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Elford W. Parsons In! Hon J. Alvin Christopher Out! as PEP candidate in District 2

In one of the most risky political moves for the 2015 General Elections expected in July of this year, the newly formed People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) has decided that its long time Representative and Party Leader, Honourable J. Alvin Christopher (R2), will run as an At-Large candidate while new comer and former LIME Executive Mr Elford W. Parsons (right) will contest on the party’s slate in the Second District. Photo: VINO/Facebook
The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) has selected Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull (left) to contest the Second District on their slate. The main Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has not named a candidate to contest the Second District; however, there are calls for educator, businesswomen, youth leader and former Miss BVI Sharie B. De Castro to throw her hat in the ring under the VIP banner. Photo: Facebook/VINO/File
The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) has selected Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull (left) to contest the Second District on their slate. The main Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has not named a candidate to contest the Second District; however, there are calls for educator, businesswomen, youth leader and former Miss BVI Sharie B. De Castro to throw her hat in the ring under the VIP banner. Photo: Facebook/VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In one of the most risky political moves for the 2015 General Elections expected in July of this year, the newly formed People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) has decided that its long time Representative and Party Leader, Honourable J. Alvin Christopher (R2), will run as an At-Large candidate while new comer and former LIME Executive Mr Elford W. Parsons will contest on the party’s slate in the Second District.

This is according to this news site's senior sources close to the party after a meeting last night April 26 2015. It remains unclear what is the rationale behind the move as many political pundits see this as the PEP giving up a safe seat that it could have won.

NDP & VIP candidates

Thus far, the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) has selected Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, after ditching the controversial Claude O. Skelton Cline, to run in the Second District. The NDP boss, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, voiced at a meeting last week on Jost van Dyke, which is a part of the Second District, that “the NDP will do whatever it takes for Mitch to win”. 

The main Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has not named a candidate to contest the Second District; however, there are calls for educator, businesswoman, youth leader and former Miss BVI Sharie B. De Castro to throw her hat in the ring under the VIP banner.

It is unclear if she will heed the calls and if she will be the nominee of the VIP Second District Committee. According to a press release sent to the media last week from the VIP, nominations will close on April 28, 2015, and the Governing body- the Party Congress- will meet on May 6, 2015 to confirm their candidates for all nine district seats.

Christopher’s 20 years of service, fired by both parties

With reports of Hon Christopher planning to contest At-Large after serving the people of the Second District for 20 years after first being elected in 1995 as an independent candidate, thereafter joining the VIP in 1995 and serving as the Minister for Communications and Works, it could mean that the seat will be wide open.

Hon Christopher has been credited for some major infrastructural developments in the Virgin Islands, including many of the road widening on Tortola, road paving on Jost van Dyke, water expansion and the cruise pier upgrade project.

However, he was fired by the VIP in 2002 and joined the NDP in 2003 to contest the elections with the group. The NDP, along with Hon Christopher, was successful at the polls [2003-2007], however, the party fired Hon Christopher in 2006 after a public fight over a Telecommunications Bill that the NDP administration refused to support to liberalise the sector.

Efforts to reach the Party Chairman Hon Christopher and Vice-President Mr Parsons were unsuccessful up to post time.

