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First day after elections still no government; Negotiations are hard!

Word from the political class is no government has yet been formed, after the general elections of April 24, 2023, resulted in no clear mandate as to who should lead the Territory of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Supervisor of Elections Scherrie N. Griffin delivers the results of the 2023 general elections at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on April 24, 2023. Photo: VINO
Supervisor of Elections Scherrie N. Griffin delivers the results of the 2023 general elections at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on April 24, 2023. Photo: VINO
Election winners! The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won the most seats but fell one short of taking the majority in the House of Assembly. There are now negotiations among all parties to form a coalition government. Photo: Facebook
Election winners! The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won the most seats but fell one short of taking the majority in the House of Assembly. There are now negotiations among all parties to form a coalition government. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Word from the political class is no government has yet been formed, after the general elections of April 24, 2023, resulted in no clear mandate as to who should lead the Territory of the Virgin Islands.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) won 3 seats, Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) won 3 and the Progressives United (PU) won 1. 

The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won 6. 

There needs to be a majority of 7 to form the Government, according to the constitution.

As of today April 25, 2023, no one could agree on a government, despite negotiations between the PU led by Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA and all groups continuing up to this morning.

It is unclear when a government will form and who will emerge as the players.

If no one is unable to come up with a clear seven, the Governor could intervene in forming a government.

The parties reportedly have 48 hours to come up with a new government before the governor can step in.

74 Responses to “First day after elections still no government; Negotiations are hard!”

  • Everybody wants to be Premier (25/04/2023, 07:52) Like (12) Dislike (15) Reply
    Lorna is prepared to jump ship to any group that will make her premier! Julian close behind. The little girl (can’t remember her name) that got the most votes at large last time, and came third this time, wanted to be Premier last time and wants it again.
    • VG People Jokey. (25/04/2023, 08:12) Like (29) Dislike (17) Reply
      They messed up the thing by sending that failure back..Now we have to deal with trouble maker Frazer. .Then again NDP, PVIM already knew its going to be a Coalition govt. They should have already have all their marbles in place.. I hope Marlon aint making confusion over Premier ship.. Ronnie the better man for that.. 1st Select a Premier and allow him to suggest his cabinet.. I can tell you neither Mitch or Myron will concede to Frazer, or allow him to have his way..
      • VIslander (25/04/2023, 10:09) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
        Even if VG people as you say had voted for any other candidate than the one they chose there would still have been no party with a clear majority.

        Think before you type and try using your fingers to count. That might help.
      • @VG People Jokey. (25/04/2023, 11:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        All those Parties are Failures don't pretend you don't know to try to make a point.
      • @ vg people jokey (25/04/2023, 13:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yo moda jokey. Your point makes no sense just rambling off bs
    • @ Everybody wants to be Premier (25/04/2023, 08:17) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
      If Lorna is fighting or making confusion over being Premier or deputy that is very disappointing..Those two position are automatically for the the two Party leaders. NDP and PVIM.. Lorna will make a good Labour minister,. Or even health...If you going to give frazer any position give him agriculture..
      • Comment (25/04/2023, 09:23) Like (14) Dislike (15) Reply
        No person except a Natural Born Citizen shall be eligible for that Office!
      • You got jokes (25/04/2023, 10:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Agriculture yuh say and his district always out of water!!!! And he was the one to give us bi-water. The farmers can't get water up Pari for their crops and we must do what put him minister of what???!!!! NONESENSE!!!!!
    • Premier Ronnie (25/04/2023, 08:20) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      Give Frazer agriculture, fisheries and environment... Nothing else.That fits his personality. He will revive that

