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‘Bloggers using multiple names online won’t deter PEP!’ – Sowande Uhuru

Calls current political culture divisive & very confrontational; says some people want status quo to remain
“Any comments that are constructive we accept in an effort to serve the people better, but we will not allow the destructive efforts of just a few, perhaps even blogging under different names, to deter us from our effort in building a better Virgin Islands,” said Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – President of the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru believes the new party can change the current political culture and said they would not be deterred by bloggers using multiple names on online news sites.

“We understand that the current political culture is one that is sometimes very divisive and very confrontational and we would like to bring something different to the political arena where we focus on dialoguing with the people about what it is they want to see in the party structure and in governance," he said, speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online today April 30, 2014.

"We understand that there are forces who like the status quo to remain but it is clear that the majority is not happy with the status quo and it is time for change,” he said.

“Any comments that are constructive we accept in an effort to serve the people better, but we will not allow the destructive efforts of just a few, perhaps even blogging under different names, to deter us from our effort in building a better Virgin Islands,” he said.

A statement from the party earlier today said that the People’s Empowerment Party would like to thank the members of the public “for the overwhelming support we have received since the launching of our party.”

“Whether it was through a thoughtful email, a pleasant conversation in the street, or a comment on an online news story, the words of encouragement are very much appreciated. Many people have shown interest, and we would like to inform the public about the process that the party is currently engaging in,” the statement said.

It said the party’s first task is to establish district committees. “These committees form an important function and are the lifeblood of the organization. They seek to engage the various communities in the Virgin Islands in social, political, and other types of activities, which serve the purpose of bettering the lives of the people of the Territory,” it said.

It noted that these district committees are a part of the democratic structure of the organization, collectively helping to determine party policy, programs, and prospective candidates for the general election.

“It is also important to clarify a popular misconception that has developed since the launching of our party. Some people are making insinuations with regard to our potential candidates. It is important to state that the People’s Empowerment Party has no named candidates presently. Not even the Chairman of the party (Hon J. Alvin Christopher R2) has been determined to be a candidate at this point,” the statement said.

“The PEP constitution specifically outlines that all candidates will be selected by the various district committees. Therefore, whomever the people want, the people will get, in accordance with the democratic principles of empowerment espoused by our organization,” it said.

It said similarly, the party takes a parallel stance on the political plans and policies of the organization. “Some people are calling for manifesto type information, and that is premature at this point,” it said.

“The People’s Empowerment Party invites members of the public to be a part of the development of the plans, policies, programs, and the specific areas of focus in our manifesto. Therefore, the policies that the public wants, after a thorough process of education and debate, will be the policies that the organization adopts,” it said.

“Our organization understands that there are several forces in the Territory opposed to change. They do not criticize out of a genuine love for country but out of an effort to hold on to power. We are undeterred by the destructive efforts of the negative few, and we call on the honest, well-meaning majority to help build the party that will empower all of the people,” the party said in its statement.

26 Responses to “‘Bloggers using multiple names online won’t deter PEP!’ – Sowande Uhuru”

  • Thin skin Uhuru (30/04/2014, 15:56) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sowande- you better have a thick skin Bro- you ain't seen nothing yet- politics is not a game for boys-
  • JACK BE STILL (30/04/2014, 15:57) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have all the names funny man uses
  • onlooker (30/04/2014, 16:08) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Honestly negative comments are just sickening...Besides we as a people sometimes forget the world is watching us too...
    • she the cat mother (02/05/2014, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr. Onlooker at least i am not hiding underneath my bed now but i was during the 2 years of the debacle.
  • ooooo (30/04/2014, 16:15) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    what's up with this young grasshopper?
  • Youth (30/04/2014, 16:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yo shoulda stick wid shana dem my boi.
  • FBI (30/04/2014, 16:26) Like (16) Dislike (8) Reply

    i agree look people, here are some of the names used by ... the blogging desperate minister; Truth, Buff-baff, Inquirer, be careful, trash talking, Anonymous, Clear, Lime, my people, sicko, shame....all used by this guy in the last week.

