VIP Elections are scheduled for Saturday August 29, 2015. Photo: Provided

This was in contrast to the 31% of the District and 29 % of the Territorial At-Large voters in support of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

In accordance with Article 7, Section 8 of the VIP Constitution and with Section 1 of the VIP Bylaws (see** below); after analysis of the general election results and given the pivotal nature and significance of the election of members to the next VIP Executive Committee it has been determined that the VIP Elections is best scheduled for Saturday August 29th 2015.

This election timeframe is within the three months stipulated in the VIP Constitution and in contrast to an expedited or a snap election it allows for persons interested in participating in the process to be identified, qualified and examined by members of the VIP Congress.

The listing of offices becoming vacant shall be those of: Chairman; President; Vice President; Secretary; Assistant Secretary; Treasurer; Assistant Treasurer; Public Relations Officier; Assistant Public Relations Officier.

In the interim, with regard to the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, the VIP Executive Committee will continue to offer advice sought by His Excellency the Governor in the discharge of his duties under Section 70 (1) and (2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution (see *** below). It is of interest that the Virgin Islands Constitutional Order 2007 does not specify the basis on which His Excellency would make his decision as it was customary that the decision of Leader of the Opposition would be negotiated between sitting members without consultation with the VIP Congress or its Executive. The Executive members welcome the opportunity to participate and are cognizant that this impasse is not unique to the Virgin Islands.

(*) Virgin Islands Party Constitution; Article Seven; Section 8 reads: “Election of officers to the Executive Committee shall be conducted no later than three months after a general election to the Virgin Islands Legislature if the party is un-successful in forming the government. All members of the Party in good standing shall be eligible for Election or Re-Election to the Executive Committee. Nominations and Election, (in accordance with the constitution), to fill any Executive Committee Position becoming vacant, intra-term, shall be conducted and concluded at the next duly convened Executive Committee Meeting or as soon as practical thereafter.”

(**) Virgin Islands Party Bylaws; Section 1 (Election of Officers) reads: “Except as otherwise provided, at the meeting of the Virgin Islands Party National Congress convened for the election of officers to the Party, the members of the Executive Committee shall vacate office. A list of the offices that shall become vacant shall be communicated to the general membership, in writing or through electronic mail, not less than 21 days before such meeting. All ordinary members, in good standing, shall be eligible to be nominated to any vacant post.”

(***) Leader of the Opposition

70.—(1) Subject to this section, the Governor may appoint a Leader of the Opposition. (2) The Governor shall appoint as the Leader of the Opposition—

(a) a member of the House of Assembly recommended by a majority of the elected members of the House who are members of any opposition party whose numerical strength in the House is greater than that of any other opposition party;
or (b) if there is no such party or if no recommendation is made under paragraph (a), the member of the House of Assembly who in the judgement of the Governor is best able to command the support of the members of the House in opposition to the Government.

NB: If for any unforeseen reasons, the Executive Committee Elections are not held by the 8th day of September 2015, a Special Convention of the Congress could be convened within 21 days thereafter by the written petition to the Secretary of the party by 2/3rds of the qualified members of Congress.

Virgin Islands Party
June 21, 2015