68 Responses to “Elford W. Parsons In! Hon J. Alvin Christopher Out! as PEP candidate in District 2”

  • ccc (27/04/2015, 00:30) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow
  • .......... (27/04/2015, 00:33) Like (46) Dislike (5) Reply
    Look how alvin give the second district to mitch...well saw
  • UK student (27/04/2015, 00:37) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Say it aint so!!
  • xxxxxxxx (27/04/2015, 00:40) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Come on Alvin you remember what happened to Mark when he tried this strupps?
  • Well 'Sah' (27/04/2015, 00:51) Like (36) Dislike (45) Reply
    Before Mitch get out the gate he is already losing votes. The family of Parson who wasn't planning to vote for Christopher and planned to vote for Mitch, I wonder what they plan to do now. As Aubrey say 'ting to talk'! And Sistah Joyce say 'ting to sing'! The temperature just went up 50 degrees. Well Pason I have six votes in my household and I was planning to vote at large but not district because there was no way I was voting for a NDP candidate especially one who done say he didn't want anything to do with them and ask Christopher to run with his party. Now he wrap up in bed with them. Can't be trusted Mitch.
    • Well 'Sah' (27/04/2015, 01:05) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      That would be not voting for Christopher but planned to vote for Mitch.
      • think (27/04/2015, 10:14) Like (23) Dislike (17) Reply
        How many people apart from a few family members that you think will vote for Elford over Mitch and NDP? PEP isn't going anywhere so why would they vote for Elford knowing that he will be a sitting duck even if he won? What is his appeal? He cannot beat Mitch and Sharie shouldn't even waste her time.
    • Johnny B (27/04/2015, 04:04) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
      well saw the ham and Turkey will continue to dish out this election,or Parson might step it up and give you Steak and Lobster Lord have mercy..
  • Enquiring Mind (27/04/2015, 01:10) Like (36) Dislike (28) Reply
    Mitch, tell the voters how much money you got from the NDP government for the past 3 1/2 year to run your Lion Heart Program.
    • Funny (27/04/2015, 09:33) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
      Its obvious who this person is! YOU JUST MAD HE DIDN'T RUN VIP. LOL
    • tretretrete (27/04/2015, 10:00) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
      He could tell you how much he got from Andrew too...Andrew was the first and any education minister would be asked to give. Try another avenue, this road closed
    • METAY (27/04/2015, 11:38) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      TEEN YOUR BUSINESS. GO ASK GOVT. ALL YO TOO METAY.
  • eye witness (27/04/2015, 01:14) Like (17) Dislike (13) Reply
    Alvin, you see those two traitors from Cane Garden Bay who you fatten and them turn on you. The fat man and the woman with the man hair cut. Those who you ain't do a farm thing for still there with you.
  • Hmm (27/04/2015, 01:16) Like (17) Dislike (27) Reply
    A fresh breeze just pass through District Two. Parson ALL THE WAY!!!
    • False preacher (27/04/2015, 07:50) Like (24) Dislike (38) Reply

      Sharie decastro is the second district representative.... mitch go sit down too much talk going come out........ 

  • voter (27/04/2015, 01:20) Like (20) Dislike (16) Reply
    VINO, PEP win a seat not loose a seat. We didn't plan to vote Christopher but we voting Parsons for sure! Alvin needs to retire a winner. His time has come. He did a lot for his country for the first two terms. Retire with dignity 'Old Boy'
  • Outlaw (27/04/2015, 05:23) Like (47) Dislike (4) Reply
    Well look how Alvin Christopher has just committed political suecide
    • bvi (27/04/2015, 09:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      suicide
      • DEADDUCK (27/04/2015, 21:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply

        You aint see the PEP has no members. Uhuru said he is not running, so who is running under this party? Alvin using Elford to do his d***y work. If I was Elford I would say no way Jose.

  • Realist (27/04/2015, 05:46) Like (30) Dislike (3) Reply
    Say it ain't so! Alvin will loose at large.
  • Realist (27/04/2015, 05:50) Like (12) Dislike (18) Reply
    VINO, no online news site in the BVI better than you guys. The other news sites doesn't have this breaking news yet. I just love you all.
  • alvin and the chipmunks (27/04/2015, 06:44) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    I hope that this is a good move?
  • wize up (27/04/2015, 06:47) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI politics: ting to talk( I am loving it)
  • Concern 1 (27/04/2015, 07:08) Like (18) Dislike (20) Reply
    I believe PEP and VIP should enter the race as a coalition party.Remember as a united front it means more strength and that is what is needed to win this upcoming elections. At this moment the wind of change is taking over the Caribbean at this moment and VI ain't no exception. A CHANGE FOR CONTINUED PROCESS AND A PROGRESS.TIME FOR A CHANGE HERE IN THE BVI AND THE TIME IS NOW
  • Mercy Jesus (27/04/2015, 07:11) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Pray it's not so. Political suicide.....say goodbye to politics my boy.....At-large ya say, maybe two elections ago but not this one.... Dead before you get out the gate.
  • ???? (27/04/2015, 07:11) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a high risk manuva.
  • Look thing for me (27/04/2015, 07:41) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    The Adams family in trouble now. What a thing.
  • in the news (27/04/2015, 08:28) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Alvin dead dead dead At-Large
  • No Respect (27/04/2015, 08:33) Like (30) Dislike (4) Reply
    Its truly sad.

    Communication is key. That is one of Alvin Christopher's biggest issue.

    He has not communicated with his 2 district in over 8 years. He didn't give us the voters in the 2nd district the respect, common courtesy to come and let us know he has no intention of running again. Are we now suppose to welcome Mr. Parsons because if he is being trained by you, all we can expect in the 2nd is more of the same, ham & turkey every Christmas and come looking votes every 4 years.

    Mr. Christopher knew he couldn't/won't stand a chance of winning again in the 2nd district against Mitch, that's why he run now gone at large.

