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

“I will not be running with the NDP” - Shaina M. Smith

-People’s Patriotic Alliance clears the air on the Party & whether it will contest the next general elections
Ms Shaina M. Smith has said that, contrary to reports, she has not crossed over to the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and has announced she will be contesting the upcoming general elections under the People's Patriotic Alliance (PPA) banner. Photo: VINO/File
PPA members prior to the 2011 general elections in the Virgin Islands. From Left: Khoy Smith, Shania M. Smith, Elton Callwood and Natalio D. Wheatley, who has since jumped ship to join the People's Empowerment Party (PEP). Photo: VINO/File
PPA members prior to the 2011 general elections in the Virgin Islands. From Left: Khoy Smith, Shania M. Smith, Elton Callwood and Natalio D. Wheatley, who has since jumped ship to join the People's Empowerment Party (PEP). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Clearing the air on reports that the newly formed People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) had been defunct and may not contest the next general elections and that its head Shaina M. Smith had gone with the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), the information reaching our news room speaks to the contrary.

Ms Shaina M. Smith, speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online, confirmed that she would not be running in the next elections with the NDP, neither At-Large nor in any district, or has she joined that party.

In fact she said, “The PPA is in the process of organising a team to contest as a viable option in the next elections.”

When pressed about allegations that she has been approached by the NDP to run in the first district, she neither confirmed nor denied that she was approached, however, Ms Smith, an Engineer and a former civil servant, told our newsroom  “I am with the PPA. How can I run on two slates?”

Candidates for the PPA?

When asked if the current members Elton Callwood and Khoy Smith of the PPA will be back on the team, Ms Smith, now a government consultant, told our newsroom “I can’t comment on confirmed candidates apart from myself at this time”.

Last year one of The PPA’s founding members who contested the 2011 general elections, Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru, bolted and joined the newest political party in the Virgin Islands- the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) of Honourable J. Alvin Christopher (R2). Mr Wheatley is now the party president.

Ms Smith gave no indication on when her party ticket will be confirmed for the election expected to happen this year-2015; however, she said “when the slate is confirmed there will be an official statement in a couple of months.”

She was the highest vote getter among the PPA’s four candidates that all ran At-Large with 889 votes in 2011.

NDP must go?

When asked if she believes the current NDP deserves another term in office, she said “We need a new policy direction in the BVI and that is why I am running.” She also said it remains the plan to have a full slate of candidates ready for a new direction for the Virgin Islands.

So far four persons have announced they will be looking to contest the Virgin Islands’ next general elections that cannot go beyond February 2016.

The first to come out the box to indicate they are running in the next elections was Dr Hubert O’Neal, who plans to contest for the ninth district seat. Dr O’Neal’s party affiliation as a candidate in the next election is unknown at this time; however, he has always contested with the NDP.

Youth Leader and Master, businessman and political activist Mr Rajah A. Smith announced over a week ago that he plans to seek the Virgin Islands Party’s nomination at its congress to run At-Large. 

Devon U. Osborne is also seeking the consideration of the VIP congress to contest the elections on its slate.

Ms Smith, Dr O’Neal and Mr Smith first approached this news site to announce their candidacy.

55 Responses to ““I will not be running with the NDP” - Shaina M. Smith”

  • Voters (19/01/2015, 10:47) Like (15) Dislike (35) Reply
    Well saw to run with the ndp is to be a looser
  • Political Strategist (19/01/2015, 10:54) Like (14) Dislike (44) Reply
    Please Ralph- Julian- Carvin- and Andrew-do what you must to get Shaina on the VIP side- whether she runs or not -the lady is a BIG ASSET
    • l (19/01/2015, 11:29) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      So, should she compromise ber views.and run with the VIP just to get elected? I say"No".
    • Political Assist- you mean (20/01/2015, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Shaina is a big asset? lol Shaina talks a good talk but peel back the layers #nobodyhome!
  • Guest (19/01/2015, 10:58) Like (17) Dislike (27) Reply
    But seriously would anybody in their right mind want to run with the NDP? Look Hubert even trying to distant himself from them jokers
    • Yes (19/01/2015, 12:30) Like (14) Dislike (12) Reply
      OJ too
      • Shara Parlin (19/01/2015, 12:42) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
        Both OJ and Herbert needs to run far far away from the NDP if they want a chance of winner the next elections
        • HAHA (19/01/2015, 14:11) Like (6) Dislike (18) Reply

          You all got jokes, but time will tell. That reverse bull@#$%^ will not work. VIP are dead and ready for burial.

