VIP Confident of Election Victory

The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is confident that its outstanding record of achievements places it in good stead for re-election in the June 16th, 2003 general elections.

“No government in the history of these islands has had to navigate and endure a more turbulent political and economic period than that experienced by this administration since its return to office on May 17th, 1999,” Chief Minister and VIP Leader Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal declared during an April 30th press conference. He said many of these challenges were outside their influence or control, but his party’s experience and the government’s determination and creativity helped them to overcome and turn seeming adversity into opportunity. He thanked those officers who worked with his government in the execution of its policies and realize social, economic and political success.

Chief Minister O’Neal said the BVI survived the fallout from the introduction of various trade and economic treaties and heightened global terrorism. He said however there is a need to strengthen the local security forces to prevent terrorists from making the BVI a safe haven.

The BVI leader said government continues to honour its financial obligations, the capital works programme is well underway. “We now stand ready to commence work in earnest on another phase including the new general hospital, for which we have secured an undertaking from Scotiabank for a significant portion of the funds.” According to him, the June 16th elections come at a very crucial time in the ongoing development of the country. He said a central issue would be that of leadership and the territory cannot afford the luxury of “apprenticeship leadership” at this time. “These are tough times that will demand tough action by tough leaders and the team of candidates we have here assembled today is eminently qualified and possess the relevant experience and expertise to get the job done,” he declared.

Hon. O’Neal said they hope this campaign will be conducted with seriousness and maturity. He said there are critical issues that ought to be discussed in the run-up to the polls and these are addressed in the Virgin Islands Party’s manifesto. “The Virgin Islands Party will remain focused,” the leader stated. “We wish to be judged on our record of achievements.”

He said in the first half of the campaign, they will give a comprehensive account of their stewardship and outline those issues with which they grapple on a daily basis. In the second half, the VIP proposes to outline its plan of action for taking the BVI forward.

“The electorate of the British Virgin Islands is a mature and a conscientious group of voters who are interested in discussion on issues and not personalities,” the Chief Minister charged. “They are tired of distractions and innuendos.”

He called on the leader of the opposition National Democratic Party and other interested groups to control media and platform rhetoric and help set and maintain a high standard of debate in this campaign.

“We wish for this to be an issue-driven campaign,” Mr. O’Neal continued. “There is no time…for mud-slinging and character assassination…We do not want to hear people getting on platforms and calling people liars repeatedly, because when they call them liars, we will again bring the proof to the people, who will remember.” The VIP leader acknowledged that there are problems all around the world, not only in the BVI, but he said his administration stands ready to solve them. He said speakers need to be aware that the international media will be covering this election and when they deride this country, such images are being conveyed abroad and will do untold damage to this country way beyond the 16th of June. “I am appealing to the electorate for their mandate to complete the work that is in progress,” he concluded in his prepared statement.

Following that, the Chief Minister was bombarded with questions from reporters seeking comment on accusations by the opposition that government lacks vision and that there was lack of development in social areas, in the health services, economically and in education.

He also refuted claims that the VIP candidates were afraid to participate in Radio Station ZBVI’s “Hot Seat”, a live call in programme featuring the candidates for election. Mr. O’Neal suggested that the host of the programme was not neutral and said: “We in the Virgin Islands Party have nothing to fear but fear itself”. Allegations of victimization made by former Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Alvin Christopher were denied. In addition, the Chief Minister downplayed opposition accusations of mismanagement and waste of public funds with the paving of guts.

Touching on claims by MP D7 Dr. Hon. Kedrick Pickering that the Chief Minister is a liar for suggesting that the opposition endorsed the purchase of the BVI building in London, Mr. O’Neal said the public will decide based on the actual facts. The Chief Minister also clarified the question of party politics, saying this is enshrined in the Virgin Islands Constitution. “It is a good system which has withstood the test of time and there is nothing strange with people leaving one party and joining the next…so, I believe in the party system, but if people want to go independent, let them try it.”

He also said he does not see the need for elections observers, as traditionally, the BVI has not had a problem with fraud. The BVI leader said when his party is re-elected, there will be several areas of priority. He said the main priority would be health services, the development of youth, the care of the aged and devising new plans for the development of the economy.

He suggested that the proposed National Health Scheme would best be introduced when the territory abolishes personal income tax, that the tourist sector and the agricultural sector can be further developed and exploited.

During the press conference, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Andrew Fahie explained the government’s plan to improve the education system. In addressing specifically the overcrowding at the BVI High School, he said repairs would begin on Block G and construction of a second High School in January 2004.

Meantime, Minister of Health and Welfare Hon. Ethlyn Smith reiterated government’s plans to build the new hospital, while making adjustments to the existing facility to make it work. “The building of the new hospital is top priority for this government.”

As part of its own marketing strategy, the Virgin Islands Party announced plans to hold a series of eleven press conferences, host town hall meetings and meet one on one with constituents, in the run-up to June 16.