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‘Word on the Street’ about the people not parties

- Sharie B. de Castro & Raul ‘Jugo’ Sprauve to host forum which will seek to galvanise young and old behind the territory’s development
Young businesswoman and educator Ms Sharie B. de Castro and musician Raul ‘Jugo’ Sprauve will on Thursday April 30, 2015 host a public event called ‘Word on the Street, during which they hope to chart a common vision for the Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided
Ms Sharie B. de Castro is a school teacher, businesswoman, poet and former Miss BVI who said her love for her country has prompted her to get involved in 'Word on the Street'. Photo: Provided
Ms Sharie B. de Castro is a school teacher, businesswoman, poet and former Miss BVI who said her love for her country has prompted her to get involved in 'Word on the Street'. Photo: Provided
Popular musician Raul 'Jugo' Sprauve has teamed up with Sharie B. de Castro for the public forum 'Word on the Street'. Photo: Provided
Popular musician Raul 'Jugo' Sprauve has teamed up with Sharie B. de Castro for the public forum 'Word on the Street'. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Young businesswoman and educator Ms Sharie B. de Castro and musician Raul ‘Jugo’ Sprauve will on Thursday April 30, 2015 host a public event called ‘Word on the Street, during which they hope to chart a common vision for the Virgin Islands. The event will take place at 6:00pm in the parking lot of the One Stop Mall in Road Town.

Speaking with this new site, de Castro and Sprauve said that at the meeting, conversations will be facilitated to capture the views of the majority and to get to the heart of the people, especially the younger generation as to the future of the territory.

Asked what Word on the Street was, the pair said that generally the term ‘Word on the Street’ is always used as a negative connotation.

“People use gossip to speak all kinds of negative vibes and rumours. However, we’re about to change that. We want to know what the word is on the street but in a positive context. This is a convenient way of creating and spreading a common vision for the future of the Virgin Islands,” they said.

“Where do we see the BVI in 5, 10, 15, 20 years? Your views matter. Voice them! It’s time for us to come together. This is a movement. Listen, we love this territory so much and we want to see a better BVI,” they added.

‘Word on the Street’ to raise consciousness

The duo said right now their intention is clear, “to raise consciousness while creating and spreading a common vision for the future of this territory. It is no secret that we have political aspirations, as we believe we can positively contribute to the development of the Virgin Islands.”

They said however, when that time comes “we will not merely be candidates for one of the political parties, but candidates of the people. There is no doubt a need for fresh faces and ideas in governance.”

In addition, they do not believe that the only way to contribute to the political process is solely as a candidate or voter. “As a country our people have been silenced for far too long, either due to fear of victimisation pacified as a virtue to survive on barely enough or faith in their political party’s handouts once they gain victory. Well, Word on the Street is a unique way of awakening the voice of the people and changing politics as we know it. This is not the initiative of a candidate but rather of concerned citizens,” they said.

Love for country

Asked what brought the two together to launch the initiative, and what were some of the common interest that glued them together, they replied, “Love for country, interest in change, positive energy and the desire to hold present, future and potential leaders accountable to good governance.”

“As fellow educators, we both share common goals of not wanting this political season to be about pettiness, name calling and disguising of the real issues. Thus, Word on the Street was birthed to raise consciousness and remind Virgin Islanders to value our voice in the process,” the two said.

VI at a critical cross-road

Asked where they thought the VI is headed now and what needs to be done in order to get the territory where it should be, they said the territory is at a critical cross-road “and the decisions we make today will determine the quality of life we live tomorrow. There is no doubt that more can be done to diversify our economy which will ensure sustainability. Maintaining our current quality of life is great but what are we doing in terms of our future?”

Asked what they thought about the National Democratic Party (NDP) and their stewardship of the education sector, they said, “As educators, we do have our individual opinions and ideas that could help to advance the education system of the BVI. This is why we have to come together as a people and discussed these ideas so that collectively we can put forward the best policies. And this principle will not only be applied towards the education system.”

Asked whether life has gotten better or worse over the past three and a half years, they both said the territory has gotten some things right “but we believe much more can be done to enhance our quality of life.”

