Hon. Christopher addressing residents of Jost Van Dyke last evening. Photo: VINO

Speaking at a rally at Great Harbour last evening September 30, 2011, Hon. Christopher reflected on a number of developments, including an improved ferry service and potable water supply, which he said he was able to fight for and which the people of the sister island assisted by stepping up to provide these services.

Noting that he became acquainted with Jost Van Dyke in 1995 as the Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Christopher said he came to understand the many challenges of the district and recalled when citizens would turn to him for guidance on ports and transportation.

“I took the time then as I do now to provide those guidance and assistance and today you have an on-time schedule ferry Service to Jost Van Dyke that is provided for the people by the people of Jost Van Dyke…and that service has opened up the island of Jost Van Dyke in many many ways,” the 2nd District representative noted.

He recalled when the island was faced with a major problem of maintaining a constant water supply especially in the dry season and when persons had to be barging and trucking drums of water for their daily existence. “A constant water supply is now on the island of Jost Van Dyke. Once again provided to you by the people of Jost Van Dyke. Once again your servant doing what you elected him to do-providing opportunities for the people of Jost Van Dyke to provide your service to you the people on this island.”

On the subject of roads, Hon. Christopher recalled the days when White Bay was not accessible by road and said now people can now drive to White Bay, where there is now also electricity and a public water supply.

The incumbent representative also said properties have been brought and laid aside for the people for future developments. “Future administration building, future police station, future public utility building such as the clinic and community centre,” he pointed out.

Hon. Christopher applauds JVD residents for stepping up to the plate.

Don’t be deceived by “Johnny come lately”

Continuing on properties, Mr. Christopher mentioned a number of them that were purchased and returned to the people of Jost van Dyke and said when anyone comes to ask for votes ask them about the places that he mentioned.

“Don’t be deceived by these Johnny come lately, who happen to find themselves now in a condition of seeking employment. Representation is not about finding a job it’s about a service. It’s about putting your effort, your strength, your knowledge, your wisdom in order to provide the service and opportunities that your people need so that the people of these islands can have a higher standard of living.”

Hon. Christopher added that the international report on the standard of living of the BVI being ranked among the best in the Caribbean came about because of the will and hard work of the people and they needed to protect that and encouraged the critics to “put your money where your mouth is”.

“It just didn’t happen my people. It happened through sweat. It happened through men and women who have set the trail and lay down a foundation that is the envy of most of our Caribbean neighbours. The BVI on a whole has a high standard of living and if you listen to others who complain and really don’t know anything about the Virgin islands you will be led to believe that everything here is bad. And yet these same persons are seeking opportunities. And we welcome back them. We love to have our people coming home but come home and take part and prove to yourself that you are committed to the development of these islands.”

Others lending support to Mr. Christopher at last evening’s rally were Hon. Premier Ralph t. O’Neal, who has been with the VIP team at every one of its campaigns, Deputy Premier Hon. Dancia Penn, Minister for Communications and Works Julian Fraser RA and At Large candidates Hon. Keith Flax, Hon. Irene Penn-O’Neal, Hon. Vernon Malone and Zoe McMillan.