    • Rubber Duck (25/04/2023, 08:28) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply
      Lorna is not going to VIP. Dream on.
      • Schoolchildren (25/04/2023, 09:14) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        … say she is talking to them - might be prepared to take deputy premiership.
        • Lorna Should (25/04/2023, 11:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Lorna should take deputy but I dont think that Marlon would allow it, he should be deputy and she may be in charge of natural resources and labour. I know that she would like to make history but today is not the day.
        • @Schoolchildren (25/04/2023, 12:29) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          If that is the case I done with VIP!!!!!!! Seriously!!!!!
      • ha (25/04/2023, 11:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ The joke might be on you.
      • @rubber duck (25/04/2023, 11:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Ahhhh yes, this comment aged like sour milk
      • @rubber duck (25/04/2023, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Jokes on you ahahaha!!
      • Truth (25/04/2023, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        ok guess I am dreaming
    • @everybody wants to be Premier (25/04/2023, 08:39) Like (15) Dislike (17) Reply
      The little girl's name is SHERRIE DECASTRO AKA GOLIATH!!
    • @everybody wants to be Premier (25/04/2023, 10:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      There should be no issue. The PVIM, NDP & Fraser pledged to work together if they won. Well together they have 7 seats. Now all of them want power so bad where none is willing to yield in the best interest of the country. I guess VIP really wasn't the problem after all.
  • ... (25/04/2023, 08:00) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    bring out the skipping rope them who want jump first
  • Trying (25/04/2023, 08:01) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
    Fraser or Mitch take a stand just cross and let things flow
  • Comment (25/04/2023, 08:02) Like (16) Dislike (62) Reply
    VIP give the premiership to Fraser, He loves his country and it’s long overdue!! Fraser it’s time to humble yourself and act like a leader!
    • smhhhh (25/04/2023, 08:25) Like (61) Dislike (3) Reply
      Eraser ain't ready yet. He's too cocky and arrogant. We need somebody who has the territory best interest at heart.
      Mature governance.
  • Mitch (25/04/2023, 08:08) Like (7) Dislike (25) Reply
    Come on Mitch! Get on board with VIP, this could be a real great opportunity to have a strong government that will last for decades to come. We need all the young people to come together and create a different narrative.
  • Same shit again. (25/04/2023, 08:13) Like (55) Dislike (1) Reply
    The people of the BVI have no memory. Let them continue to pussy foot in forming the government and let the governor step in to decide or faith again. All who stayed home and didn't vote cause this frig right now. D3 was suppose to wake up to a new rep this morning.
    • Aunty Susan (25/04/2023, 10:13) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      VIP had candidates elected on a minority of voters. Wheatley and Hodge-Smith. Fraser also had more vote against him than for him. In future we need to have a run off in these circumstances. Meanwhile these minority winners have less moral authority than clear winners.
      • @Aunt Susan (25/04/2023, 14:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Again your comment makes no sense!!! Ayo come offf the innanet with your nonsense
  • resident (25/04/2023, 08:14) Like (86) Dislike (5) Reply
    Fraser is too da*** selfish. He's a one man party. How can he get the premier. Third district put us in this mess. He should have been voted out because he has done nothing for all these years. People are really a reflection of their leaders. This is the only Caribbean country that keeps recycling useless politicians. You all need deliverance...strupes. ah feed up
    • @resident (25/04/2023, 09:18) Like (8) Dislike (50) Reply
      Fraser love his country, he is the most senior official and he should be out next Premier!
  • Styles. (25/04/2023, 08:14) Like (42) Dislike (47) Reply
    All at large candidates have a valid argument for premier.

