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'I don't miss the politics'- Dr Kedrick D. Pickering

- pays tribute to the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE
Noting that he does not miss the politics of the Virgin Islands (VI), Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labor, Dr. Kedrick D. Pickering in his recent appearance on Honestly Speaking, ZBVI 780am said he knew late former Premier, Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus, would have passed away. Photo: VINO/File
Reflecting on his experience with the late Premier, Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, Kendrick D. Pickering said over the years he grew to respect the politician. Photo: VINO/File
Reflecting on his experience with the late Premier, Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, Kendrick D. Pickering said over the years he grew to respect the politician. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Former Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering in his recent appearance on Honestly Speaking, ZBVI 780am said he knew the late Premier, Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus, was about to pass.

Dr Pickering was at the time speaking at the Tuesday, November 19, 2019, edition of the show where he also told moderator Claude O. Skelton-Cline, "Let's leave that for another time," when questioned on the performance of the Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) Virgin Islands Party Administration since taking the helm of government in February 2019.

While he said he does not miss the politics of the Virgin Islands (VI), Dr Pickering was a key part of the Dr D. Orlando Smith led National Democratic Party (NDP), however, for the 2019 Elections season, he opted to run as an Independent candidate contesting the 7th District in a failed bid, losing to Dr Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) with 338 to 384 votes. 

In an NDP Executive meeting on November 27, 2018, Former Independent Candidate, Mr Hipolito D. Penn, was chosen as the man to replace Dr Pickering on Myron V. Walwyn’s wing of the party for District seven, forcing the medical doctor from the party and leaving him as an independent.

Reflecting on Hon O'Neal 

Reflecting on his experience with the late Premier, Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, Dr Pickering said over the years he grew to respect the politician, "over the last 10 to 20 years developed a very close personal friendship... and it continued outside of the House of Assembly to the extent that I visited him practically every day that he was hospitalised," he told the listening audience. 

He said throughout his visits, he sensed that those were the final moments for the late Hon O'Neal given his medical background and noted that the late politician taught him how to 'live and breathe' for the country. 

However, many of Dr Pickering’s critics during his 8 year run with the NDP said that he killed agriculture and fisheries, had not been firm on labour issues and work permit applications and that he traveled too much.

Further, critics said he had more of an interest in protecting sharks than fighting for locals or getting jobs for youths in his district.

His supporters have said he continues to help the elderly, give free medical services, is a global and respected advocate for environmental protection and that he recognises the seriousness of global warming.

23 Responses to “'I don't miss the politics'- Dr Kedrick D. Pickering”

  • King Obstinate (22/11/2019, 08:12) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    Now really can someone miss something they never really into?
  • Tola Man (22/11/2019, 08:40) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    Doc you cant miss what was not in you. You have rightly spoken.
  • Hmm (22/11/2019, 08:54) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    And the politics doesnt miss you.....
  • Quiet Rebel (22/11/2019, 09:38) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    The power, status, influence.....etc of elected office is addicting and power once attained it is hard to let it go. Rarely people with power give it up; it has to be taken away from them. Dr. Picketing’s action does not support his current thought process. Why? After being replaced on the NDP D-7 rep slate, he ran as an independent. This is more like the Fox and sour grapes fable. Come on Doc! One thing voters hate is having their intelligence insulted.
    • Surprises (23/11/2019, 02:44) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      He lost by less than 50 votes, and you must ask what is Wheatley really doing foe the district. If he chose to run in the next election you may well be surprised.
  • ABC (22/11/2019, 09:45) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    Heard he want to make a come back but it’s not happening
  • Not true (22/11/2019, 09:46) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Liar, liar, pants on fire.
  • Not at All (22/11/2019, 10:50) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply

    There is no way he will be allowed a come back.The people have spoken. NDP OR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH NDP WILL NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO RUN GOVERNMENT IN THIS TOWN. REMEMBER, THE POWER IS IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE THEY F**ked OVER.

  • ting to talk (22/11/2019, 11:01) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    This story is headlined "Paying tribute to the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal". The writer was not interested in relaying all the good the Late Premier did for the country or the relationship these two men shared. Instead he talked politics in a degrading mean spirited way. Ok you mash up the man but he is still standing and strong!!! Just report the news and what the discussing was from the radio show. He had lots of great things to say about the late Hon O'Neal. You made this article about Dr. Pickering and disrespected the Hon O'Neal. Shame on you...
    • blind bat (22/11/2019, 12:02) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
      But the heading also says Picko not missing politics, then the article talked politics... What is the issue?
    • rewrsdffds (22/11/2019, 14:28) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree somewhat but that is VINO, they always going focus on the scandal
  • rewrsdffds (22/11/2019, 12:02) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    We don't miss you either doc.
  • GG (22/11/2019, 12:25) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    This dude waste so much of the the taxpayers money and time jus hush ! Wasteman!!!
  • straight from the horse's mouth (22/11/2019, 12:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    "I WILL BE BACK"
  • dead beat (22/11/2019, 12:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whatever you are doing, do it well that your presence is felt and your absent speak for itself.
  • Just saying (22/11/2019, 13:39) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Picko boy I think all of the below applied, but choose one
    Goose Cook
    Bucket Gone Bottom
    Man Bottom Up
    Don Wid
    Lights Out
    Toast is Roast
    You get my drift?
  • I believe. (22/11/2019, 13:51) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I believe u Doc. U didn't love it in the first place. It was given to you so easily. U just go along and put on a show..... Never could see the passion and care for people. When employers were knocking about Employees soon after the storm and workers were begging for help from your labour department they were ignored. The same use less labour that VIP enherit and continue with. Also u met agriculture doing things. U left it doing nothing. I'm sure ur life is much better doing what you really love to do... Enjoy life..
  • Thomasina (22/11/2019, 15:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    "Dr Pickering said over the years he grew to respect the politician, " Really. I mean frekin Really.
  • Enjoy (22/11/2019, 16:09) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Sit back and enjoy the next 10, 20 or 30 years of privilege with your wh1#< friends, Doc. You yourself liked to quote
    "to whom much is given, much is expected". I hope you lived that.

    We must all make peace with the most high in the time we left. But while we remain on this earth, I believe most of us here in D7 can say: "we do not want you to represent us again".
  • Turn off (22/11/2019, 16:36) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    While reading this article I was turned off why use the death of Ralph to take the time to ask about fahies administration as a pastor u should Kniw there is a time and plACE for everything u should have use that time for kedtick to speak about the type of men Ralph was and his love for this country.
  • Florence (22/11/2019, 17:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Interesting! Is the political arena the only place one "has power". I would have thought that being a doctor is powerful enough.
  • GG (23/11/2019, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    let me see if picko would open his mouth now on the vip.
  • musa (23/11/2019, 17:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr will be back ,


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