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‘Only my health or VIP Congress can move me’- Hon. O’Neal

-Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal denies promising to step down as Opposition Leader after 18 months; said his Party is 'Government in Waiting'!
June 19th, 2013 | Tags: Ralph T. O'Neal VIP Congress health move on NDP
Leader of the Opposition Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview on June 7, 2013 that he promised no one that he will step down in 18 months which has long expired. He said only his health and the VIP Congress can move him. The long serving Leader also denied that the VIP under his leadership is dead and is in shambles and he claims that his party will be geared up for the next elections, as there is a long list of candidates to choose from. Photo: VINO
From left to right: Honourables Third District Representative Julian Fraser RA, Second District Representative J. Alvin Christopher and First District Representative Andrew A. Fahie will be the contenders at the Party Congress to take over from Virgin Islands Party boss Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. There appears to be no clear favourite out of the three, however, many believe that Hon. Fraser has the edge, if it goes to a vote of the Party Congress. Photo: VINO/File
From left to right: Honourables Third District Representative Julian Fraser RA, Second District Representative J. Alvin Christopher and First District Representative Andrew A. Fahie will be the contenders at the Party Congress to take over from Virgin Islands Party boss Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. There appears to be no clear favourite out of the three, however, many believe that Hon. Fraser has the edge, if it goes to a vote of the Party Congress. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - After months of speculations and one Opposition Member going public on the issue, Leader of the Opposition and Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview that he is not going anywhere fast.

Speaking to this news site at his home in MacNamara, in the capital city, Road Town on June 7, 2013, the Ninth District Representative said the record has been set straight, after Opposition member and First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie told the public on more than one occasion that Hon. O’Neal promised members of the Opposition that after 18 months he would give up the Leadership of the Opposition.

However, Hon. O’Neal did confess that what he said was that “after 18 months, I will see how my health is and a decision will be made once good health continues to prevail….I see my doctor every month,” the first Premier said.

When pressed on whether he is in good health, the 79-year-old leader [born December 15, 1933] said “I feel ok but time will tell.” Hon. O’Neal also stated that the 18 months ended at the end of May 2013.

When asked why would Opposition Members say he told them he would step aside after 18 months, Hon. O'Neal claimed that what he said was to the Virgin Islands Party and “not at a meeting of the Opposition.”

Hon. O’Neal added that only the Congress can move him as Party Leader

When asked, if he will carry on as Opposition Leader and Leader of the Virgin Islands Party until the next general elections, Hon. O'Neal said “that's what time will prove.”

Hon. O’Neal further told this news site that if he is to be removed as VIP Leader that it would have to be done through the Party Congress, which is the governing body of the party.

"The way the VIP is set up there is a procedure, if you have to get a new leader and if that becomes necessary to put in place." When further cornered on the question of, if he feels there is time for a new Party Leader, Hon O'Neal responded, "Well that's one thing I cannot say because who knows!"

When asked by the reporter whether he would be a candidate for the leadership post whenever the Party Congress has a meeting, the veteran politician with 38 years of Parliamentary service under his belt declined to comment.

When asked when would there be a meeting of the Party Congress or a general meeting of the Party since none has been called after losing the 2011 elections, Hon. O’Neal said no date has been set, but assured party supporters that “a general meeting will be called.”

He said it’s important that political parties meet regularly to keep abreast of what is happening. Research done by this news site revealed that, according to the VIP Constitution, only the Virgin Islands Party Chairman or President can call a meeting of the 76-member Congress.

However, a source close to the party told Virgin Islands News Online that 2/3 of the 76 member Congress, which is made up of 8 members from each of the 9 districts, plus 1 person representing each of the At-Large members could demand a meeting of the Party Congress. The Party Congress is different from the general body of the party.

Hon. O’Neal is the Party Chairman. There is no President since the immediate past President, Carvin Malone, resigned ahead of the 2011 general elections, but remained as a consultant to the party.

VIP is Government in-waiting

Sounding like he was gearing up to lead the VIP as party boss into the next general elections, Hon. O’Neal declared that his party is “the government in waiting.”

When told that his VIP is in shambles and will not be ready for the next general elections, Hon. O’Neal disagreed and claimed that “the VIP has to start gearing up itself.” He also stated that none of the two political parties- National Democratic Party (NDP) or his own VIP- "are ready or geared up as of today, for the next general elections.”

