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Opposition Leader O’Neal giving ‘silent treatment’

Although Opposition Leader Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE has often said he will not quit the political arena until his divine ruler tells him to do so, the opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) may be more than eager to know when at least he would name a successor. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Hon. Ralph Tilford O’Neal, OBE, has often been described as astute, graceful and pragmatic but also tough and formidable. In fact he has also been regarded as one of the toughest politicians to rule these Virgin Islands for nearly half a century.

But from since entering the political arena in 1975 to now the 9th district representative, some have claimed that it seems like his energy, aggressiveness and toughness, even though it may have had little effect on his razor sharp memory, have waned significantly, as may be obvious to most persons.

And although Hon. O’Neal has often said he will not quit the political arena until his divine ruler tells him to do so the opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) may be more than eager to know when at least he would name a successor.

For now, however, it seems Hon. O’Neal has taken the very unfamiliar stance of ‘silence’ even when his party’s boat was being rocked and when the public may have been anxiously waiting to hear from the Opposition Leader on the recent Budget address and the current issue of the Governor allegedly and illegally delegating powers to the Acting Commissioner of Police David Morris and also the Governor’s delay in approving his recommendation for Mr Ishmael Scatliffe to be the Opposition’s representative on the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Recently, the former Premier had declined to comment on the Global Water Associates contract issue which was then at the helm of public discussion and which a known pro-government online news site was suggesting that the contract was deliberately not honoured by the then Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser, RA, since it was not allegedly brought to the attention of the then Premier O’Neal.

Opposition member Hon. Fraser has since said that the contract was brought to the full knowledge of the then Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Cabinet and in fact Global Water Associates itself had terminated its contract through direct communication to the then Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

When asked to give a comment on the response by Hon. Fraser, Hon. O’Neal left the public to speculate since he said he had nothing to say to the media despite Hon. Fraser and fellow Opposition member Hon. Andrew A. Fahie being very vocal on the issue.

This news site also sought to get a comment from Hon. O’Neal on the Budget address but was told he would not be in a position anytime soon to comment on it.

Virgin Islands News Online also sought to get a comment from the three Opposition Members as to whether the apparent inaction by the Opposition Leader is taking some of the wind out of the sails of the opposing team but up to post time the usually silent Hon. J. Alvin Christopher and outspoken Hon. Julian Fraser could not be reached for comment.

Hon. Fahie said the question needed to be directed to Hon. O’Neal. He added “each member has a role and I would continue to fulfill mine. The Opposition would continue to be strong.”

49 Responses to “Opposition Leader O’Neal giving ‘silent treatment’”

  • she the cat mother (27/11/2012, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    see what just happen in antigua???nuff said!!!
    • Release (27/11/2012, 09:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      When you want to lead a democratic country and party you have to be willing to compromise and show that you will practice whatever you preach.
    • Virgin Gorda (27/11/2012, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      BVI aint no antigua ..Leave them Uncle....be of good heart God is in charge. He knows all...
    • bad boy (27/11/2012, 23:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not saying anything eh
  • Mantle (27/11/2012, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When ya'll see Ralph eyes closed don't think he's sleeping. You think he doesn't see what's going on within that party? The man is in his glory days and realizes if he follows those lunatics Fraser and Fahie he will stain his legacy. Leave the man alone. All of a sudden now everybody on that side have an issue with him because he's not caught up in ignorance. He knows what went wrong last time around and he's not going to defend nonsense.
    • ooooo (27/11/2012, 09:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you have no respect nor manners....typical ndp
      • mask man (27/11/2012, 13:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        them NDP will get old one day if they live so long as this is something that can and should be noted for rejoicing..to allah be the praises!!
      • reply2ooo (27/11/2012, 18:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I think he meant eye close for sleeping not death
    • teacher john (27/11/2012, 09:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Would history record Mr. O’Neal legacy as one of self-destruction? A great leader and a great man who did not know when to walk off the stage???
      • biay yute (27/11/2012, 11:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        What some of you all will do when mr. Oneal gives up the ghost? ...He is just a man. Let him rest in his old age.
    • @ Mantle (27/11/2012, 15:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you fake! good one. The pot calling the stove black..all of a sudden you like Uncle now after insulting him on the campaign and resigning form the TB because you could not steal...and treat the man child like Antigua slavery..you not fooling any one
      • water boy (27/11/2012, 15:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        So true! as mother would say monkey cannot see the length of it's tail.
  • Polo (27/11/2012, 09:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    is there an Opposition Party?
    • Native Boy (27/11/2012, 09:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I fed up with this man and this kissing up to the NDP...seems like Uncle Ralph is holding back the VIP’s development
    • ta ta (27/11/2012, 23:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      O Lardddddddddddddddddd!!!!!!!Is there anything else to say?
  • sayso (27/11/2012, 09:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Aryo want to drop down the man he right not to speak is his business
  • SHOW (27/11/2012, 09:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    AYO BACK OFF AH RALPH HE WILL OUT LAST MANY OF DEM NEW POLITICANS JOHNNY COME LATELY & HE WILL GO DOWN WITH HIS DIGNITY...
  • Village Girl (27/11/2012, 10:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is time for Ralph to retire. The stress and work load will definitely take a toll on his health
  • Queen Mary (27/11/2012, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our country needs Ralph O'Neal and the VIP
  • Son of the Soil (27/11/2012, 11:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is this in the news? what is the news?
    every fowl and cockroach knows what they want to know
    bout ralph.
    he right to sit back and look on. There is nothing to prove
    and no reason to try. AMEN
  • Honor Rebel! (27/11/2012, 11:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    I am very disappointed in this individual. Since everybody like to blog piss well I will blog mind also. Talking about piss, ayo don't see when an individual pissing himself and in public places. that means it is time to give it up? I had enough of this shyte now. Even that! Wah legacy ayo talking mehson? Mehson ayo go tell this man to stay home and be taken care of. Put a petition for his removal because if Virgin Gordians isn't waken up as yet they will continue to be the ar$e of the bvi.

