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Scatliffe vows to be 4th district’s bridge over troubled waters

Scatliffe surrounded by his young supporters at last evening’s meeting. Photo: VINO
The candidate stated that he will be the district’s bridge over troubled waters. Photo: VINO
The candidate stated that he will be the district’s bridge over troubled waters. Photo: VINO
Though the crowd was small under the tent, a number of persons lined the streets to listen to what he had to say. Photo: VINO
Though the crowd was small under the tent, a number of persons lined the streets to listen to what he had to say. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “We must make a greater effort in our schools and at our college to prepare our own people to fill the vacancies in our job market at all levels,” declared Independent candidate for the 4th district Collin Scatliffe at a meeting held on Saturday October, 22, 2011 at the Band Stand in Road Town.

The entrepreneur, who is a newcomer to the political playground, vowed that he will be the constituents’ bridge over troubled waters as he highlighted his plans to upgrade education, job opportunities, health care and crime, among others for the district.

He asserted that top on his priorities is to identify the high level professional jobs for “which we continue to recruit from overseas” – one which he said could be tackled by a new generation leader.

“We must make a greater effort in our schools and at our college to prepare our own people to fill the vacancies in our job market at all levels. It is crucial for us to identify those sectors where our people are largely absent and then work within our schools to identify those students who have an aptitude in the particular area. Those students, once identified, must be assisted to follow the particular academic path which will, in time, see them moving into the positions for which they were identified,” Scatliffe said.

In addition to that, the young people who are talented with their hands, the 4th district candidate said he will explore the possibilities of them furthering their studies at technical and vocational institutes, locally, regionally and internationally.

According to Scatliffe, the responsibility belongs to “all of us to ensure that our children are given first class facilities and tools to help them to develop their hidden skills and talents. Focus on our children and young adults will be one of the areas of priority during my term as representative.”

For this to come to fruition, Scatliffe will assign a coordinator to focus on the needed services.

He also proposed the introduction of M-learning (mobile learning) and e-learning tools as other methods of teaching and learning at all levels in the education system, since children of today are “techno-savvy”.

Furthermore, the candidate stated, “The increased understanding of Science and Information Technology from within our schools will be the foundation for the growth and development of the Technology industry as a new economic pillar. Policies and legislations would have to be introduced that would be attractive to outside investors who will consider the Virgin Islands as a viable option for doing business. I will propose the establishment of a Technology Park that would house research and development centers for some of the world’s leading software and hardware manufacturing companies.”

With regards to economic development, Scatliffe said he will support and regulate small and medium businesses through negotiating favourable lending rates, as well as, develop self or work employment opportunities for the unemployed especially the young people. 4th district sewerage and infrastructure

If elected, Scatliffe said he will ensure that more attention is given towards fixing the district’s infrastructure, starting with the sewerage system which could cost some $12M.

“For many years, we have heard a lot of talk about fixing the sewerage and years have gone by and still no action. The solution to this problem, as explained by the experts, lies in upgrading the main pumping station. I am told that fixing Road Town’s sewerage problems will cost more than $12 million. I am also aware that the global recession has had an effect on the Virgin Islands and our economy is in trouble. However, if we fix nothing else, we must fix the sewerage system. I promise to work diligently to ensure that fixing the sewerage system is at the top of the agenda,” he pledged.

According to him, remedying the situation will start during the first year of his term. “We cannot continue to fool around with this – our health depends on fixing the sewerage system, and our economy also depends on it. Few things are as indispensable as that.”

Flooding will also be minimized with ongoing cleaning of the ghuts, he said.

Gearing up for crime

A partnership with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will be forged to create a stronger response to crime, the independent candidate disclosed.

He pointed out, “Crime is particularly worrisome because of its potential to affect our way of life and standard of living. Crime doesn’t just hurt the victim. It hurts us all. Crime creates a climate of fear, it demands the diversion of government monies to solving the matters, it lowers property values, and it reduces the confidence of business owners who become fearful of investing in their businesses and fearful of expansion.”

To this end, Scatliffe will lobby for the placement of several closed circuit television cameras, have more street lights around the district, and ask for additional foot patrols.

He will also encourage more training for officers in the prevention and detection of crime. “I will act as the bridge between the community and the Force in ensuring that they are aware of the community’s concerns. I will do whatever I can to get the Department’s community policing initiatives going so that people can once again have confidence in the Force.”

“District 4, is the home of the capital - Road Town. Road Town should be a bright, shining, attractive place – a place of which we can all be proud. If people do not feel safe walking its streets, if its business people no longer feel confident that their investment in their business can be effectively protected, Road Town will die,” he charged.

It is a three way race for the district seat with the incumbent Dr. Vincent Scatliffe and Mark Vanterpool under the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the running.

But Scatliffe told his supporters don’t be fooled or distracted if his opponents “come telling you” that an independent representative cannot accomplish anything.

“Our history would also show that many of our former Chief Ministers and legislators started their career in politics as an independent...Tonight I claim that we take back control of our district, take back the control of our young people, and take charge in making sure that our capital is once again the shining star of the Virgin Islands. You need a new man in the 4th! A servant leader! We are at the dawn of a new generation of leadership and I will represent you well,” he promised.

6 Responses to “Scatliffe vows to be 4th district’s bridge over troubled waters”

  • Lovely (23/10/2011, 10:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's sad how the general public are afraid to be seen listening to various candidates. Listening doesn't mean endorsement.
  • edmund (23/10/2011, 12:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    get your cousin Vincent to get out the race so you can win colin
    • voice-long bush (23/10/2011, 16:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      mey boy yea one ah dem scatliffe needs to drop out dey race...gosh man
  • goat water (23/10/2011, 23:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Collin could not even run a little store tis country he want to run..he better go wheel and come again
  • VEX (24/10/2011, 08:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What goes around comes around. You can't expect to treat people bad and expect good in return. I give the the boi scato the benifit of doubt and went to hear him out. On arrival a Spanish minister on the stage praying and he spanish woman there parading the place like she could vote( foolishness). But what put the icing on the cake to see all the young people of long bush have on his T shirt representing the Dawn of a New Generation and his own ain't had on any. It was an insant turn offfff for me . The thing got me madddd all now. This is what collin fall too NOTHING. Scato cannot be for the youths and treating his own like that. If we say we want a better BVI it needs to start from home. I up and down the place saying not Scato fall so low with the plague ( Spanish Women) through the place. Mr Scatliffe(his father) would have never stand for that. Boi Scato be a man a clean up ur self and start over. I vex until.......
  • billyb (24/10/2011, 11:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Collin, next time get a smaller tent and 15 chairs, it wouldn't look so desolate. Look poppishows, LAWD


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