VIP, an unconventional Gov’t, governing in unconventional times—Hon Kye M. Rymer (D5). Photo: Facebook

Hon Sharie B. DeCastro, said the newly elected VIP government, “is a true reflection of the people who we have been elected to serve… A government filled with persons from various walks of life and educational backgrounds… A government with a fair share of women represented, a fair share of young people represented and most importantly, a government who is committed to putting country above self.” Photo: Facebook

He spoke to the need for unity among those residing in the VI and highlighted the fact, political campaigning is over.

He told Members “I envision that our future is bright” but stressed that this is only achievable if “we must come together as one people.”

Directing a statement to the electorate, Honourable Rymer posited, on February 25, 2019 a message loud and clear, was delivered by voters demanding change and accountability and to have good governance restored.

Critical Stage

He marked his March 12, 2019 statement to the HoA, saying, “today is the start of that reality.”

Minister Rymer also used the occasion to disclose that his Ministry has already begun an in-house assessment, saying the intention, “is to know where we stand and navigate the way forward.

His VIP colleague and fellow ‘youthful’ Minister in the VIP Government, Honourable Sharie B. De Castro (AL), also used her time to address the HoA, to stress the dire nature with which the Territory finds itself.

Copping the largest bloc of the electorate at the February 25, 2019, General Elections, the young Virgin Islander believes “our territory is at a very critical stage, where unity is required for us to be successful as a territory.”

Unity, she said, is “required amongst us as policy makers but (also) among all people who reside within our shores.”

Diverse VIP

Honourable DeCastro—who holds the portfolio of Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development—was at the time addressing the opening of the first sitting of the Fourth House of Assembly.

The young HoA member told was adamant, “as I pull the various pieces together to help build our economic fortitude and empower all people through education and opportunities, I promise to remain transparent, honest and hardworking knowing that every decision made…”

She said too “suggestion put forward can affect the quality of our lives and the lives of generations to come.”

According to Hon DeCastro, the newly elected VIP government—of which she is a member—“is a true reflection of the people who we have been elected to serve… A government filled with persons from various walks of life and educational backgrounds… A government with a fair share of women represented, a fair share of young people represented and most importantly, a government who is committed to putting country above self.”   

VIP secured eight seats in the HoA, seven of which were won by candidates contesting an election for the first time—a Territory record.