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‘Don’t be deceived by fancy talkers’ – Hon Vanterpool

- lists 'achievements' of the NDP government at launch of new cruise pier, saying they ‘deserve a clap’
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool slipped into campaign mode yesterday April 29, 2015 when he extolled the National Democratic Party government not only for the cruise pier development project but for a number of others including the Peebles Hospital and the sewerage project. Photo: VINO
A section of the audience at the opening ceremony for the cruise pier project. Photo: VINO
A section of the audience at the opening ceremony for the cruise pier project. Photo: VINO
Norwegian Cruise Lines Breakaway leaving the upgraded cruise pier yesterday after it arrived with 4,000 plus passengers. Photo: VINO
Norwegian Cruise Lines Breakaway leaving the upgraded cruise pier yesterday after it arrived with 4,000 plus passengers. Photo: VINO
The night was capped off by a display of fireworks. Photo: VINO
The night was capped off by a display of fireworks. Photo: VINO
Some of the fireworks on display. Photo: VINO
Some of the fireworks on display. Photo: VINO
Bright colours lit up the skies. Photo: VINO
Bright colours lit up the skies. Photo: VINO
Another of the displays of fireworks. Photo: VINO
Another of the displays of fireworks. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) continued in his campaign mode yesterday April 29, 2015 when he extolled the National Democratic Party (NDP) government not only for the cruise pier development project but for a number of other projects, including the Peebles Hospital and the National Sewerage Project.

He was speaking at the official opening ceremony for the expanded cruise pier which saw the first megaship docked, the Norwegian Breakaway, which arrived with over 4,000 passengers and which henceforth will be back in the VI on a regular basis.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this cruise pier development is beyond a shadow of a doubt the hallmark of a government that is determined to lift the standard of living for the people of the Virgin Islands now and for generations to come. So I say that the delivery of this project in the circumstances that we have gone through and in the hurdles that we have been through remind me of the famous Jamaican reggae lyrics, and I quote, “Action speaks louder than words…don’t be deceived by all those fancy talkers…”

The Minister then went on to list some of the other achievements of the government as selling points for their stewardship.

“Ladies and gentleman, this Government set out on a mission to build a better British Virgin Islands. I am pleased that I have been able to journey to this stage with my team to deliver a brand new, spanking hospital. That deserves a clap ladies and gentlemen,” he said.

“I am proud to stand before you and say that I am pleased to be journeying with my team to break ground for a brand new medical facility in Virgin Gorda. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to say that have been happy, comfortable and most gracious to travel with my team lead by Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith to deliver a state of the art technical school that has been talked about for many years,” he said.

Honourable Vanterpool said he was pleased that he is part of the team that will craft a clear environmental policy for the Virgin Islands, that will review the minimum wage and that will create a process for a new airport in the territory. “I want to say that deserves a round of applause,” he said.

The right person

The Minister said too he is proud to be part of a government that continues to ensure that increase oversight in tourism, including cruise tourism under the directorship of the Premier, “who is without a doubt the right person to navigate the way through difficult times of the financial services sector.”

“Permit me to say that it is very important for us as Virgin Islanders to understand that we are at a critical stage in the development of the Virgin Islands and at this critical stage we need leadership that can handle the tenacity, the negotiations, the right spirit and the right approach to taking these Virgin Islands through these hard times,” he said.

“We have the right leader at the helm and I feel good about it. The right leader at the right time for these British Virgin Islands,” he said.

With his voice rising, he said that it is “your government at work” when they are upgrading power supply at the BVI Electricity Corporation and piloting legislation for the use of renewable energy, upgrading the water distribution networks and rehabilitating of the roads. “That deserves a clap ladies and gentlemen,” he said.

32 Responses to “‘Don’t be deceived by fancy talkers’ – Hon Vanterpool”

  • wize up (30/04/2015, 08:15) Like (26) Dislike (3) Reply
    if you like the NDP administration or if you hate the NDP administration; one must agree that current administration have made some strides to the further development of these virgin islands...
    • @wize up (30/04/2015, 09:15) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
      They have made some progress but to what degree? This is a great accomplishment but there are much greater issues that may derail an NDP reelection. All of this is great but in the grand scheme of things, when you have persons struggling daily and basic needs cannot be met i.e. running water, increase of cost of living and no attention is being paid to that, that can be a major hurdle.
      • Stop the nonsense (30/04/2015, 09:51) Like (21) Dislike (11) Reply
        To the commenter above. You think it's now we have not had running water on a daily basis. You think its now people struggling. What has the VIP done to fix those issues. We had sewage running in the streets for years under the VIP. I am sure you can walk around town and their isn't the smell of sewage anymore since NDP took over. They removed the eyesore the pier used to be and right now turning it into something beautiful that we can be proud of and will create businesses to stimulate the economy.

