Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Fed -up! Virgin Gordians urged to look for new leaders

Residents of Virgin Gorda continue to complain of being neglected by the Government and its associated administrative arms. Photo: VINO/File
Former Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), right, had criticised Ninth District Representative Dr The Hon Hubert O'Neal (left) of being sidelined by his own National Democratic Party Government, something which Hon O'Neal did not take kindly to. Photo: VINO/File
Former Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), right, had criticised Ninth District Representative Dr The Hon Hubert O'Neal (left) of being sidelined by his own National Democratic Party Government, something which Hon O'Neal did not take kindly to. Photo: VINO/File
The Facebook post by Sharon Flax-Brutus calling for new leadership for Virgin Gorda. Photo: Facebook
The Facebook post by Sharon Flax-Brutus calling for new leadership for Virgin Gorda. Photo: Facebook
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI - At Virgin Gorda, the second most populated community of the Territory of the Virgin Islands, there is an old cry that remains new- that of being and feeling neglected by the Government and its associated administrative arms.

"Things have gone to the dogs here at my beautiful Virgin Gorda. Yes we don't have the incidents of crimes as much or severe as Tola (Tortola) but we are being neglected, abused, used and raped in every fashion," said a popular school teacher on the sister island, who declined to have her name published.

"There are just a few of us who speak up but I hope they don't blame the wrong person and victimise them when y'all put out this comment VINO."

A deaf ear

The concerned teacher said that for decades leaders have been turning a deaf ear to a number of issues that continue to plague the island, and in fact have gotten worse.

"So many issues we have and have been trying to get our leaders to deal with them. One of the issues I want to mention to you is the overcrowding of especially Lee Road when the ships are in. This government will wait until something serious happens before they address it."

Another concern raised was the ongoing work at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour which residents continue to allege may have serious negative impact on the reefs and beaches along the stretch.

New leadership needed

While those concerns were shared with this news site last week, residents had another sounding voice on social network, calling for a change and new leadership.

A comment posted by Mrs Sharon Flax-Brutus, who is a frequent contributor on Facebook, and who does it in her personal capacity and as a concerned resident of Virgin Gorda, called for new leadership of the sister island.

Today on Facebòok she wrote, "Virgin Gordian and Anegadians - we have 2 years to find a Fabulous 5 to represent our district and our interests. We either need to field a slate of 5 or we need to secede from the union!!  It can't be no worse than what we are going through now?  It like we going to hell in a pinder shell!   I love my VG and right now my heart aches. We should all be ashamed for allowing our island to get to this state."

District 9 Rep has no reach?

With many residents of Virgin Gorda and Anegada complaining of having an invisible, unreachable and allegedly ineffective Ninth District Representative, then Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R1) had suggested during a public meeting in November 2016 in Virgin Gorda that it is a case of the representative not been given the respect and assistance of his own National Democratic Party (NPD) members.

The Ninth District Representative is Dr The Hon Hubert O’Neal who won the seat left vacant by former Premier and long serving legislator Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE at the 2015 General Elections of the Virgin Islands.

Hon Fraser had said the shortcomings of any Representative of the 9th District could be blamed on them having the “lack of reach.”

Following these statements, an irate Dr O’Neal had called his own meeting in Virgin Gorda in November 2016 and in a manner most unbecoming of an elected representative, said he is normally a quiet person but he was upset to the point that he would have punched Hon Fraser even if they were in the House of Assembly.

He would later apologise in the House of Assembly for his unstatesmanlike behaviour.

34 Responses to “Fed -up! Virgin Gordians urged to look for new leaders”

  • Sharon (21/06/2017, 08:42) Like (14) Dislike (30) Reply
    I tens to disagree we need to unite and help Mr. Hubert
    • VG (21/06/2017, 13:04) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply

      Unite again when countless persons have offered to assist, join a committee and get nowhere?? It is sad. He does NOT have a functioning district committee and those asked to be on other committees have been begging for a meeting for the longest while. His interest is , in his words "to tap the billionaires in the North Sound area" 

