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New political organisation registers as NPO

-caps donations at $5,000, calls on other parties to follow suit
RAA member Bashaar Tarabay explains, “there should be legislation that sets parameters around campaign funding and collections." Photo: Provided
Ms Esther N. Fraser, a founding member of RAA added that, “the time is now for immediate action towards accountability, transparency and integrity.” Photo: Provided
Ms Esther N. Fraser, a founding member of RAA added that, “the time is now for immediate action towards accountability, transparency and integrity.” Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A newly formed grass roots political organisation in the Virgin Islands (VI) has called for campaign financing to be introduced to promote transparency and accountability in the political sphere and in a leading the way.

Apart from calling for donations to political organisations and parties to be capped at $5,000, the group has taken the unprecedented step of registering itself formally as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO).

RAA’s Belief

The Reform Action Alliance (RAA) belief is that no political party should be profit-making, and that every organisation's accounts should be open to audit and scrutiny.

RAA member Bashaar Tarabay explains, “there should be legislation that sets parameters around campaign funding and collections."

He continued, "if a single donor were to contribute a very significant amount of money, that donor could feel that they are owed favours by the Government when that party gets in, and that is a breeding ground for corruption that sets the wrong standard from day one."

Corruption

According to Mr Tarabay, "Similarly, offering money or favours for votes demonstrates an alarming level of corruption before the election has even happened."

He said, "for the voter, it is a short-term gain – they get some money now, but later that corrupt government is able to siphon off millions, eventually costing that voter much, much more.”

The party in driving an election campaign for the people, and by the people, RAA has capped their campaign donations at $5,000.

Donations Listed

All are invited to donate, with no minimum donation. Also, total campaign funds raised will be listed at RAABVI.org, along with how the funds will be spent.

“Capping, acknowledging and accounting for campaign donations keeps power in the hands of the people, and defends against the undue and controlling influence of private interests,” according to RAA.

Ms Esther N. Fraser, a founding member of RAA added that, “the time is now for immediate action towards accountability, transparency and integrity.”

According to Ms Fraser, “the people are no longer interested in buzz words but in those persons willing to actually manifest the change that the country needs.”

She further stated, “…exhibiting these actions, expresses clearly, our agenda for change and reform across our country.”

 

15 Responses to “New political organisation registers as NPO ”

  • one eye (11/01/2019, 09:04) Like (16) Dislike (30) Reply
    Blah blah BLAH
    • Really (11/01/2019, 10:24) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
      This doesn't make any sense campaign is very important and expensive ..now the schools and other government buildings need rebuilding they should not take money from anyone ..
  • Citizen (11/01/2019, 09:38) Like (37) Dislike (13) Reply
    Where Esther going. She is such a control freak and very disrespectful. She better go wheel and come again. Big mistake. As matter of fact the whole party need to go sit down.
    • Er really? (11/01/2019, 11:57) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      So you good with corruption and secrecy. Ok then. We know where you sit.
  • Crazos (11/01/2019, 11:13) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
    Totally disgusted by who the members are already.
  • son of the soil (11/01/2019, 11:17) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    Schupps. Dog, cat, rat and mongoose running for office. Soon you will hear rooster and even lizard declare their candidacy. I don’t know what the BVI has come to. Everybody want a piece of the action. Well hell
  • At last! (11/01/2019, 11:53) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    Good to know that someone hear our cry. Action. Not words. Tired of parties saying one thing and doing another. At least this one seem to practicing as they preach. I watching.
  • wow (11/01/2019, 12:30) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    DOA
  • facts (11/01/2019, 17:50) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    a set of dead horse just want to remain relevant
  • guy hill (12/01/2019, 06:11) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    “the time is now for immediate action towards accountability, transparency and integrity.”

    Seems like those three are being thrown around as "positions" and not core values and responsibilities. There is no excuse for being irresponsible.
  • Sigh (12/01/2019, 19:47) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Does the BVI wants 1. No political party should be profit-making 2. Every organisation's accounts open to audit and scrutiny. accounts should be open to audit and scrutiny. 3. Transparency, accountability and integrity? By the blogs it is an overwhelming NO. What have we gotten from politicians are promises and more promises. We will look and see and open our hands for GIFTS and VOTE in who is best for our pockets. Insularity, partisanship and nepotism is IN No. 1-3 OUT.
  • Not my vote (12/01/2019, 22:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be careful how you treat persons. You never know when you need them. In this case my support and my vote. No way.


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