British Virgin Islands. “We have 13 members who are comfortable and are prepared to work with each other,” Mr. Malone said. “We have a proven and an experienced leader in the person of Ralph Telford O’Neal…Team VIP is here…Team VIP will report…Team VIP will be questioned by you the people…you the voters will decide.”

Leader of the VIP Hon. R. T. O’Neal, speaking before the start of the talent show, expressed satisfaction to the committee for organizing the event. He said there was an abundance of talent displayed during the launching ceremonies. “I was amazed at the talent that was displayed.”

The Chief Minister said the Virgin Islands Party has always been interested in the youth of this territory. “In fact, those who are now saying that we are not interested in the youth, it was because of the Virgin Islands Party they got scholarships to go away to study!”

He said there are now over 160 scholarship holders abroad studying. “In addition, we have established the Community College at Paraquita Bay and over 700 people are going to that College,” the Chief Minister reported.

Hon. O’Neal said the multi purpose complex is almost complete, along with government plans to develop the community centers and recreation grounds and build a trade school and another secondary school in the East End/Long Look area.