VIP internal 'coup' against Chairman Fraser: Letter signed & sent to Governor
As first and accurately reported by this news site, the Third House of Assembly is expected to meet next Tuesday June 23, 2015 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town.
Our news room’s sources close to the VIP was told that Hon Andrew A. Fahie has expressed an interest in becoming the Leader of the Opposition while Hon Fraser, who is the duly elected Chairman of the VIP, believes he should hold the post as he heads the majority party on the opposition side of the isle.
However, according to the same source, Hon Fahie has refused to go along with Hon Fraser as the Opposition Leader, which has resulted in an impasse. According to the Virgin Islands Constitution, the majority party in the Opposition must decide who will be the Leader and that must be conveyed in writing to the Governor.
It remains unclear how it’s decided when there are two persons with the same interest but the Governor is now left to make the decision, which is expected to be given on Friday June 19, 2015.
Fraser blamed for VIP defeat; candidates sign letter to Governor
In another unprecedented move that many party insiders said could be the beginning of the end of the 42 year old VIP, some of the losing candidates have joined with Hon Fahie and signed a letter to the governor supporting Hon Fahie to become the Opposition Leader.
Many of the candidates have blamed Hon Fraser for their loss as it is alleged that they were told on the campaign trail by voters that people could not vote for them because Hon Fraser was the Party Leader. It is this news site’s understanding that this concern was one of the main driving reasons behind the signing of the letter.
According to information obtained, the former candidates who signed the letter of endorsement for Fahie to be Opposition Leader are At-Large candidates Irene F. Penn-O’Neal and Sharie B. de Castro, and District candidates Elton L. Sprauve, Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard, Elvis J. Harrigan (Mervin ‘Lucky’ Charles signed for and on behalf of Harrigan), Andrew A. Fahie, and Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan.
Oust Fraser! He caused us to lose!
It is also believed that the attempt to throw Hon Fraser under the bus does not stop with the attempt to deny him the post of Opposition Leader. Our newsroom understands that losing Fifth District candidate Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan is expected to spearhead a petition to force a meeting of the VIP governing body, its Congress, to have a vote to remove Hon Fraser as Chairman of the Party.
When reached by this news site, Ms Walcott-McMillan said she had no comment to offer at this time. Neither Hons Fraser nor Fahie could be reached today for a response on the allegations being made.
Many of the candidates who signed the letter against Hon Fraser have claimed they were told by their supporters that if the VIP is to win another election they would have to reform that party and the first step is to get rid of party boss Hon Fraser, who only a year ago won the chairmanship in a landslide and faced his first election as party leader in 2015.
VI Political history
Looking at the Virgin Islands political history in the last 20 years, no party leader has ever been ousted once losing an election. In 1999 to 2003 the VIP won the election with then Hon O’Neal as Chief Minister. Dr Smith of the losing National Democratic Party (NDP) served as Opposition Leader.
In 2003-2007 the VIP lost to the NDP under veteran legislator Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, and he retained his post as Opposition Leader.
In 2007-2011 the VIP came back and won in an 11 to 2 landslide with Mr O’Neal serving as the first Premier. Dr Smith of the losing NDP was the Opposition Leader (2007-2011).
In 2011-2015 the NDP came back and won 9 to 4 and Mr O’Neal remained as Opposition Leader of the losing VIP.
On June 8, 2015 to current, the NDP has been given another term in office with an 11 to 2 majority and for the first time there are attempts to oust a party leader. It remains unclear what is the level of support in the VIP and the country for Hon Fahie as party Chairman.
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161 Responses to “VIP internal 'coup' against Chairman Fraser: Letter signed & sent to Governor”
THE OBJECTIVE IS THAT AFTER THE DOORS ARE OPENED A LEADER OF OPPOSITION MUST BE ANNOUNCED.
GIVE THEM 24 HOURS AND LET THEM RUMBLE. LET THEM FIGHT IT OUT TOGETHER.
LEAVE THE SWATT TEAM, POLICE FORCE AND AMBULANCE STAFF OUTSIDE TO DEAL WITH ANY CRIMAL ACT THEY MIGHT HAVE CREATED BY THE TIME THE 24 HOURS ARE UP.
With the VIP constitution, there is to be a leadership election, after a loss to decide the chairmanship.
