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VIP remains a viable option- Carvin Malone

- but said party still needs to analyse, restructure & adjust; VIP to hold General Meeting this evening May 25, 2016
President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Carvin Malone believes the VIP is still a viable option at elections but said it still needs to analyse, restructure and adjust. Photo: VINO/File
From left: Members of the Virgin Islands Party, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3). Even with the differences over the Opposition Leader position resolved between the two veteran politicians, political pundits are still doubtful that the public views the party as a viable option at the polls. Photo: VINO/File
From left: Members of the Virgin Islands Party, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3). Even with the differences over the Opposition Leader position resolved between the two veteran politicians, political pundits are still doubtful that the public views the party as a viable option at the polls. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- After a resounding defeat at the polls on June 8, 2015, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has come in for scathing criticisms from its own supporters and the general public.

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”

  • Xxx (25/05/2016, 16:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hummmmm
  • . (25/05/2016, 16:19) Like (12) Dislike (17) Reply
    Adjustments to be made
    1. Replace Carvin
    2. Replace Fraser as Head
    3. Replace Fahie as D1 candidate
  • .... (25/05/2016, 16:35) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    In order for the VIP to be a viable option the people need to know what their platform is. That is to say a clear cut presentation of the VIP's policies and positions. I am not talking about random projects either such as a tram in the Ghut. I am talking about policies on spending, taxation, education, foreign investment, agriculture and fisheries, labor. Also, development ideas for financial services, tourism and infrastructure. Once you have set out the above, then the VIP and the people can start talking.
    • FYI (25/05/2016, 20:10) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
      The VIP built this country boss!
      • @FYI (26/05/2016, 08:42) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        You aint tired with that one-liner boss? Or fore-fathers with the help of God built this country..go sit down with your tired one-line.
        • Smile (26/05/2016, 11:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          You are so right. Our fore-parents built this country. Political parties went along for the ride.
  • my view (25/05/2016, 16:51) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    Any party & anyone is better than the corrupt NDP that feeding themselves & getting rich on the backs of the people while the people suffer more & more.
  • Dragon (25/05/2016, 16:52) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    I am sure that if people were asked the majority would say that the V.I.P. party is not a viable option as long as Mr. Fraser as its leader.
    • shaw (25/05/2016, 22:49) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      unfortunately this is true. as pit bulls in government both #1 and #3 are very important at asking questions and trying to hold Gov accountable. However, #3 is not a good leader. We need someone with humility, delegation, less ego. I was embarrassed by the last campaign and there was no place to go! 1) have meetings district by district to identify fresh blood. You have to re-build from the ground up. 2) come together on issues and platforms to define VIP 3) Help newcomers 4) #3 is not the leader. whether right or wrong, he is perceived as too toxic and a divider. You need Fresh blood!!
      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.
      • Yes (26/05/2016, 09:55) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
        Shaw hates NDP so bad she would support a bucket of soldier crabs over them. VIP are a complete waste of time in its current state and that is a fact.
        • shaw (26/05/2016, 11:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          read again LOL. I said in order to be a viable challenging party, VIP has to be rebuilt with fresh blood and direction. Yes, VIP is basically non-existent in its present form except for the two watch dogs. In order to have a valid alternative re-organize! Everyone agrees that NDP has major problems with transparency, overstepping their reach and seem to ignore and be above the laws. They also or corrupt in the way they spend money and are out for themselves. This is nothing new. These are not good qualities for government. Your comment- though I basically agree that VIP needs work, is a "complete waste of time".
        • @ lol (29/05/2016, 22:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Myron--just be quiet. You had your chance, you played yourself and then you died politically. Go. Just fade into the sunset. Gosh!
    • STAY FOCUS (25/05/2016, 23:24) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
      Fraser is not the enemy here it is the NDP.
  • Xxx (25/05/2016, 18:11) Like (32) Dislike (6) Reply
    Ndp must go
  • vg massive (25/05/2016, 19:54) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Very good move! That is adhering to rebuilding mandate!
  • Street reporter.. (25/05/2016, 20:12) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Make Dawson the head of VIP. Make VIP strong and respected again..
  • student (26/05/2016, 03:52) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Dawson all the way
  • wize up (26/05/2016, 04:38) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    VIP have a far to go to many egos in that party now...NDP and VIP same thing
  • NPolitico (26/05/2016, 05:40) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    To rise from the ashes, the VIP needs a rebirth, a renaisance, a repurpose.......etc. The VIP has had a record of success but has fallen on hard times. As recently as 2007-2011 had an 11-2 advantage. But poor and ineffective leadership, coupled with political infighting, self interest, poor succession planning......etc have put the VIP out to pasture. It is a shell of its olde self. What can it do to get back on the winning track?

    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.
    • liberal (26/05/2016, 07:32) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      What the VIP has there now is going to cut it. And no one is going to get involve with people that can't be trusted and has a history for power.. I read the constitution of the VIP and notice the power of the party lies in the hands of that same man in the pic President Malone. The chairman of the party has no powers so I blame the president who people found takes a side in the party instead of uniting the party. I found it disturbing that the party elected a new chairman and found more of the party people who say they are loyal left the guy out but still was on a platform saying that them have a leader when directly they were stabbing his back in some districts. Again, in my opinion Mr. Malone needs to goes, changes has to be made, them can't bring back the same people from last election even my rep. from the 1st needs to go for my family and I will not be voting for him next time around for his not to be trusted.
  • Really? (26/05/2016, 08:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Much as I think there's a lot left to be desired with NDP, the VIP is in worse straights. The fact that Messrs Fahie and Fraser could not even amicably decide who was going to be top dog in the opposition speaks volumes about the divisiveness of the party. Moreover, it shows there is no leadership at all. Before the election, they were caught asleep at the wheel. Now they are waking up (a year after the election)? What evidence is there that the political infighting NP Politico discusses has been resolved at all? VIP has a long long way to go.
  • Yes (26/05/2016, 10:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    DOA Dead on arrival, pure jokers very good to make a clown show
  • VIP Congress (29/05/2016, 22:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    If this man cavin was so good his works would have been more noted. All I know is that he loves the spotlight and just can't seem to understand that he is yesterday's news


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