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'The VIP has a lot to be blamed for'- Rajah A. Smith

- said Hon Julian Fraser, Hon Andrew A. Fahie & Mr Carvin Malone need to put aside personal ambitions
Rajah A. Smith has put his own Virgin Islands Party (VIP) on blast. Photo: VINO/File
From left: President of the VIP Carvin Malone, First District representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie and Opposition Leader and Third District Representative Julian Fraser RA. Photo: VINO/File
From left: President of the VIP Carvin Malone, First District representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie and Opposition Leader and Third District Representative Julian Fraser RA. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a surprise statement sent out to the media today, June 20, 2016, Virgin Islands Party (VIP) candidate in the June 8, 2015 general elections, Rajah A. Smith made no bones about his disappointment with his own party.

Smith also bashed the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) for what he termed their reckless overspending by some ministers of government and said that many have been left to wonder if people who are “running our territory are ‘educated fools.’”

VIP put on blast

“While I sympathise with the people of the territory, my team, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has a lot to [be] blamed for,” said Mr Smith as he lashed out at VIP Chairman and Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie and President of the VIP, Mr Carvin Malone.

“While people are looking for hope, the VIP members are engaged in a contentious civil war for power, from the Chairman to the President to the Congress,” Mr Smith said, adding that the party has a democratically elected chairman that was never fully embraced by his opponents after the election, “a president that’s not objective, a senior member who led an unsuccessful coup against its own leader and a divided congress with no unity near in sight.”

According to Smith, for the betterment of the party and the territory “these three grown men need to put aside their personal ambitions, their egos, and find common ground and unite for the greater good or step aside.”

The Virgin Islands Party has been criticised for its apparent disunity, especially after the 2015 elections when they lost 11-2 and many of the losing candidates blamed the leadership of the party as the main reason for the loss.

Further there was a tangle over the Opposition Leader post, with Hon Andrew A. Fahie  (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) both presenting themselves as suitable for the post and refusing to give way to the other despite Governor John S. Duncan OBE giving them a month and a day to sort out their differences.

Eventually, Governor Duncan appointed Hon Fraser as the new Leader of the Opposition, a position that was vacated by former Premier Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. Hon Fahie made it public that he respected the decision of Governor Duncan.

“Everybody wants to keep quiet, this is politics, when you put yourself out there for good or worse at some point you have to shake it off and prepare for the next shot,” Smith said, referring to his decision to put his own VIP members on blast.

‘I don’t see myself as a loser’

Meanwhile, Smith, along with Mr Elford W. Parsons of the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) had contested the Second District at the 2015 general elections but lost to incumbent Hon Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull.

‘While I lost the election and my very low support I don’t see myself as a loser...I am forever thankful for all the love and support I received throughout the entire Virgin Islands. Special thanks to the people who donated their money, who gave their cash and wrote their cheques. You believed in me and the old saying; ‘put your money where your mouth is’ and you did,” Mr Smith said.

23 Responses to “'The VIP has a lot to be blamed for'- Rajah A. Smith”

  • ccc (20/06/2016, 16:35) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Well sah some one woke up the sleeping giant
  • Someone had to do it (20/06/2016, 17:17) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
    Somebody had to do this in order for things to get cracking.
    VIP leadership is at stake,and needs to be rectified before it is too late.
  • dog (20/06/2016, 17:18) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    this is a true clear opinion and I agree with it. The VIP cooked its own goose.

    The fact that Mr. Smith is speaking up so forthrightly and honestly makes me want him to continue to fight as an alternative to NDP. We need new blood in VIP leadership. The others may have more experience, but their politics are getting in the way of true reform. Keep speaking out and being visible Rajah. Organize by district to find new people with commitment.
  • what about home? (20/06/2016, 17:18) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Strupps next
    • DST6 (20/06/2016, 19:15) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
      If there are issues, why do you address them with him privately. From the way he has expressed his opinion in the article he appears to be open minded enough. So solve your issues with him privately not on the news site. It certainly won't help your cause doing it this way.
      • NHI (21/06/2016, 08:31) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
        DUM COMMENT U SEEM TO BE A FOOL THIS IS POLITICS AT ITS BEST
      • Tallfat (21/06/2016, 10:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        It's this secret bs that has things the way it is. They need some loudness and forthrightness for the persons, party and congress to wake tha blast up. People need to see movement that is positive and as hr says the present state is not doing it. Where are those who presented themselves as worthy for a seat? They've all gone hiding; back into them usual hole waiting to come next election cycle to pretend they care. Now is the time, so seize the day. Good job Mr. Smith.
  • wize up (20/06/2016, 18:36) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Good afternoon Mr Smith: there is room at the NDP table for you; alternatly you can partner with Fahie, Dawson, Romney, Penn, Willock and form that much needed third political party....
    • Potential (20/06/2016, 20:05) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
      NDP is finished! An Opened, Transparent, and Accountable 3rd Party is required now, if we ever intend to move our country forward from where we find ourselves today.
      • wize up (21/06/2016, 06:25) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ potential: for sure the territory needs an alternative political party before next election but I feel NDP will give them some good competition because some of young people love money and can be influence by money and the NDP have access to money; even some of the more mature voters might grab after the opperunity to make some cash for their vote: I understand the current fellings but don't take your eyes off the National Dose of Posion sorry I meant the National Democratic Party!!!!!
  • chad (20/06/2016, 19:28) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thing to talk wow one year later?????????
  • wow (20/06/2016, 20:34) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    no wonder he lost
  • Magic wand (20/06/2016, 20:44) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Rajah you remind me of when school is out. No class. Take a leaf out the Hon Christopher book. When he wanted to leave the VIP and form his own party, he didn't go about it by bad talking them. You don't build yourself up by tearing another down. We all content that VIP was no Saint but you coming out like that is in bad taste. You have the makings of an NDP. Best you join them.