    Mr. Christopher as become a man of all talk, when you do hear him speak. He is not getting my vote for at large. He couldn't represent the 2nd district why would I think he will represent the country at large. Then again the only thing that is on Mr. Christopher's mine is becoming the Premier.
  • Yes (27/04/2015, 09:09) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is all a cook up because Mitch has Adams/Parsons on his team.
  • hmmmm ha (27/04/2015, 09:36) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    He just know he going get some licks and backing out lol shame shows he kno he wasn't doing everything he was too
  • 2nd man (27/04/2015, 09:39) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    This is Mitch race to lose. Sharie nor Elford can't beat Mitch in Jost Van Dyke or Cane Garden Bay. Parsons will be strong in Myers area and Sharie in Brewers. Mitch will win this race in the end. Why vote for Elford with dead PEP? Would Sharie really run with Fraser? LOL.. wow.
  • AJC ineffective (27/04/2015, 09:57) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    Alvin has not been effective in the second for far too long now he want run at large? You can't manage the 2nd district properly Sir and now you chose Elford without the decency to inform us!!! Mitch you have my vote. Can't deal with this no more.
  • chad (27/04/2015, 11:05) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    The VIP are desperate and PEP cannot get their act together. NDP has shown that they are the ones that are best suited to take us forward. Slate already confirmed long time and work is being done as we speak. These guys have their act together.
  • ----------------------------- (27/04/2015, 11:59) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    alvin will get the shock of his life maybouy
  • chad (27/04/2015, 12:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS CRAZY ........
  • Realist (27/04/2015, 12:51) Like (20) Dislike (21) Reply
    Doing infrastructural projects doesn't guarantee a win this election for the NDP or addressing the real issues of our time. People are struggling here in the BVI and the NDP Administration are not tackling REAL short-term and long-term goals. What are they doing to address food security? Are they introducing other industries to supplement the Financial Services and Tourism sectors? We need more generating of revenues to move forward with future projects. What are the measures being done to take us off France's blacklist? Even though they are addressing the minimum wage which I think is an election ploy, what is being done to protect consumers because persons are going to sleep hungry due to rising costs of groceries across the board. Persons were critical of Andrew doing the drag racing feasibility study which I think is a great idea to broaden our sports tourism product and establish careers in this field. What real initiates being put forward for medical tourism? The feasibility study for a medical school was received with criticism which is also a great idea too. What about establishing a land bank? Even though some measures are being done to address youth unemployment, there are temporary fixes not permanent ones. I can go on and on but NDP are only capitalizing on VIP projects for the most part. They have done some good initiatives but they are not as forward thinking when it comes to addressing the REAL issues nor are they coming up with out of the box initiatives. I will be the first to say the VIP have done some ridiculous things any Administration does but I feel they are better suited to take this Territory forward. I am NOT a ardent VIP supporter but I have seen the comparisons. NDP ain't ready yet.
    • explain (27/04/2015, 17:07) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      You have made the comparison. Compare VIP 2007-2011 to NDP 2011 to present and tell me how you come up with NDP not ready yet but VIP are? LMAO!!!!
      • ooooo (27/04/2015, 22:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        the VIP is not corrupt
      • Realist (27/04/2015, 23:41) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
        Since you are an NDP Supporter, tell me what was done to address the REAL issues in 2003-2007, 2011 to present and I don't want to hear continuation and completion of initial VIP Projects.
  • wow (27/04/2015, 12:52) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Alvin aint study us in the second district and then just get up and gone. Not even a meeting with his people of the second. We had to find out on the news
  • HAHA (27/04/2015, 13:41) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even Archie will beat Alvin at-large lol
  • Pundit (27/04/2015, 13:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ey,

    Alvin has "them" the size of cantaloupes messon. This is a Vegas move here. ALL OR NOTHING.
  • @ Realistic (27/04/2015, 13:43) Like (23) Dislike (13) Reply
    VIP brag about running this country for 40 years and look at the things you are crying about, yet still they are better suited? NDP doing VIP projects? NAME ONE!!! NDP are moving the country forward and have done in 3 years what VIP could'nt do in 8 years, that is a fact. Your long rant makes no sense because who have eyes can see what's happening in this country. NDP have moved us, especially in Education and infrastructure, further than this VIP. Fraser is afraid of his record and you are saying VIP better?
    • m$. p (27/04/2015, 14:20) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply

      @ @realist you making no sense shut the f#%@ up.

