Malone Promises  to address People's Issues

Virgin Islands Party Territorial-at-Large Candidate Mr. Vernon E. Malone spoke on many issues at the VIP rally on 13 August. He outlined his agenda on major issues affecting the Territory, matters such as, Government's priorities, “putting down the  pervasive and unfair system of clientelism”, the restoration of petty contracts, the abolition of nepotism, and encouraging justice in the appointment and promotion system in the civil service. Mr. Malone called for justice in the trial of offences committed by Government workers. Other highlights of his speech were the Normal Island affair, the call for the liberalization of CCT Boatphone high prices, intimidation and victimization, taxation, and raw sewerage in Long Look and East End.

In addition to pin pointing the issues, Malone shared some of the visions he has for the BVI. His ideas include: increasing economic pillars, adequate electricity and water supply, improving the road system, fix accident prone areas, introducing a world class education system, and improving health care. The former Commissioner of the BVI Police said that he envisions a BVI where the youths are allowed to develop their potentials and become productive members of society. Malone’s other plans for the BVI include the building of stronger families in order to make a strong nation; he also envisions the organization of a small business administration. He suggested providing subsidies for farmers, improvement of the BVI’s tourism product, the pursuit of sports tourism, developing a crime free society, support  foreign investment, and improve passport laws.

The Public Service Commission point stood out as Mr. Malone recommended that the Commission must be strengthened by the addition of a paid law clerk to offer advice to the Commission particularly on Labour Law and Administrative Law. He also touched on an issue that he had been pursuing for the past 15 years - the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in our Constitution for added protection of the people of the BVI.

Speaking on the Norman Island issue Mr. Malone said, "The seat of Government must remain at the New Administration Complex and not be alienated to rich powerful interests on the outer islands. Our leaders in Government must understand that they are offering leadership to our people and not salesmanship to outside interests."

Malone continued saying that "our national treasure must remain in the hands of our people and Government for our collective use. Our fishermen must be able to sail all our waters without hindrance or let. Our people should be able to go on any beach up to high water level, unless there are good and sufficient reasons to do otherwise."

The second big topic was "Economic Injustices" as Mr. Malone called the issue. It  dealt with the matters of the CCT Boatphone liberalization. "There is a cry for economic justice throughout this land." "How many Government Ministers and close supporters are stuffing their pockets with fat profits from CCT share ownership at the expense of the poor people who elected them? Is their self-interest dominant why they allow this injustice to continue?"

The audience paid great attention as the VIP at-Large Candidate expanded on his vision for a crime free society. He said that a crime free society is a product we sell and it is very important to Tourism, our offshore Finance Services and the quality of our lives. Therefore, we must develop the Police Force and not just offer limited training. Malone said that there must be educational and performance requirements for each rank level.

Malone also announced that he envisions a BVI where the youths are allowed to develop their potentials and become productive members of society. He pointed out that there must be greater Government focus on placing returning students in suitable jobs. He therefore recommended a small stipend from Government to unemployed university students until they receive their first job to help them with the purchase of necessities.

After outlining his platform, Malone appealed to the audience by pledging to be an advocate on their behalf. He promised to listen to their issues and concerns, and to seek to bring appropriate solutions to them. Malone said that he would be the voice of the weak and the alienated where they now have no voice. "I will fight for justice and fair play for all. Where there is no justice, I will represent the interest of the BVI at every level and in any forum with hard work, justice, integrity, knowledge, courage, teamwork, and the pursuance of excellence."

Mr. Vernon Elroy Malone is an Attorney at Law, a Real Estate Agent and Consultant, a Businessman, a community development Advocate and now a Politician. He was a Primary School teacher, a junior civil Servant, a Law Lecturer and a former Police Commissioner (retired). He was the first native to become Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Mr. Malone currently manages his lawfirm, Vernon E. Malone and Co., his real estate firm, Icis Real Estate (BVI) Limited, and a family small hotel and restaurant known as Icis Villas.

Born in Long Look, Tortola, Malone gained his thirst for service to his country and people when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Amanda Malone, enrolled him as a member of the Boys Brigade. He has served as a teacher for two and a half years, and as a Police Officer for over 35 years, the last ten as Commissioner of Police for the British Virgin Islands. He also served as Acting Registrar of Companies and as a Crown Counsel in the Attorney General's Chambers.

Mr. Malone earned a multi-discipline education when he obtained a Government Scholarship to study abroad for six years.

Malone has obtained a (CPA) in Public Administration and an (LLB) Bachelors of Law Degree from the University of the West Indies, and a Post Graduate Legal Certificate from the Norman Manley School in Jamaica. He also attained a Certificate in Real Estate Valuation and sales from the Extra Mural Department of the University of the West Indies.

Mr. Malone has graduated from some of the top Police Schools in the UK and the USA. He is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Road Town, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for outstanding Community Service when he spearheaded the building of a house at Sage Mountain for an indigent and homeless man. Mr. Malone has written and published over twenty researched articles mainly on Criminal Justice topics and Caribbean Politics.