        Like it or not the NDP had a plan to move the BVI forward and they are fulfilling those plans. Voting them out would be utter insanity. One term look at all that they have accomplished. If you cant see it, simply means you don't want to see it
        • @Stop the Nonsense (30/04/2015, 11:07) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
          I was being thoughtful in my response but people like you always thinking negatively. The water woes plagued both Administrations even though projects were being done to correct this vexing issue. The reality is people are struggling with increased cost of living among other things like never before and it is under the NDP's watch and it may fully well cost them the election. If it doesn't I will congratulate them on their reelection but it will be a tough and rugged one.
          • People like me (30/04/2015, 15:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
            U said people like me think negatively. You brought up things has been plaguing us for years. You are naive to think that it can be fixed in four years. The current administration has made a good start. Striking a delicate balance to fix infrastructure that has been damaged for years and creating new opportunities for those who want to help themselves move forward in the BVI. I simply pointed out the facts that you so woefully chose to ignore. With your comments. That being said there is still alot more to be done and changing of government will set us back another 4 years. Just my opinion
      • wize up (30/04/2015, 11:39) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ wize up; I agree with you 100% because I am one of those who have suffered under the current administration BUT what you have rightfully pointed began years ago and not simply over the last 3 years..it is very important that "we" the people make wize choices this upcoming elections..
  • Fireworks (30/04/2015, 08:30) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    School children say that $75,000.00 was spent on fireworks!! The show was good for the $. Can't wait for Christmas and New Years.
  • Crimestopper (30/04/2015, 08:40) Like (16) Dislike (17) Reply
    Nobody got more fancy talk than he. I don't know why people can't see he true colors. He worse than a Cookie Monster.
    • rr (30/04/2015, 09:28) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply

      Who is the cookie monster, and how is Hon. Mark Vanterpool worst that who ever that is? Please explain the fancy talk, because I'm a little slow but i can actually see the things that he was talking about for myself...... Not just talk or promises but actual things i can put my hands on.

