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PVIM's Jose C. B de Castro launches attack on D9 representatives

-Accuses the two representatives of completely failing the District
During his first public political speech, Jose C. B de Castro unleashed an attack on Ninth District Representatives in his bid to represent the district under the the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement. Photo: PVIM
Ninth District Representative Dr The Honourable Hubert O’Neal. Photo: VINO/File
Ninth District Representative Dr The Honourable Hubert O’Neal. Photo: VINO/File
Former Sister Islands Coordinator and Virgin Gorda resident Mr Vincent O. Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
Former Sister Islands Coordinator and Virgin Gorda resident Mr Vincent O. Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI – During his first public political speech, Jose C. B de Castro unleashed an attack on Ninth District Representatives, Dr The Honourable Hubert O’Neal and Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Candidate, Mr Vincent O. Wheatley—who recently resigned from his post as Sister Islands Coordinator—for failing to do enough in the district.

Hon O’Neal is one of several who has stuck with the National Democratic Party (NDP) and is likely to run for the post again in the upcoming elections, while Mr Wheatley is promising to be a strong contender for the position under the VIP slate.

Both held senior positions which many say, should have seen them do more to better the lives of residents of Virgin Gorda (VG) and Anegada, however, according to de Castro they are utter failures.

Strong attack

In his inaugural speech last Friday, December 7, 2018, at the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) launch party, Mr de Castro hurled an attack stating, “we have had a district representative for the last four years and a Sister Island Coordinator for the past eleven years and both of them are currently offering themselves as candidates for the 9th district,” given their history of inaction.

He further stated, “although they have had quite some time to show the voters that they deserve the job, many of my friends and relatives in the district were asking me to run, stating that they had no confidence in the type of representation the would be received from those two good gentlemen.”

According to de Castro, most of the issues affecting the district existed way before Irma, “[and] because these issues were not properly addressed, Hurricane Irma just made things that much worse… we need to fix these issues in the 9th district,” he implored.

Mr de Castro pointed to some key issues in the district such as high unemployment and no restroom facilities at Gun Creek. Additionally, the road extension and street lights do not continued to the Cow Wreck area and there is even frequent closure of the Taddy Bay Airport due to a non-working fire truck.

He continued by stating that banks have ‘completely abandoned’ VG with no banking services on Anegada, including a host of issues like the Jeffrey Caines Arena which needs to be restored.

Physical activities for the youth, drainage of the roads which is in dire need of restoration, incomplete homes and the half day school sessions for children at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), are other areas of concerns raised by the Ninth District candidate.

Addressing social ills

Noting too, that there are many social ills in the district, Mr de Castro asked rhetorically, “what programmes have the District Representative or the Sister Islands Coordinator put in place to help keep the children off the street while their parents are at work?”

He alluded to another soar issue which exists in the district’s hospitality industry, the non-payment of severance monies to sacked employees following hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017.

“Workers who, unfortunately, got some of their tips taken away for 'uniforms'…  after being let go after Irma, didn't receive their severance pay. As a matter of fact, those of you who have not received your severance pay, I encourage you to come forward, speak up. I will support you, I will back you,” de Castro encouraged.

He stressed, “having a District Representative from VG and a Sister Islands Coordinator from VG you would expect that they would have worked together to solve some of these problems… but, I haven't seen it!”

Cards on the table

“I looked through the many pictures on Facebook, many, many pictures! and I have yet to see the two of them working together,” he said.

 “By contrast, I have worked with the Sister Islands Coordinator, I have worked with the District Representative and that's the type of leadership that you need in the 9th district and I am happy to offer myself as a candidate,” uttered de Castro who also worked as one of the Deputy Directors of the Public Works Department for the past ten years.

He said that in that capacity, he travelled and represented the territory many times, however, one of his last trips was to help formulate a new Caribbean regional building code where the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) presented the country profiles of their member states.

