A number of persons supported the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) gala that doubled as an opportunity to honour founding members as well as to raise funds for the party. Photo: Provided

Those in attendance at the Virgin Islands Party gala heard that the territory has benefited tremendously from the Virgin Islands Party, which Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said has a rich legacy and must ensure that history accurately records the many positive contributions of the Virgin Islands Party. Photo: Provided

First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie (2nd from right) with former Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald (right). President of the VIP Natalio D. Wheatley is at left. Photo: Provided

The found members of the VIP honoureed were Omar W. Hodge, Oliver Cills, the late Reeial A. George, Naomi Turnbull and Donald Pickering. Photo: Provided

Hon Fahie was at the time addressing party members and supporters at a ceremony/fundraiser where they honoured some of their founding members on March 4, 2017 at the Cutlass Tower, Road Town, Tortola.

The honourees were Omar W. Hodge, Oliver Cills, the late Reeial A. George, Naomi Turnbull and Donald Pickering.

"Despite the challenges, march forward. We might not have it all together but once we keep marching forward, together we will have it all. That’s what VIP does, march forward."

Hon Fahie, throughout his speech, stressed the word, march, which he assumed was one of the key words of the party's founders when they coined the theme, "Forward Ever, Backwards Never"

"I firmly believe that this is why the Virgin Islands Party established their slogan: Forward Ever, Backwards Never, because I have never seen any soldier or anyone march backwards and it will not start now!"

VIP was at a standstill

According to Hon Fahie, who was recently locked in battle with Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, firstly for the post of VIP Chairman then for the post of Opposition Leader, the VIP has been at a standstill.

"Our standing still might have been perceived by some as moving backwards. However, as a VIP, it is now time to refuel the torch and do like our founding fathers did --- march forward. Despite the fears, march forward, despite limited resources, march forward, despite the well calculated attacks, march forward, despite the past, march forward."

But according to Hon Fahie, members and supporters must be proud of the rich legacy of the Virgin Islands through the Virgin Islands Party, noting that they must be disgust of the party standing still out of the frustrations of the past, the uncertainty of the future, and differences in methodology in the way forward.

"Like any organisation, we will have our differences but the truth be told we have more things in common than what we have apart. As it was in March of 1971 so it shall be in March of 2017, the commonality of the goal at hand is the thread that will pull the VIP together, stronger than ever."

Those in attendance heard that the Virgin Islands has benefited tremendously from the Virgin Islands Party, which the leader said has a rich legacy and must ensure that history accurately records the many positive contributions of the Virgin Islands Party.

"Notwithstanding, we cannot rely on our past achievements to thrust us into the bright future that God has for us. Nor can we allow our mistakes of the past to be the only memory that is used to define the Virgin Islands Party in the future."

Hon Fahie believes that the best of the Virgin Islands and VIP is yet to come. "However, that best that is yet to come solely hinges on where we the modern-day Virgin Islands Party members and supporters decide to put our focus. Will it be on our rear-view mirror or the windshield? I ask each of you to join me in focusing on our windshield. The future of the Virgin Islands Party and by extension the Virgin Islands looks bright but it is going to require much prayer, planning dedication and a steady hand and sound mind. We cannot allow ourselves to be tempest tossed with every wind that blows; just keep marching in one direction, forward! The future belongs to the prepared and I guarantee that the Virgin Islands Party will be prepared to take back its rightful place in these beautiful Virgin Islands."