Fraser (like Ed Miliband) should resign to give the party the chance to elect a leader.
I assume that he can run again, if he wishes.
The vote (11 -2) states that he shouldn't.
Tell Willock go on ZROD to report this...
Anyone who knows ***** knows that he will never listen to anyone other than himself & the former ****
Badness out of style. Ya'll up and down bout Premier and he is not even wanted in the party. #gositdung!
God bless you seven folks. I voted NDP, and if you guys come again in 2019 WITH Mr. Fraser as leader, no matter what evil the NDP does, I (along with others I'm sure) will vote for them again.
Come WITHOUT him as leader, and I (and others I'm sure) will give you guys a FAIR chance to make your case why you should be elected.
Interesting how VINO reports on this but M*** and his supporters within the party have been working to get Picko out...
I'm not a Fraser fan and I'm glad that he wasn't elected Premier however, the VIP candidates are talking nonsense. The only thing I will say is that Fraser as Chairman probably scared away some potentially good candidates from VIP, but that's as far as it goes. Zoe, Romney, Raja, Maynard, All Out, Juggy all would have lost even if Fahie was the Chairman or even if Dawson was the chairman. They probably would have gotten some more votes but no way they could win. The VIP's message was pure negative nonsense so I don't know why they are piling on Fraser now. I wish they would all come back under Fahie, see what a severe beating they will get. In my opinion for VIP to become anywhere close to what it once was, Fahie and Fraser would need to either walk away or stay in the background. Fahie is still powerful in his District but putting him as leader/potential Premier would be just like Fraser. Putting Dawson or Dancia may attract better candidates but who knows, I find both of them are a lot of fluff with little substance, pull their files. All in all it's a sad day for VIP and their supporters, tough sh*t, sorry for you but glad it ain't me and NDP. LOL!
there is problem within the leadership of both parties as others feel it is the egoistic style to be the leader come what may. walwyn allegedly wants to be leader over smith in ndp and fahie allegedly wants to do the same over fraser in vip. Oh who knows it might also be the wish of many of both parties. Some may say that is the reason VIP lost so badly to NDP during this past election but it only shows there was so form of animosity long before and now after the elections. Fahie wasnt the reason for Vip lost there wasn't any unity among the individuals and the same can be said of Ndp I saw it. It was all a cover up on both sides.Now all and all sorts of things are coming to light and more to come . this is like the FIFA scandal. If that is what Fahie wants give it to him Mr Fraser. It is often said easy squeeze make no riot and let sleeping dogs lie, lie low and let God works his way
So let me get this straigh! Zoe, Fahie and others knew full well how people felt about Fraser and they themselves didn't feel good about him, yet for weeks they were district to district asking people to vote for them and their leader? This says A LOT about these people! None of the current VIP candidates that lost should ever be considered for office based on this behavior. Had the BVI voters listened to their plea, we would have had a broken GOvernment elected with our country at risk. You should not play with your country in that manner. This is shameful and those candidates signing that petition should all be ashamed. They knew about what was going on but tried to fool us the people, now they blaming Fraser for losing. ZOe didn't lose because of Fraser, Zoe lost because she was behaving like damn sick child.
**** u hungry for power u an ***ie will never b leaders never u like to much kick back sick of u....
What you expect now the bull head power seeker D****n on board.