44 Responses to “‘Word on the Street’ about the people not parties”

  • yes (28/04/2015, 08:09) Like (10) Dislike (66) Reply
    I would not come to hear nothing what they have to say, you guys need to stay in your zone, teaching and pe.
    • @yes (28/04/2015, 08:29) Like (35) Dislike (5) Reply
      You are ignorant and that's why the BVI is the way it is. Don't come as they don't need your negative energy.
    • @yes (28/04/2015, 08:35) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      You need to stay in your zone: 'the stupidity zone'. Two negatives in a sentence and a run on sentence. Maybe you need to enroll in Sharie's Write to Read Program.
    • @ yes (28/04/2015, 08:40) Like (18) Dislike (9) Reply
      hater you need to stop..you NDP sick puppy!
      • Huh? (28/04/2015, 08:59) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
        So someone has an opinion and that makes them an NDP puppy? Wow.
        • @ Huh? (28/04/2015, 09:48) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
          The facts remain only the NDP bloggers on here with their hate and nastiness jut because they going lose the election
          • NDP Blogger (28/04/2015, 10:35) Like (17) Dislike (15) Reply
            Facts only. Tell us about VIP's 2007-2011 record with Fraser and Fahie as Ministers since they are now the leaders of VIP seeking another chance. Stop running from your record, NDP are proud of theirs.
            • @NDP Blogger (28/04/2015, 11:38) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
              Move from here with the NDP talking points you idiot. The fact is this, a lot of us are catching hell under this Administration like never before. They are tone deaf to the realities on the ground.
              • NDP Blogger (28/04/2015, 15:25) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
                Typcical VIP supporter. Answer the damn questions man. This campaign will be lots of fun ha!
                • @NDP Blogger (28/04/2015, 15:35) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
                  You are still an idiot and most persons don't debate with idiots.
        • Great looking couple (28/04/2015, 11:51) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
          Great looking couple
      • yes (28/04/2015, 13:14) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        Guess, you are so smart, i can not vote in the BVI, im from the down island..............seems you cant read asa well.
    • chad (28/04/2015, 08:48) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
      The hatred among us is despicable. It's saddening, SMH.
  • Jack Spanner (28/04/2015, 08:20) Like (8) Dislike (28) Reply
    Word on the street is that the NDP is behind this!
  • @yes (28/04/2015, 08:42) Like (13) Dislike (12) Reply
    Coming to this event will be out of your zone but then again attending this event might just get you out of your ignorance zone. It will take a lot of work but I am sure the coordinators have the patience to work with you. Have a blessed day 'yes'.
  • BeVI (28/04/2015, 08:44) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Crazy thing is people just proving their point... Using word on the street to spread lies and all kind of negativity. These people are brave enough to not just talk but act. They said this is not a party initiative but if the leaders of these parties that we all pledge our life to were smart enough they would've already came out and pledged their support to the event as it could only benefit our COUNTRY! That's if they care about our country in the first place. I want
  • Youth (28/04/2015, 08:48) Like (4) Dislike (18) Reply
    hope they both run with the NDP i am sick of the NDP and dem LIES
  • YAWN (28/04/2015, 09:02) Like (13) Dislike (24) Reply
    Where were they 8 yrs ago, 7yrs ago, 6yrs ago, 5yrs ago, 4 yrs ago, 3yrs ago, 2 yrs ago, a year ago? Where were they when the Technical School was opened? Where were they when the Youth Employment Services was launched? Where were they when the Emerging Fellow initiative was put in place? Where were they when the youth policy was launched? They care so much about this country and young people but until now, with elections nearby, all of a sudden we hearing from them? They are concerned? How they weren't concerned when the 'GOOD TO GREAT'nonsense almost crippled our education system with kids leaving school and can't get jobs because they cannot read or write. We all see this for what it really is and truth will come out.
    • Youth looking on... (28/04/2015, 09:39) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      I was at the launching of the youth policy yesterday but clearly you weren't! Not only was Ms. De Castro at the event but she was congratulated for being a MEMBER of the Youth Policy Committee that the minister stressed worked tirelessly in researching and drafting the youth policy. You should do your own research before you come on here talking crap! I have been around long enough and one thing I can say is she been putting in work. Big up Teach!
    • Teacher (28/04/2015, 10:08) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply

      Where were you when they were working in the education system teaching our children? If anybody understands education it's us teachers. We live it everyday. All you know is what you read on the news from B****s PR. Open your eyes. I am so proud to know that my fellow educators are speaking up. You have my support. I'll be there.