    NOT A SINGLE district rep has a decent amount of votes that warrants the premier title. (Especially you Natalio, stay away from that office please)
  • Faithful (25/04/2023, 08:15) Like (34) Dislike (23) Reply
    NDP 1 and 2 will never work together in the best interest of the country. Every member power hungry. The only solution here is for Fraser to rejoin the VIP and become Premier, since the one member he fought with is out of the picture and is in trouble with US law. Fraser, please be the bigger man and go back home to VIP
  • I just happy (25/04/2023, 08:17) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The pier park witch didn’t get voted in atlarge. She need go sit dung from trying to cancel HBH show
  • Hmm (25/04/2023, 08:19) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
    They say vip greedy...see who greedy now, can't even unite to foem a govt????. Saw it coming ..
  • VOTER6BVI (25/04/2023, 08:20) Like (37) Dislike (7) Reply
    PEOPLE OF THE BVI PLEASE LEAVE FRAZER ALONE IT WOULD BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES .FRAZER CANT WORK WITH GOD WHO ELSE DO YOU THINK HE WILL WORK WITH.
  • Sickening (25/04/2023, 08:22) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is what the world is today . Power and ego . Tortola needs a big closed sign hanging from east to west cause for how far we’re set back it’s crazy to see these men and women still fighting for power . I honestly hate this world we live in today . So many issues so many problems and they’re still looking for power just sad
  • Political analyst (25/04/2023, 08:33) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    This situation was predictable but not new in the BVI. Politicians act in their own self-interest, all of them. Some even sabotage their own party out of self -interest; it is human. The word on the street is that an agreement has been reached between NDP and PVIM with Ronnie being Premier and Marlon being Deputy Premier. However, it is rumored that J. Fraser aka Liberator is angling/demanding to be Premier or no deal. The liberator holds the trump card and is leveraging his position, for no government can be formed without him. He is not the only play or king maker though. It is also rumored that Lorna Smith, the former First Lady, is making a play for Premier. VIP is also a player and can cut a deal to form the government. Moreover Fraser’s play is not new and has been done in the past. Former Chief Minister Willard Wheatley, an independent candidate, leveraged his position into becoming Chief Minister in 1971 under the United Party. He did it again in 78/79 under the VIP. Former Chief Minister C.B . Romney also leverage his position into becoming Chief Minister under the United Party. Let’s be honest Fraser is a veteran, long-serving elected member and the clock is ticking. And this may be his last opportunity to becoming Premier, joining the list elitist list of BVI leaders. He is playing the hand that he is dealt. However, he is not the only one with the leveraging power though. Any one member can play hard ball. Some may label the Liberator’s move as self-fish, but everyone act in their own self-interest. Ronnie and Marlon acted in their self-interest, splitting up the spoils. This is a chess game being played so who will checkmate whom and if no one is willing to compromise and put pride, ego aside, it will be a draw. And the possibility of the governor choosing a leader/Premier. I said it was Fraser’s last chance to be Premier. Well, it is also Ronnie’s and Lorna’s. Marlon and Walwyn got time. Just a thought in Walwyn’s case will the Guv seat him or waiting until his legal issue is resolved.What does the constitution say?
  • Aunty Susan (25/04/2023, 08:34) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    A bad result all round. The anti VIP vote was split allowing the VIP to win seats where more voted against it than for it.
    We cannot ha e a Premier who got 400 hundred votes out of 16000.

    Ronnie, Lorna and the two other at large winners have the democratic mandate.

    At least some of the biggest VIPERS have gone Sheep and Malone.

    What happens when Fraser and Wall-Win are arrested will be interesting.
  • Harry (25/04/2023, 08:44) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
    Buddah got the most votes, might as well give it to him.
  • fraser (25/04/2023, 08:45) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply

    Fraser cross to VIP. Then we have a clear GOVERNMENT.

    On another note. So glad Perline did not win. She is not a people’s person. Her fake persona through the campaign made me sick! Glad the people were not fooled by her wolf in sheep clothing tactic.

    Happy Marlon retained his seat in the east! Mr. Wheatley may be intelligent but it does not translate when he speaks. And no one wants a dr*** as a representative. Sorry.

    Wished Zoe won. Don’t give up. Next 4 years you will reign victorious.

    Sad to see sheep go. But mathers took his popularity votes.

    Daniel. Keep at it.

    Congratulation to all.

    • lol (25/04/2023, 09:22) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      War money has power, that's why Perline did not win.
      • Agree (25/04/2023, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Sadly you are right. If you don't have the money to buy votes in this territory, you will not win an election fairly.
  • Rotten minister (25/04/2023, 09:09) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    These rotten ministers keep talking about the things they will be doing for the people but look now they forget about people and they are for self and power
  • fraser (25/04/2023, 09:18) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hate fraser behavior he always want power why he so eager to be premier we dont want uk take over he got a behavior in he ya hear
    • Ohhhh Reaaly (25/04/2023, 10:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Statements should be fair. Only Fraser wants power? Really?? You all need to stop it and make truthful statements. Being bias is not helpful.
    • Love (25/04/2023, 10:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hate is a very strong word. What has Frazer done to you?
  • Lilly (25/04/2023, 09:20) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Fraser is the bull in this game. It seems like he is not a man of his word and his constituents have him locked up.
  • Well it's left to be seen (25/04/2023, 09:28) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Which one will cross the floor once again. NDP and PVIM should of merged when they had that meeting. but yu know how "power struggles" are...good luck to all the candidates anyways.
  • WHAT!!! (25/04/2023, 09:34) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    COUNTRY BEFORE SELF.
    You were voted for because you were not VIP don’t jump ship.
  • COUNTRY (25/04/2023, 09:36) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now is the test we will see who has the country at heart.
  • join (25/04/2023, 09:39) Like (18) Dislike (18) Reply
    Somebody from vip need move to pvim and ndp
  • Lorna (25/04/2023, 09:42) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
    Please cross to VIP. That will be the best play. Do not let the governor choose our premier. I am appealing to you to cross. Let VIP remain in power. For people and country.
  • Tafari Zharr (25/04/2023, 09:43) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    ONE VOTE,
    FOUR SEASONS,
    FOUR YEARS,
    FOR ALL
    By Tafari Zharr


