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I was deceitfully unseated as VIP Chairman- Hon Fraser

- said VIP delegates were conned
Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, left, alleged he was ‘deceitfully’ ousted as Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), a position now held by Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Mr Carvin Malone (right) has refuted allegations by party member Rajah A. Smith (left) that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) internal elections process is being tampered. Photo: VINO/File
President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Mr Carvin Malone (right) has refuted allegations by party member Rajah A. Smith (left) that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) internal elections process is being tampered. Photo: VINO/File
The photo that accompanied the bombshell Facebook post by Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) today, January 30, 2017. Photo: Facebook
The photo that accompanied the bombshell Facebook post by Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) today, January 30, 2017. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In bombshell Facebook post today, January 30, 2017 Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA alleged he was ‘deceitfully’ ousted as Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

His statement, which also blasted the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) for now trying to strip him of his post of Leader of the Opposition, saw the Opposition Leader for the first time address allegations of delegates list rigging, a story first and accurately reported by Virgin Islands News Online.

On November 28, 2016, two days before the Virgin Islands Party’s internal elections, Mr Rajah A. Smith, a former VIP candidate in the 2015 general elections, told the media that Delegates were being demoted to Alternate Delegates, making them ineligible to vote.

Mr Smith was of the opinion that those party members being affected were persons who support Opposition Leader and party Chairman Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3).

Then President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Mr Carvin Malone had rejected public claims by party member Rajah A. Smith that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) internal elections process was being rigged.

“There are no known or proven basis for allegations of the process being rigged,” Mr Malone had said.

Hon Fraser had declined to comment on the matter at the time. He was on November 30, 2016 defeated by Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) for the post of Chairman.

Although Hon Fraser did not allege delegate list rigging he did state that delegates were conned, suggesting that they were told to vote for Hon Fahie so he would become Chairman and Opposition Leader.

“In a well thought out carefully orchestrated plan, some members of the Virgin Islands Party deceitfully unseat me as Chairman of the Party, and by now, most if not all Delegates should have known they were CONNED,” Hon Fraser wrote on his Facebook wall today.

A big lie

According to Hon Fraser, delegates were led to believe that the Chairmanship of the Party came with the Leadership of the Opposition. “Which was and is a big lie. And neither is the Appointment of the Leader of the Opposition a political appointment. Delegates are advised to check for themselves and see if anywhere within the 35 pages of the VIP Constitution can "Leader of the Opposition" be found. Never once is it mentioned,” Hon Fraser stated.

Hon Fraser’s rebuttal also comes on the heels of new Chairman Hon Andrew A. Fahie publicly declaring that he is seeking to become Leader of the Opposition and that now was not the time for massaging of egos.

“Let us put this to rest and be perfectly clear. The voices of the results of the general elections of June 2015 were deafening. Those with eyes must see! Those with ears must hear! The VIP congress agreed that after 18 months of the 2015 general elections there must be a shift of direction within the Virgin Islands Party if the Virgin Islands Party is to be successful in the next elections of 2019 or before,” the VIP Chairman  stated during his Annual First District Report to his constituents at the Cappoon’s Bay Recreation Ground on January 28, 2017.

According to Hon Fahie, it is the pledge of the Executive to uphold the Constitution of the Virgin Islands and of the Virgin Islands Party. “I simply can no longer be in a fight for that which accompanies the post of Chairman of the Party. If I am not prepared to take up the positions of Premier or Opposition Leader; why then would I contest the post of Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party?”

But according to Hon Fraser, the only people talking about it are those whose lust for power would stop short of nothing to get it even if it means destroying the VIP in the process.

“Throughout this whole Power Grab I've seen and heard many falsehoods. I've heard that the Leadership of the Opposition comes with the Chairmanship of the Party… which is BS...

“Where were these same people when I became Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party in May 2014 and the former Chairman continued to hold on to the Leader of the Opposition post? Also why was the attempt to wrestle the Governor into denying the Chairman the Leader of the Opposition post after the 2015 General Elections?”

Hon Fraser stated that by now Delegates of the Party, and certainly the public at large should realise that trust is a serious issue within the Virgin Islands Party.

Running to Governor an embarrassment to territory

This news site had also first and accurately reported that in coordination with the President of the VIP, a letter was written and signed by Dr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru to Governor John S. Duncan OBE dated December 9, 2016, giving him the new executive officers of the VIP and advising the Governor to use the information to “assist in the administration of relevant onuses, inclusive of appointments.”