VIP will be ready for next elections, lots of new candidates to choose from

One thing the VIP leader is confident of is that by the time the next election period comes around “the VIP would be ready.”

The Party Leader also confirmed that suggestions have been flowing in by the numbers of possible new members/candidates, and they have a long list of new candidates to choose from.

When asked if he predicts that the VIP will be returned to power in the next elections, Hon. O’Neal told this news site that "the good book says boast not thyself of tomorrow.”

When told that many NDP elected members and their supports are saying that the VIP is dead and that the NDP will be in power for a long time, at least 8 to 12 years, Hon. O’Neal had a big chuckle and said “l heard that line many, many times after the 2003 general elections….but you know what happened in 2007..I know better."

When pressed for the last time again about his leadership of the party, Hon. O’Neal said “the leadership of the VIP would be in the hands of the Party members in line with its constitution.”

It is important for our readers to note that while the Party Leader is chosen by the VIP Congress, the Opposition Leader is chosen by a majority sitting in the Opposition. They are two different processes, as the party can choose a new Leader, however, the same person is not necessarily the Opposition Leader.

75 Responses to “‘Only my health or VIP Congress can move me’- Hon. O’Neal”

  • BVIslander (19/06/2013, 14:11) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI politics: better than a reality show.
    • DON Q (19/06/2013, 14:34) Like (5) Dislike (19) Reply
      Let's not drag this out…make Fraser the leader.
    • rattie (19/06/2013, 14:49) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      This does not look good for the VIP
    • egg face (19/06/2013, 15:58) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      My one major concern is none of the four should be leader!!
      • Earline (23/06/2013, 10:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        By his own words, only bad health or Congress will make him leave office. We cannot wait for Congress so.....let bad health take him away from us with a speed. Hey, these are his words, don't hate me and the mere fact that he goes to the doctor every month shows that bad health will prevail.
    • janent willliams (20/06/2013, 07:51) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply

      Look how deeds idiots goin sit by and let rt kill the vip...eh

      • go from here (20/06/2013, 15:40) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        girl go sit down...either time or health will deal with this selfish man
  • pat (19/06/2013, 14:15) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Enough of the foolishness and games from Tiford!!!. Let's have this settled by month end and call a meeting of the congress for election immediately if needs be. And from what am hearing from party faithful Uncle Ralph is done.
    • asura (19/06/2013, 14:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well let’s hear how it all plays out.
      • rat race (19/06/2013, 16:00) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
        Let me interrupt you, it can only be Fraser or Fahie done!!!
        • rat trap (19/06/2013, 21:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          You are sooo wrong! The only capable to be the leader is Cousin Alvin! bam bam
    • Mehson (19/06/2013, 15:17) Like (6) Dislike (43) Reply
      Hon O'Neal seems like you wanna dead in politics. He aint got a thing else to prove so I don't know why he just dont go and sit down somewhere and fulljoy the rest on his life on earth. The man cant even walk good and want to be up and down in this politics thing. Dont worry he gonna get what he looking for.
      • aall ah we (19/06/2013, 18:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        He should not be the chairman of the party any longer the vip is an important political institution in the bvi and which has to think objectively, above governance. I say Hon RTO in a situation like this, a chairman should step down.
  • chad (19/06/2013, 14:20) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Many rivers to cross, but I can't seem to find my way over. Wandering, I'm lost... I really wish Mr. O’Neal had found a way home sooner. :-( Such a waste if he runs again!
  • ... (19/06/2013, 14:25) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Me done tell um Uncle aint going NO WHERE
    • she the cat mother (19/06/2013, 18:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr Oneil ought to be have been more prudent with his words.
  • Cutty Wise (19/06/2013, 14:31) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    When told that many NDP elected members and their supports are saying that the VIP is dead and that the NDP will be in power for a long time, at least 8 to 12 years, Hon. O’Neal had a big chuckle and said “l heard that line many, many times after the 2003 general elections….but you know what happened in 2007..I know better."

