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VG residents blast Rep for politicking @ graduation

Dr The Honourable Hubert O'Neal (R9) has been blasted for allegedly campaigning at the graduation ceremony of Bregado Flax Educational Centre- Secondary Division on June 29, 2017. Photo: VINO
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
Some of the comments on Facebook that took on a political tone. Photo: Facebook
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI - Several residents across the territory have been taking swipes at political leaders, blasting them for shifting the focus from students to do their politicking at graduations.

One of the strongest attacks via social media was meted out to Dr The Honourable Hubert O'Neal (R9), who gave remarks at the graduation ceremony of Bregado Flax Educational Centre- Secondary Division on June 29, 2017.

Distasteful

The criticisms of Dr O’Neal came on Facebook after he announced at the graduation ceremony a major project for Virgin Gorda that is allegedly without the community’s input.

“No Applause? Don’t mind the noise? Today at the 33rd Graduating Ceremony of BFEC our District Representative, Dr The Hon. Hubert O'Neal, announced that Virgin Gorda is getting a FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) [stadium]. He informed the people of Virgin Gorda exactly where it will be located on the island. IS THIS DEMOCRACY BEING EXERCISED?" wrote Mr Andrew St Hilaire 

He was particularly perturbed by the fact that there was no prior discourse on the subject with residents. "No public consultation, no views of the residents who will have to live with noise, influx of people, the inconvenience of commercialism in their backyards, etc. but this is the best thing for VG since Little Dix Bay. Will event goers park in a Sky Car Garage? Where is the Sewerage & water networks to support the instant needs of several thousand users OR is this stadium for 50 ppl?There is sooooo much Crown Land all over Virgin Gorda that is better suited for what such a facility requires especially at VG standard as the Crown Jewel," he said.

Some persons supported his view but were particularly upset that the Representative used that forum to announce the project.

"Listennnnnn, this was very distasteful at the students graduation ceremony. VG was not having it. Some faint claps were given," Commented Niqua Vee.

In a separate post, Shereen Flax-Charles wrote, "Graduation should be about celebrating our children's accomplishments NOT for political posturing and campaigning!!!"

Gaskin hits back

This attracted a flurry of comments, with Wendell M. Gaskin fanning a flame throughout the chat.

"We who always willing to criticise, never giving a positive solution to whatever the problem is. In the BVI I am constantly being reminded òf that story of those blind men who went to see an elephant for the first time," He said, attracting a response from legislator Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) who wrote, "Say no more G."

But Mrs Flax-Charles was not going to leave it at that, "Wendell M Gaskin I am all about solutions but when you criticise and give solutions in the BVI they are often ignored because it was not the idea of the politician or the person in authority. There are also those of us who offer solutions and actually enact solutions without looking for praise and credit. There are those of us who are more about BVI than about self," she hit back.

Problems ‘overbearing’

Then there was Mr Dickson Igwe who added his penny. "Solutions-solutions-solutions- we have been bombed with solutions for 20 years- no one wants to listen- so now the dollar bill rules- welcome to the new BVI - ain't gonna be pretty."

And the exchange continued, with Mr Gaskin saying, "Again I want to remind some of you who have amnesia, that the problems in the BVI did not start 6 years ago. All of a sudden every one find their tongue."

Mr Igwe added: "When you walk away from your culture and values that were built up over generations and allow every alien subtext to rule in your house the result is present day BVI - a people confused about where they are headed."

Gloria Fahie added: "The problems did not start 6 years ago but perhaps they have become over bearing"

Mrs Flax-Charles commented: "Everyone knows that the problems didn't start 6 years ago and as a country there will always be problems. When individuals who are normally not vocal start to speak up we should welcome it as it may bring a different perspective to the issue or problem. We need to stop the talk about what happened 6, 20, even 40 years ago, who was in government, who did or didn't do and fix our BVI. Remember lots of people in the BVI will never find their tongue as they are afraid to speak."

And the back and forth continued but this comment by Shevone A. Findlay couldn't go un-noticed: "My daughter speech was cut to suit their charade but she will be ok...within that 2 yr interim I hope they don't catch anymore MOLD cases and sweep them under the carpet....#fedup."