“Sadly, I have to report to you that the profile of the BVI did not present the “Robust Economy” we have heard about, instead, the graph showed an economy that needed life support.”

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for him, “so at that point, I had two options: stay in my ‘cushy’ government job… or go out there and do something to help bring about the change we need for our economy.”

 

29 Responses to “PVIM's Jose C. B de Castro launches attack on D9 representatives”

  • wowww (10/12/2018, 11:37) Like (50) Dislike (11) Reply
    Decastro and O’Neal y’all will never beat Vincent Wheatley coming election
  • Hmm (10/12/2018, 11:37) Like (55) Dislike (17) Reply
    Thumbs up if you wan Vincent Wheatley for D9

    Thumbs down if you want decastro for D9
  • Candi (10/12/2018, 11:52) Like (31) Dislike (34) Reply
    Jose is a decent man and certainly not power hungry. He is a man of great character and if people actually pay attention to what he has to say, I think you will support him as well.

    I also agree with what Jose had to say about the other two individuals. I don't see it as bashing, but he's simply stating facts. O'Neal seems so disappear right after election and reappears right before. He should just take several seat to be honest, cause he really isn't getting back in. Now Wheatley, he's not a bad guy but I mean come on VG don't let his acts after the hurricane fool you. All then he knew he was running. This man will sell out VG & Anegada to his white friends, THAT'S A FACT. He use to walk on people. Its only recently you really see him posting and being in people face.

    Jose may seem shy but he's definitely a fresh face that's needed.

