'There will be General Elections no later than November 2018'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline
While sharing what he calls his ‘housekeeping thoughts’ on his show Honestly Speaking, which was aired Tuesday April 24, 2018 on ZBVI 780 AM, Mr Skelton-Cline stated: “We need to be watchful, mindful, vigilant; we need to be very much awake of what is happening in our country and get ourselves ready for what I believe will be a general election no later than November 2018.”
The recent political turmoil in the territory and the evident division in the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) have many persons speculating as to whether or not a general election will be called this year.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), while a guest on the said show, aired March 20, 2018, stated it was his belief that no snap election will be called and that the NDP will live out its term in Office.
'Make yourselves known'
The general concern; however, is whether there will be a viable opposition to the NDP in the event a snap election is called.
Former Managing director of BVI Ports Authority had echoed the call of many when he called on those who wish to serve the territory in governance to make themselves known.
“All those who wish to offer themselves in service, its time for you to step forward. The people demand and the people have a right to know who you are. I am calling upon even the Leader of the Opposition, Member of the First District, brother Andrew Fahie, to begin to showcase his team from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP),” the host urged.
Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, has in times past stated that he was happy with the progress the party is making. While a guest on Honestly Speaking on February 13, 2018 Hon Fahie told listeners “We are doing a lot more than people say. We are going to do our part and to be honest I’m really glad with how we are progressing and we are going to bring people that love the BVI, love the people and want to do right by the people.”
In a media statement by VIP President, Natalio D. Wheatley aka ‘Sowande Uhuru’, on January 26, 2018, it was said “to date the Virgin Islands Party's Congress has not met to select any candidate whether At-Large or otherwise.” He noted; however, “We have a number of such persons interested and talks are ongoing.”
The 76 Member Congress has still not met to select candidates to contest the 2019 general elections.
It was widely speculated that a contributing factor for the VIP losing the last election was that it was not ready.
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24 Responses to “'There will be General Elections no later than November 2018'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline”
Snap or no snap, Andrew and VIP will not be ready and it's obvious! Even if elections are stretched out and called early 2019 what will be the difference? You cannot build an entire party, adding 12 new candidates in a few months, gel, develop a manifesto, get candidates on the same page, plan strategy, raise funds, rally troupes in a few months. Its a bunch of solid bulls**t. Despite all the talk and foolish chatter NDP will win the elections with no less than 9 seats and the complaining back benchers will be right there on the team.
Moreover, it is almost a lost cause to announce a team when the election date is announce. If the government thinks that the Opposition is napping does anyone think it will give the Opposition an extended campaign time frame? No. The campaign should be now; the time after the election date is announced should be used to close the deal.
On the campaign trail, I want to hear about priorities, plans, programmes, projects.....etc. Also wants to hear about education, public safety, health, economic growth and development, economic diversification, social services, disaster preparedness and recovery, environmental protection and preservation.........etc improvements. Furthermore, they must outlined how these needs will be paid for.
WOW!! Might as well you all consider NDP back in buddy. This is pathetic. They have no reason to call an early election this time though. Have to get some money in their hands first. But if you can catch them down with their pants down twice, might be worth a try.