Our information also was that Hon Fahie had expressed to the Governor via a telephone call that he had an interested in becoming the Leader of the Opposition now that he was elected VIP Chairman.

“Running to the Governor is an embarrassment to this territory, which every man woman and child living in these Virgin Islands should resent. It paints the false picture that Virgin Islanders are incapable of handling their own affairs. Let me be clear... The Governor has no role to play in this matter, neither Constitutionally or otherwise. Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition is not an extension of the Governor's office, and neither is the Leader of the Opposition an Agent of the Governor,” Hon Fraser stated.

According to him the Virgin Islands Party must know that the Leadership of the Opposition is not some politician pawn to be pushed around by the Governor to suit their convenience.

24 Responses to “I was deceitfully unseated as VIP Chairman- Hon Fraser”

  • Gato Gabe (30/01/2017, 16:49) Like (38) Dislike (7) Reply
    Move on Fraser. be a man now.
  • Ruling (30/01/2017, 16:54) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply
    In most democratic political parties, once the leader of the party cannot bring the party to victory, it is not uncommon for them to recognize that their leadership has failed and they take their seat and step down. What's all the power shooting about man. I am not a member of no party but the business of the Territory has to move on. You are director of your personal company for as long as you wish. In politics, once the majority rules for or against something, then quietly step back and let the democratic process move on. How the country going get any better when the party fighting against itself. We need to unseat NDP and whoever will lead this country to victory, then all I say is bring them on
    • @ruling (31/01/2017, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well may be they should amend the constitution to reflect this and it wont be a problem. VIP is asking the Governor to handle a party matter. Julian was the Chairman at the time of elections. Andrew became Chairman after. He will be Leader of the Opposition if he wins the next election. Plain and simple. If the VIP wants whoever they chose as Chairman to also be Leader of the Opposition, then they have had mechanisms in the Constitution to remove Julian from the post once he lost the election as leader and for Andrew to be appointed. This is a party constitution issue not a VI constitution issue and the Governor should stay out of it.
  • Mr.P (30/01/2017, 17:16) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Fraser is both right and wrong. He is right about the leader of the opposition.The Leader of the Opposition just means the leader of the elected members of government that are not a part of the winning party. The losers get together and choose who will represent them. That's the problem with Fraser and Fahie; It's only 2 of them so basically it's a tie and none are willing to endorse the other. Where Fraser is wrong is making excuses for why he lost. The delegates voted for Fahie because they think that he is more likeable than Fraser and think Fraser was one of the reasons why VIP did not win the elections Point blank. The delegates were not misled into voting against Fraser.
    • @Mr. P (31/01/2017, 14:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with you. But some of them did think that Andrew would become Leader of the Opposition which adds to your argument that it compelled them further to vote for Andrew because as their new leader they thought he should be Leader of the Opposition also. VIP needs a constitutional review.
  • Jack B Nimble. (30/01/2017, 17:27) Like (26) Dislike (3) Reply
    I listen to Carvin on this matter and Carvin spell the Case very clearly for Fahie to be both Chairman and opposition leader.. Frazer need to move on. Give up on VIP. Become an independent. Allow Fahie to be the leader.. move on Frazer. Give it up.
  • belonger (30/01/2017, 17:37) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    Why Andrew want OL now,da don't mek sense. We have a Govt that is about to Crumble. And Opposition fighting against each other. Then we as well leave in the crooked Govt that we voted for in 2015. We need to look at the bigger picture to win the next election.
  • parties killer (30/01/2017, 17:39) Like (20) Dislike (13) Reply
    Look how you all let showada kill the vip
  • Xxx (30/01/2017, 20:09) Like (9) Dislike (20) Reply
    May God help us if Andew Fahie ever gets in the premier seat.
  • Jamdown (30/01/2017, 20:18) Like (10) Dislike (12) Reply
    Good FB post Hon Frazer!
    One Love!
  • The Psychiatrist (30/01/2017, 20:47) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm of the professional view that we may have a psychological problem in an elected member that we should help rather than cast stones. The key problems are destruction, denial, selfishness and greed or inability to loose power...Hon. Fraser:

    Destruction
    (Repeated unhealthy habits, going out of your way to harm others, looking self pity) - "If I can't have the candy, nobody else can" "It must be my way or no way", "going to the baths pretending to hide after loosing election and posting pictures at the baths and making self pity comments on social media":

    a) This mentality can destroy the patient if he doesn't get what he wants and as a result of the patient's actions it can destroy others and the wider population and have permanent damages. The "intent to destroy" something or someone is perfectly clear in this case as the patient realizes his colleague may become Premier and not him:

    - Examples and targets:
    1. Destructive and disrespectful words across a sacred Symbol in existent for over 40 years.
    2. Destructive messages about another person's character to the public via social mediums and other means.
    3. Oppose an executive order to relinquish the Chairman post.
    4. Hatred is evident towards the Chairman and some party delegates.
    5. Conduct of great concern that can cause widespread fear and damage.
    6. The Patient thinks the current chairman cause his downfall so the patient is in destroy destroy mode.

