VIP remains a viable option- Carvin Malone
Many criticised the party of not adequately addressing the concerns of the public during the campaign trail, including its leadership issues.
After the 11-2 defeat at the elections, there was a split in the party after many of the losing candidates blamed the leadership of the party as the main reason for the loss.
Further there was a tangle over the Opposition Leader post, with Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) both presenting themselves as suitable for the post and refusing to give way to the other despite Governor John S. Duncan OBE giving them a month and a day to sort out their differences.
Eventually, Governor Duncan appointed Hon Fraser as the new Leader of the Opposition, a position that was vacated by former Premier Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. Hon Fahie made it public that he respected the decision of Governor Duncan.
But even after that matter has been resolved and the public growing increasing impatient with the ruling National Democratic Party, political pundits are still doubtful that the VIP could be a viable option even if there was new elections “tomorrow.”
VIP is still alive but 'adjustments' needed
President of the Virgin Islands Party, Carvin Malone disagrees.
“I beg to differ,” Mr Malone told Virgin Islands News Online, noting that the VIP has been in existence for some 45 years “and just like in elections around world when the facts are presented to the voters they make their decision and we respect the decision of the voters.”
“But it doesn’t in anyway say that the party is not a viable option.”
Mr Malone admitted, however, that there are some changes to be made going forward and some of these will be discussed when the party holds a General Meeting this evening, May 25, 2016.
“Do we need to analyse the decision made by the voters in 2015? Yes. Do we need to make adjustments and restructure? The answer is yes, and these are things which we will be discussing.”
The VIP President said the meeting is to open a discussion and inform the membership of the current status at all levels of the party.
According to him, it has been close to 12 months since the last elections and the party is constitutionally bound to “keep the membership informed.”
Malone also said the party will also be seeking to “open up the conversations" for setting the date for congress to meet to elect officers to the executive body of the Virgin Islands Party.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the VIP and Opposition Leader Hon Fraser declined to comment ahead of the meeting, while Hon Fahie did not respond to our questions.
Attempts to reach former party chairman, Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE were futile.
30 Responses to “VIP remains a viable option- Carvin Malone”
1. Replace Carvin
2. Replace Fraser as Head
3. Replace Fahie as D1 candidate
Then again, never say never.
Also, again, announcement of this meeting should have longer lead time so people can plan. This is not good planning from the beginning without lead time.
The first order of business is finding a leader with the humility and commanding presence that can earn the confidence, trust and respect of the electorate. Secondly, it needs a leader that can diversify the economy and promote economic development, growth and sustainability. Thirdly, it needs a leader that generate a high standard of life of living and qualityof life. Fourthly, it needs a leader that can deliver basic services effectively and efficiently. Finally, it needs a leader that can lead from the front and make things happen.
Moreover, the leader cannot do it alone. It needs a supportive, capable, loyal and unselfish team. The team must put country first, be transparent, responsible, communicative and accountable. It must put national interest ahead of personal interest.