    VI Voted with Exactness, VI Braced, For Us All

    VI Voted for a Better Democracy" Any Day Now

    VI Voted As If Its Bloodline Depended On It

    The Non-Bliss Is Not A Dis

    It's Indicative, the Tensions, the Biases

    *VI People, the world sees as Dark and Doom

    But Our Narrative: Resilience Is Our Story

    Like Your Leaders We’re Deserving of Political Grace

    Second Chances: Of which We Know Nothing Else,

    Therefore, We Are Right Now Who We Strive To Become B E T T E R

    Virgins On The Edge - Towards Self Determination

    Rocking Into A Thriving World-class Economy

    Our Elections Are Representations Of The People

    Reflections Of The Dynamism Of Our Democracy

    Emancipated And Empowered: More Inclusive And Willing, Present But Patient

    That’s The Voice Of The Voting Virgin Islands

    Not Defined By An Inquiry Neither Label nor Libel will do

    VI Voted for Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer

    VI Voted For A Territorial Right To Choose

    No disingenuousness UK: VI voted For You




    (c) 2020. Tafari Zharr. All rights reserved.
  • All Eyes on Fraser (25/04/2023, 09:43) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Farser's natural space is with the VIP and it should be easier now with Andrew Fahie gone.
  • Hmm (25/04/2023, 10:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Frazer holds the ball it's either premier or nothing. Ronnie holds the ball it's either premier or nothing.
  • DeShawn (25/04/2023, 10:03) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dogs of War - all clambering to be top dog - the person who least wants to be the Premier should be the Premier.
  • liberator (25/04/2023, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Liberator much smarter than many of you think, he's trained on the streets of NYC !

    "Ayo better wake up and drink you Bush Tea" this morning as my boy Salo from Towers will say .
  • vi (25/04/2023, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    6 and 3 crossed the floor and get walk on mighty gudd next time stay in your lane child.
  • Real (25/04/2023, 10:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I honestly DON'T think that the Premier need to be a DISTRICT CANDIDATE.. It need to be one of the at large winners and it should be the MOST QUALIFIED individual. The people has spoken we have a territory to run so get on with the work FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BEAUTIFUL VIRGIN ISLANDS!!!
  • TALLY (25/04/2023, 10:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you add the total number of votes for district reps, the total is 8152. It was recently published there were 16,000 registered voters. On that basis, the results represent the interests of barely half the voters, ironically reflective of the outcome that is unlikely to build the community and common vision that is sorely needed in the Territory.
  • Concerned (25/04/2023, 10:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    To the new elected officials, CONGRATULATIONS. Please fix the road, there are lots of potholes. Thanks!
  • Looking from the outside (25/04/2023, 11:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HEAR LORNA SWISH IS THAT SO.IF SO IM VERY HAPPY,EXCITED ITS WAS THE THING TO DO TO KEEP OUT FRAZER.
  • Tafari Zharr (25/04/2023, 11:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    TROUBLESHOOTING IN PARADISE

    PUP or VIP
    “…AT LEAST TWO YEARS”
    By Tafari Zharr
     

    GRIEVANCES AND GOOD GOVERNANCE ARE SIBLILINGS AND TOGETHER IT’S THE “EQUAL” RELATIONSHIP THAT  PARTNERS A POLITICIAN WITH THE PEOPLE IN A DEMOCRACY
     
    BUT FIRST WHO WILL BE SEATED: new PUP [Progressive United Party) or once disbanded VIP (Virgins Islands Party).
     
