Senior member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) believes that the party has set a course of unity in the party and the Virgin Islands as a whole and he agrees with the decisions of the meeting and pledged his support to the entire process. Photo: VINO/File

Honourable Fahie noted that the Virgin Islands Party is an Institution that is larger than any individual. “It is our duty as Virgin Islands Party Members to put down all egos in order to unite efforts that will result in the preservation of this institution. I have recommitted myself to do just that. Image: Provided

He made the statement to this news site following the September 2, 2015 VIP meeting which initially had been planned for the party’s elections.

However, the entire process was pushed back to at least a year in a bid to try to maintain unity within the party. Honourable Fahie is in agreement with this course of events, noting that the delay is not in any one person’s favour but to the benefit of the entire party.

“The Congress meeting went extremely well given all factors. The Congress decided to keep the Executive Body intact for at least the minimum of a year so that we can avoid any division in the Party at this time and move forward in settling all outstanding matters,” he said.

“They have set a course where we can work and concentrate on the areas that unite us as a Party and as Virgin Islanders. I agree with the decisions made from the meeting because divided we shall fall but united we will stand. I pledge my support to do my best to work in unity with the sentiments expressed in the meeting to secure and build on the rich heritage of the solid foundation laid by the founding fathers of the Virgin Islands Party,” said Honourable Fahie.

It had been an expected showdown between Honourable Fahie and Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) for the post of Chairman of the party. It was unclear whether Honourable Fraser would have been contesting this post as all efforts to ascertain this with him were futile.

Put down all egos

Honourable Fahie noted that the Virgin Islands Party is an institution that is larger than any individual. “It is our duty as Virgin Islands Party Members to put down all egos in order to unite efforts that will result in the preservation of this institution. I have recommitted myself to do just that. The windshield of a car is significantly larger than the rear view mirror. In light of this I intend to keep my eyes on the VIP's windshield rather than in the rear view mirror,” he said.

He noted that the outcome of the meeting has re-emphasised that there is more ahead in the future of the Party than what is behind.

“The need for more than one strong, organised and viable political party is crucial in the preservation and sustainability of democracy. Failure to ensure this allows anarchy to creep in and take full time residency,” he said.

“Tonight, despite the few expected minor bumps, the Party has rededicated itself to ensure that we work together to preserve and sustain a high level of democracy in these beautiful Virgin Islands. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Tonight a baby step was made to move forward but it is a step nonetheless and a step that we have taken together and will continue to do so together. Now I am confident that there is overwhelming unity that will aid us in moving forward together as a Party and now move towards doing the people's business more effectively,” he said.