    Jose, take my advice, don't try to imitate what others are doing. BE YOURSELF. That's more than enough.
    • Outlaw (10/12/2018, 12:49) Like (29) Dislike (13) Reply
      @candi, you might be right but he with the wrong KLAN
    • no sa (10/12/2018, 15:57) Like (36) Dislike (4) Reply
      Candi you could not be a resident of Virgin Gorda and call Mr. Wheatley's response and actions after the hurricane acts. As I recall Mr. De Castro was right here in the community after the hurricanes, what were his acts. Mr. Wheatley use to walk on people but it is shyness with Mr. De Castro a little hypocritical don't you think. As for his so call white friends you could not possibly be talking about Mr. Hagedorn, Mr. Branson and Mr. Klener who were all very generous and instrumental in getting Virgin Gorda and Anegada up and running because the last time I checked they were not waiting for Mr. Wheatley to sell them anything they had already purchased and continue to purchase up till today and he is not the one selling. Mr. Wheatley is eloquent, smart, confident and self assured. He believes that no one is below him or above him and treats all as equals so if his self confidence allows him to interact with all people and races with ease don't get your panties in a twist try to emulate instead of repeating ridiculous nonsense.
    • Interesting (10/12/2018, 17:50) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
      No offense but, Jose only recently started showing his face too.
  • Me (10/12/2018, 11:57) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    De Castro u out at the wrong pace.U mention about road drainage.Pls tell us what u know about that waste of money from Sol gas station/Catholic Center.How much u was involve etc.Then the bells &whistle will be heard.De Castro be careful.We had a rep. for 40 plus years what the hell we got? Take it one step at a time
  • wize up (10/12/2018, 12:21) Like (38) Dislike (2) Reply
    I seriously wish these want to be political leaders will stop dredging up the past and put more focus on the future of our territory: stop crying over spilt milk because what’s done is done:bring discussion to the table that relates to the future and development of this territory(stop speaking poorly about your fellow virgin islander just to make yourself look good) great minds discuss ideas while small minds discuss people!!!(black man redemption)
  • VG chic (10/12/2018, 12:33) Like (16) Dislike (25) Reply
    Winner man Wheatley...puppet on a string, but will try
    Bertie.... not procactive enough, but tries.
    Decastro….brains, ideas, and will stand up for what is right for his district
  • take that (10/12/2018, 12:34) Like (4) Dislike (16) Reply
    Vincent been throwing his words on social media. SO that was the lash back.
  • ... (10/12/2018, 12:35) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    look trouble for me
  • tretretrete (10/12/2018, 12:43) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    These new comers. Fancy talkers . Problem finders. A politician is a opportunistic . Say what the people want to hear . They all the same ... Opportunistic.....to enrich themselves ..
  • VG (10/12/2018, 13:29) Like (24) Dislike (7) Reply
    anything associated with the NDP and ballhead is toxic
  • VG wifey (10/12/2018, 14:39) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's amazing how he speaks about road and drainage in VG and lackluster appearance of the other potential candidates. My question is what was your position at PWD and what did you do in your role at that tume to help us the people of VG.
    • ShaSha (10/12/2018, 16:03) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
      At PWD he was a waste of time and all about himself and the money never cared about the people .He had favourites and didn't mind bout the rest. He don't hail people unless you are on his level Virgin Gorda you are in for a treat.
      • now now (10/12/2018, 21:28) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
        You seriously cannot be speaking about Jose deCasteo. You all need to stop
      • thank you. (11/12/2018, 10:38) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ ShaSha... You could not have said it any better. Jose needs to shut his trap from talking nonsense.
  • Andso (10/12/2018, 15:00) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    knowing all of the above you are affiliated with the same set of people who allowed it. Once a pig always a pig even if you call it a goat. The people of the Virgin Islands are not stupid we know a six from nine.
  • BABYGIRL (10/12/2018, 17:02) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    Vincent i am voting for you and vg people for you for sure, the other two go go and sit down we don’t want you
  • To Jose (10/12/2018, 17:56) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jose, while you do seem like a decent man, prior to this upcoming election you hardly ever said hello to people. Now that you’re running for politics, you’re up and about speaking to people you never spoke to before. Recognizing that the 9th district has issues and pointing them out does not make you fit for politics-anyone can do that. To be sincerely concerned about your district is to be sincerely concerned about its PEOPLE. You seem to be concerned with ipeople now that you are seeking votes. How concerned were you before...?
  • cent (10/12/2018, 18:04) Like (4) Dislike (24) Reply
    Jose can deliver. VG and Anegada needs a serious and competent leader. No more nonsense. Vote for change.
  • Really. (10/12/2018, 20:21) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    In seeking to become elected, no one should have to bash their opponent. Speak on the issues and your plans to remedy the situations. No ONE is perfect and things will continue to happen no matter who is elected. I must say though if we as a people worked as a team instead of opponents, VG could have been further ahead. One thing I would say for sure, don't take one isolated huge incident like the two hurricanes and think someone is worthy of being elected. What about before that incident? District Rep and Sister Islands Co? Both of you should have been standing together back then, not only now. Mr. DeCastro has a strong point on that one. Who is the lesser of the three evils?
  • kelah (10/12/2018, 20:54) Like (5) Dislike (14) Reply
    GO JOSE GO ALL THE WAY IM ON YOUR SIDE
  • vg massive (11/12/2018, 00:51) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    VG don’t be fooled. Vincent walking up and down and acting like he done have all you whipped. He feel he some have all you in he pocket. Vincent is not a genuine person. This I will swear on the holy bible. VG I know we want to get Bertie out the way but just watch that Vincent. We might get what we don’t want. I’m not for Decastro or anybody but listen with an open mind. Vincent not get my vote. I do not trust him one bit.
  • idiots (11/12/2018, 10:45) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    @vg massive you sound like a hater. try go and learn to read a book or something
  • copy cat (11/12/2018, 11:39) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I like the US presidential debate format, let's get all these candidates in one room, and ask them some questions as it relates to the future of our territory and GO!! Let's hear solutions, let's hear strategies, let's hear what they as individuals plan to do!

    Gone are the days all candidates can campaign on is what their opponent DIDN'T DO, let the people hear you and what you plan to do... LET'S DEBATE! Let's hear you answer real questions, from real citizens and hear REAL SOLUTIONS!


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