    Praise the Lord!! God answers prayers and continues to do so.
  • qc (19/06/2013, 14:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think he just needs to step aside and allow the VIP to make ready for the next general election
  • -------------- (19/06/2013, 14:38) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I expected this from Fidel Castro
    • ta ta (19/06/2013, 16:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is not an issue the Congress will decide maybe that is why Uncle fraid of a meeting!!
  • North Sound Fool (19/06/2013, 15:06) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Go uncle Go we wid ya
  • 9th District (19/06/2013, 15:10) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Your doctor needs to stop fooling you.
    • tell me why? (19/06/2013, 18:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hmmmm... now why would he make such a statement in giving us the impression that the three opposition members were lying?
  • Uncle (19/06/2013, 15:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ralph please do yourself a favor and step aside & help guide the VIP in rebuilding. Failure to do this then you will be remembered as a selfish politician who only believed in yourself. It is shameful what you here saying.
  • Ah saw (19/06/2013, 15:15) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Today must be graveyard day for headlines on VINO. First Eileen now Ralph.
    • @ Ah saw (19/06/2013, 23:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well it's obvious from the thumbs up and down that we are evenly split amongst wanting better and wanting to be stuck with the likes of the both
  • Future (19/06/2013, 15:19) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Let me help you with some basic philosophy Ralph; anyone who has been leading for a long period of time and the entity that they are leading fails when they are gone simply means that they were are a failure as a leader. Ralph stop this foolishness and go sit down gracefully. Despite your feelings as well as a few others, the VIP will be just fine with or without you. Life must go on! Life will go on!
    • yes we can (19/06/2013, 18:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      hahahaha..... take that Mr. Fraser and Mr. Fahie!!!! no promises made
  • Oh My (19/06/2013, 15:22) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply

    Ralph is proving to me that he is a w***k*d man. He has plans on holding on to VIP leadership even if he has to kill the VIP while doing so. This is sad to know that this man that I respected so much refuses to understand that his time is up & he needs to bow out gracefully & guide the new era of the VIP party in the best direction.

  • ann (19/06/2013, 15:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thught he said he was waiting on the marker???
  • same thing (19/06/2013, 15:25) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Most people focusing on VIP future leadership but from what I am hearing the NDP has a dilemma worse than this for the future leadership of the NDP but the NDP doing an excellent job hiding it thus far but time will tell. Nonetheless, Ralph stop playing these games and give up the leadership so that the VIP's Constitution can pick a new leader whom ever it may be. It should not come to this if you Ralph really care about the VIP.
  • poor (19/06/2013, 15:29) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I always felt that Ralph is a poor leader. There are those who like to blame all kind of other persons for the VIP loss but I blame the leader solely. He has lead through dividing and conquering and it is time that he goes in peace rather than looking for this fight that he is looking for where he is going to get his feelings hurt. Thank you for what you have done but your time is up so don't wait for death in the physical or death from the party's constitution to move on. Do so now.
  • tretretrete (19/06/2013, 15:29) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of you guys don't see Mr. O'Neal wants to die in office ...... Plain and simple ...smh.
  • clear (19/06/2013, 15:30) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    If the VIP goes back to the polls with Ralph as their leader then it is clear that they don't intend to win the next general elections.
  • well saw (19/06/2013, 15:34) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

    Ralph saying he didn't promise anyone to move as leader of Opposition or VIP leader in 18 months so either he or Fahie lying. I am not a Fahie fan but I believe that Ro.... is l*ing because I worked with him & he is famous for these kinds of dece**ful acts then he turns around and make everyone else look like liars. I think Ralph bringing his p!g to a fine market this time.

