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Vincent O. Wheatley crush opponents; wins VG Debate

It was one of the most anticipated events ever in the Virgin Islands' (VI) political history, the first debate in many years between three political candidates. Photo: Team of Reporters
The event took place on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at the Catholic Community Centre on VG to a packed audience. It was organised by youths who came together with the belief that plans to build up the Ninth District should be based on reason, regardless of political affiliations. Photo: Team of Reporters
The event took place on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at the Catholic Community Centre on VG to a packed audience. It was organised by youths who came together with the belief that plans to build up the Ninth District should be based on reason, regardless of political affiliations. Photo: Team of Reporters
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- It was one of the most anticipated events ever in the Virgin Islands' (VI) political history, the first debate in many years between three political candidates.

The candidates were current 9th District Representative, Dr the Honourable Hubert R. O’Neal, of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP-1), Jose C. B. de Castro, representing the breakaway group, Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM-NDP2) and Vincent O. Wheatley representing the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

Snap Poll

In a snap poll immediately after the three-man debate, 70 per cent of residents on social media listening and watching the debate said that Mr Wheatley won hands down.

Coming in second with 20 per cent was PVIM’s Mr de Castro and third with 10 per cent of the votes, incumbent Hon O’Neal.

It was certainly a clear victory for Mr Wheatley, who seem better prepared, well researched and had a command of all the issues on the Sister Islands.

Mr de Castro also seemed well prepared but could not jostle the veteran Mr Wheatley, who knew both Virgin Gorda (VG) and Anegada, inside out.

Packed House 

The event took place on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at the Catholic Community Centre on VG to a packed audience.

It was organised by youths who came together with the belief that plans to build up the Ninth District should be based on reason, regardless of political affiliations.

Also present at the event were VIP Chairman, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Chairman of the NDP1, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL). We will bring more details in our morning report.

28 Responses to “Vincent O. Wheatley crush opponents; wins VG Debate ”

  • 1 (10/01/2019, 02:28) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Win is joke
    • the rock (10/01/2019, 14:07) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
      All the questions should of been given on the night of the debate not given before hand to do research, then and only then we would of seen who is who!
  • Luvz (10/01/2019, 02:39) Like (54) Dislike (0) Reply
    First it was a very good debate and now I see the need for similar debates in the other districts. Thanks for all who played a vital part in bringing this to fruition.

    Secondly; I was very much impressed with Mr Wheatley and how he expressed his plans for the 9th district. He spoke with passion and care. If the debate was the election; I would say Mr Wheatley won. Mr DeCastro.was good also but he throws to much “stones”. He also put forth some great ideas for his plan in the district. What I didn’t sense in his speech like Wheatley was passion. That is what DeCastro lacked. The other person; mr O’Neal did not put his best foot forward as the current rep and if I was to vote then Mr O’neal would’ve be a no no. His body language said a lot and he appeared disinterested in being there.
  • wize up (10/01/2019, 02:42) Like (41) Dislike (15) Reply
    Is Virgin Islands Party in the house!!!! those of us over 50 years knows without any doubt our territory did wonderful under a Virgin Islands Party administration: VIP helped our parents with our back walls: with land, most recently when uncle RT Oneal was our leader, ever so often one got a break on their light bills....I am mindful this debate might not influence votes on vote day but for goodness sake kindly vote for good people party: we must have good people in political office: no disrespect but far to much of my tax money and your tax money can not be accounted for; do you desire to continue down such a path(the upcoming elections have nothing to do with me) I had a wonderful life in this Virgin Islands(cole pot food; flambo; shifting goats) BUT the future of my direct generation is at stake(my last grandson is less than 30 days old and I see no future for him) it must be clearly under the people of this territory not looking any hand-outs but we need a hand-up)...nothing personal because your major frustrations have nothing to do with me(simply my personal take on the development)
    • RW (10/01/2019, 08:34) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
      ALL YOU COULD THINK OF IS WHAT YOU AND YOUR PARENTS COULD GET FROM THE COUNTRY. NOTHING ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD CONTRIBUTE. THIS IS THE PROBLEM IN THE BVI.
    • Wize up for real (10/01/2019, 09:33) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
      The same representation you highlighting denied me a scholarship to attain a college education. Lo and behold, almost an entire family received Govt funds to achieve the same education at the same university that my family sacrificed for me to attend. I am 52. God is in control.
      • wize up (10/01/2019, 13:08) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ for real: I can only speak on my experiences: so you have to take up your issues with your political leadership: I look to government for nothing: I paid out my pocket for the education of my children: I paid out of my pocket and build apartments for my children: I paid from my pocket and set in place businesses for my children(don’t get you story twisted) my foreparents did the same(send your political leadership your Facebook messages)
  • Xxx (10/01/2019, 02:43) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
    Big ups vincent job well done!
  • facts (10/01/2019, 03:41) Like (15) Dislike (75) Reply
    THE HON RALF T ONEAL was the chief minister and first PREMIERE for the BVI AND REPRESENT the 9 district for years although been minister of finance we have not seen nothing done in VG why do we believe now that if the vip gets in anything is going to happen people be very careful what u ask for the people who are these partys head is very cunning
    • wize up (10/01/2019, 08:18) Like (32) Dislike (2) Reply
      @facts: uncle Oneal made sure VG people got an education, uncle Ralph ensure VG people establish their own business: money well spent; he invested the money in his people and the proof is right there: as premier of the territory substantive post in this territory were offered to Virgin Islanders (this no longer happens): please don’t think I have an issue with you(mr/Mrs Facts)
    • 9th District (10/01/2019, 08:37) Like (11) Dislike (49) Reply
      I agree we had a represenative for 40 years or more every 4 years land is cleared to build a mini hospital and nothing was done.God bless the NDP government we will soon have our hospital.
      • @ 9th d (10/01/2019, 09:18) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
        Stop rewriting history vip built the mini hospital
      • @ 9th District (10/01/2019, 10:27) Like (25) Dislike (4) Reply
        everything that Virgin Gorda have was build by Ralph and the NDP truth be told. The only thing VG from NDP is a covering for a basketball court and a park.