@ABC: so you are saying there are problems in the NDP camp but in public NDP puts up a good front...is the tall boy the same person as the guy supplying the food at the HoA: is the Cuban the member for the 7 district.... After the elections the fellow who got plenty votes(NDP) requested a bigger post in the NDP administration ( he wanted dep premier)....at end of the day those we vote for looking out for their own personal interest
Fraser they are blaming everything on you take your blouse God is still on your side a day will come when the people of the British Virgin Islands will need you and i Know that you will be there for them You could not make the people vote for Vip You did youe best but the people had other motives Fraser If Fahie wants the post as leader of the opposition give it to him on a silver platter and do not let position stop you for what God has for you there is a nother chapter in your life. If I were you I would Go into Legco and let andrew fight all the battles one day you will see your ewward and if I were you I would keep far from andrew and the other members because they are out to bring you down but you are God's child and he will not let you fall. Go to Legco and Keep your mouth shut only talk when need be and if andrew call or ask you anything keep your cool I did not expect that from fahie and in the next month he will cross the floor and left you standing Watch his eyes Power belong to one man that is God, leave NDp alone do not argue with them about nothing God will bring every thing to bass. It is a Low blow and a bit shameful but you willlhave the last laugh i see in my vision what God has instore for you and if he does not want uo representing the third district he will tell you Oj you have a lot resting on your chest but time longer than time. fraser God is not through blessing yuo andre and zoe your day comming.... fraser be careful this is not the end of the world let them continue to blame you for everything this election when the hammer strike and the people start getting pound tell them do not come to you to say nothing. People of the third district yuo are a pack of fools se whaat OJ can do fraser weeping eendure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Give the post to andrew do not argue with him remember you have a soul to save and heaven tyo gain andrew will need your help some day tell him go to theNdp for help because he is going to suck salt and suck salt Fraser Be still and know that there is a God stand still and see the salvation of God England is just behind the islands Never give up The people See what NDP did to win the election they say that the people have spoken but the people has not spoken yet give them the first three months and you will see Fraser I am praying for you do not say much about any thing Give the position to andrew or the othwer members of the vip who want it less stress for you. Fraser you are an honorable man but Ndp has turn you into a monster but you will see what will happen to them fraser may God Bless you and your family Andrew you are an.................. I hope you do not have to walk out of the Llegislative council when the sessions start due to the pressure Fraser I know that you are not a person to hold gruge but if i were you i would nor even shake their habd they wanted a scape goat to blame and you was the scape goat but there are many skeltons that will be falling out of the closet Sit back and see what God will do Do not be dis couraged still fight for your people but handle with gloves because you donot know who is chearer, lion, tiger,lepoard, jaugar or any othere from the animal kingdom Wil***ck heep your head up high stick with fraser you too will see the outcome. Mr. Fraser Pray every night and morhing to god and he will deliver out of this country's mess and when the reall mess comes ashore i know that you will not turn a blind eye but you will have to turn because the mess will be to great. NDp membere I hope that you can sleep at nights because some day one day the good Lord will be calling you one by one People of the BVI and some of those from the third district you will live to see and tell the tale and when persons who did not vote for yo from the third boy THINK I am not in no position to help you Go to NDP and my thorat cutters You will live to see the truth Graser Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might put on the whole armor of God spo that you can stand the wiles of the devil God bless fraser and take a very long restful vacation and donot hurt your head leave the headchases to BIG BROWM BOMMER ANDREW.
What does OJ has to do with the VIP brawl? Do you hear him any way talking about Fraser but to offer him congratulations and thanking the people of the Third district? You need to keep you fight within the VIP ring and keep OJ and NDP out of it! You all deal with your mess.
This shows that there was no loyalty to the party. .the Lord knows why he allowed the NDP to win the way they did for he see that right within the VIP they would have killed Fraser for the position. He sees the heart.We do not want hippocryts or criminals representing us. Who the cap fits wear it. Next election bring respectful candidates . Do not bring that gang again or the VIP will lose again. We want people with integrity.
remember the vip started the election early by labeling the ndp as the most corrupt govt
no only was it said at their district meeting at capoons bay tit also repeated in a radio adress
for about two weeks,was'nt that instilling fear also about the ndp.So the tables had turned
they were done what they started always remember when you point a finger rhere are three
pointing back at you.You started it now deal with it.
Andrew was the same one who said there is no issue with their leadership and that they are together and that they are happy with Fraser. hahahahahahahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
We will never believe you all again!
Thank God Marlon is our rep buddy, we don't have to suck salt
If VIP is to be successful, they will have to scrap the entire team and start again. Otherwise its BYE VIP forever.
NDP have the same leadership crisis going on . The difference is that the VIP and its disloyal followers, always, always air their dirty laundry in public. This has been one of VIP biggest problems and now their downfall ...NO unity, no Love for each other. People see that. Don't blame it all on Fraser, backbiters and haters are all in your party congress. They only now showing their true colours.
So if VIP did win, then Fahie would have tried to wrestle the Premiership from Fraser before the thing even start? Lord send help.
When Dr. Smith pass the torch NDP will have the same nasty battles because Fraser and Pickering cut from almost the same mold in terms of personality and NDP won't Picko as leader when the times come...but there will room for discussion on that in the next 4 to 8 yrs.