    • north sound (27/11/2012, 23:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      HUH? I wonder if this 'Honor Rebel!' above is commenting on another post by mistake.....i find his or her post sick and evil!

    • PLEASE (27/11/2012, 23:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Virgin Gordians are smart voters because they know the value of having a premier and minister of finance with Ralph T' Oneal and what this combination can do for their district. They can't get this combination with any NDP candidates.
  • Daddy Friday (27/11/2012, 12:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I've been hearing about the VIP infighting and the ralph thing for months after the elections... this playbook is very devious.
  • usa student (27/11/2012, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the NDP did a rebranding and now we found out that they are more of the same repackaged if you ask me...maybe VIP needs a repackaging

    • Crank Shaft (27/11/2012, 14:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea I agree, repackaging in some recyclable metals and shipped to China for factory use!
  • old glory (27/11/2012, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    One thing is sure, neither of the two declared political parties NDP or VIP will be worthy of my 'x' next election.

  • weed (27/11/2012, 15:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on Uncle – time to go – 2015 too long
    • under the bus (27/11/2012, 15:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      vino why are these ndp cowbird characters given a platform to spew their propaganda and try to divide the VIP?
  • vip to the born (27/11/2012, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They vex because they can't get Ralph to step aside when in fact no body want Alvin, Fraser or Fahie to lead we!!
    • we need a leader (27/11/2012, 17:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Enough is enough!!!!!!!! Sick to my stomach of the break up of the VIP tis like show time band..may be we need a BVI VIP!!!....

  • well meh boy (27/11/2012, 16:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Strupes, the opposition is not there to be silent, they are there to give a voice to the people. If Ralph refuses to open his mouth, then what is the point of him being in the House of Assembly? Play the silent game with, your wife, your family, your friends if you want but not when it comes to the public business.
  • RIGHTS (27/11/2012, 17:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree wid well 'meh boy'..FORWARDS EVER BACKWARDS NEVER!!
  • Music (27/11/2012, 18:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ralph is following Mr Denis Healey's (previously UK Chancellor of the Exchequer) advice
    "When in a hole, stop digging".
  • ABC (27/11/2012, 18:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP members are a set of cowards. Ralph continues to hold the position of Leader of the Oposition simply because members of the Party do not have the balls to call a meeting of the Party and vote him out. the darm problem is, Fraser will not work under Alvin or Fahie and Fahie will not work under Fraser or Alvin. So Ralph is home free. For this reason, we have to move away from this VIP and NDP and look beyond them.
  • fall (28/11/2012, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ralph the slackers will fall to the wayside?
  • Valley (29/11/2012, 02:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    people alyuh could say what alyuh want about ralph O'neal but he is an elected representative of an area (9th district) so if u want to get rd of him ndp & vip and whoever running for his seat in the next general election will have to ensure that he lost which he would not!!!
  • FACTS MAN (30/11/2012, 08:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You all leave Ralph! It was Andrew who made the VIP loose the last election undermining the candidates in the 8, 4, 2, and one At-large!


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