UPDATE: ‘No one should touch Long Bay Land’ – VG Resident
Given the opportunity to raise questions at a community meeting held in the North Sound area by Hon. O’Neal on April 13, 2014, one resident said that he strongly feels that the land at Long Bay should be preserved for the people of Virgin Gorda.
He opined that a corporation should be formed to facilitate this preservation, suggesting, “That land should be held up at least to form a corporation because we can do the same thing as these investors are doing, they coming and selling out our thing we need to stop that…”
At the meeting allegations were leveled at one Minister of Government who they claimed had told a Virgin Gordian that he hadn’t the kind of money necessary to develop the land at Long Bay. The resident had approached the Minister on the grounds that his parents and fore parents had toiled for many years farming lands at Long Bay.
“….He was told he hadn’t the money to develop none of that land and that he was going to see what he can do to give him a little portion but that land is preserved for people like Branson and Johnson so those are the issues we have,” said the resident.
This was well supported by most persons in the audience as they applauded in agreement. The resident also alleged that there are talks of some of the land being earmarked for certain persons.
“Maybe you are one of them that help put them in power (NDP),” responded Hon. O’Neal as the crowd burst out in loud applause and laughter. The resident fired back, “But you were in power before then you know, for 39 years.”
It was announced at the commencement of the meeting that it was the very first face to face meeting Hon O’Neal was having with residents of Virgin Gorda since the 2011 national elections. This was blamed on poor health as the MC for the meeting claimed that today the VIP leader is now in better health to conduct a community meeting three years after.
See previous story posted April 13, 2014:
'We are not begging for anything!’ - Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE tells VG
says it is not fair that foreigners are given preference over locals in the distribution of lands
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI – (Post Time 7:20 PM) – Residents of Virgin Gorda were a short while ago today April 13, 2014 told by Ninth District Representative Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal OBE that they should not be made to beg for land on the island.
He was at the time addressing residents at a community meeting in the North Sound area and was alluding to his recommendation that two persons sit on a Government committee to sort out issues surrounding Crown lands.
Hon O'Neal said, "we are not begging for anything..." He said persons who have birthright on the island should be given the opportunity to benefit from Crown lands for housing and other development purposes as they may so wish.
He said it is not fair that outsiders come and get chunks of lands above locals. He asserted that he was prepared to be as candid as he chooses to since he is at that age where he cannot be bothered about what people say about him.
Hon O'Neal expressed his disgust about expatriates purchasing land in the Territory and selling them out after they would have reaped massive benefits.
The meeting is currently in progress and attended by a sizable group of residents.
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18 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘No one should touch Long Bay Land’ – VG Resident”
its time to do so. The meeting provide nothing except you are nuts. No wonder the people didnt come out. There is nothing he can say to these people but appologize to them for poor representation.
With much respect to you Mr. RTO.
Interestingly he never mentioned the things he hasn't accomplished; such as the every election cycle promised clinic/hospital, securing lands appropriate for villa type development so that locals can participate in the industry in which we spend upwards of $15-Million annually to promote. He did not have anything to say about the sub-division of government lands he had promised to first-time home owners and the landless (for a reasonable fee). Mr. O'Neal had promised during several election campaigns that his government would develop a housing scheme, in which his government, working with the National Bank, would build affordable homes and turn them over to persons wishing to participate, after setting up a payment plan at the bank.
He didn't mention much about the sale of Mosquito Island, now owned by Mr. Brandson, who is selling plots for millions; other than when the island (98-100 acres), was sold he insisted that the persons owed moneys (mostly North Sounders) be paid first. Incidentally the island was sold (under the NDP), at a time when our territory was financially strong and could have/should have been purchased and added to our land bank. The island at the time of sale, had an established hotel, a thriving restaurant business, and gift shop.
Interestingly, Mr. O'Neal has to face his caucus in a few days and needs something to tell those (according to him), who want to "throw him out", according to him. Now he can tell them that he had a meeting and no one at the meeting, (mostly North Sounders) called for his resignation.
The speaker claimed that he was surprised that the question as to whether or not if Mr. O'Neal will be
running did not come up; and in all honesty, I don't think it was necessary.
Though Mr. O'Neal has his weaknesses (physically), he has his cunning ways and is still good at setting up scenarios. So he planned the meeting; opened a tab at the nearby bar; perhaps $200.00 or so. I had a wine or two myself lol (~/\~). After all it's tax payers money, no..!.
Before the meeting, some of us had speculated that he had an announcement to make, and that it was likely an endorsement, perhaps the said Speaker (past speaker of H-O-A).
He did not say anything about running, nor did it come up. I don't even recall the word "Politics" being used. He is calling it a meeting and can talk about how his folks came out to meet with him. He now has ammunition for the meeting he called on the 23 and can now argue that his folks came out to hear what he had to say and that none of them suggested that he should step aside.