Hon. Fraser ready to serve as Party Leader & Premier if called
![According to Daniel, “[Hon. O'Neal] sounded astounded on a lot of things, wouldn’t give me his view on the state of affairs in the Virgin Islands, the economy; actually told me if I wanted to know what’s happening I should contact the Premier [Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith] and ask him and things of that sort.” Photo: VINO/File](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_r_Ralph_ONeal_2.JPG)
In an interview done on the programme ‘90 Minutes’ and hosted by Radio St Lucia's Shelton Daniel on August 2, 2013 the interviewer suggested Virgin Islands Party Leader Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal may be rather ‘out of it’ following an interview gone awry some time ago.
“Some time ago on this programme, I interviewed or tried to interview Opposition Leader Ralph O’Neal and, no denigration of him intended, but it was my view and that of a considerable portion of my audience that Mr. O’Neal sounded rather out of it…” Daniel said.
He further stated that the former Chief Minister and First Premier of the Virgin Islands sounded very incoherent at times and couldn’t remember that he had agreed to an interview.
According to Daniel, “[Hon. O'Neal] sounded astounded on a lot of things, wouldn’t give me his view on the state of affairs in the Virgin Islands, the economy; actually told me if I wanted to know what’s happening I should contact the Premier [Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith] and ask him and things of that sort.”
It was on this premise that he asked Hon. Fraser whether there was a thought within the Opposition that there was time for a change in leadership and whether Hon. Fraser was being looked at as a future leader of the Virgin Islands Party.
Hon. Fraser repeated for the second time in a few days that the issue of party leadership was a matter for its congress and added that there is a constitution that governs the party.
His immediate role, he stated, was to perform in accordance with the Territory’s constitution wherein the members of the House of Assembly are required to hold the Cabinet accountable.
“Whether it’s two of us or three of us or four of us carrying that banner, I don’t see it being a problem. I know I’m one who’s going to carry that banner and whatever the future holds, that’s what I would abide by,” the Third District Representative stated.
However, on the question of whether he was ready to take over the party’s leadership and ultimately the leadership of the Territory, Hon. Fraser said in his response: “I don’t rule it out. I think that I’ve been in position in roles, that I have given it my all and exercised all the talents and gifts that I have and I think if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready,”.
VI not ready to redefine status with the UK
Hon. Fraser also said the issue of redefining the status of the Virgin Islands in terms of its relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) was a question that crossed his mind very often and he saw it as a ‘huge call’.
“It crossed my mind all the time and it’s one that I think… it’s a conversation that needs to be had on the ground here in the Virgin Islands before it becomes an international matter,” Hon. Fraser disclosed.
Hon. Fraser added that he believed very strongly in the youth and felt it was the youth that needed to make such a decision and an informed one at that. He reasoned that much more exposure was required on the part of the youth and suggested a few trips to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK by one or two of the youth that can “give that word” and provide insight as to how things work would be instrumental in achieving this goal.
“I don’t want to get involved in making decisions that are going to jeopardise another three or four generations down the road, that’s why I think that it’s a conversation that needs to be had on the ground,” he said.
Hon. Fraser said he’s heard members of the government voicing opinions in favour of independence for the VI but argued that he didn’t know whether it was well advised for them to make those statements.
He also said that if the issue of redefining the VI’s status with the UK was put to a referendum, the answer would be a resounding no. “With the information on the ground right now, if it was put to a referendum it would be a resounding no but I think that with information, people would see different or might see different. I’m not sure, but I think that that’s a huge, huge endeavour…”
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37 Responses to “Hon. Fraser ready to serve as Party Leader & Premier if called”
Mannn! This $h1t is heavy. Way to go Fraser.
The one most unforgivable act that has damaged this country financially is the NDP's Santo eternity corrupt hospital construction project which sucked & is sucking the Treasury dry but ayo want us to leave that alone & forget it while you try to blame others for the nonsense Ronnie & the NDP has done. Millions & millions & millions & more gone through the hospital door thanks to the can't do no wrong NDP.
time ago. Only North Sound and some VIP jokers dont beleive it. We as for Fraiser, It aint
goind down without a fight with andrew, Mark my word it aint goin be none of them.
scatter your r@$$ who had to move now moving back because the national democratic arty is in so go sit down..when Fraser becomes head lots will be moving back so wheel and come again
IF THE VIP PARTY WANTS TO GET BACK IN THE ONLY PERSON TO GET THEM BACK IN IS CHIEF JUSTICE PRERIER GIVE HER THE JOB AS HAD PROMISE IN THE PAST AND STOP BEING GREADY NON OF THESE OTHER GROWNIES READY FOR THE JOB OUT OF ALL OF THEM I WOULD ONLY TRUST HON. FAHIE N HON. PENN