Remarking that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government has the best interest of the country at heart, Hard Talk’ radio host and outspoken social commendation, Julio S. Henry aka ‘Sam’ in a July 25, 2019, social media rant lambasted House of Assembly (HoA) District 4 Representative, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) accusing him of trying to derail the progress of the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: VINO/File/Facebook

Hard Talk radio host Julio S. Henry is urging Hon Mark H. Vanterpool to focus on local business development, pointed to economic challenges coming from the United Kingdom (UK) and from the European Union (EU) to the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Internet Source

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Julian Willock, right, have been commended by commentator Julio S. Henry aka ‘Sam’ for their conduct in the HoA. Photo: GIS/VINO/File

In commending House Speaker, Hon Julian Willock and Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) for conducting the House in a respectable manner, Henry reflected on the Thursday, July 25, 2019 Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), where he speculated that Mr Vanterpool's "insubordination" was a disruption influenced by a third party.  

Disruption

“It shows that what the intention of Mark Vanterpool and whoever else is pushing him outside of the House of Assembly to try to derail, try to disrupt, try to redirect the progress of this country going forward… and I got to say to them… stop it while you’re ahead,” Henry said.

The Hard Talk host also remarked that Government politicians are thinking on their feet in addressing Vanterpool’s behaviour in the House. This he said is proof that they are looking into the best interest of the territory. 

In a direct appeal to Hon Vanterpool, Henry said “Mark… take that time and that energy and focus on the Fourth District. What the people need right now is a district cleanup… they need entrepreneurship… they need money to help some of these young people get their businesses going,” he said in noting that buildings and businesses in Road Town need major refurbishing.

“Stop trying to bring things into the House of Assembly to try to bring down the government… they are ready for your tactics, they know what you are coming with and you are going to get defeated.”

UK & EU Pressure

Henry is urging Hon Vanterpool to focus on local business development as he pointed to foreign economic challenges coming from the United Kingdom (UK) and from the European Union (EU) towards the Virgin Islands (VI).

In referencing Mr Vanterpool's influence in the business sector, he implored him to organise efforts to fight these outside influence instead of fighting in the House of Assembly.