  • trrefdrfds (19/06/2013, 15:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview that he is not going anywhere fast." True words!
  • Nuh! (19/06/2013, 15:38) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    In truth only a wheelchair can move you Uncle!
    • facts man (19/06/2013, 16:04) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
      many of you who on here lambasted the Opposition Leader must know the facts are RTO is the best hope for the VIP
  • HMMM (19/06/2013, 15:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ralph we are tired of your game playing so quit while you are ahead.
    • death (19/06/2013, 23:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      VIP voters and supporters can only thank themselves for this situation by allowing and condoning the constant gerrymandering by RTO.
  • Help (19/06/2013, 15:43) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    What a disgrace of a man. I am so disappointed to read the foolishness Ralph here saying in this interview. It seems as if he intends to kill the VIP with him. What a total disgrace of a man.
    • Eu (19/06/2013, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      More than anything else, we need honest and truthful people in the VIP
      • saying (20/06/2013, 11:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        We need horniest and truthful people In government in a whole
        • Really?! (20/06/2013, 13:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Horniest or honest you meant to type? you mussa just come from a brunchtime sawl up
        • oh god (24/06/2013, 01:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Can we please re read before sending? Lololol!!!!!
  • Fin (19/06/2013, 15:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh boy so Uncle Ralph not seeing that the Almighty can move him as well. You need to retire you served your time give another local a chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Health (19/06/2013, 15:46) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am willing to put up a reward for anyone who can find who this man's doctor is that fooling him that he is in good health & have him ban immediately from practicing medicine.
  • q tips (19/06/2013, 15:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    well saw vino this is a bomp why you psot so late?
  • People (19/06/2013, 15:51) Like (22) Dislike (9) Reply
    Between Ralph, Eileen & now their modern day version Myron, I don't know who mash up more innocent people in this BVI. He needs to go sit down.
    • voter 249 6 district (19/06/2013, 16:47) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      i agree wit you on Myron another Ms. P, Ralph type politican but we the voters will cut him short come next elections
  • VIP all the way (19/06/2013, 15:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    For myself, this really doesn’t bother me...this man must be drinking juice
  • boy O Boy (19/06/2013, 16:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Uncle Ralph I am laughing at the head line haaaaaaaaaaaa well sa health or congress what happen to God you will have to move he he say so health or not congress or not
    • polo (19/06/2013, 18:46) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      When we were young we all learnt that water took the shape of any vessel it is placed in...should i say more?????
  • Well Sir (19/06/2013, 17:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is typial King Ralph, he hasnt surprise no one that knows him well.
    Atually this was expeted. How could some one be so distrutive to a political
    party and its Country. One word comes to mind. GREED AND MORE GREED.

    What a waste of knowlege and talent for the sake of GREED....SMDH like him
    hate him, this is him 100%
  • we the people (19/06/2013, 18:03) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    once the vip get dem act together they will win the next elections but with mR. O'neal AT THE HEAD ITS DEAD IN THE WATER....TRUST WE
  • All the Way (19/06/2013, 18:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ralph for governor of the bvi at least he wuld not get an extension
    • small head (19/06/2013, 18:50) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      deeds "old boys" just would not give it up..they going down with dem booths on
  • Ambassador (19/06/2013, 18:32) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Uncle Ralph, Time and only time will tell
    The good lord is looking down over us all.
    The country needs strong leaders in these difficult time and this is no joke.Some of us have invested significantly in this country and we are looking for results
  • for real (19/06/2013, 18:33) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    ok we see who the real rookies are fraser, alvin ad Fahie because they got played by Ralph...hahahahha hehehehe
  • one eye roster (19/06/2013, 18:41) Like (1) Dislike (27) Reply
    "When told that his VIP is in shambles and will not be ready for the next general elections, Hon. O’Neal disagreed and claimed that “the VIP has to start gearing up itself.” He also stated that none of the two political parties- National Democratic Party (NDP) or his own VIP- "are ready or geared up as of today, for the next general elections.” HE NEED TO KEEP OUT OF THE NDP BUSINESS
  • bvi (19/06/2013, 19:13) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    He also said after the 2007 elections that he was going to give up the position of Premier after 18 months to the Deputy Premier. Did that happen? I dont recall that being the case, so why would this time around be any different.
  • Christopher Columbus (19/06/2013, 19:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ho Ho HO and a bottle of run, i think we were in same class
    ho ho ho
  • foxy (19/06/2013, 20:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ralph out fox you all yet again
  • VG (19/06/2013, 20:29) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    The voters of D9 know by now that... if re-elected RT will be ineffective as representative, opposition leader or premier. Only delusional people will vote for a man who they know can no longer fulfill the duties of elected office.
    • free (19/06/2013, 23:21) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      As far as I'm concerned, none of the other three can't put their feet into Tilford's shoes - not even his big toe.

  • wise up (19/06/2013, 23:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I personally think Hon O’Neal served this territory well but he should consider working behind the scene for the VIP; give his collogues good instruction & plan strategies for the VIP; he did very well and should enjoy his glory days; I am not passing any judgment especially on his ability to lead, because the man is a great leader simply allow another to take up the mantle; I personally think that he can give great advise to his party and leave the hustle and bustle of every day politics to the younger guys in the party; we all know that Hon RT O’Neal did this territory well (how many remember him as the “ayatollah” )

  • old man (20/06/2013, 05:30) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    it would be short sighted if Mr. O'Neal consider staying on or even running again!!!
    • do not let the door hit you (20/06/2013, 10:44) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Mr. Tilford needs to hurry up and find the door!!!
  • Well (21/06/2013, 09:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only thing that will send a message is a loss at the polls, anyone can be replaced!


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