    While I know he is a sick puppy and needs help I still respect his right to blog and we aint going get VEX..but we just know

  • Interpretation (30/04/2014, 16:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    PEP , according to a statement attributed to Sowande,, can be deterred but only by those bloggers who do not use more than one annonymous name. LOL

    Confirmation to Mr Wheatley.,You and Pep just lost my vote .
  • pete (30/04/2014, 16:28) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    If I was starting a new party, I would use this time to promote, introduce and ask the public feedback (they are doing).
    Each District should establish a neighbourhood association, having monthly meetings to discuss priorities, issues and look for candidates, (they are doing).
    Make a list by district to circulate at other district meetings and see common issues.
    Sitting back and waiting doesn't build confidence.
    PEP needs to be visible despite being a work in progress.
    they need a marketing manager which costs money. Advertise in the paper to get people talking. (use community centres for pot luck gatherings and Q and As) The other parties can outspend you. But you have the message.

    District associations have broader arms. Pick committees from there. Reassure the public that you are serious, professional, committed, KNOW THE CONSTITUTION and LAW. Don’t get too idealistic. It is nuts and bolts work, not glamorous-- but paramount to building confidence. Be more visible.

    The one danger I see is that supporters will split the vote with VIP and NDP will return by default. Don't make too big promises-- and deliver what you promise. More public meetings!.
    • Yes (30/04/2014, 17:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      More public meetings and in the end of your four years the same people who asked for the meetings will ask LOOK YOU HERE FOUR YEARS AND YOU AIN"T DO NOTHING BUT TALK TALK TALK AND MEET MEET MEET! Public meetings you say? Ha!
      • pete (30/04/2014, 22:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        progress and collective solutions can be identified at meetings. Votes to move forward can be made at meetings. Deadlines and goals can be made at meetings with reports back to the public. Organized pressure can be created at meetings. If everyone is on the same page, everyone will work together.
  • Music (30/04/2014, 16:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not me! Always Lodger! What we need is a manifesto stating what different policies they will have to progress our economy. What they intend to spend and where will the income come from to pay for it, including raising taxes on things that have not been increased for years. Only then can we decide whether to support them or not.
    Meaningless verbiage about a "different" party is not enough. No claptrap about medical schools, (especially now that USVI is getting one), or drag racing, or other pie in the sky ideas!
    • pete (30/04/2014, 22:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      A manifesto is only an outline with potential goals. Wouldn't you like to have a say on something if you have a better idea? Manifesto yes- but don't let that be the iron-clad contract. NDP manifesto started with some things I didn't agree with. I would have liked to see it tweaked. With a manifesto, NDP also felt they had to complete everything regardless of outcome. They just push stuff through so they could check mark it off. Outline and then bring it to the people.
  • MAD HOUSE (30/04/2014, 17:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    seems like blogs making every body mad deed days
    • bay yute (30/04/2014, 23:29) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      what makes me laugh is that there is a ball headed minister who is the queen of blogging but still it make them vex
      • may day (01/05/2014, 07:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        CALL NAME! CALL NAME! CALL NAME! BUT DO IT AT THE APPROPIATE TIME
  • David (30/04/2014, 17:29) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    If this is seriously what PEP is concerned with, given all the truly difficult issues facing the BVI, they this is just another out of touch and overly political party.
  • YES! (30/04/2014, 17:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well said pete
  • fish (30/04/2014, 18:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cat going eat your food
  • sea weed (30/04/2014, 18:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Blog till you drop!
  • ow (30/04/2014, 19:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bloggers are here to stay
  • Music (30/04/2014, 20:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course it would be easy enough for them to just not read the blogs! It is not compulsory!
  • Well (01/05/2014, 14:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    99% Ideology 1% reality = Dead on arrival!
  • Lily Ann (02/05/2014, 12:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Natalio D. Wheatley -- Your pet peeve is about commentors blogging under different names......But can you stick to the name given to you on your Birth Certificate?
  • tretretrete (05/05/2014, 10:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dude you are the only person on that dead weight party getting my vote


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