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It’s not right! Donald E. de Castro on Shaina M. Smith contesting elections

-maintains she is a US citizen by birth & doesn’t feel it is right for her to seek office
April 29th, 2015 | Tags:
Radio talk show host, businessman and public activist Donaldo E. de Castro has expressed his concerns about Shaina M. Smith contesting the upcoming General Elections. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- “She is a US citizen by birth and she has Belonger status so, according to the VI Constitution, she could run but I don’t feel this is right,” were the sentiments of radio talk show host, businessman and public activist Donaldo E. de Castro about Shaina M. Smith who will be contesting the First District seat at the upcoming General Elections under the National Democratic Party (NDP) banner.

According to Mr de Castro, at the end of the day she is a US citizen and there may be many others who may be uncomfortable with her being in the House of Assembly if elected and the possibility of her leading the country, even if in an acting capacity.

“How do you feel about someone from Jamaica coming to be president in Guyana? She is running for a government and any one of those Ministers could act as Premier at the end of the day” Mr de Castro stated.

It should be noted; however, that Guyana did have a president who was not Guyanese by birth- Janet Rosenberg Jagan was an American-born socialist politician who was the first woman President of Guyana from December 19, 1997, to August 11, 1999. This was told to Mr de Castro.

“I don’t care what country it is, nobody, no naturalised citizen could hold the post of vice president or president of the United States. They may get elected to Congress but they can’t hold those top positions.

“I don’t care, at the end of the day she is a US citizen by birth,” Mr de Castro stated.

Shaina M. Smith who started her political career with the People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) as an At Large Candidate in 2011 but failed to get elected, has since defected to the NDP despite indicating previously to this news site that she was not going to run with the NDP. She will be contesting against incumbent and senior Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member Hon Andrew A. Fahie in the First District.

“Foreigners” in HOA?

The talk show host said he also had concerns with “all the other foreigners” in the House of Assembly. “You got Mark [Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4)] from Anguilla and Archie [Hon Archibald C. Christian] and Myron [Hon Myron V. Walwyn] who were born here but parents are from somewhere else, now you have Shaina, whose parents from here but she is a US citizen by birth so what kind of mixed up confusion you have in your country.”

In April of 2011, in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Richard Courtney de Castro, a talk show co-host and political activist, said based on his interpretation of the VI Constitutional Order of 2007 the two National Democratic Party (NDP) candidates at the time, Myron V. Walwyn and Archibald C. Christian, and the then independent candidate Claude Skelton-Cline, who unsuccessfully ran with the NDP in the second district, were not eligible to contest the General Elections.

While it is accurate that none of Messers Walwyn’s or Christian’s parents or their grandparents were born in the Virgin Islands, both Walwyn and Christian were born in the VI, according to birth certificates shown to this news site.

Therefore, according to Virgin Islands News Online’s legal counsel, both were qualified to run for political office as they were born before 2007.

As for Skelton-Cline, being born in the VI was never been a question, as he comes from indigenous VI families of Clines and Skeltons with parents and grandparents being Virgin Islanders. Mr Cline has since been snubbed by the NDP who is now pushing Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull as Second District Candidate.

VI Constitution 2007 on eligibility

According to Section 65 of the Virgin Islands Constitution 2007, it states that subject to Section 65 and Section 66, a person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly if, and shall not be qualified to be so elected unless, he or she (2) was so qualified before the commencement of the 2007 Constitution; or (b) is a person who (i) is a Virgin Islander of the age of 21 years or upwards and (ii) is otherwise qualified as a voter under section 68.

The Constitution also explains that a Virgin Islander is a person, who belongs to the Virgin Islands by birth or decent who was (a) born in the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who at the time of the birth was a British overseas territories citizen (or a British Dependent Territories citizen) by virtue of birth in Virgin Islands or by virtue of descent from a father or mother who was born in the Virgin Islands; (b) born in the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who at the time of the birth belonged to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent or born outside the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who at the time of the birth belonged to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent.

The young businesswoman and engineer, Shaina Mary Ann Smith, was born to Egbert Antonio Smith and Belvianna Frazer Smith of West End, Tortola.

Efforts to get a response from Ms Smith on Mr de Castro’s concerns were not successful.

