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Hon Julian Fraser launches new party: ‘Progressives United’

…attracts top former legislators
Hon Julian Fraser launches new party: ‘Progressives United’. Photo: VINO/File
The grouping, ‘Progressives United,’ is also responsible for the ‘Trust’ Billboard at the Wickhams Cay Service Station, round-about. Photo:VINO/File
The grouping, ‘Progressives United,’ is also responsible for the ‘Trust’ Billboard at the Wickhams Cay Service Station, round-about. Photo:VINO/File
Thus far, only two political parties—the ruling NDP and the opposition VIP—have formally indicated they will contest the next General Election. Photo: VINO/File
Thus far, only two political parties—the ruling NDP and the opposition VIP—have formally indicated they will contest the next General Election. Photo: VINO/File
BREWERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Former Virgin Islands (VI) elected officials, Ex Deputy Premier R. Dancia Penn QC, J. Alvin Christopher, Dr Vincent G. Scatliffe, Keith L. Flax and Vernon E. Malone were among those to join with Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, for a meeting to chart the course forward for a new political party—Progressives United.

Also at the meeting—venued at the Icis Villas in Brewers Bay, Tortola—were other individuals who contested previous elections unsuccessfully, persons from Virgin Gorda and some persons from Hon Fraser’s Third District Committee.

It is unclear if any of the former legislators formally signed their membership to ‘Progressives United.’

There was also no formal announcements of Candidates for the party at the upcoming elections.

Billboard

According to reports, during the course of the meeting, many persons committed their support for the new party and for Hon Fraser—who is expected to be the Leader of the new group, ‘Progressive United.’   The grouping, ‘Progressives United,’ is also responsible for the ‘Trust’ Billboard at the Wickhams Cay Service Station, round-about, one source confirmed. 

The move by Hon Fraser signals a formal departure from the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP), the group he was first elected with in 1999.

According to reports coming out of the meeting, persons are to be nominated via phone for Executive positions in the new political party which is expected to contest the 2019 General elections.

Thus far, only two political parties—the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and the VIP—have  formally indicated they will contest the next General Election, and both parties have since begun transitioning into elections mode

The NDP from all indications plan to hold on to power until summer of 2019, even as sections of the public and civil society, and some in the United Kingdom (UK) are calling for fresh elections.

Numerous Parties This Time

With Hon Fraser’s party now in the race, some say there could be as much as five political parties contesting the next Virgin Islands General Elections. 

They include the United Party, Sun Flower (a new Party), People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) now headed by Elton Callwood trying to make a comeback, and a number of Independent candidates.

The People’s Empowerment Party (PEP)—a party started in 2014 by J. Alvin Christopher, a former Minister and Second District Representative—appears to be now defunct. 

There are also reports that some breakaway elected members of the NDP who do not want to be led by the new Co- Leader, Honourable Myron V.  Walwyn (AL), are flirting with the idea of a new party.

Virgin Islands News Online has reached out, to no avail, to Hon Fraser for an official statement or position on the meeting and new party.

Correspondences to Hon Fraser from Virgin Islands News Online went unanswered up to publication time.

36 Responses to “Hon Julian Fraser launches new party: ‘Progressives United’”

  • My say only (24/08/2018, 15:17) Like (35) Dislike (3) Reply
    I will vote for only individuals who exhibit signs (past and present; however, willing to listen to past treansgressions because to “err is human”) of a better tomorrrow for my grandchildren. Period, Point Blank! Bring-on all parties ; it’s not an easy road this time around.
  • Loving (24/08/2018, 15:20) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    The Name already.
  • Loving the name already (24/08/2018, 15:24) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    Good Luck Hon. Fraser; it will be rough this time around. May the best LION/LIONESS WIN.
  • WHAT!!! (24/08/2018, 15:25) Like (71) Dislike (20) Reply
    A party other than the two we have would be welcome but I would not vote for any party headed by J. Frazer. Traffic lights at roundabout, money to brother for nothing, Bi-Water mess. The VIP did not want him neither should anyone else he is arrogant and will not listen to anyones advise Hon. R. O’Neal had to apologise to the public for him as he would not admit himself that he made a very stupid call on the traffic lighfs.
  • chad (24/08/2018, 15:37) Like (42) Dislike (9) Reply
    All the man is looking for power he had in his hand and could not handle it. But gone and form is own and look the list.
  • biker (24/08/2018, 16:29) Like (35) Dislike (4) Reply
    The 5 individuals listed in attendance at the Icis Villa inaugural meeting of the the PUP seem kind of old for BVI politics. Hopefully this new party will attract some younger candidates.
    • voter (24/08/2018, 16:50) Like (37) Dislike (6) Reply
      I’ve long voted NDP but with those in position having no regard for people’s voice, hiding things under the rug I will carefully consider my vote.

