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UPDATE: “The leadership of this country has deceived us” – PEP's J. Alvin Christopher

Hon Christopher made it categorically clear that if his party is so elected, he will take on the position as Premier of the Virgin Islands. He along with the party’s President Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru addressed their audience at the party launch on Saturday March 29, 2014. Photo: VINO
Alluding to the many changes, not for the better, that have taking place over the years with previous and present governments Hon Christopher said that there is need for urgent steps to be taken to rescue the tourism, financial services and the fishing industry sectors. Photo: VINO
Alluding to the many changes, not for the better, that have taking place over the years with previous and present governments Hon Christopher said that there is need for urgent steps to be taken to rescue the tourism, financial services and the fishing industry sectors. Photo: VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Scenes of the PEP launch held at Maria's By The Sea, March 29, 2014. Photo:VINO
Left to right: Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru, PEP President; Hon J. Alvin Christopher, PEP Chairman and Mr Glanville Penn, PEP Chaplain this evening. Photo: VINO
Left to right: Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru, PEP President; Hon J. Alvin Christopher, PEP Chairman and Mr Glanville Penn, PEP Chaplain this evening. Photo: VINO
Chairperson of the evening and member of the party Mr Lorie A. Rhymer. Photo: VINO
Chairperson of the evening and member of the party Mr Lorie A. Rhymer. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Taking to the podium with standing ovation from his fellow party members and other supporters Chairman of People Empowerment Party (PEP) Honourable J. Alvin Christopher was like a Minister of the Gospel of Christ, starting his speech for the first few minutes on the principles of the Bible.

Hon Christopher made it categorically clear that if his party is so elected, he will take on the position as Premier of the Virgin Islands. He along with the party’s President Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru addressed their audience at the party’s launch on Saturday evening March 29, 2014.

The scriptures and biblical references used by Hon Christopher pointed to the path and principles he said he party will follow here onwards as according to him, “…the leadership of this Territory has deceived us and they are not willing or able to commit themselves to sound principles.”

The slogan used by all who took to the Podium at last night’s launching ceremony was ‘A change must come’. Without calling names directly Hon Christopher condignly stated that leaders must send clear signals and not allow mixed signals to cloud the minds of the people.

“We must return to the days when our words meant what was said. These principles are not based on money, but they are based on examples demonstrated by leadership,” said Hon Christopher.

Alluding to the many changes, not for the better, that have taken place over the years with previous and present governments Hon Christopher said that there is need for urgent steps to be taken to rescue the tourism, financial services and the fishing industry sectors.

“These industries that I have mentioned must be encouraged by initiatives of government who must be proactive. Our farmers are confused, our tour operators and taxi drivers are confused, our young people are confused for they do not see clearly future opportunities as once existed,” he said.

He blasted the current state of how the Territory's finances are managed and stated that for fifteen (15) years he has been the lone voice in the House of Assembly sounding the warning that they were not practicing good financial management.

“As we sit at the table to discuss the people’s business we should not leave contaminated with the communicable diseases of greed, corruption, dishonesty and lying tongues,” he alluded.

Honourable Christopher said that PEP will take a new approach in conducting the people’s business. “Our manifesto will be based on the needs of this Territory and the programme that will improve the economic plight of this country. Your views and concerns will form the foundation as we strive to make the Virgin Islands a better place for residents and visitors.”

See previous story published on March 29, 2014:

PEP announces Hon J. Alvin Christopher as Chairman

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) this evening March 29, 2014 announced Second District Representative Hon J. Alvin Christopher as its Chairman and Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru as its President.

The newly formed party made its first public appearance this evening at Maria’s By The Sea before media operatives and their supporters.

The Chairperson of the evening and member of the party Mr Lorie A. Rhymer referred to the party members as a new breed that are ready to take the country forward. Tonight’s event was meant to introduce the party’s officers but not its candidates.

President Wheatley said that PEP is ready to set the Virgin Islands back on the path of success. He highlighted the sad state of the VI saying roads make one sea sick; that leaders have lost track; that they have sold birthrights to biggest bidders, and that they fight for power rather than for the rights of the people. He said that the Virgin Islands is on a sick bed and will be revived by PEP.

Hon Christopher blasted current management styles of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) saying they have been sitting too long at the dinner table. Hon Christopher said that he has given up membership from VIP by way of default by not paying dues while Wheatley said he resigned from that party by way of email.

More details to come.

39 Responses to “UPDATE: “The leadership of this country has deceived us” – PEP's J. Alvin Christopher”

  • question (29/03/2014, 21:14) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is this the recycled vip?
    • Yes (30/03/2014, 00:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      It looks so!
    • facts (30/03/2014, 00:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      RTO take a hint, bow out gracefully to advoidf the VIP loosing the next elections
      • Abby (01/04/2014, 18:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        We know the leaders have deceived us, that is why we need this new team to prove themselves to us. Good luck guys.
  • vex (29/03/2014, 21:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow
  • DON Q (29/03/2014, 21:25) Like (0) Dislike (26) Reply
    Alvin for premier
  • mother hen (29/03/2014, 21:45) Like (45) Dislike (5) Reply
    One thing must be known the ndp must go!
    • Agreed! (30/03/2014, 01:22) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      but not replaced by PEP. go sit down and see if anybody still deh at the dinner table.
  • cay (29/03/2014, 23:30) Like (19) Dislike (17) Reply
    Ndp all the way
  • voter (29/03/2014, 23:38) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply

    Ask Sowande and Alvin what they would do about the civil service seeing that the Governor and not Government, is in control on that front. Ask Sowande and Alvin what they would do different to this Government in terms of raising revenues and keeping the BVI at the forefront with the two main industries, Tourism and FInancial Services. These stupid buzz words about selling birthrights. What birthrights are we really selling when we are the ones that benefit the most from development in the BVI? We own all the Taxis, 99% of the commercial buildings in town, 80% of the land, we have our own local Government. We are 99% of the civil service who run the country. What birthright? I will be upfront soon asking these questions and awaiting answers. It won't be a free reign or smooth ride. Anybody can put on a suit and chat bulls..t. Give examples of your accusations and give solutions to the problems. How do you raise money to keep the BVI standard of living, keep civil servants employed, keep pension fund viable, keep roads and infrastructure up to date. These things are not done via ideology, but rather action and in doing. Look at the track record of all involved and be the judge. This is a ploy to confuse the electorate, scatter votes and then PEP and VIP will join hands. Who you all fooling? Not me. More of the same.

