Inside the NDP Meeting of March 22, 2017
The meeting, which got underway around 6:40 PM, saw all 11 elected Members present, according to some three of our newsroom’s senior sources who attended the meeting. It turned out to be a venting session by the NDP supporters.
Many supporters felt that they have not been treated right by the party, while others claimed the ruling NDP has not kept faith with the people. The meeting got heated for a few moments where one supporter "put some bad words" under some of the Ministers, according to one senior source.
The young people at the meeting, who are not necessarily supporting the party, according to one of the youths, but were there in their capacity as 'Youths for Walwyn' also mentioned that they do not see the other Ministers of Government but only the Minister for Education and Culture who has kept in touch with them.
New Leadership by year end
Other topics discussed were the issues of leadership of the party, the governor using his reserved powers for the first time in the Virgin Islands (VI) history- Sec 103 (b) of the Constitution- to take money from the Treasury and deciding who gets it and the amount, along with the need for the party to better communicate with the public.
Many NDP supporters expressed the need to start looking for new Leadership for the Party, in other words replacing the current Leader and Party President 73- Year old Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL).
It was also expressed that the goal is to make a decision on the leadership by year end.
Also in attendance was party spokeswoman and passionate supporter, former Legislator Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE. It is reported that she agreed with much of the contributions on the way the government is behaving and treating its supporters and she made clear that she stood by her letter, first reported by this news site.
Ms P stands by letter
In her letter dated November 28, 2016 to the 11 elected NDP Members, Mrs Parsons spoke to the poor leadership of the party, the sexism- saying it was a "man thing"- and calling for Premier Smith to give up the Ministry of Finance to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL).
While Elected Members were reluctant to speak as they told the party members they were there to listen, when they did speak most elected Members did so briefly, many agreeing with what was said in the room, along with even apologising to party faithfuls for how things had gone.
The NDP, now in its second term [2011-current], has come under fire from the public, the media, civil society and its supporters for the poor management of the Territory's finances, the allegation of corruption, leaving the country broke, conflict of interest, and their divisive and bullish approach to politics in the Virgin Islands, as told by Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).
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34 Responses to “Inside the NDP Meeting of March 22, 2017”
People actually went to da? But then again to put some set a bad word under them @#$&*. Laaaawd
Kedrick needs work to do for the people's money. Myron would even work harder in health. Make mark a back bencher so he won't get his hand on money. The surgeon can stay where he is. Don,t see Ronnie doing any better he had it before and it resulted in their loss. Alvara not ready. Think Malon would do well in a ministry.
Dr smith think about the suggestion you being given or you are doomed.
NDP, an embarrassment to the meaning of good governance. The governor did not shame the BVIs., the NDP did!
Governor lock them all up.
Education minister, keep him far from leadership, he is a dictator, and tells alternative truth.