ELMORE STOUTT LAUNCHES VIGOROUS CAMPAIGN

By Mellica McPherson

A large crowd turned up at the formal launching of NDP Territorial-at-Large Candidate, Mr. Elmore Stoutt on Saturday 20 August. At this meeting voters had a chance to hear Stoutt explain that the BVI youths are his number one inspiration for contesting the by-election. He said that he feels an enormous responsibility looking at the youths, that he knows that “their success tomorrow requires that we do all that we can to open the doors of opportunity for them today.” The recently retired High School Principal said that he believes that no mission is more critical or duty more solemn than to look at the future and ask ourselves, “what can we do to make sure our young people have the chance to make the most of their lives?”

Mr. Stoutt explained that he believes that the NDP Government can give the people of the Territory the future that they need. He said that he watched this Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. D Orlando Smith work so hard to make opportunities, not a privilege, but a right for all the people of this Territory. To make his point the NDP candidate listed a number of accomplishments made by the Government during its tenure.  He said “the record this Government has built in just two years in office speaks for itself: A strong economy with our people investing in this country as never before; New education legislation aimed at reforming our education system; A new tax code that reduces taxes on the working men and women of the BVI; A new annex to the hospital that will ensure better quality healthcare for all the people of this Territory; A landmark new Immigration Policy that finally creates a fair and transparent system for bringing new members into our national family; The wonderful beautification of Road Town which everyday is making our Territory’s capital a place we can all be proud of; The incredible commitment to building up our critical tourism industry through the new national service program; the construction of piers and docks from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke; the acquisition of the airport on Virgin Gorda; and, of course, the purchase of Prospect Reef to serve as a new world-class training centre for our young people.  And this, of course, is only a small list of what has been achieved."

Mr. Stoutt announced that his vision for this Territory is founded on the principles of the Government’s agenda: empowering our people, providing opportunity, and above all, continuing the hard and honest work of delivering for the people of the BVI. He disclosed that with the help of his colleagues  he would further enhance the educational system in this territory by: the introduction of early diagnostic testing for children who exhibit cognitive deficiency, behavioural and emotional problems; establishing remediation centres for Primary level and Junior Schools (Form 1 – 3); introducing mandatory summer sessions for students who failed to qualify for promotion thereby avoiding repeating and bottlenecking; initiation of national academic checks and standards at Primary one, Primary three, and Form three. This he explained would aid in the identification of weaknesses and would set the stage for appropriate corrective measures. Additionally he recommended ensuring that adequate numbers of person are trained to provide sufficient numbers to run the schools, to develop a relief pool of teachers, and the  returning of  value to education with regards to appropriate remuneration and benefits for Education Officials, Principals, Counselors and teachers. He also encourages greater integration and cooperation with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College where seniors in High School can receive academic credits towards graduation while earning credits towards their first year in College.

He also recommended recognizing, rewarding and integrating top expatriate students at High School graduations.

The veteran educator said that he would never support leaders who did not put the people of the BVI first. He said that he would never affiliate himself with any party that does not have a clear vision for building a better future for young people.

The At-Large candidate pointed out that a territorial representative has the opportunity to contribute to the people of each district. This arrangement, he said, lends itself to discussion and collaboration with each district representative regardless of political affiliations.  Mr. Stoutt believes that regardless of party the elected members are working towards one goal - to build a better B.V.I.  He pledged to work in the spirit of unity and togetherness -- qualities that he feels are very important to the BVI’s future.  “A territorial representative can be likened to a Minister of All Affairs.  He/She has a vested interest in all of the subjects and issues pertaining to Government and the people.  In this vein, together with my colleagues, I will also focus on other areas such as: law and order, consumer affairs, sports and recreation, labour and wages, solid waste and sanitation, conservation and fisheries, communication and works, agriculture, coastal security and water and sewerage.

 The NDP candidate asked BVI residents to stand with him and with the Government. “I ask you to reject the politics of personal attacks and scare tactics. I also ask you to think about the future that we can yet build in this Territory and to pledge yourself to that task.”