72 Responses to “It’s not right! Donald E. de Castro on Shaina M. Smith contesting elections”

  • born here (29/04/2015, 08:10) Like (38) Dislike (1) Reply
    ayo hust Shaina has more rights than Myron and Archie her parents and grandparents were born right here
    • Bvi man (29/04/2015, 08:22) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I born hey meson.
    • BVIslander (29/04/2015, 08:26) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
      Donald is an agitator and loves subterfuge...sometimes he is off the mark and dwelling on his past strengths..She is bright, entitled to run, and is a "breath of spring".
    • Yelr@ (29/04/2015, 08:34) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      Wow! So one citizen has more rights than another citizen? Can you inform me what are the more rights that she has over them and others? If that be true then there's no such thing call equality. BTW is this how members of the various view each other? God forbid! Just asking. I do not support Mr. de Castros argument.
    • tretretrete (29/04/2015, 09:29) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      .....and mark and Osborne when he ran, but lik qc say no chance
      • @hmmm (29/04/2015, 15:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        U could tell u ain't from here and want to blog ting u got to be in love with mark and osborne. Mark born anguilla and osborne virgin gorda. I born east next to the politician who sell out for wine and dinner.
        • Hmmmm (29/04/2015, 16:46) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          Tis you who ain't from here Newbie. I meant Dr Osbourne. When was me hente ever in council. Chuh man
    • Howdie (29/04/2015, 10:14) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
      Donald wants everybody to be as inbred as he is
      • DeDarDarDar (29/04/2015, 22:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Donald looks like he got more than a dose of white blood in him.
    • Curious (29/04/2015, 12:51) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      @born here.....hush and talk like u got common sense and not like ur walking on ur brains.....If Archie and Myron born here where are they from j@($@S's........so damm dumb.....
  • qc (29/04/2015, 08:16) Like (29) Dislike (24) Reply
    she will loose any way so it does not matter
  • SCRAMBLE (29/04/2015, 08:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have a great problem in our little BVI. We have some Candidates throwing in citizenship for US, but some find it fitting to hold on tight to theirs (demanded to return citizenship to US to run) what is the protocol? Are we accomplishing anything by this? What goes for ONE goes for ALL.
  • smh (29/04/2015, 08:20) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    What you FEEL to be right and wrong is of importance but only to you my friend! The law allows it, and if you have an issue with that, advocate for a change of the law. How many foreign born people are in the HOA as we speak? And only know you have an issue because shes American? I understand you concern, what I do not understand is why is is soley focused on her
  • I agree (29/04/2015, 08:32) Like (20) Dislike (38) Reply
    i agree if she wants to run let her renounce her american citizenship
    • SKA (29/04/2015, 10:23) Like (20) Dislike (7) Reply
      How can you renounce your birth right? She can't change where she was born. Yah'll really stupid yes.
      • l (29/04/2015, 14:38) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
        Yes you can. Americans do it all the time.
      • I agree (29/04/2015, 15:18) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        don't be an idiot ska if you want to gold office in a country why would you want to have the citizenship of another
  • i from here (29/04/2015, 08:50) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    Look he face, a ZOMBIE!
  • Just what I expect (29/04/2015, 08:52) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Man, ever hear of rabid racism? Need the definition, just listen to any words coming out of DeCastro's mouth.
  • Kobe (29/04/2015, 09:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So does this apply for other representatives as well sir? Cause I know there is more
  • Crap (29/04/2015, 09:08) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Donald you are such a disappointment- time to retire sir- you sound real stupid these days-
  • legal eagle (29/04/2015, 09:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The constitution order 2007 does not prohibits a canddidate who intends to be a member of the house of assembly from having dual citizenship unlike the consitution of Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica.The framers of the VI constitution postulated that you must be a belonger notwithstanding the candidate having a foreign alliance to another state.I am of the view that this is so due to the close social nexus between VI and the USVI.The other C,bean countries that i have aforementioned,have frowned on such a position that is entrenched in the said VI consitution.see the jamaican case of Dabdoub v Vaz (2009) 75 WIR 357.It is the writer's view that Ms Smith has qualified under the VI consitution to be a member of the House of Assembly.
  • Winnerteau (29/04/2015, 09:11) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply

    She has a dam right to contest the elections. Shew. Mark wasnt born here but he's in the house. This woman can trace her real root back to generations since 19=834 in the VI . Can mar Archie and Myron claim the same? Stop chat pi$$.
  • Schuuuuuuuuuuuuuups (29/04/2015, 09:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Another @$$ again!