  • Gregra (30/03/2014, 00:03) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Beautiful and wonderful. It is my hope that this party will have some staying power. Too many of them come for the Election cycle and fritter away days after. I would hope that all the parties invest in a vibrant youth arm. It would also be nice if the parties constitution indicate a limit on how many times one can serve as chairman and an age limit. It does not sit well if all we do is transfer others constitution unto a new party.
  • qc (30/03/2014, 00:17) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    The VIP will now be guaranteed another term in office.
  • hello (30/03/2014, 00:36) Like (13) Dislike (12) Reply
    tell PEP and NDP go seh down and let VIP run te country they were born to lead.
  • 00000 (30/03/2014, 01:15) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply

    defectors, tr..tors, kr..ks and opportunists

  • pep (30/03/2014, 01:17) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pure Empty Promises
  • Flower (30/03/2014, 04:31) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let the show begin!
  • Sparrow (30/03/2014, 06:55) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Very good idea to form a new party. I hope the leadership will encourage the youths, reach out to the youths. What the president should do is to educate the young people about party politics and show them that they have a part to play in the future of the country. He should visit every home and advise parents to ensure their children obtain a good education or a skill that will that will assure them of a future in this country.

    I am sadden that the VIP is being self destruct because of its leadership. Hon. O'Neal we want to thank you for what you did for the VIP and the country, however, in this modern technological time the train is moving too fast. I think you should not wait for the party's executive to vote you out of your position. I think many people are not bold to say that you should consider retirement and being an advisor to the party or take a cruise to enjoy your fruits of your labour. Good luck in the future.
    • Yes (30/03/2014, 10:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      You ain see the VIP man them there with their suits and yellow shirts? What's going on? LOL! Dead on arrival. Once they pull Alvin's file you can forget it. Sowande means well but he will not get anywhere a team filled with has beens. HE only got so many votes last time because they were a NEW young team. With these set of old time politicians with murky records, he's dead on arrival. Alvin called investors 'INVADERS' not so long ago. When the tapes are played they will take their ball and go home, trust me. LOL....
  • f dem (30/03/2014, 10:10) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    the fact is the NDP has failed the people of the BVI
  • mvw (30/03/2014, 10:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I ant blame the man for having goals to be Premier
  • weed (30/03/2014, 10:26) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Pure dead horses, but they cannot be worst that what we have now in the NDP.
  • yes (30/03/2014, 12:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stay positive.... Their perception then may not be the same now. Good idea PEP! We'll be hearing more of you.
  • phone call (30/03/2014, 13:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope Alvin does not give the ndp another four years with he nonsense
  • help is on the way (30/03/2014, 14:41) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is wonderful news indeed.
  • vi (30/03/2014, 14:59) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE PLACE . WE ALSO WANT JENNINGS FOR AGRICULTURE LABOUR .STAY CALM AND MEEK
  • overseas (30/03/2014, 19:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alvin you do not have a chance to head goverment AT ALL. Go sit down brother you cannnot rep we at the EU meetings like fraser, Fahie or Dr. Pickering!!!
  • wise up (30/03/2014, 19:40) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    i personally think we should give PEP a chance because VIP & NDP is the same thing...all we do now is alternate every 4-year between NDP/VIP....we need a change; what could go wrong !!!! for sure we can NOT give the NDP another 4-years; for sure....run go talk that !!!!!!
  • Regretful voter (30/03/2014, 23:43) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think we should put all the politicians on minimum wage and see how hard they'll work for us.
  • ????????? (31/03/2014, 01:17) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    People

    All of a sudden we forgot all the lies this NDP Government told we the People. Honestly I have lost all trust within this Government. Every one is bashing Hon. Alvin Christopher and his new party PEP, but why though.

    He was with both VIP and NDP, it was the same crap both times. Now he had the balls heart courage to form his own Party he's being dragg down. The country is in need of a change so why not give PEP that chance they're asking for.

    If they failed we the people they're just failing they selves. The country is on a stand still right now while the rich NDP goons getting richer. Imagine we the people of the Virgin Islands are hungry and suffering while the NDP family an friends are eating steak and living like KINGS and QUEENS.

    All I got to say is change is needed urgently because this government got they priorities mix up. And I'm willing to give PEP a chance. I gave NDP a chance so why not PEP. People please change is needed ....
  • Country Gal (31/03/2014, 17:25) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    First, change the party name to PLP ..... People Looking Power
    Then give the Yellow Ties to the NDP because that that's the SUNSHINE PAAARTY.....ting to talk
  • farmer (31/03/2014, 20:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    legalize it
  • ting to talk (01/04/2014, 12:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alvin you are part of the problem so why should anyone listen to or believe anything you have to say. So because you switch parties now that is supposed to get you somewhere. I am so sick and tired of the blame game VIP was in there they cause a muck NDP gone in and nothing doing. Now here comes the PEP or Alvin and the Chipmunks.


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