  • VG (21/06/2017, 09:03) Like (32) Dislike (28) Reply
    I agree. We are tired and fed up. There are a few people on VG who speak up but we need the masses. We can run our own show. Dr. O'Neal needs to go
  • Listening (21/06/2017, 09:14) Like (7) Dislike (19) Reply
    Representative for the Ninth, please go and talk to your people and really listen to what their views and needs are and systematically attack them. We have too many politicians flapping in the wind and moving when a few members of their constituent whisper their personal needs in their ears. But residents of Virgin Gorda, please try a little harder to get in touch with and reach out to your new leader. He is green, but seems to have a willing heart. You have been neglected now for some time, and under a seasoned top tier representative and made no noise. So help your new Honourable Representative to help you by also being kind and patient like you have done for all these years. I understand that things will deteriorate more and more as the years go by, but good Representatives are hard to come by. You know what you have and what you will get is another story that only God can tell.
    • Road Town (21/06/2017, 09:57) Like (20) Dislike (20) Reply
      Sorry to say these things did not happen over night the former minister for that district is to blame while I am no fan of the NDP we have to under stand this is the minister first term he can not be blame call a spade a spade.
      • VG TIRED AND FED UP (21/06/2017, 15:15) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        We don't have time nor energy to be concerned about who was there before. Dr O'neal is the rep now.. He been trying to get this position for 4 or 5 elections and you would think that he would have done his research all those years he's been running. wake up from the glee and nostalgia of winning and get to work for the people. Forget who was there before!! You are there now. What are you doing. You are young and vibrant and acting like you are ready to succumb by doing absolutely NOTHING. Wake up from your slumber and do the work you are getting paid for and stop blaming Ralph. He is not the rep. YOU ARE
        • VOTER #6 (21/06/2017, 20:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          As an Virgin Gordain I'm absolutely embarrassed Dr. H O'neal is our representative
      • Take my advice (21/06/2017, 22:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        Totally agree, however he needs a totally different committee. He will not survive with this group. People are willing to help you but change that committee.
  • wow (21/06/2017, 10:36) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
    bertie is a fighter, just the wrong kind of fight instead of boxing fraser jaw, he should be fighting for money for his district
  • facts (21/06/2017, 10:36) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    We all know ndp must go but they would be reelected
  • YAWN (21/06/2017, 10:41) Like (33) Dislike (5) Reply

    Same old sh*t until contracts and free food start sharing at rallies.

  • Resident Alike (21/06/2017, 11:56) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    All I'm going to say is you'll is who put him there now ya crying for change. I have never voted NDP and I have no intention. But the truth of the matter is we are really and truly being neglected by the Government and this has got to stop. Change is a must if that's what it will take to be heard. I rest my case.
  • vex (21/06/2017, 12:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow again
  • tretretrete (21/06/2017, 13:07) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply

    He has been told of all the issues surrounding Virgin Gorda and Anegada hundreds of times. He is an unwanted child of the NDP and NOBODY wants to adopt him. He has to go. A total waste. 

    • @ hmmm (21/06/2017, 20:19) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      It must be terribly frustrating, not to mention humiliating, for the VIP to keep losing elections to the NDP, especially considering their superior intelligence.
    • Very unkind (22/06/2017, 21:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I understand your frustrations as I am too; however, let's be kind, patient and supportive. I can only imagine if I were Mr. O'NEAL it would be hard to read this and the other things being said about me. Let's edify and NOT tear each other apart. Let's offer encouragement instead of discouragement. The world and the BVI, would be a much better place if we would start working together to help each other out.
  • bvi (21/06/2017, 14:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    BVI people will never be pleased, that is a fact! It's easy for everyone to bitch, moan and complain but ask them to come forward and be a part of the solution, everybody ankle sprain because not man or woman moving. STFU!
    • little Dix (21/06/2017, 16:50) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      Little Six soon open..That's their next election campaign slogan.."We NDP brought little dix back for the people of virgin gorda".. We provide work for the people... Bam..4 more years..
  • TIRED OF IT ALL (21/06/2017, 14:10) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    The people of VG are letting the high ups in Tortola walk all over us. The 9th district representative does not seem to have a clue what is going on in the Valley.