  • pat (29/04/2015, 09:23) Like (26) Dislike (6) Reply
    skelton-cline has been rewarded by NDP 10-fold with a job he is not qualified for.
    • Winnerteau (29/04/2015, 12:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Pat And then they railroad guy hill and others but stallout on guy malone, phunny eh.
    • TO: pat (29/04/2015, 12:31) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
      Maybe not qualified in your eyes, but guess what, he's getting the JOB done!! Go see for yourself this afternoon at the New Pier!
  • Citizen (29/04/2015, 09:29) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    MR DECASTRO for years I have been telling these politician about this situation I think it should be sort out and everyone who want to run for office will know how they stand we don't have to go off on other country I think any one want to lead our VI both parents and grandparents should born VI we have to control our own destiny right or wrong .

    • wize up (29/04/2015, 10:17) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      utter bull &#!+;
    • OBAMA (29/04/2015, 22:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Obama father was born in Africa. His mother American. Nuff said.
    • @citizen (30/04/2015, 18:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Are you telling me that if I was born in the BVI to parents from St. Thomas, and I am recognized as a citizen of the BVI by birth, I shouldn't be able to run for HOA? Are you promoting first and second class citizenship in this country? Be careful what you say and the implications that it might have.
  • Joc (29/04/2015, 09:37) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    This man makes me so sick. He need to hush his mouth and go look for them young pickney he got.
  • vi (29/04/2015, 09:42) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    It would not be a problem when she was running with PEP. It's burning them.
  • lmao (29/04/2015, 09:53) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    So when she ran with PPA last time Donald had no issues but now she with NDP he realize where she was born? If that was the case majority of BVIslanders couldn't run. This guy needs some work to do, his hands are to idle hence the rubbish all the time.
    • wize up (29/04/2015, 14:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lmao: well said( he needs to go look stoves to fix) 780 making money from him plus he have the constitunial rights to talk what he thinks....
  • zoe (29/04/2015, 10:03) Like (5) Dislike (20) Reply
    Ndp must go bottom line!
  • wize up (29/04/2015, 10:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    we are very good at dipping up information on our fellow citizens; while the whites comes from outside and persons like mr decastro don't ask one question where they are getting their finances from...talk that!!!! He is 100000% BV Islander yet gets no support when he seeks political office....
  • facts man (29/04/2015, 10:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    while she will lose she has a right to run...myron and archie are the two that has the leagal issues not our west end daughter
    • PREP (30/04/2015, 15:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Archie born here unlike your west end daughter, so keep him out your mess.
  • Yes (29/04/2015, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look he face nuh. lol
  • home boy (29/04/2015, 10:15) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I AGREE, how can Shaina renounce her US citizenship when she was born in the US. What are you you really saying? You don't know what you are saying, do you think she got US citizenship through the Green Card system? You are just bloging for bloging sake and don't have a clue.
    • Wrong (02/05/2015, 16:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You do know that US citizenship can be announced even for natural born Americans. Many wealthy American relinquish their citizen to avoid taxes abroad....soo YES, one can renounce citizenship.
  • Gaunt (29/04/2015, 10:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now just look at Donald's face..
  • VIlander (29/04/2015, 10:16) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    So this guy would rather eliminate half of the local candidates knowing that many long time generational BVILanders had their children in St.Thomas and attained dual citizenship. While many from other countries who can't go to St.Thomas have their Children in the BVI. So you rather the 2nd generation Jamaican, Guyanese, Trini, Cuban (just examples) have more rights than the 2nd generation Virgin Islander. You sir are a sick man. Shaina has the right to run and represent in her forefather's land.
  • Pundit (29/04/2015, 10:20) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm surprised by this. He knows she's a Virgin Islander by blood/heritage. She's lived here almost all her life. Me and her went to school together. Come on DeCastro, there are very few Virgin Islanders, born in the BVI, to BVI parents. Give it a rest. The reality is that there are plenty of Virgin Islanders in Shaina, Archie and Myron's position. Give it a rest.
  • Pundit (29/04/2015, 10:24) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    And she's not even running for President, Prime Minister or Premier. She'll be a backbencher at best. And even if she were to become a minister, what is the issue??? Arnold schwarzenegger is from Austria and was Governor of California. You argument has no merit DeCastro.
  • gee (29/04/2015, 10:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Edward Seaga was born in the United States and went on to become prime minister of Jamaica. if it is not unconstitutional for her to run, why is it "not right"? The constitution could have addressed that exact issue and CHOSE not to.....so...
    • Jill (29/04/2015, 14:29) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Gee, so was Lester Bird, who was Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. He too was born in New York.
  • son of the soil (29/04/2015, 10:56) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    The NDP will never address this because all the faults are members of that particular party.
  • Billy Goat (29/04/2015, 11:56) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    I don't know what this big issue is she is Indigenous unlike mark, Archie Myron and many of their wives…But keep the NDP out before the UK suspend our constitution and take over the BVI to stop the corruption
  • trrefdrfds (29/04/2015, 12:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr de Castro you is not an indigenous bvislander, your father is from Portugal, you are a Portuguese, so what are you trying to say, you mark and walwyn on the same level, all you parents didn't born in the VI.
  • Gimme a break (29/04/2015, 12:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell Donald go sit down! He disappeared from the BVI for 20 plus years and just come back. Shaina may be born in the USA but she been here alongside us for the whole time that Donald was away (when the BVI wasn't good enough for him). She is more a BVIslander to me than Donald is. He only carrying the name and happened to be born here.

