District Three candidate under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) 2019 Elections slate, Ms Arlene L. Smith-Thompson is promising to restore hope in the face of despair in her bid to represent the district after the polls. Photo: Facebook

The VIP D3 hopeful she will bring practical solutions to the most pressing, social and economic issues that we currently face in the district which have retarded our progress in recent years. Photo: Facebook

“Despite this picture of gloom and doom, residents of district three, I dare you to dream again about how we can turn this economic and social situation around and restore our district and country to the picture of prosperity our forefathers envisioned for us,” Mrs Smith-Thompson told those gathered. Photo: Facebook

Mrs Smith-Thompson—who says she’s a 1960s baby born in England to Caribbean parents—launched her platform last evening, Saturday, February 3, 2019, in Sea Cow's Bay amongst party supporters, friends, parents as well as other candidates under the VIP banner. 

First Female Candidate for D3

“This is a historic occasion as I am indeed the first female representative, soon to be representative to seek political office [in that district],” she said to thunderous applause.

“I am honoured, I am ready and I am willing to serve you the people of district three. I am also honoured to do it under the banner of the Virgin Islands Party and our abled Leader, Hon Andrew A. Fahie,” she said.

Mrs Smith-Thompson continued, “My message to you this evening is a simple one, I want to offer you hope in the face of despair, I want to dare you to dream again of a period of respiration and prosperity for our territory.”

Practical Solutions

The VIP D3 hopeful she will bring practical solutions to the most pressing, social and economic issues that they currently face in the district which have "retarded our progress in recent years".

She spoke briefly about her experience in the education and government sector before deciding to venture into politics to have an opportunity to serve the Virgin Islands (VI).

Reflecting on the political past she said, “While we have made some advances over the years, I am sure we will [all] agree that we are now at serious crossroads in our country’s history. For the decisions that we make today about our territory’s leadership for the next four years and beyond will significantly impact generations yet unborn,” she warned.

No More Broken Dreams – Smith-Thompson 

She says while the Dr. the Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) led National Democratic Party Government may want to "gloss things over" as if all is well in the VI, “The stark reality is that we cannot afford 4 more years of the same menu of broken promises and broken dreams.”

“Here we are in 2019, grappling with serious economic and social challenges in our country which directly impact the quality of life for our residents in district three,” she said while pointing out the high cost of living, job shortages, damaged homes from the 2019 hurricanes, unstable internet services, unreliable water and electricity, with poor road networks etc.

“The hurricane event of 2017 only helped to expose our crumbling infrastructure,” she said noting that the main economic pillars of Tourism is now under threat with Brexit hanging overhead.

“Despite this picture of gloom and doom, residents of district three, I dare you to dream again about how we can turn this economic and social situation around and restore our district and country to the picture of prosperity our forefathers envisioned for us,” she uttered with pushing the VIP as the hope that will bring prosperity. 

She says her plans from the district are in areas of Health and Wellness, Economic Development, Education, Infrastructure and Social Development with many of the ideas coming directly from the residents themselves.