    • Realist (27/04/2015, 14:29) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      VIP was not in power for over 40 years so you are wrong there. VIP as a political entity was established over 40 years ago. Projects put forward and brag about for e.g. Hospital, Cruise Pier among others are VIP projects but your loyalty to party clouds your judgement to be objective. I was not ranting but was just stating what is out there cause you and the NDP seem to be out of touch with the realities on the ground. I have been critical of both parties as I think they have come up short but I feel VIP is better suited to lead when comparing the two and that's my viewpoint.
      • @ Realist (27/04/2015, 15:21) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
        So tell us why 1. Why VIP couldn't finish those projects 1999-2003 and 2007-2011 and 2. Tell us why we should vote for VIP with Julian Fraser as the Premier and 3. Explain why, despite saying that VIP had 'projects'but NDP are the ones that actually executed them, why then is VIP still best suited to run this country. I will await your response.
        • Realist (27/04/2015, 16:46) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
          Stop giving me NDP talking points and specifically address issues point by point. I don't have time for talking points, I rather have a constructive discussion.
  • Concerned (27/04/2015, 14:30) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    Well look the devil for me. If you vote for Elford, you will be voting for Alvin. If you vote for Mitch, you really don't know who you voting for because he can't be trusted. VIP, if you smart you will put TONY "BONE CRUSHER" DONOVAN up for the second district. I know he is a man to his word. This is an opportunity; don't blow it!!!
    • Yes (27/04/2015, 15:18) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Please do the government work from spreading propaganda. Your statement is senseless. JOKES Hahaha.
  • hit and run (27/04/2015, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The man just pass through the district and gone just so like a hit and run
  • JVD Upset (27/04/2015, 15:37) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alvin you do not do people so...how you goin to just do nothing for us and then leave us.
  • Ham Man (27/04/2015, 15:39) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    well look where we have to come to find out our district rep jump ship on us, on the news, not even a meeting. and we have been putting this man in for years. no care at all for his people. just take us up and drop us down like children without a owner
  • No (27/04/2015, 16:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I dont understand how Alvin Christopher could do run a whole country "At Large" when he couldnt run a small district. He is no leader. He is proven to be a failure. He should just pack his bags and go home!
  • RealPol (27/04/2015, 17:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Hon Christopher, having represented D-2 for several terms, this is an interesting move. But in PEP in looking at the map may see this strategy as a good move. Nonetheless, from my vantage point, PEP being a new party may not have the political capital yet to leverage such a move. The question is has Hon Christopher built the capital for Pareon or others to ride his coal tail to victory. Winning is everything in politics. People like a winner. What is Alvin's best chance of eking out a victory? D-2 or at large? Interesting strategy!
  • Boo (27/04/2015, 17:59) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    well that's the end of Alvin's political career. Mitch will edge out Elford and NDP back in for another four.
  • NOFOOL (27/04/2015, 21:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alvin is no fool. He has vision. He has envisioned what all can't see. He is being instructed by the Higher Powers and that can't lose so this is going to be interesting. Some people got to be getting one of the $50,000 that the Govt. pays him each month for his building to switch their votes and cause an upset. Alwin? Alwin? Don't underestimate him.
  • VOTE (27/04/2015, 21:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vote the Family, all the way.
  • cbs (27/04/2015, 22:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are a mixed up people. Looking for Alvin in the Second District and he cannot be found. Looking for Dawson in the District and at large and he too cannot be found. Where is he?
    • For Real? (28/04/2015, 07:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      We were looking for Mitch too and just saw him when he was officially declared. find another tatic.
  • Not so Smart (28/04/2015, 14:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Christopher this is not a smart move. All these years i thought you were an educated man this is really political suiside. This is an easy win for the NDP what a ting to tell the king.
  • church (28/04/2015, 17:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    At large winners ipo dancia dr dawson dr smith
    • voter (28/04/2015, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      lol @ Dancia and Dawson

      Seriously? dude like are you serious?
    • WHOYOUSAY? (28/04/2015, 20:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Gancia Penn? Dr. Smith? Last time a lil pen edged out Dancia. And Dr. Smith don't like to be mobody's puppet.
      What happen to the lady with the guns in her house?
  • Just saying (30/04/2015, 12:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the symbol is the family. so how come none some of does men not acting as they are the head leader in their family with a moral standard. leadership begins at home if a man wants to truly leads this country it begin w..... It begin at home and then to the streets. this not just about infrastructure this about people lives that at here . where we honestly from here ?? every one trying to get their pocket full the rich get richer the poor becomes more poorer plan initiatives and taxes. the bvi cant undergo another four years we really need to take a good look at these men, who say they care about us .check there status, background, family life and immoral act. this is done in other countries why not in the BVI as well....... as the saying say don't let them fool you with words building here and building there we want men of true quality NOT DISRESPECT MAN OF LAWYALTY IN THE HOME AND IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PEOPLE ABOVE SELF
  • .......... (30/04/2015, 12:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    MITCH please don't get caught up in the NDP web and loose your integrity and family values remember too guard your spirit


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