          • @ HAHA (20/01/2015, 07:52) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
            A lot of people got scammed by the NDP last time ...look not again, not again! NEVER AGAIN in our natural lives.
        • oneadem (19/01/2015, 14:48) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
          please its HUBERT NOT HERBERT...dont confuse!!!
      • Louis Bloomcooper (19/01/2015, 19:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        And Michael too
  • chad (19/01/2015, 11:04) Like (35) Dislike (13) Reply
    This lady seems confused.
    • 1 (19/01/2015, 11:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      One would hope
      • Tortola (19/01/2015, 11:44) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
        WHAT IS TORTOLA COMING TO? POLITICS SEEMS TO BE A BIG GAME IN THIS COUNTRY.
        • Tortola (19/01/2015, 13:29) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
          EITHER VIP OR NDP TORTOLA PEOPLE WILL STILL COMPLAIN... THEY ARE NEVER PLEASED, THEY WANT EVERYTHING NOW.... POLITICS IS A DIRTY GAME, MY OPINION NDP LOOKS OUT FOR THE COUNTRY. THEY DO THINGS FOR THE FUTURE AND YOU PEOPLE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE COUNTRY DEVELOP.... YOU GUYS WANT EVERYTHING NOW AND THAT'S WHY YOU LIKE VIP. DONT FORGET THE VIP HAS THE COUNTRY BROKE... WHAT DOES THE VIP DO? GIVE PETTY CONTRACTS? COMMON IT TAKES MORE THAN THAT....
        • @ Tortola (19/01/2015, 13:49) Like (16) Dislike (9) Reply
          Same thing me ah say from time they went and elected the likes of Alvera, Deloris, Myron and Archie the thing went down hill! No turning back deman
        • Road Town Rebel (20/01/2015, 06:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          For political reasons with people's family they play.
    • Buyah! (19/01/2015, 11:33) Like (25) Dislike (11) Reply
      I believe that she is confused!
  • SUPER SHAINA STAR (19/01/2015, 11:17) Like (35) Dislike (14) Reply

    I SUPPORTING SHAINA AND PPA. 

    NDP PLAYING WITH HUBERT AND WANT TO PUT UP MR. ELITE TRE**R GRANT. OPPS DID THEY HAD A CONTESTANT SHOW WITH THAT NAME? HE WILL WIN FOR SURE BUT NOT IN AN ELECTION! HAHAHAHA!