    There are hundreds of politicians across the world with Dual Citizenship. Most notable Arnold Schwartzenneger who is from Austria but was the governor of California.

    Please stop quoting Donald and putting him in the media! Just ignore him please media family!!
  • ABC (29/04/2015, 12:59) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
    Renouncing your foreign citizenship is a must if she is going to sit in the legislature. This has nothing to do with De Castro. The law is the law period.
  • born here (29/04/2015, 13:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wake up give she a break this is politics.who wants to run should feel free. The priminister from Domininxa and his one of his minister they are French and yet he is current the Prime. Give she a break .
  • Drama King (29/04/2015, 16:08) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why he so old fashion i don't even know, he have a problem with everthing and jus causing drama in the place
  • bvi pirde (29/04/2015, 17:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    jump high jump low she has more rights that myron, archie and mark
    • BVI pride (30/04/2015, 15:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Whey de more rights come from...you keep on jumping with your PIRDE...mem moo moo.
  • Realist (29/04/2015, 22:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    This man should sit his $%%^&&* down. Nonsense.

  • Jin (30/04/2015, 01:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What aBout the chairman of the VIP. He is a naturalized American. Is this ok? What goes for one should go for all
  • facts (30/04/2015, 03:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    What DeCastro cannot understand is that once you were born in the BVI regardless of where your parents are from and you are eligible vote you can run.
  • passport office (30/04/2015, 06:39) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    At least they cannot say that about our next premier fraser thank god he aint no us citizen!!
  • crazy (02/05/2015, 04:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the people of the British virgin island are crazy and donot know their rights as a people and a community Shania is an American citizen point blank there is no changing that her parents maybe from Tortola she was given rights from her parents that don't make her a BVI lander ,Uncle Sam can come for her at any time that where she belongs. It's her business to run for office but let the laws of the land prevail where that is concern and please stop classifying individuals it's dumb and stupid people .
  • Straight from GT (02/05/2015, 12:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    The best P***Y you ever get is from Guyana,

    • @Straight from GT (03/05/2015, 00:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dwl
    • crazier (04/05/2015, 11:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @crazy...don't care where you are born its how you were raised. Its your culture, norms and way of life that determinds who you are, she was raised in the VI to be a VIlander. What should concern you is that person that wasn't raise in the country, it very difficult if not impossible for them to related your way of life, that is the real danger.
  • NurtureD (04/05/2015, 11:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Being born vs being raised....which has the greater influence!!!!!


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