      I debated long and hard to give my vote to my district rep as well as to an at large candidate last election.

      This time around, they won’t be getting my vote.
    • Quiet Storm (24/08/2018, 16:56) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Biker, PUP? Names matter. The BVI at this juncture needs a vociferous canine to arrest and solve its myriad of problems. It is an urban legend the old Chevy Nova ( no go) did not market well in South America.
  • ABC (24/08/2018, 16:32) Like (58) Dislike (50) Reply
    Not going anywhere it's vip turn
  • E. Leonard (24/08/2018, 16:39) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    The door is wide open for the opportunity to mount a serious challenge to NDP to form the next government. A myriad of alphabetic soup parties are preparing to contest the next general election, ie, NDP, VIP, PU, SF, PPA, UP......etc, along with a host of independent candidates. Every qualified Virgin Islander has the constitutional right to stand for election. However, whether running on a party ticket or as an independent and as each candidate interview for the opportunity to represent the electorate in the HOA, he/she must tell the electorate about his/her action plan(s) to improve citizens’ lives and to progressively advance the territory. These action plan(s) must include : educational development, providing available, accessible and affordable health care; developing First World infrastructure(water, sewer, electricity, drainage, roads) diversifying the economy, arresting rising property and violent crimes, establishing a consumer protection agency, promoting, respecting and protecting freedom of press; preserving and protecting environmental resources, initiating whistle blower legislation, strengthening procurement processes, initiating action to reduce the escalating cost of living, improving the speed and quality of telecommunications, improving the building code, negotiating constitutional changes with the UK, improving port operations, ferry system and airlift; modernizing the road network, improving the social infrastructure, protecting the porous border, improving land use and access to beaches, deepening, strengthening, improving and sustaining financial services and tourism, slowing skill and brain drain, improving sporting events, promoting effective governance (accountability, responsibility and transparency), addressing civil service retirement funding liability, improving sister islands representation....etc.
    • Political Observer (PO) (25/08/2018, 10:00) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well sah, mehson, what a long laundry, to-to-list. However, the sad reality is that all of it after all this time needs major work. What is the bright spot on this to-do-list? Is it the Peebles Hospital Building? The building looks good but the staffing, equipping and range of services need major improvement. Clearly, there will be tons of political parties and tens of independent candidates competiting for the 9 districts and 4 at large seats in the HOA. They will be promising and over promising on most things on the to-do-list.

      However, the electorate must listen keenly to the qualntiry, volume and variety of proposals that will be fling around. It must adroitly evaluate the information and then decide on which party or individual position can advance the needs of BVI. It must decide who can deliver on the desired outcomes. Attaining the desired outcome may not rest with one party; it may take a coalition government. In the the last 12 years, the BVI has had 3 lopsided governments (11-2, 9-4, and 11-2) and the outcomes have been less than impressive.

