VIP launches “people centred, realistic” Manifesto 2011
Premier Ralph T. O’Neal said the Manifesto 2011 sets out the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) vision and goals it wants to achieve and the road map by which it would get there. “It is a collection of measures that are people centered, realistic and affordable. The measures also represent a commitment that our people have come to expect, and the types of commitments upon which our records of achievements demonstrate that we have delivered.”
The 59-page document covers a wide range of areas including Governance; Economy; Population; Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; Health and Social Development; Communications, Works and Infrastructure; Environment; Disaster Management; National Security; and a Development policy for the sister islands.
The 13 candidates also gave brief extracts from various parts of the Manifesto 2011 to give supporters and voters a taste of what the document was all about and following the presentations, limited copies were distributed.
GovernanceDelivering her piece on Governance as set out in the manifesto, Deputy Premier Dancia Penn QC said the Virgin Islands today is a mixed society with people from more than a hundred countries and that government must aim for balance and social cohesion. She also said the VIP believes that good governance must exist at governmental, corporate and international levels. “The Virgin Islands has a history of good governance and Virgin Islanders expect to see this continue as they regard it the most important and critical process to our development.”
She said the Virgin Islands Party Government will ensure participation from all by organizing regularly scheduled town hall meetings on matters of interest or concern to various stakeholders, outline input frameworks, schedule exchange of information sessions and plan visits to all areas throughout the Territory; Organize a series of community based meetings on major projects in advance of their planning and implementation to get and use the feedback of all stakeholders and other events; Strengthen the Complaints Commission operations by giving it more powers to address resolutions; Establish a Citizens Complaints Desk to handle complaints from citizens on any subject.
Hon. Penn also said good governance requires a long term understanding of the historical, cultural and social identity of the society and to gain a broad consensus view, the VIP will research and identify the true character of the Virgin Islander which will form the core of the people centered development.
Communications, Works and InfrastructureSpeaking under the topics “Building a Stronger Communications Industry”, Minister for Communications and Works Julian Fraser RA said the VIP was committed to the Virgin Islands becoming a regional leader in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to foster sustainable economic and social development.
“We believe that the efficient and widespread use of ICT is one of the most critical components in developing in a competitive economy. ICT will become key economic and social drivers in our country," he said.
He added that Government has a critical role to play in the further establishment of an ICT infrastructure. “A sound ICT infrastructure will facilitate increased productivity and increased production. At the same time, connectedness with the rest of world would be enhanced making working, learning and doing business easier. The Virgin Islands Party wants to ensure that communications are affordable by and available to the entire population.”
Meanwhile, Premier O’Neal said this election would perhaps be the most widely contested election in the short history of the Virgin Islands constitutional democracy, and for good reasons, since the global economic recession and financial crisis continue to rock the foundation of countries around the world, causing grave concern about the future. “We give thanks to the Almighty that we are weathering the storm of this crisis better than most. These are serious times and there are more ahead on many fronts. This is not the time for uncertainty in leadership. Let the experienced and steady hand of the Virgin Islands Party continue to see you through these uncertain times.”
He further said the past four years have been challenging and government was tested both internally and externally since in addition to the challenges of the economic crisis, it was challenged by the inheritance of a weak financial position left by the last government, a new constitution that now requires some amendments, severe weather that devastated the Territory’s road infrastructure and many other challenges.
“Despite the challenges of the past four years, we have sought to fortify our foundation by continuing to invest in the health, safety, security, education and well-being of our people and our communities to ensure you are prepared for the emerging opportunities ahead. Internationally, we have worked hard to secure our market positions in tourism and financial services, whilst laying the foundation in new emerging markets and niche sectors that are our future economy,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Consultant to the VIP, Carvin Malone, said the VIP has shown that its political philosophy is in tune with the people and the rest of the world. “Throughout this campaign, people from all walks of life have indicated their agreement with our approach to the development of the country. The vast majority of the people are very satisfied with the Virgin Islands Party’s outstanding record of achievement. Just as we have done before, we will successfully navigate this country through many challenges in the global markets and will continue to earn the respect of the world community.”
“Our manifesto shows the goals set, the strategy to be employed and the projects we will implement for the people of the Virgin Islands. Once again, our manifesto shows the experienced, caring and competent Team Virgin Islands Party that will lead our country for the next four years. The Virgin Islands Party is confident that our past performance and vision for the future will be resoundingly endorsed by you the people,” Mr. Malone said.
The VIP's manifesto would be made available through hard copies as well as through the electronic media including Facebook. Please click the following link to download the Manifesto:https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1266560238/b782252d3063aaf2f63cb16c6a6fd0be
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