    Furthermore it didn't matter whether Hon Fraser or Hon Fahie was the chairman because in all due respect to these gentlemen with a party of two they are sitting ducks. They can not do diddily squat. Surely you if you aspire to be a politician you must know this because the NDP has the number on their party to get anything they want to do passed through the house. Hon Fraser and Hon Fahie votes do not count. And as for blaming them, son you do realise that the NDP has been in power for nearly five years. So exactly what are you talking about that VIP are to blame? Blame for what? What have they implemented in their non power, name only positions that have yielded hardship for the BVI?

    And remind us why exactly it is VIP job to correct NDP mistakes? Didn't you ever learn, what you buy you wear? You get yourself in it, get yourself out? That is what is wrong with you all generation, don't want to take responsibility for your actions.

    VIP warned about NHI, the school term, jumped up and down about the budget and transparency. No one listened so what exactly are you looking for them to do? And I am sure it will require a magic wand. Will you give it to them Rajah?
    • dog (20/06/2016, 22:50) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      The first part to social change is to identify the problems and speak out. One voice makes a difference and gets people talking. Go Rajah. Keep talking and identifying problems to re-examine. This is not bad-mouthing but looking at how to proceed more effectively. The two ministers have been holding other ministers accountable by asking the hard questions in an attempt to make things transparent. This is hard because much of the time, they are not given information either.
    • magic school bus (21/06/2016, 14:11) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      I still young but you are correct in that there are ways on how to do things correctly. If Rajah had a problem with the "civil" issue. He should of organize a meeting with the VIP not public media. For the NDP concerns, yea use the public media. Being older than me, Rajah shows immaturity and inexperience. Did he consult with other VIP members on how to address the issue? how to rectify the issue? The public now knows of the private issue that VIP has, in any business you know that some items are private for a reason. How can any business/owner trust Mr. Smith with any information now? Yes Mr. Smith needs to speak out but he needs to do so in the correct format and platform. Hon Fraser did what he could to nurture Mr. Smith and he in my opinion bit the hand that fed him.
  • liberal (20/06/2016, 22:04) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply

    From what I understand the VIP delegates elected a Chairman who is Julian Fraser and not First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie. But it seems as if the party's President Mr Carvin Malone can't organize the party to be united and that is making person to see that he's also a huge problem in the party of his one sided style. Persons are tired and sick of the party's ways it's been run by the president of the party who has all the power. THe chairman has no power. There are person in the party who doesn't like the chairman cause Fahie didn't won the position and holds some serious grievance which makes the party weak. Person haven't for got about the setup of the 8th and 4th district. The delegates of the VIP needs to get up off their @$$£$ and show the President that they are in charge and not him but them so stupid saying he's doing a good job which he's not. Meetings of the party are so far apart and that;s why the sh*t hits the streets cause he's making the chairman look bad when the public don't know that the President has the control and power of the party.. I say no more cause I getting vex..

    • wize up (21/06/2016, 06:38) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ liberal: what can't colored folks get along: after 45 years of great polital service to this territory along comes 3 persons Fahie, Fraser and Malone and kill all the joy for the people of this place. The Virgin Islands Party gave us hope for so many years; these 3 self centered guys must go; an ego is a bad thing and the three of them Fraser, Malone and Fahie have inflated egos.....
  • Just saying.... (21/06/2016, 00:04) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    It seems that only when certain political get hit, then they advocate the deployment of change .
  • crime is an issue (21/06/2016, 00:16) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    RAJAH YOU ALSO NEED TO TAKE ABOUT CRIME As the BVI needs a leader with iron fist dem leader and top Cop have too much manicure hands that can fight crime.
  • Straight Talk. (21/06/2016, 12:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ralph is the worst leader. He created all of this nonsense. Ralph should have stamped his authority and lead before he leaves and appoint a successor... I will vote and campaign for VIP only if an out sides is the leader...Straight talk...Need someone new.
  • VI to The Bone (21/06/2016, 13:35) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    VIP is to blame by putting people like you on the ticket that is not electable!!
  • liberal (21/06/2016, 17:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ Wize up... It's so true but if we can get the needed help or if persons like us can get together with the right set of people in the VIP or have a new party that is for the People it would be a grate relief even though there is a lot to be done cleaning up the mess.. If Malone is a man with balls and steps aside and allow other interested persons to come into the party and have changes made in the party it would be a greater party with a strong leader with an iron fist. We all know that Dancia shows us that she's not going to sit with them snakes that were not for her as they said they were. Some member are bad talking the woman down to a snail and that's a dam shame. Yes, yes the former chairman is also to blame for he allow the party to go on a ramp page when he should have change 2 of his ministers. But if people noticed that he only sent Fraser and Dancia away on his behalf to represent the country... It only needs 2/3 of the congress to have a meeting and that can make a change but them poor souls don't know much about the party's bylaws for the president has educated them so he running the ship listed on the portside, soon gonna flip, lol..
  • VIP/NDP (22/06/2016, 18:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you think you trying make vip look bad dig again cause ndp will never take u ! Your not proffesional politics was build by men .not men build by politics .smith ndp have the most skelton in their closets and they will never come to the public to breathe it out bad air is wat you breathing ! So they dont need u on there side .go find something else to do politics is not for you ! Sicking make the dogs sick!!


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