        Not a thing else and that is facts, facts facts
    • @facts (10/01/2019, 09:09) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hubert ran against Ralph many times and lost. He was finally voted in and did nothing. Now you mad because people looking for an alternative
  • facts (10/01/2019, 07:44) Like (31) Dislike (8) Reply
    Home run, we going win with weathly
  • True (10/01/2019, 09:23) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
    Vincent is the only choice for the district
  • Yes (10/01/2019, 09:35) Like (23) Dislike (8) Reply
    VIP wins and the headline is "crushed". I wonder if the headline would have been the same for Bertie had he won? Now yes Vincent did the best. But he was not very articulate and his thoughts were not complete. Just hit the surface of topics and regurgitated some of the things people have been throwing around for the past few years. I heard nothing new or innovative or visionary. He did win the debate I agree. Bertie looked uninterested and as the incumbent, he should have been far better prepared. Jose spent too much time emotionally connected to Wheatley. Jose also seems out of touch with mainstream folks. His ideas were scholarly but not very practical and applicable to the common man.
  • Question??? (10/01/2019, 10:24) Like (7) Dislike (26) Reply
    My Questions? Why couldn't someone from the media be the moderator instead of having all of the VIP Supporters, who have no ties and affiliate with the candidates. Everyone knows that is the VIP supporters are the ones that stage the debate. The Moderator job is to ask the questions and make the candidates don't go over the time frame given. Listen to the Moderator she was been Bias. End of story.
    • Really (10/01/2019, 11:35) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      Did you watch the same debate? Mrs. DeFreitas could not have been anymore impartial. Your bias is showing much.
    • FOH (10/01/2019, 13:52) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      Why your mother couldnt be the moderator??? How do you know the ppl who put on the debate has ties to the VIP. I saw no bias with moderator. She did her job. Ain’t her fault oneal couldnt stick to the damn time limit
  • rewrsdffds (10/01/2019, 10:55) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congrats to the organizers. I wanted to see more passionate rebuttals. Mr. O’Neal showed that he was prepared and passionate. Not everyone can debate (that is a fact) so one must also take into consideration the work each individual has done for VG, not only following the hurricanes.

    Should there be more debates, I think the answering of the questions should be rotated with who is to answer first.
  • Chris. (10/01/2019, 11:25) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    I attended the debate and have a few comments about the format. First I am really proud of the group of people who organised the debate . However I felt it was more of a reading exercise from prepared notes . The debate started with a nice introduction and the requisite double national anthem and territory song. We were then battered with a fire and brimstone sermon for way too long instead of a nice short prayer . The moderator then explained the rules and 30 minutes after the start time we were ready to debate. Each candidate made an opening statement and of the 3 only Mr Wheatley had the courtesy to stand up to address the audience. The moderator then read the first of 3 prepared questions , and in case any of the 3 contestants forgot the question before they had the chance to read their prepared response, she repeated it every time she moved to the next candidate . It took almost 1 hour to get thru 3 previously known questions . As the time slowly ticked by the number of people in the audience having their own group conversations increased dramatically as did the number of people using their phones . At the first break I left as I am a very early riser.
    I am not knocking the idea of the debate as it is great to see it happen and we should do it more in other districts. I feel that it should be more spontaneous and move a lot faster . I don't get a feel for a candidates real ideas and opinions by seeing him read from a prepared statement without making eye contact with the audience. Anyone can read something that they and their backers have had time to prepare and fine tune to let the people hear what they think will get them elected . I personally would rather see a lot more audience participation with unprepared questions.
  • NICK (10/01/2019, 11:44) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Make ah long story short vip in the 9th hands down
  • vip (10/01/2019, 12:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    ALL THE WAYYYYH! WE GOING GREEN IN 2019
  • jokers (10/01/2019, 18:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    IN JVD WE WANT THE SAME SEEN VG!!!!! GREENNNNN GREENNNNN FOR 2019 JOST TOOO
    CARNELLL


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