    Denial:
    2. Denial in addressing the fundamental reasons he lost the last election.
    3. Denial that the wider population has spoken overwhelmingly about his conduct and stubborness.
    4. Denial that he's loosing his constituents in his district statistically from the last two elections.
    5. Denial that the people seem not to want the patient as Premier.
    6. Denial he loosing power.

    Selfishness/Greed:

    Ties in with denial and don't want to loose power. The patient will do anything for power.

    A greater problem awaits:

    1. Bigger Conspiracy to destroy anyone, the VIP party, the country or anything that stands in his way.
    2. Conspiracy with new party, ndp party members anything that will satisfy what he sets out to achieve.
    3. Punish the whole country by weakening his team.

    Conclusion/Recommendation:
    1. Counseling is required for the patient to quit his actions and develop Self-Awareness which is necessary before the patient is integrated in society.
    2. There seems to be an ally that is ill counseling the patient that needs to be rid of.
    3. Stand firm and be prepared to face any destruction that the patient may bring if his closest allies are providing ill advice.

    God help us.
  • one eye (30/01/2017, 20:54) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Is the war against the ndp or fraser these people are crazy
  • Hummmmm (30/01/2017, 22:11) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    How come in 2014 when Fraser won the chairman ship fahie did not want him in the post of opp leader?
  • Liat 521 (30/01/2017, 22:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    look at that photo in the happier days
  • fyah ras (30/01/2017, 23:38) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. Fraser and Mr. Fahie stop with this power struggle vibes and come together to fix our country. Now ain't time for this kind of vibes. We are divided and we need to unite. I hate seeing both of you going back and forth with this. The NDP laughing at you all and you all giving people thing to talk. Cut it out. I man like both of you guys bout of you all are leaders and good leaders so let's get to work champions. We have work to do kings of the soil! Blessed love.
  • liberal (31/01/2017, 06:49) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Fraser, don't start this, let Fahie be cause he and his congress members are doing the job of mashing up the VIP. Don't get caught up in firing back your more senior and serious about the country but them themselves have painted you black from before. If Carvin had he darn balls to be a President by not taking side the party wouldn't have been divided either for them had it planned for you to fail as chairman by not cooperating with you and saying your not communicating when them are the ones that did most of the damage to the party. But the VIP knows nothing of what lies ahead for them and them but please don't give them fuel by responding to them evil doings. Karma is the best.
    • The Psychiatrist (31/01/2017, 09:01) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      I'm afraid you're giving the patient bias and ill advice. This occurs when a follower can't come to grip with the stance of the majority population and that the patient has a fundamental problem of stubbornness, fear of loosing power and arrogance that needs to be fixed before he's integrated. The patient can become self aware and realize that the job was never permanent but discretionary by votes and he needs your support to come to reality. Another way to put this is that you are feeding your representative with cocaine. Please STOP and be supportive. A long break from politics could be found rewarding for the patient and not a nightmare like the patient may psychological think. Best of luck to both of you.
  • de silent one (31/01/2017, 08:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! You can still see the tension between both men, that was just a media stunt photo. I really hope that they can bury their differences for the good of the VIP. Give Fahie the chance that he so wanted and see where the party goes under his leadership. Then one can judge
  • Sawda (31/01/2017, 08:42) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    Good morning Y'all,Fraser is to big of a Cat to fooled by those little kittens who is still sucking on their mothers for milk..
  • A Big Trump (31/01/2017, 10:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some are always saying that they are in the interest of the poor,the people and the country and when elected they do the reverse. They are worse than the present Donald Trump. The country needs new faces with new ideas. Let us try our young people especially those who haave never run in an election . i am certain they will do a better job whether they are experienced or not.
    • No time for Novices (31/01/2017, 14:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Unfortunately, the world is in too a serious state to trust persons who do not know what they are doing. America should have voted for Hillary but they were tired of the establishment, now see what they got. Don't think you can't get worse that you got. You can and we should learn keenly from this exercise and not make the same mistake in two years.


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