Anywho...all in all I am very dissapointed in the way this matter is being handled. Fraser was elected as leader by the majority of VIP's congress and Fahie so power hungry he want to take top spot by force.
All through the campaign we thought Fraser was the one to fear but true colours are flying all over the place now...seems like Fahie is the real power hungry one with this take over move.
2. During the campaign, the supporters wanted Fraser out, now you want him in. Why can't you all make up your mind.
3. I am questioning whether Fraser was working against VIP this entire time. We know that he is great friends with Pick but will he stoop so low. His comments and actions on the campaign trail were highly questionable.
All they have done is played their hands too soon and exposed their treacherous conniving ways. It still is 11 -2, or 11 - 1- 1 (if they kick out Frazer from the VIP) lol!
Frazer went in to this as leader of the VIP so he has more standing to be Leader of the Opposition than Andrew. Its up to the Governor's according to the Constitution who gets the title of Leader of the Opposition and frankly who cares? VIP is on life support as it is and this just might end up being its funeral
"Captain, there are traitors on board examine the horn.
Why are we acting as if we are surprised at this latest development? Many (myself included) foretold that the VIP would implode. It is ironic that they kept trying to create a buzz that the NDP had a leadership issue when in fact they knew they were hemorrhaging badly. These same people who allegedly signed the petition to depose Frazer were the same ones on the campaign trail lauding him as some great leader. They were deluding the voting public by having us believe that they were so unified and steadfast in their resolve to take control of the Territory behind Frazer. “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
Those with any modicum of sense would have known that the VIP was an accident waiting to happen; that they would implode as a result of the dissension in the camp; that they were unfit to govern and should not be trusted with the reins of leadership of the country. Why? Because in its current state (pre and post-election) the VIP with its slate of candidates has no currency. Quite frankly, on the campaign trail they lacked both substance and style and had no message to convince us the voters that they were committed and capable of handling the affairs of the Territory. It was even predicted that in the unlikely event that they were elected in the majority, the power struggle would rare its ugly head.
It must be made abundantly clear that when the VIP Congress voted Frazer as Chairman of the ill-fated party **** was not happy. In his most deceitful and capricious manner he pretended to be a team player in full support of Frazer while hatching his clandestine plot all along. If you listened both in the House of Assembly and later on the campaign trail, he was so vacuous, banal s and surly with his comments. He just was not sincere with his effusive praise of Frazer as leader and champion. Except for his die-hard supporters, he never impressed as a person with the zeal for the Territory. He is very self-serving and very narcissistic under the guise of “love for the country’... flip sides of the same coin.
Contrary to the opinion of many, Frazer was not the main reason for the VIP’s thrashing at the polls. From the instant the VIP announced its slate of candidates many among their ranks were speaking of the weakness of the team. Firstly, you cannot contest an election with a bunch of bitter candidates with personal axes to grind. You have to have a strong message that you hope would resonate with the voters. Secondly, you cannot make false claims and hope that people are going to believe you. Thirdly, you don’t get to say what is wrong with the country and not say how you plan to fix it. Fourthly, you cannot be disingenuous and tell people you are all about equality and women’s rights because you ended up having six women on your slate (when you know darn well that you were fortuitous to have ended up with them). Not a good start people. What Fahie and his cabal did is tantamount to political suicide. If you take a closer look at the ones who allegedly signed the petition, they really have no political future. What little hope Sherie had has been dashed. She should have done like the others who didn’t sign and abstain. People don’t forget too soon. Lastly, to have Andre serve as chargé d'affaires of the VIP is just folly. He is no more palatable than Frazer is. Except for his supporters in District One, he is spent.
Those who did not sign showed more courage.
If the NDP had not called the "SNAP" Elections this wouldn't be happening.... LOL
Same person here talking.
Wow, look who hungry for power and it has been shown again. The congress elected a chairman but I felt that it wasn't sitting right with the rep from the 1st district. So he just as bad lyning to the people that he's in support of the chairman when he really wasn't... Party dead cause how anyone in them right mind can't see the urge to have power. Man, I so dam shame and the NDP going to still come lash them r@$$ with something next election but I will not be voting for the VIP if anyone one of them is to be chairman.. So what happen to Dancia is shown here from not allowing the present chairman get the chance to sit in the HOA as leader of the Opposition.. Dam shame, I now a new party is needed..