News From Our Region
British Virgin Islands VIP gears up for General Elections
Courtesy the BVI Island Sun
The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) announced its nominees and candidates for the upcoming general elections during a $250-a-plate fundraiser dinner at The Moorings Mariner Inn. Kelvin Thomas was introduced as a nominee for the 2nd District seat, while Dr. Clinton George and Ray George would be candidates for the 7th and 8th Districts respectively.
The At Large nominees are Mr. Elvis "Jughead" Harrigan, Mr. Keith L. Flax, Mrs. Irene Penn-O'Neal, Mr. Ishmael Braithwaite and Mr. Roy Pickering. They have been mandated to make presentations to the various District Committees, who will in turn elect three candidates to contest the At Large seats along with the Honourable Reeial George, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour.
The incumbent candidates/representatives were presented as Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Economics and Development Planning the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal in the 9th, Hon. Omar Hodge in the 6th, Hon. Ethlyn Smith (Minister for Health and Welfare) in the 5th, Hon. Mark Vanterpool (Deputy Speaker) in the 4th, Hon. Julian Fraser (Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Communications and Works) in the 3rd and Hon. Andrew Fahie (Minister for Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs) in the 1st electoral district.
Several individuals were called upon to toast the Virgin Islands Party for the many accomplishments over the years towards the development of the various districts and the territory as a whole.
In his address, VIP Leader and Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal pointed out that his party has served this country well for over 30 years and they intend to continue to do so. He said significant progress has been made from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke.
"We're trying to develop this country and improve the quality of life for our people and the standard of living, so that they too can enjoy the benefits of their labour," he declared.
Chief Minister O'Neal said he was pleased at the number of young people in attendance. He said this makes him feel that the future of the Virgin Islands Party and the country is assured.
General elections in the British Virgin Islands are constitutionally due by August next year. The BVI leader encouraged all those persons who are eligible to vote to do so on Election Day and vote for the Virgin Islands Party all the way.
The VIP leader also put his members and supporters to the test in selecting a jingle for the party. After singing a few songs, the popular choice was "Marching Along".