      • RR + (30/04/2015, 21:54) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        If you don't know cookie monster than you are too young or out of touch which means you don't understand the dynamics of this fancy talker and how he pushed things through. It is not all good.
  • Proud Vislander (30/04/2015, 09:04) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
    @Crimestopper..
    you sound bitter..When the VIP has some major accomplishments, is able to push this Territory forward in the main sources of income (that being Tourism and Financial Services... just in case you were unaware - they are our source of bread and water and should be treated as such! They are very important to the sustainability of this Territory..but I digress)..only then, perhaps you should comment on anyone's true colors! #chilebye
    • @Proud Vislander (30/04/2015, 10:01) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Even though I agree with you for the most part, we cannot fully depend on Financial Services and Tourism as they are fragile industries and yes continous strides are essential. However, not enough emphasis is being done by the NDP to introduce more industries to generate additional revenues to become more self-sustainable. Infrastructural projects is essential but maybe not enough to win reelection.
      • Sir. (30/04/2015, 10:29) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        So they are making improvements, steps that others have only talked about that yet that is not enough? Here we saying still not enough is being done. I have a question..... What are we as BVI Landers doing to generate additional revenues to become more self-sustainable? or are we just waiting for handouts and blaming government for everything.
        • @sir (30/04/2015, 11:19) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
          You are being an idiot. You cannot fully depend on these industries as they are service oriented and can be gone if effective measures aren't being done and external forces is another factor. The BVI do not export goods for revenue unlike other Caribbean Countries, our economy is not diversified enough. Please stop being ignorant and think of the bigger picture. Most BVIslanders are not looking for handouts but Governments are elected to put effective initiatives and measures in place so citizen can work and live up to their fullest potential. Once again, stop being an idiot.
          • Yes (30/04/2015, 12:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
            So I'm being an idiot because i asked what are we as BVI Landers doing to generate additional revenue instead of playing the blame game? wow! sorry for having a mind of my own to actually wanna think of different initiatives to make money. Im so ignorant for thinking that way. Oh! and no where in my comment did i say or imply anything about fully depending on anything... oooo you so touchy eh... aight to get to your question, what is or has the VIP done to generate additional revenues? because all mr man talks about is spending spending spending.....
            Man finally getting the place on track and here comes ratchet elohssa like you with your tihsllub criticizing instead of offering solutions? You stay and wait for any government to put something in place for you to work and live to your fullest potential. dyam idiat
            • @LOL (30/04/2015, 12:52) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
              Ignorant fool
              • Yes (30/04/2015, 13:04) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
                just like you :) you have to resort to name calling to get your point across? hahahahahahahaha look how i got you mad and flustered... lol this is fun!!
  • xxxxxxxx (30/04/2015, 09:36) Like (16) Dislike (8) Reply
    It’s so sad after all that the people still chase the NDP out of office…what a shame.. Reminds me of Denzel Douglas, the government of Montserrat before they lost and even the one in Anguilla…NDP going get the shock of their lives...and thanks Mark we will not listen to no fancy talk from you or your gang
  • VG proud (30/04/2015, 09:50) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Giving a loud round of aplosse for the Government of the VI for the good work of progressing ahead with the needed developments in this territory God bless you all along with the opposition
  • +++ (30/04/2015, 10:05) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sir, you are the fancy talker...
  • SUPPER TIME (30/04/2015, 10:28) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    WE STILL ON THE PLANTATION
  • ABC (30/04/2015, 10:44) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    After last night's feast, one thing is crystal clear, KMARK will be spared from giving away a truck load of turkey and hams before the next election in two mths time.
  • Road Town Rebel (30/04/2015, 11:39) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Unsustainable Entitlement Growth- On entitlements, spending and payments, the Virgin Islands political elites—NDP, VIP et al.—is leading us to the brink of national bankruptcy. The ongoing political war for the upcoming political battle, the cronies bailouts, and the cruise pier, Sea Cows Bay project et al. are all consequences of an environment in which OUR leaders know they’ll never be held to account for the debts they incur in OUR names. This represents a very serious long-term threat to the Virgin Islands economic sustainability and stability.
  • Keeno (30/04/2015, 12:07) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Some body please blind fold me tell me this man aint fancy talking he self! Don't come with tha! I almost through up on some body shoes when he were talking! It was a nice little outing but please stop all the corruption minister! In these days you cant tell you the wolves. they all walking round like sheeps!!
  • i from here (30/04/2015, 12:07) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
    All hail NDP!!
  • Sue (30/04/2015, 16:43) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who pay for the fireworks after the show the facts remain the same the middle class still struggling to pay bills and to put food on the table for their children the NDP only concern for the rich and famous and they give the contracts to their friends and the rest of us have to suck our fingers.
  • ___ (30/04/2015, 21:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    the party is pure ego. there are other ways of inviting new people. preferably AFTER basic infrastructure is done for the good of the local people. This is all pure ego.
  • judge (30/04/2015, 23:07) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why can't we all just get along? This foolishness about changing government every 4 years has to stop. It sets the country back. I will give the government another chance but we will have our eyes on them like hawks in the watching chicken.
    • Yep (02/05/2015, 13:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Where were you 3.5 years ago? We will consider this 4 year change after this election. hope for the best.
  • W*F (01/05/2015, 01:59) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why NDP did not properly provide the necessary supplies that the hospital needs to provide care to admitted patients is beyond me. In the hospital patients can't get a bottle of water. They run water from the sink if they can find a glass. No sheets, no towels, no band aids, no thermometers, Nooooooooooo, damn Nothing. Deal with the Hospital, then NDP can talk about first class medical care.
  • TRUTH PLYER (03/05/2015, 12:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am asking how one party in the BVI could try telling people that it is responsible for all these things when, over the years, in one way or other, te NDP and VIP have, for better or worse, been involved in each of the projects mentioned by the minister.

    Crying shame, obviously neither do the members of the NDP or the general public have Alzheimer's disease.

    The worst thing is that you are playing us for fools. Well, you could very well be right. On or before July 30, when the next election comes around, we shall see what we see.

    Man Mark, you are a joke Road Town is a mess. Main Street, the oldest section of Tortola, should be cherished and treated as a historical site. As the District Representative and Minister of Works, we expect that you will make the town; especially Main Street a priority. I think it might be because most people living in the district are not from here; don’t have a BH paper!

    People can't even take a walk on Main Street without wondering if a car is going to hit them or if they are going to put their feet in the wrong spot. The least you can do is to fix up Main Street, stop people from parking there, put in a nice wide sidewalk so people-l and tourists- can enjoy. Disabled or older people will be able to get around more.

    I wonder why you are trying to make a show in other districts when your own district needs attention. While you are extolling your accomplishments I want to know why you are not widening the roads. You think that the pier (and the NDP is not solely responsible for that) by itself is going to make a difference? Good planning will dictate that you see to the infrastructure and not just for show before you bring all the tourists in. I don't see that the Taxi Industry is going to benefit much if the roads are too narrow.

    And, what about public transportation? The majority live in the hills, so what is going to happen when you got older folks? Talking about older people, those of us who were in the study want to know how come the NDP did not tell us about what the researcher found. Don't say the researcher did not finish. We know better! How long ago did she give your government the report?


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