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NDP candidates Hon Maduro-Caines & Parillon ducked debates

-Progressives United's Hon Julian Fraser RA currently on the fence
NDP candidates Hon Maduro-Caines & Parillon refusing debates. Photo: GIS/Facebook
VIP’s Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson and John M. Samuel. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
VIP’s Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson and John M. Samuel. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
 Hon Andrew A. Fahie & Hon Myron V. Walwy. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Andrew A. Fahie & Hon Myron V. Walwy. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In his New Year’s 2019 address, Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP 1), Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) had welcomed and issued a challenge for public debates by all political candidates with some three of his candidates taking to social media to support the call.

Around the same time, the first debate was being organised by a group of young people from Virgin Gorda (VG) and a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) candidate had asked that they wait until after nomination day, so others running could participate.

However, the NDP 1 supported by the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM-NDP2) twisted the VG debate discussions to accuse VIP’s Vincent O. Wheatley of trying to avoid debating. This created an impression that the VIP were afraid of district debates.

VIP better at debates?

Soon after, the VG debate took place on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, and NDP1’s Dr the Hon Hubert R. O’Neal (R9) was easily beaten according to social media polls, residents at the debate, talkshow hosts and other political pundits. The results showed a clear indication that VIP’s Wheatley was the superior debater.

Wheatley’s presentation came with many ideas, solutions, facts and a high level of maturity and knowledge of the ninth district, including an understanding of how to solve challenges that can take the district forward.

In fact, the NDP1 for the most part, were embarrassed following the VG debate and retreated from the debate advocacy. 

Then came word that another group, a few weeks later was trying to organize a debate in District 6, however, the NDP 1 representative, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines claimed no one had contacted her after a Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), article stated that she had not agreed to a debate.

VINO, however, received information sent to our news centre to confirm that Hon Maduro-Caines was in fact contacted.

VIP’s John M. Samuel—the only other opponent in that debate and contesting the February 25, 2019 polls for that district—had agreed to the debate, however, it had to be cancelled following Hon Maduro-Caines’ refusal to participate.

NDP candidates in hiding?

In district three, where it is a three-candidate race between VIP, NDP 1 and the Progressives United’s (PU) Hon Julian Fraser RA, that debate had to be cancelled also as NDP 1 candidate Arron F. Parillon refused to participate. 

VIP’s Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson had agreed to a debate and Hon Fraser claimed he was awaiting advice from his committee.

Embarrassed by the potential performance and lack of preparations of his candidates, NDP 1 Hon Walwyn  is now claiming, he will only agree to debates with the party leaders. 

VIP’s Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said he will debate the other leaders “anytime” and “anywhere,” however, he also wants district by district debates, as in our Westminster System, a Party Leader can also lose their seat.

Hon Fahie—a potential Premier—is arguing, it is only fair to hear what the other candidates have to say.

Citizens want debates

Many in the intellectual class continue to ask, why is Mr Walwyn afraid to have his candidates participate in debates? A spokesman for PVIM-NDP2 said they stand ready like the VIP to debate as they did on Virgin Gorda.