31 Responses to “VG residents blast Rep for politicking @ graduation”

  • The New Dawn (02/07/2017, 12:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow!
  • chad (02/07/2017, 12:29) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    so sad to hear this at this time when we feelin so happy for our children.
  • zoe (02/07/2017, 12:42) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    typically how NDP behaves always trying desperately to stay on power
  • qc (02/07/2017, 12:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    "where but for the grace of God go I". can't wait until next elections
  • dog (02/07/2017, 12:51) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    the focus on the people is being lost. How many stadiums are needed in East End and VG? that is a lot of land which will probably be needed years from now for housing etc. I still am asking how many athletes does BVI have that they are so catered to at the expense of the rest of the population? But more importantly--WHERE ARE THE PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR ANYTHING THIS IMPACTING?? This government never seems to take public opinion seriously as they spend their tax money.
  • son of the soil (02/07/2017, 12:54) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    even at a simple graduation they want our children to lose their humanity with these old no good politicians.
  • BVIslanders (02/07/2017, 12:56) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am troubled by who is in power and their advocated values.
  • my run (02/07/2017, 13:03) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
    This not something new, VIP did it too
    • youths for walwyn (02/07/2017, 13:32) Like (5) Dislike (35) Reply
      The media agenda has malicious intent toward the ndp but we will get back in with another 11 to 2
      • Oh yeah (02/07/2017, 18:14) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
        @ Youths for Waylan, Dream on BoBo. You sound like you are knee deep in the Honey mustard sauce. BoBo, you can take my comment anyway you like.
      • Real Parent (03/07/2017, 13:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        You youths for W are lost. You are looking up to him and for what ? Cause he parties like you ? Talks like you ? Gives you a few handshakes, dollars and attention once in awhile? This is pathetic
        Parents ... step up and stop letting others sway and train your offspring to their way of thinking. Pay your children attention. Talk to them. Teach them how to think for themselves.
        Or
        They will blindly do what "their" role model wants without a second thought of the repercussions this country will have to endure
  • VG (02/07/2017, 13:06) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
    Reading this makes me a little sad, but these are the times, use the crowd when you have them Burtie
  • rattie (02/07/2017, 13:07) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    Perhaps I am wrong, but why these civil servants speaking out so much on FB they will be soon victimized
    • Hmm (02/07/2017, 14:51) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply

      Shut your @&$ up - as a citizen of this country we have a constitutional right. Secondly, we do not need your permission to use facebook.

    • Blondie (02/07/2017, 18:18) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      @rattie, they have a right to speak out and rant as much as they damn well please on Facebook. This is not North Korea.
  • By us for us (02/07/2017, 13:11) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I was under the impression that this was the norm from 2011
  • Get with it (02/07/2017, 13:32) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    He seems to be another Donald Trump. instead of twitting he gone to facebook
  • wize up (02/07/2017, 14:30) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    all of them do it and using public forums for personal political gratification is nothing new: I call it free air time:every day is campaign day in the BVI.........
  • Political Observer (PO) (02/07/2017, 15:30) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a time and place for everything under the sun. There is a time for political campaigning, and student graduating; this was time for students graduation. Let the students have their day and their monumental milestone. The Hon Hubert O'Neal misfired. The students are owed an apology, for letting politics ruin their graduation. Students only graduate, for the most part (some students graduate from high school in both Caribbean and the US), once. There are nuff times for political campaigning.
    • wize up (02/07/2017, 18:33) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ political observer: did the Hon Oneal misfired or was he just being his true self as you rightfully pointed (time & place) for everything but some of those we voted for not getting that concept(listen to the sitting of house of assembly)....these guys will launch personal attacks on each other and for what(personal political points)....just continue to keep the faith
  • FOOTBALL (02/07/2017, 15:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    FIFA HAD NOT AGREED TO BUILD ANYTHING ON VIRGIN GORDA. Dr. O'Neal, as usual, putting the cart before the horse.
  • Don't invite them (02/07/2017, 20:07) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder why politicians are invited to speak at graduations. Once they get the mike, they will talk politics.
  • BLACK DOG (02/07/2017, 20:14) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    VG don't any Stadium! What we need are decent paying jobs so that we can pay our bills and live comfortable. Govt cant even maintain the schools, admin, roads ect you going to add more? Time for you to sit and really think if you really want to be in politics my boy seriously? Do you need a proofer for your thoughts before you open your lips?
  • uh (02/07/2017, 23:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr O'neal has good intentions but his party lacked vision and if anyone wish to criticize me they just have to look at the state of the BVI and tell me where is the once great country we had in the 80s & 90s?
  • VG (02/07/2017, 23:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We know there is crown land available Andrew and the BVI football group approached government several times for crown land and was told there is none available. They probably have it holding for the billionaires in North Sound
  • Charley Rose (03/07/2017, 06:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well it is a hot debate.Anywhere in the world where a government tries to run a country without the involvement of its people there will be desaster. I have always advocated for the collaborative effort of the goverment and the people working togeather for the development of the country.
    What we are experiencing presently is the government is doing whatever it please to do and the people will follow. If this concept is allow to continue, therewill always be conflict and lack of development.
  • fyah ras (03/07/2017, 08:35) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I sure he ate a big bowl of Clown soup
    Before he forward there to talk folly. I does wonder about this man like seriously. He shame box must be buss. Clown!
  • rasta (03/07/2017, 19:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Man Bertie you can't even help to finish the swimming pool at BFEC school for years now you coming with this crap.

    Sorry for you but don't try to be like Ralph I mean Micheal Jordan. Lol
  • dread (05/07/2017, 03:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    PLEASE PEOPLE lets really start looking for a true DISTRICT REP. Someone that speaks for himself and for the people. Then again New School that was even part of his portfolio for election. Man we had enough silent treatment, no updates on anything for District 9. A public meeting schedule every 3 long months to then still not get your answer on the spot and questions from 3 months pier are still not answered. So we ask ourselves where is the way forward? Not with bertie!. Sailing capital of the world, thats why TOLA is the Yacht and VG & Anegada getting pulled in the DINKY with no engine. Lets put the wright people in place to save our own people lives.
  • NEIGHBOUR (06/07/2017, 22:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Give a pig water and it will wallow!Stop putting square pegs in round hole and our communities will be better off. Go for dreamers not goldbricks. Laziness and lack of vision is blindness.


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