    He seems loathe or frightened to investigate the the BVI Investment Club which has close links to Government, and owns the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Ask Hubert O'Neal if the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour had permission to reclaim land, at least 50' into the ocean. The VG community had no idea that they were going to do that. They say they are renovating. No, this is RECLAMATION! Yes, we are upset about this!!!! Hubert O’Neal should be watching this development very closely, and stepping in if they are forging ahead without the necessary permission, and then should report back to his constituents.

    The jetty at St. Thomas Bay has just been mended. Was any engineering study done before this repair was under taken? Did anyone stop to think that putting a foot of concrete on top of the existing jetty might not be the best answer, especially as underneath the jetty shows signs of deterioration? Did anyone take into consideration that the people were going to have to step down an extra foot to get onto the ferry? This could be very dangerous, especially in a heavy ground sea.

    On the subect of the jetty, did our Government really have to pay $75,000 for the ferries to be able to go into the Yacht Harbour? That is $2500 per day! Outrageous! Money into the BVI Investment Club’s pocket.

    The road works on the Lee Road are taking forever to complete. Business are suffering.

    People are still out of work, and there is still another 6 months before Little Dix is supposed to open. Even then they are not assured of getting their jobs back. Bitter End, YCCS, Saba Rock will be closing for a couple of months. Virgin Gorda is dependent upon tourism, this is our bread and butter.

    It is not a pretty picture, and times are tough in Virgin Gorda, particularly the Valley. Hubert O’Neal wanted the job of 9th District Representative. So, with all due respect, please do it Mr. O’Neal.

  • nadda virgin (21/06/2017, 16:35) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Shucks, O'Neal knows that David Johnson is the right leader for Virgin Gorda. He has more clout then the Gov'nor!
    When Johnson wants something, the private jets just pour right in. Go for it, fella!
  • Guilty (21/06/2017, 16:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need leaders. What we have are all followers, who call themselves leaders...A leader Will walk out of meeting, Fuss, Broke ranks if necessary when things ain going in their people favor. We are just as guilty. We voted for these kind of people
  • Political Obsever (PO) (21/06/2017, 16:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is it not a standard operating procedure for Public Works Departments and its road contractors to issue advance notice of road closures, especially with the limitation of alternately routes? Should not road closures occur at a time that will provide the least convenience to road users/customers? If the road closure occur without any advance notice to users, it was insensitive, inconsiderate and total disregard for the needs of customers. Hopefully, this was an oversight. VG residents deserve better.
  • Funny (21/06/2017, 17:33) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    The funniest part is if you ask these loud mouth complainers for a step by step realistic plan to solve their problems they couldn't even past step 1! The easiest thing in life is to sit on the sidelines and complain about everything but offering no solutions. No matter who you elect, as long as this attitude remains the same, the outcome will be the same. Hubert is one man, what do you expect him to do to just change everything in Virgin Gorda? What are the people in Virgin Gorda doing? As far as I can see, Virgin Gorda don't need no Government, they have everything going for them as the premier destination in the BVI. They just need to come together as a unit and do what needs to be done in the best interest of the island. Stop whining and do something!
    • VG (22/06/2017, 10:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      We have reached out to Hubert with solutions and volunteered to assist. He is always getting back to us no matter how many times he is approached. He needs to be able to work with all the people whether he thinks they voted for him or not. This is his problem.
  • weed (21/06/2017, 20:07) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    They may not be as enthusiastic about supporting the NDP but what's the alternative?
  • 911 (21/06/2017, 20:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    A major reason why our nation's fabric is all wet and rotting is because too many voters [self-righteous as they are] vote for party rather than principle.
  • Kingfish (21/06/2017, 20:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is so mind boggling to me is that these horrors are just a repeat of the same horrors that re occur elections after elections
  • Joker (21/06/2017, 22:12) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    There have been so many things going wrong with this administration that I have lost count. We have to pray and ask God to give us a new direction for this entire country. It's the only way we can ever get any where. We also have to stand against these ministers that operate in their best interest but not the interest of the people. It's time people for us to unite stand and march
  • wow (22/06/2017, 15:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    2 yrs is too long! We need a SNAP Election now b4 it's too late.
  • Vi girl (22/06/2017, 22:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    We need a new group of voices who speak to all bvislanders.
  • *** (23/06/2017, 23:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our backs are to the wall. Time to unload with both barrels.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.