  • l (19/01/2015, 11:27) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I say, "Go for it". It is better to try and fail than not to try at all. I think that in the Virgin Islands we just settle for anything. It is about time we let polititians know that they work for us, and not the other way around. Personally, I support no party. I support policies and stance on the issues.
  • Boom (19/01/2015, 11:38) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    Go Shaina!
  • Yes (19/01/2015, 11:42) Like (18) Dislike (20) Reply
    Shaina girlfriend you did the best thing stay far as possible from the NDP if you are to have a political future in the BVI
  • Political Eye (19/01/2015, 11:48) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    I firmly believe Shania means well and should be given a chance. Very capable and passionate about contributing towarsd the development of the BVI.
  • Indigo (19/01/2015, 11:48) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Go my girl. You have my vote
  • Greg (19/01/2015, 11:49) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    PPA needs more like Shaina
  • Prancer (19/01/2015, 11:51) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    SHE DID A GOOD JOB THE LAST TIME! TIME TO TAKE A PLACE IN OFFICE. HAVE MUCH TO OFFER...MORE YOUNG HEADS NEEDED
  • jokes (19/01/2015, 11:58) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow! She will come with Eltie and some other dead horses, watch and see. I won't be wasting my vote on all talk come election. These people can tell you all what we need to do but could never tell you how they would do it.
  • tola (19/01/2015, 12:04) Like (11) Dislike (21) Reply
    Yes, stay far far from d NDP
  • weed (19/01/2015, 12:04) Like (7) Dislike (21) Reply
    she needs to join the VIP to help them with the one direction FOWARD!
  • prince (19/01/2015, 12:04) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    dat sowande boy is sometin else yeh
  • Han (19/01/2015, 12:05) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Khoy n LT gaffa tek a seat
  • niko (19/01/2015, 12:06) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Eager to hear wat her policies will be about. Am voting policies...if them right u have my vote
  • women liberation group (19/01/2015, 12:34) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    We need an all woman party because these men selling out the country year after year.
    • Well (20/01/2015, 10:39) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      The sad thing is an all women's party might be worse. Some women are just too petty and silly but we need more serious minded women running. Shaina continue to keep you name on the ballot. I don't know when but you will be in the House of Assembly. Stay focused and humble.
  • warning! (19/01/2015, 12:39) Like (14) Dislike (11) Reply
    KEEP CLEAR OF THE NDP!!!!
  • NDP Bloggers (19/01/2015, 12:40) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
    Funny man Bloggers - it looks like the more you press the dislike button- the more unpopular the NDP- better rethink your strategy- or even funny man going down in the next election-
  • tretretrete (19/01/2015, 12:56) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    I find this young lady over the years as a good talker but not much action. If I am wrong then somebody name for me what she does or have done other than speak well with seemingly good ideas. Where & when were they implemented?
  • ------------------ (19/01/2015, 13:48) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    ndp has dem sight on regaining control over the next elections
  • pat (19/01/2015, 13:55) Like (11) Dislike (11) Reply
    By the grace of God, we will get the NDP out of office no more obear
    • @ pat (19/01/2015, 22:51) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      I don’t really pay a lot of attention to who’s in, who’s out, the horse race thing. I know it’s going to be a long process to get the NDP out.
  • chad (19/01/2015, 13:56) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a modern younger version of the "we got to talk" woman that was in our eighth district.
  • Shaina still young (19/01/2015, 14:52) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Shaina PPA cannot win- it is that simple- go with the VIP - or you will be in your 50s before you become a legislator
  • bull frog (19/01/2015, 16:03) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    The best decision this young lady made of her life to say away from that damaged brand of politicians called the NDP! PPA and PEP all the way!
  • the family (19/01/2015, 16:32) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    come who may ................ my loyalty is to the family.!!!!!!!!!!!!! The county best hope for the future!!!!!
  • Talk! (19/01/2015, 17:00) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply

    We need people who can hit the ground running and do stuff, not sit around talking about what they think needs to be done. Dancia Penn was a very good talker. What are her accomplishments as Deputy Premier and Minister of Health for 4 long years? She is a perfect example of why we shouldn't elect people because they look and sound good. What are Shaina's accomplishments? Why should we trust her to lead this Territory? Until she answers those questions nobody will take her seriously. I'm voting for people who have demonstrated that they can handle the pressure and make the hard decisions. The only way VIP get one of my votes is if they get some strong people on board. PPA are a waste, PEP are a bigger waste, but I will wait until the full slates are in before commenting further. If any of you tuned in to Shaina's show on Channel 51, all you hear is a lot of round about talking points but nothing with real substance to chart the way forward. Anybody can say things like "The country needs a new direction and opportunities for all...". That sounds good, but HOW? It takes guts, grit etc. to get these things done, not emotional banter.

  • @@@@@@ (19/01/2015, 20:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    she relentless.
  • wize up (20/01/2015, 06:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need strong political options both VIP and NDP are the same thing
  • Dulcina (20/01/2015, 10:57) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    It seems to me that Shaina has no desire to win this Election and is running just for running sake.
    She talks a good talk but so far no evidence of energy, strength and ability.
    Appears as if she is filling in the blank on a slate of candidates.
    I can appreciate her subtle honesty in this matter.
  • Real life (20/01/2015, 13:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No at-large candidate will win in the next election unless they are with VIP or NDP and that is a fact, case closed. If Shaina had any wish to win election she would have joined the NDP in the 1st District which would be a better chance than independent at-large. But hey, she is a big girl and its her call. However, I anticipate that September won't pass without her rethinking that nonsense and aligning herself with one of the major parties if she really serious about contesting. Rumour had it that PPA and PEP were contemplating a merger.
  • gg (20/01/2015, 22:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Unfortunately, what we're seeing here is plain old politics
  • kevin (21/01/2015, 12:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lets welcome the debate. Let the debate be vigorous
  • Citizen (21/01/2015, 14:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the bvi needs new leadership who will help ordinary people, it isn't to hard to know what the people want. We want lower utility bills, lower food prices and rent prices
  • walk (22/01/2015, 14:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let freedom reign, and cease with the encouragement of anti-democratic principles.


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.