People don't want party politics - Stephanie I. Faulkner-Williams
Mrs Faulkner-Williams, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia, Canada, will be contesting as an Independent candidate.
She will be up against the Virgin Islands Party candidate Elton L Sprauve aka All Out, the National Democratic Party candidate Dr Hubert O’Neal, the People’s Empowerment Party’s Faye J. Reese-Charles and Independent candidates Dr Rawle R. Hannibal and Mr Albert O. Wheatley for the 9th District seat to be vacated by Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE.
‘Longstanding desire’
Speaking with this news site, Mrs Faulkner-Williams said it has been a longstanding desire of her to give to the territory of her birth by being more than just a business person. "I see myself literally as a voice for the people of Virgin Gorda . I firmly believe that to whom much is given much is required and working as a civil servant for a number of years I understand the system," she said.
Despite the line of persons currently going after the position of Ninth District representative, Mrs Faulkner-Williams is confident she has a fighting chance. "There are persons who I have spoken to so far who have been encouraging me along. They all say they see me as a breath of fresh air."
The Virgin Gordian said it can no longer be the usual conversations that are happening at this elections time. "And I am willing to have that conversation with the general populace."
According to the new woman on the block in this year's campaign trail, while every citizen, every person, is important and has a special role to play, she is prepared to invest much time and energy into working with those persons of the age group 18 to 45 years.
Asked why she opted to go as an Independent as opposed to being on the three established party's list, she responded, "To be honest with you I wanted to go with a party but the parties already had their candidates that they wanted."
She, however, stated she is convinced the people are not very fond of party politics. "Persons want to hear individuals and what they can do for the district," she added.
Green energy
In a press release to the local media, Mrs Faulkner-Williams outlined some of her areas of focus. She said that over the next 4 political years, District 9 with her as a member of the House of Assembly envisions Virgin Gorda and Anegada progressively more reliant on green energy.
Towards implementing the required infrastructure, keen focus would be placed on refocusing commensurate revenues generated from tourism services in the district into the applicable technology. This will make energy cheaper for the average resident and would reduce the District’s carbon footprint.
”Educational resources will be strategically allocated to ensure that the growing tourism product in the District is supported with well-trained youth from the District. This policy aims to reduce the brain-drain phenomenon from the District, and by extension, the BVI, while concurrently strategically empowering the youth.”
The businesswoman also said she would work to improve the vital tourism sector, one of the twin pillars of the Virgin Islands economy; encourage the re-creation of the Agriculture Sector and the Fishing Industry; implement Alternative Energy Initiatives; help to foster the growth and development of small businesses/entrepreneurship; train and increase skills development among locals and foster a closer relationship with the elderly and others in the community.
About Stephanie I. Faulkner-Williams
Stephanie Faulkner-Williams was born and raised on the island of Virgin Gorda, where she began and completed her Primary and Secondary education.
She is married to Flynn Williams, is the daughter of Clarence and Cordella Faulkner Sr. and the grand-daughter of the late Edward and Alice Faulkner of Anegada. She has five siblings - Gloria, Cynthia, Andrea, Jacintha and Clarence Faulkner Jr.
According to the press release, over the past 15 years Stephanie has honed her skills as a brilliant administrator and strategic leader. Most recently, she completed five years as the Deputy Labour Commissioner of the Virgin Islands, where she had oversight of the operations of the Labour Department, supervised the revision of the Labour Code and reviewed labour policies.
Stephanie Faulkner-Williams currently operates as the Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Cura Services Inc., a property management company, which is based on Virgin Gorda.
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25 Responses to “ People don't want party politics - Stephanie I. Faulkner-Williams”
#ThinkChange
Girl go sid down....Only now ya know people don't want party politics....are you a people's person?so may if you fix that you might stand a chance. Wheel and come again.
You obliously making decisions without doing your research. You mean to tell me you did not know that before when you wanted to be on the VIP ticket.
her runnng is just b*d mindedness she better go sit down!
Though an independent candidate vote is equally weighted as any other member in the HOA, his/her leverage comes from 1) government or opposiion needing votes to pass or block legislation or 2) deciding which party forms a government during a hung parliament or a party lacking the majority to form a government or 3) when members cross the floor or leaves a party.
BVI is an all our nothing voting system. A candidate with the plurality, not majority of votes win. For example, if party A candidate gets 50.1% of the vote and party B candidate gets 49.9%, party A candidate wins and is in the HOA. There is no proportional representation. Similarly if overall Party A cops 50.1% of seats available, it forms the government. There are pros and cons to a single party system. Government can get its agenda pass. On the other hand the opposition cannot stop or slow down or amend controversial legislation. In a multiparty system there is proportional representation in the HOA. Furthermore, a coalition government provides the opportunity for full hearing on all sides of an issue and may lead to compromise.
How many of you all even have the guts to come forward. She has the courage as she has displayed time and time again, right here at home.
GO STEPHANIE. I WISH YOU SUCCESS AT THE POLLS!