Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

PPA makes 180 degree turn!

- no longer contesting 2015/2016 elections
Shaina M. Smith of the People's Patriotic Alliance. Photo: VINO/File
Mr. Elton Callwood, the other remaining 2011 Territorial Candidate, said according to the release that “I am disappointed that we weren’t able to assemble a viable team, for I still believe there is a desperate need for a third political movement, one that will renew faith in politics by being honest, transparent and accountable. Photo: VINO/File
Mr. Elton Callwood, the other remaining 2011 Territorial Candidate, said according to the release that “I am disappointed that we weren’t able to assemble a viable team, for I still believe there is a desperate need for a third political movement, one that will renew faith in politics by being honest, transparent and accountable. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – After first announcing via this news site that her party, the People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) was seeking to contest the next general elections constitutionally due by February 2016 Shaina M. Smith announced in a statement late March 15, 2015 that the PPA would not be contesting.

The party said it was unable to recruit sufficient candidates to contest the polls after a three year process of trying to find persons.

“Only two of the original 2011 Candidate slate are still with the group and the intention was to recruit sufficient candidates to participate in moving towards a new political philosophy, where merit comes before privilege; administered for all and not the few, strong and sure of itself at home and abroad and one in which we all feel part of, in whose future we all have a stake,” said a press release from the party last night.

The release said that, according to 2011 Territorial Candidate Ms Shaina M. Smith, “We have been meeting with persons over the past three years; however, we have been unable to assemble a viable team of candidates in time for the upcoming elections 2015/2016.”

Jumping Ship?

There remains speculation that Smith is planning to join the National Democratic Party (NDP), even though she has outrightly denied this.

In an exclusive interview with this news site back in January 2015, Ms Shaina M. Smith had confirmed that she would not be running in the next elections with the NDP, neither At-Large nor in any district, or has she joined that party.

“The PPA is in the process of organising a team to contest as a viable option in the next elections,” she had said.

When pressed about allegations that she has been approached by the NDP to run in the first district, she neither confirmed nor denied that she was approached, however, Ms Smith, an Engineer and a former civil servant, told our newsroom “I am with the PPA. How can I run on two slates?”

When this news site made contact with Smith today, Monday March 16, 2015, she said, "I have no comment at this time. When I am ready to say something I will put out another statement."

Mr Elton Callwood, the other remaining 2011 Territorial Candidate, said according to the release that “I am disappointed that we weren’t able to assemble a viable team, for I still believe there is a desperate need for a third political movement, one that will renew faith in politics by being honest, transparent and accountable, one that realises that we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them and one that will govern in the best interest of the broad majority of people, those who work hard, play by the rules, pay their dues and currently feel let down by a political system that gives the breaks to the few.”

“We would like to thank all our family, friends and supporters who have supported this movement and encourage fellow Virgin Islanders and residents of the territory to stay vigilant and participate in the governance of our country by holding our leaders accountable for a progressive national plan that will take our country forward,” the release quoted Callwood as saying.

See our earlier story here:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/i-will-not-be-running-with-the-ndp-shaina-m-smith

30 Responses to “PPA makes 180 degree turn!”

  • ..................... (16/03/2015, 15:57) Like (3) Dislike (17) Reply
    She will run with the loosing ndp
  • kevin (16/03/2015, 16:40) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    blah blah blah blah
  • flip flopper (16/03/2015, 17:14) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    That consultant money changed her mind.
  • Wow! (16/03/2015, 17:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thought LT said that he had a full slate?
  • jokers (16/03/2015, 17:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ayo dont come back !
  • west farm (16/03/2015, 17:27) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
    She ain't dare run against the bomber for she will be literally blown away.
  • johnny (16/03/2015, 17:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    That mare horse bolted...LOL
  • fahie (16/03/2015, 18:01) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Shania has lost her credibilty
  • fish (16/03/2015, 18:36) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Vip all the way the best party for we
  • Voters (16/03/2015, 19:43) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    if she thinks the NDP can help her she is in for a big surprise
    • john public (16/03/2015, 21:35) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      If she join the NDP that will be the end of her career because it will be confirmed that she was bought with that consultancy contract.
  • wize up (16/03/2015, 21:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    jokers; a set of cowards
  • bvi politicians forsale (16/03/2015, 21:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    300 thousands later and now this
  • Bushmaster (16/03/2015, 22:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another crop of wannabees relegated to the political morgue/graveyard. Lets see where in the political landscape they resurrect.
  • one eye (16/03/2015, 22:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he obvious purpose of the statements has always been to go join the NDP gang
  • shaw (16/03/2015, 23:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I like the idea that they even tried. they had the courage of their convictions which is more than I can say about those who just complain. I hope they don't get discouraged, but try in some way to stay visible, and help keep the dialogue going about the issues. Write letters to the papers and keep ideas flowing. Thank you for trying to change the political culture. you may not agree with everything said but give them credit.
  • Yelr@ (17/03/2015, 06:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was expected plain and simple. What can they offer to people when they have very little going. Don't get me wrong this is not about money. Every political party have a viable body, constitution and a full crop of people on the ground. Three persons forming a party was not a good sell. They were not established among a grass root group so their following was extremely thin. If that was not the case this folding would not have occurred. How were people recruited/approached? What were you offering for the sacrifices the recruits will have to make as they will have to adjust to the political minefield? Where are your offices, secretaries, PRO etc etc etc. With their life not necessarily settled so to speak what time will they have for a real campaign? Politic is a touch arena you got to get all the pieces fitting properly or it will fall to pieces. I salute the effort though but more should have been done.
    • pete (17/03/2015, 11:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      unfortunately, it is about money. the offices, secretaries etc- even printer ink costs money. Then there is talk of the application fees are going up to cull out "undesirables". That is censorship. They do need volunteers getting the word out and create events to introduce themselves. Maybe by district....
  • Jit (17/03/2015, 07:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had high hopes for Shaina and Wheatley of PPA, but things happen. I am more disappointed with Wheatley because he too is an intelligent young man, but I think his focus is misplaced. I have been trying to follow him but I find that he lack sound suggestions to remedying the faults he finds. I still think he would make a good politician though.
  • DON Q (17/03/2015, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what is wade and john going to do now?
  • PAM (17/03/2015, 10:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NDP buy her out.
  • 1st (17/03/2015, 12:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    She going maul Andrew.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.