    • Proud Virgin Islander (28/04/2015, 11:18) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      Eight years (2007) ago Sharie was in Elmore Stout High School getting ready for graduation with honors. Seven and six years ago she was attending HL Stoutt Community College as a honor's student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Five years and four years ago she was attending Texas Christian University earning her Bachelor Degree in English. Three years ago she returned home and was hired by the Government of the Virgin Islands as a English Teacher at the ESHS. She also ran and was successful for Miss BVI 2012 and she represented her country well. One year ago she resigned her job ( a secure income) to start a business to teach children and adults to read and write because they were graduating high school unable to read and comprehend. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta. She is and has been for years a youth leader in her church and is now a leader in YouniTy. She was a member of the Youth Policy Committee. She has spoken at several community group meetings in the Territory. Including the Rotary Club. Saturday I was present at MALE 's one year celebration and her newly formed business, Write to Read was one of the sponsors awarding a trophy and gift to a male youth. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Curriculum Development and English as a second language and will eventually pursue a law degree. I can go on.......
      Now YAWN can you tell us what you we're doing 8 years ago, 7 years ago, 6 years ago, 5 years ago, 4 years ago, 3 years ago, 2 years ago, I year ago. We know that you are currently on VINO blogging and hating ion Sharie and Raul so you don't have to tell us that.
      • YAWN (28/04/2015, 12:09) Like (14) Dislike (12) Reply
        Nobody's hating anybody. I asked a simple question. Why only now on the eve of election we have concerned people. Why weren't they publicly voicing their concerns and hitting the streets all those years ago. The way some of you behave is as though these issues only started a few years ago and that nothing is being done about them. This is election nonsense and we all know it, nothing to do with hating, just telling it like it is.
        • Understand (28/04/2015, 12:51) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
          ...and this is exactly why they are doing this now, with the hope that we don't just vote out of passion, obligation, political association, or on the 'hand to hand' principle, but rather from a place of knowledge. Now, in addition to what proud virgin islander wrote, does this completely answer your questions???
        • Hmmmmm (28/04/2015, 13:02) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          Your questions were answered but you didn't have the courtesy to answer Proud Virgin islander. If you were doing nothing, just say so. Still hating. I feel so sorry for you.
        • @yawn (28/04/2015, 14:37) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
          You just need to chill. It doesn't matter when or how issues are being raised. The point is they are making a conscious decision to bring it to the forefront.
  • WOS (28/04/2015, 10:09) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Word on the street could spell positive vibes for all. At least two young persons are trying to do somethiing posotive with their lives.
  • ooooo (28/04/2015, 11:49) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    decastro and sprauve the VIP need ayo
  • @Proud Virgin Islander (28/04/2015, 11:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I approved this message.
  • rewrsdffds (28/04/2015, 11:57) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply

    Why not use your real name?

  • yes (28/04/2015, 13:16) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    My family would not be attending to hear none, so who it hut it hut.
  • MEC (28/04/2015, 13:25) Like (3) Dislike (13) Reply

    Just can’t wait for Election Day for the NDP to get them cut @$$ them to wicked, corrupt and tell too much dawn lies

  • sling (28/04/2015, 13:36) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    they will both lose badly in election and the word on the street then would be there is no more word on the street lol
  • open wide (28/04/2015, 13:43) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    We the votes can described the NDP with one word: Corrupt
  • bvi (28/04/2015, 13:54) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    While I am proud of the both of them for coming forward I am still shocked to why they are not telling the truth about running with the VIP? The VIP is already spreading it on their FB pages.
    • @bvi (28/04/2015, 14:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      As far as I know that is the VIP democratic rights to post what they want on their FB pages. But as far as I know neither Raul or Sharie has made any commitment to run for political office with any of the parties. So what lie are they telling? What truth is to be told? You all need to stop. Like you scared that these two individuals might just run for office. Just saying!!!!
    • VIP Supporter (28/04/2015, 15:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Next week the news will come out so you dont have long to wait lol
  • light (28/04/2015, 17:06) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I pray that this Initiative will help to bring about change. I pray that the voices of the people are heard and taken seriously, in order for there to be change. In order to get results never seen or experienced before, something different must take place and I pray Word on the Street does just that. Congrats Sheri and Jugo on your step towards taking action and being vessels of change. Everything begins with one step and seasons do change. Instead of constant negativity, let's try and look at things from a positive standpoint. Stop looking at what was and start looking and participating in what can be. I pray this is a new season for all... A proud BVILANDER supporting from afar...
  • mmmm (28/04/2015, 21:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad they are not running
  • Undue Intimidation (30/04/2015, 08:50) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply

    The young man is being threatened by our G*******T -- "If you touch that mike on Thursday; That's it!!" The BVI deserve better than this. Some we BUY and some we SCARE. Thank GOD for secret ballots.

  • Dee (30/04/2015, 16:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I AM EXCITED TO HEAR HOW THIS GOES. SHARIE IS THE BEST QUEEN EVER YET.


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