28 Responses to “NDP candidates Hon Maduro-Caines & Parillon ducked debates”

  • chad (31/01/2019, 18:52) Like (22) Dislike (60) Reply
    That's what the launch is for don't debate with them bias set of VIP people
  • Really (31/01/2019, 18:55) Like (17) Dislike (54) Reply
    Before John go take down that poster board with the people them booth materials he borrow he talking about debate is still ain't going to win unapprociable
    • wow (01/02/2019, 08:34) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
      Simple minded people are always going to appear negative and foolish! Have you made the effort of approaching the Candidate or you just have a personal gripe with him! We will never be able to be productive and progress foward because some folks are just simply close minded.
    • Outspoken (01/02/2019, 10:37) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Really. It’s better to borrow than to steal. He has to borrow booth materials to put up his poster because he did not swingle no millions to spend on election campaign. But wait just a little while, Barry say you will hear.
  • east (31/01/2019, 19:02) Like (35) Dislike (6) Reply
    come on we know why they are afraid to debate
  • Food for thought (31/01/2019, 19:18) Like (45) Dislike (15) Reply
    Andrew Fahie will kill Myron in a debate bring it oooon, be careful what you wish for MVW
  • wize up (31/01/2019, 19:22) Like (26) Dislike (15) Reply
    just question: why we keep speaking about NDP 1 and NDP 2 and not VIP 1 and VIP 2 becomes PU is breakaway VIP 1(just saying)
    • @wize up (31/01/2019, 19:34) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
      PU is all new candidates with the exception of the founder. Why didnt the old folks call VIP....United Party 2 when Lavity left United to form VIP. NDP 2 has Ronnie, Mitch, and Micheal....thats a whole team that left NDP 1.......SO PLEASE TO LEAVE PROGRESSIVE UNITED ALONE!!!!
    • oooh (31/01/2019, 19:42) Like (32) Dislike (10) Reply
      Huh that so lame and stupid. Why don’t we just talk about the last 8 years of corruption by an NDP government?
      • wize up (02/02/2019, 14:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ oooh: some still willing to give them another 4 years(wat ah wuck)....
    • @ wize up (31/01/2019, 19:45) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      No sitting members are with PU big difference bosseie
    • Engineer (31/01/2019, 20:14) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
      Because we see you try stain a good set of ppl with the corruption crew from the streets to the seat Vip all the way
    • hm (01/02/2019, 13:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Because NDP is the Government at present! ANd Look how they bashin each other and seperating
  • Unfortunately (31/01/2019, 19:47) Like (28) Dislike (11) Reply
    them moo moo funny man got running with he can't debate now or later
  • Tafari Zharr (31/01/2019, 20:05) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    With what’s going on right now with Brexit and the uncertainties, state of emergency etc., debating this issue ought to be a general concern for ALL in a single session; which moving forward should be a criteria and issue for voters before votes are cast - diplomacy and knowledge of government and/or minus government agility; ability to coalesce is key to proactive approaches - this is serious business and if one cannot make a decision to debate on the home frontier then the person(s) should step aside and let those that will allow themselves to be moderated to step in-front of the mic - time for Worldclass acts to step into the room and go where they’ll be required to go to - those who can’t should be willing to become coadjutors of/and for the cause; it may take everyone in the territory to figure it out simultaneously and collectively!
  • l (31/01/2019, 20:54) Like (34) Dislike (24) Reply
    IF I WAS THEM I WILL NOT DEBATE ETHIER WHAT WILL ARRON SAY? HEHEHEHE
  • Just saying (31/01/2019, 21:53) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    It will soon be all over all the negativity just for power .The Lord above done know who the winner is and we will see on that day set of empty promises
    • wize up (01/02/2019, 16:05) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ just saying: wize words, I can’t wait until 26 February 2019....some of them will need some serious emergency care(mouth-to-mouth) NHI
  • Curious (31/01/2019, 22:49) Like (4) Dislike (21) Reply
    Andrew ducking Myron also
    • @ curious (01/02/2019, 11:04) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
      funny man is no match for the Brox Bummer in a debate ok!!! facts
  • Street reporter (01/02/2019, 07:38) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    90% mind already made up as to who they voting for ...they will not switch or change ..VIP getting 2 at large NDP getting 2.....VIP vetting 5 district seats .....Others 4 .
  • Hmm (01/02/2019, 09:52) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well as for district 6, what could she say possibly in a debate after she has declared that there’s “nothing to fix”???
  • Sigh (01/02/2019, 14:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love me some debate! Gets the juices flowing in anticipation of some great oratory or lack thereof. My problem today is with the article generally and the journalist particularly. Yes we can all see the gait of this paper and it's been doing this leaning too long for us not to see the limp. Firstly if one agreed, one disagreed and the other has not answered then how can there be a debate? Why not try after the liberator see if he confirms and my guess if he accept then Parillon have to agree just to save face. Secondly if Caines was indeed contacted it should not be a problem you outed the source. Games are being played by many whose expectations hitched to particular party, team, persons.
  • wize up (01/02/2019, 15:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    come 26 February 2019: Virgin Islands Party will move us forward(run talk that)
  • Stand up for what’s right (02/02/2019, 09:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey I’m going Red Lobster anyone want anything ?? ... no okay carry on


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