Incumbent Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and current Opposition Leader Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has cited a few of the qualities that will be expected from the next cadre leaders emerging after today’s internal party elections, foremost among which is that they must always put country above self. Photo: VINO/File

The membership of the VIP meets later today, May 28, 2014 to decide upon what is expected to be a hotly contested race for the post of Chairman as well as other top positions in the party.

Hon. O’Neal hinted that his retirement comes at a time that would allow a successor in his District to prepare for the road ahead, “I think it would be fair and reasonable to give whosoever will and may be standing in the Ninth District time to prepare himself or herself for the election,” Hon. O’Neal said while announcing his retirement yesterday, May 27, 2014.

The Ninth District Representative, who has been serving the party for nearly four decades, said he has remained loyal to the party over the years, not looking merely to receive but also to give his very best for the party and the country.

“It is going to take a lot of effort to stand together, to work together and to look out to ensure that Satan is not allowed to prevail,” he continued.

He expressed that there was no doubt that the VIP had taken the lead in doing things that were for the benefit of all the people of the Territory and said he hoped it would continue from strength to strength. “It would take me a long time to enumerate the various facilities and things that have been provided for our people.”

“I would like to see the Virgin Islands Party continue from strength to strength and to carry on with the reputation of being the Party for the people,” Hon. O’Neal added.

He further assured supporters that the VIP has not been sleeping and has kept the people of the Territory “in front of them at all times”.