Hon. Fraser up in arms about Ellis Thomas Downs party comments in HOA
Hon. Fraser recalled that back at the September 3, 2012 sitting of the House, the Minister for Education and Culture spoke about a party that was held at Ellis Thomas Downs and supposedly no one knew about it.
He declared that even before he became third district representative, there was a Christmas part held each year by his predecessor for the constituents and when he took office in 1999 he continued it and it has been happening every year since under his leadership. This was the case, he said, except for one year when the election was close to Christmas. "I opted not to have the party and it wasn’t to the pleasure of the constituents."
“That party was held at the community centre every year until about 8 years ago when it got too big for the centre and it was moved to Ellis Thomas Downs,” he said and added that there was never a controversy or an issue until the last party that took place in January of this year. Hon Fraser said he received a call from a reporter at one of the news sites (BVI Platinum) telling him that his party was going to be in conflict with the Triple Crown races that were to be held the following day. He then expressed that there was no conflict. “We’ll have our party and clean the place up the same night… anything that had to take place the following morning is not a problem.”
After receiving a second call from the same reporter informing him that persons had called about the issue, Hon. Fraser said he inquired of the reporter as to how many people and that the reporter said three so he subsequently contacted the president of the VI Horse Owners’ Association and after three meetings came to a resolution on the matter.
The District Representative, known as "The Liberator", said he thought the matter was laid to rest but was shocked when the Minister came to the HOA “talking about this party and his Ministry not being informed and they don’t know this and they don’t go through the right channels.”
He further stated that the Minister has never met him nor picked up the phone and said anything about it and “If they want to stop us from using Ellis Thomas Downs in the District for a party, an event for the people of the Third District and by extension the entire territory, because the people that come there are not all from the third District, they come from all over" then the Minister should tell the people of the Third District that they can’t use the facility.
He added that it came across as sending a threat to the people, which he felt would not accomplish the Minister’s objective.
Hon Fraser then said those were the kinds of issues he expected the Premier to “step up to the plate and say something about” instead of him (Hon. Fraser) having to come and say something about it.
While discussing issues about the Festival in the HOA on September 3, 2012 Hon. Walwyn related an incident where a party was reportedly thrown at Ellis Thomas Downs Race Track, “The horse track is under the Ministry of Education and Culture,” he related “and nobody took the time to ask the permission of the Ministry of Education and Culture if they could have a party at the horse track.” They just simply went ahead and had that party, he related.
Hon. Walwyn felt that even though it might be that some national facilities may reside in various districts, “it doesn’t mean that because it is under your district, it is under your control.”
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26 Responses to “Hon. Fraser up in arms about Ellis Thomas Downs party comments in HOA”
Really, since September 3rd that statement was made. Did you just wake up Fraser? more than a month later and you stirring up old things
Don't blame Hon Fraser for just now responding, the last meeting of the House was off limits to The Opposition for anything as it was dedicated to tributes to the Premier on the passing of his mom. And besides who gives a $h!+ when he responds, the fact is he responded, now go teach that dog head boy some sense and common decency.
We need justice, the boy disrespected Hon Fahie, he disrespected Hon Fraser, he disrespected Dancia Penn QC (he called her a shadow), and he disrespected Dr Quincy Lettsome.
Ask any NDP District Representative if under the VIP they were harassed and humiliated when it came to using facilities in their Districts. This Funny Man just trying to beat his chest.
Next time even if you buy the election again once them mek up there minds they want you gone, then all the money in the world will not help..chill, be a statesman..Fraser will be there for a long long time you just come walk slow stop showing off..we done elect you deman
This guy Walwyn is such a piece of $6!+ I don't know why so much time is wasted on him. Imagin this man came here seeking attention, and instead of us ignoring him we giving it to him. Trust me, if you all just pretend he dosent exist, you won't miss the time he is back in his native Antigua.
Hush your lying @$$, you voted for the freebies with VIP, vote for what Myron? Schups!