      Let’s take a close look at the Progressive United Party (PUP). The jokes are already coming from this PUP abbreviation. The Hon Fraser, along with other organizers, may be wedded to PUP; perhaps, they need to take a close look at the name. The focus should be on what the party is offering, what it is bringing to the table, not its name. There was strong listing of seasoned, current and former legislators/ Boomers at the Icis Villa gathering at Brewers Bay. Nevertheless, where are the millennials..........etc. It is a general rule in mgt. that those who will affected by a decision generally should be at the table with inputs when decisions are being made. Ah, well this was just the rollout. First impressions are important so the rollout should have been more hard hitting. There was much anticipation of the roll out of PUP; it was open secret that it was coming. However, the launch was probably a yawn; it didn’t captivate our attention or wild imagination. A missed opportunity, for the territory is eager and hungry for real and substantive change. Comments are not intended to dissed the new party, PUP. They are just the observations of a no dog in the fight observer, keeping it real. At the end of the day, a majority of the electorate will determine if PUP will rise or crash.
  • Jaigon (24/08/2018, 16:51) Like (83) Dislike (5) Reply
    Those who wish to lead must also be prepared to be led. This is a man that was elected under a VIP banner. Up to now he have not announce that he have resign from the VIP or he is no longer a member. He is still an elected member in the HOA under a VIP banner and gone to form his own party. How can anyone take such person as a true and patriotic leader
    • Diaspora (24/08/2018, 22:08) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
      The Hon Fraser led the VIP to crushing a 11-2 shellacking in the June 2015 general election. Having being defeated for the chairmanship of VIP and stripped of the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Fraser behaviour was immature. The professional thing to have done was to resign promptly from the VIP, having decided he was cutting the ties. Instead, he left VIP members and others wondering if he was still a VIP member and all sorts of other speculations. This was extremely poor leadership for a person that wants to be Premier so bad. The Hon Fraser’s climb is not insurmountable but it will be a steep climb up the political mountain. He is talented, experienced and knowledgeable but he needs to check his attitude, arrogance, stubbornness........etc at the door. His servant leadership skills needs lots of work. One cannot lead effectively if one is not willing to follow. Effective followship is a precursor to effective leadership.
  • 3rd (24/08/2018, 17:09) Like (44) Dislike (8) Reply
    Waste of time we staying with vi
  • WOWW (24/08/2018, 17:15) Like (68) Dislike (9) Reply
    If you want Julian Fraser be the next premier thumbs down.

    If you want Andrew Fahie to be the next premier thumbs up.
  • ReX FeRal (24/08/2018, 17:38) Like (47) Dislike (7) Reply
    Dead on Arrival. Just let that set in for a bit. The ignorance of Fraser iso Bliss.
  • smdh (24/08/2018, 18:46) Like (40) Dislike (5) Reply
    This man needs to retire.
  • chad (24/08/2018, 18:47) Like (59) Dislike (6) Reply
    All this man want is power and revenge.
  • keep it real (24/08/2018, 20:37) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    A bunch of old fogeys and has-beens. Dem time long gone.
    • Interesting (25/08/2018, 07:29) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
      I wonder if you’ll feel the same about yourself should you get to that age
  • Ok now (24/08/2018, 21:02) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    I have lost all respect for this man. BVI do not make a mistake and put this evil man who doesn't love people in power as Premier. That will be the end of all of us.
  • watch out (24/08/2018, 21:03) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    Fraser is not a team player. It is his way or no way. That's not a true leader.
  • Third District (24/08/2018, 21:04) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is time to get a new representative who is not about power, self and going after anyone who challenges them.
  • jokers (24/08/2018, 22:20) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    HON. JULIAN FRAZER WHY DONT YOU ACT AS A GROWN UP ? AND GO LYDOWM AND GO TO SLEEP? YOUR DAYS OF TAKING SO MUCH IS DONE DUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • We say (24/08/2018, 22:23) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well good luck. I guess PUP sounds better than ..........
  • Make a deal (24/08/2018, 22:26) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Gladly send Hillary and Obummer down. Can’t be any worse than the crooks you already have.
  • Frilser (25/08/2018, 00:30) Like (30) Dislike (3) Reply

    Fraser is hated. Anybody run with he them some as$es.

  • starfish (25/08/2018, 11:36) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Fraser the only other persons I can see getting votes are Dancia and Keith.

    This won’t give you the opportunity to be Premier.
  • True (25/08/2018, 12:32) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    He doesn't need to be Premier just needs to make sure neither NDP or VIP get to lead alone
  • Jessica Jone (26/08/2018, 07:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Say it's a brand new party dem forming, part dem a part you with dem politics meeting
  • musa (26/08/2018, 08:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    mr frazor is a good man to stay far from
  • Wind Stoutt (26/08/2018, 09:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    P- Poorly
    U- Unprepared
    P- Puppets
    And the beat goes on.
  • Sea Cows Bay Resident (28/08/2018, 07:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wellll sahhhhhhh.... Fraser cannot help his own district at Sea Cows bay we are suffering since 2010 with out water in Sea Cows bay and now he launches a new party...so we voters need to be wise what he did in our country all he good is talking no action at all..... If he cannot manage he's own district what you expect if he manage our country???


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