    “The House was informed that the then Governor of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) had launched a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into claims that corruption, abuse of position and serious impropriety had taken place in public office in recent years. (On (Hansard, HCWS716, column 32WS)

    Elizabeth Truss -UK statement (corruption/abuses
    18 January 2021
     
    Gov. Received Gary Hickinbottom report to release
    June 04 April, 2022
     
    Andrew Fahie Arrested  (1:22-mj-02719)
    28 April, 2022
     
    THE UK THE SUSPENDING LOCAL
    28 April, 2022,

    BVI would not deliver the essential reforms required:” BVI Governor publish report and findings
    29 April 2022

    Government of National Unity, SWORN IN
    5 May 2022
     
    Premier Fahie’s Retirement from HOA,
    24 Nov , 2022
    
“I, Andrew Alturo Fahie, now respectfully take this time to officially inform you Madam Speaker, … a copy.”
     
    House Of Assembly Dissolved
    10 March, 2023
     
    Election Day
    24 April, 2023
     
    GOOD DAY VIRGIN ISLANDERS:

    WE ALL HEARD AND READ IT: SUFFICIENT PROGRESS under Premier Natalio Wheatley has not been made.  
     
    "If it becomes clear that this approach is not delivering the reform the people of the BVI want and deserve we will take action. This may require the swift implementation of the final report recommendation [imposing direct rule]."
     

    COI said “almost everywhere “ in the principles of openness, transparency and the rule of law were ignored.” And for direct rule to be imposed for at least two years.”
     
    Its Moments after Election, the governor still can offer his perspective as far as good governance to be in keeping with the privy council’s recommendations based upon different scenarios.
     
    REFLECTION the unity government failed to deliver on the reforms, which no one could have met anyway.  Let’s not forget that which is apparent.  Like the heavy reprimand of an imposing parent, the child with eyes closed is waiting, hunched shoulders, muscles tensed, bracing for the shoe, belt, hand, stick, or whip, to drop.  The UK threat of “Order of Direct Rule, it can stand up for the people.
     
    IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WE TAKE CARE OF HOME FIRST, so in that spirit let my mind get set on my opinions:
     
    FIRST: Assemble the home, VIP can add anyone really.  But, if you make Vincent Wheatley Premier, Mather is a good choice.  Additionally, Bring Lorna Smith In and Make Her your anchor.   With That’s the Move - we have a legacy election with empowerment for our women; and we have our first female leader Lorna is really, really, good.
     
    SECOND: The Other NDP PVIM PU Parties Form a new PUP -Progressive Unity Party  and Again Lorna For Premier or Fraser, but Lorna is preference in this scenario. Ronnie: Finance.  Mix it up

    MAY THE NEW GOVERNMENT PLEASE STAND UP!
     
    THE BVI OPERATES AS A PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
     
    “…If it becomes clear that this approach is not delivering the reform that the people of the BVI want and deserve, we will take action.
    This may require the swift implementation of the final report recommendation.
    In order to be able to do so quickly if required,
    the UK Government has submitted an

    Should it prove necessary to do so, I will instruct
    the Governor to make a proclamation in the BVI Gazette
    appointing a day that the Order will come into force…”
    ELIZABETH TRUSS
     
     
    VIRGIN ISLANDERS LET THE PEOPLES SEATS BE SO FILLED ACCORDINGLY TO THE VOICES OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS because IF WE CANT HAVE THAT RIGHT WE FLIRT WITH LOSING OTHERS WE HOLD DEARLY ON TO.

    MAY THE NEW GOVERNMENT PLEASE STAND UP!

    GOD WILLING.



     
    Copyright (c) 2023 by Tafari Zharr
     
  • Stand yuh ground (25/04/2023, 12:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey, Hey, Hey, for who,of who ,by who? This is not for the People,everyone for himself and God for us all.
    There are the Signs òf Greed ,Personality,Hatred,Envy,Grudge, and Selfishness.
    Where is Carvin ,the great Strategist nom?
    is Wheatley calling Frazer late in the night to tell he come again?but will Premier Frazer go,though it is late in the night?
  • Concern Citizens - BVI (25/04/2023, 12:02) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let us all go back to the poll and vote for the Premier
  • Concern Citizens - BVI (25/04/2023, 12:25) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let us go back to the poll and vote for the Premier if we can't come to a conclusion.
  • Ha,ha,ha (25/04/2023, 12:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Maybe the best time to ask for belonger ,no on can say no ,hihi


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