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Massive crowds turn out to VIP’s Meet & Greet

-Close to 400 persons packed into two conference rooms at Maria’s by the Sea
The crowd erupted in satisfaction and applause when the torch was placed in the hands of Mr Fahie, as a symbolic gesture. Photo: Team of Reporters
Ms Naomi Turnbull passing the VIP torch on to Reverend Edris O'Neal. Photo: Team of Reporters
Ms Naomi Turnbull passing the VIP torch on to Reverend Edris O'Neal. Photo: Team of Reporters
Torch being passed to Hon Fahie Photo: Team of Reporters
Torch being passed to Hon Fahie Photo: Team of Reporters
Hon Fahie holding the Torch. Photo: Team of Reporters
Hon Fahie holding the Torch. Photo: Team of Reporters
The energy and electricity in the rooms were also high as supporters danced, blow whistles, chant, clapped, sang and embraced each other in celebration of the VIP and its accomplishments. Photo: Team of Reporters
The energy and electricity in the rooms were also high as supporters danced, blow whistles, chant, clapped, sang and embraced each other in celebration of the VIP and its accomplishments. Photo: Team of Reporters
VIP 2019 Elections slate. Photo: Team of Reporters
VIP 2019 Elections slate. Photo: Team of Reporters
Section of the massive crowd. Photo: Team of Reporters
Section of the massive crowd. Photo: Team of Reporters
From left to right, Former First Lady Reverend Edris O'Neal and Ms Naomi Turnbull, only surviving founder of the Virgin Islands Party. Photo: Team of Reporters
From left to right, Former First Lady Reverend Edris O'Neal and Ms Naomi Turnbull, only surviving founder of the Virgin Islands Party. Photo: Team of Reporters
Massive crown turns out to VIP’s Meet & Greet. Photo: Team of Reporters
Massive crown turns out to VIP’s Meet & Greet. Photo: Team of Reporters
With an estimated 400 persons packed into two conference room at the venue, the hallways offered standing room only. Photo: Team of Reporters
With an estimated 400 persons packed into two conference room at the venue, the hallways offered standing room only. Photo: Team of Reporters
Massive crown turns out to VIP’s Meet & Greet. Photo: Team of Reporters
Massive crown turns out to VIP’s Meet & Greet. Photo: Team of Reporters
The VIP is now the only party with a full slate of candidates to contest the 2019 Election. Photo: Team of Reporters
The VIP is now the only party with a full slate of candidates to contest the 2019 Election. Photo: Team of Reporters
MARIA’S BY THE SEA, Road Town, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) did it in style and elegance, when they hosted their Meet and Greet for the 2019 elections season at Maria’s by the Sea, last evening, Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

With an estimated 400 persons packed into two conference rooms at the venue, the hallways offered standing room only. Even then, massive crowds stood outside with thousands listening via radio—in cars and at home—and on the various social media platforms.

The energy and electricity in the rooms were also high as supporters danced, blow whistles, chant, clapped, sang and embraced each other in celebration of the VIP and its accomplishments.

Candidates Introduced

It started out with each of the various candidates being introduced to large and thunderous applause. The four At-Large Candidates spoke on different topics and about their passion and then the Chairman of the VIP, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1)—former Opposition Leader, whom many supporters believe will be the next Premier—took to the podium.

He spoke about the solutions the VIP will introduce to deal with issues facing the Territory, including bringing about legislation that will help with more accountability and transparency such as a whistle blowing legislation that also protects Civil Servants when they see and report wrongdoing.

Mr Fahie further implored about whether it was true or false that over $1.6M was wasted on a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) by the sitting National Democratic Party (NDP) government, and whether or not the party further wasted $7.2M on a plane that never left the ground. 

He also asked the public whether it was true or false that upwards of $15M in consultancy fees were spent on the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, yet to date, there is nothing to show.

VIP Strong

While we witnessed the breaking up of the NDP with its founding members fleeing to form the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM-NDP2)—when Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) became their leader—it was a grandeur symbolic to see the only surviving founder of the VIP, Ms Naomi Turnbull passing the VIP torch on to Reverend Edris O'Neal, the former First Lady who represented the first Premier of the VI—Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE—to which she passed the torch on to the fearless Leader of the VIP, Hon Fahie.

The crowd erupted in satisfaction and applause when the torch was placed in the hands of Mr Fahie as a symbolic gesture.

The VIP is now the only party with a full slate to contest the 2019 Election, the candidates are, Hon Fahie for D1, Indigenous Virgin Islander and grandson of the late Legislator, Prince M. Stoutt, Carnel D. Clyne for D2, former Ag Permanent Secretary, Educator and Businesswoman Ms Arlene L. Smith-Thompson for D3, former Director of Culture, Ms Luce Hodge-Smith for D4, Commissioner for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Mr Kye M. Rymer for D5, Former member of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Ag Permanent Secretary and businessman Mr John M. Samuel in D6, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Lecturer, Dr Natalio D. Wheatley aka ‘Sowande Uhuru’ for D7, Former Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Businessman Dean B. Fahie for D8 and Businessman and former Sister Islands Coordinator, Mr Vincent O. Wheatley for D9.

Running At-Large is Educator, Businesswoman and former candidate, Ms Sharie B. deCastro, former Party President, Mr Carvin Malone, Businessman and former BVI Softball Association President, Mr Neville A. Smith aka ‘Sheep’ and BVI Tourist Board Manager and social activist, Ms Shereen D. Flax-Charles. 

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) will bring you more details later on different aspects of the historic night.

10 Responses to “Massive crowds turn out to VIP’s Meet & Greet ”

  • 123 (17/01/2019, 11:24) Like (50) Dislike (6) Reply
    oh what a night VIP all the way
  • Really Now (17/01/2019, 11:33) Like (42) Dislike (9) Reply
    It was indeed a massive turn out because it was open invitation to the public....
  • ... (17/01/2019, 11:41) Like (38) Dislike (4) Reply
    very good night demand VIP we coming
  • honest (17/01/2019, 13:44) Like (45) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think Sowonde, for example, is a "good person" to vote in, Everyone wants to vote based on popularity and not character and that is where we go wrong. Vote your fellow neighbor/friend. But we want to vote people who act like celebrities and like them s*.t don't stink. Y'all continue. Steady blaming government for the problems of the BVI because it is so easy BUT WE ARE THE ROOTT OF THE PROBLEM! It starts with us!
  • guys (17/01/2019, 15:23) Like (22) Dislike (27) Reply
    You guys like to repeat history. The leader is the same person...you know what. Do your research. #Coalitiongovernment2019. NO MORE PARTY FOR ME.
  • facts (17/01/2019, 15:54) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
    Look how vip woke up under fahie good showing last night
  • vip (17/01/2019, 16:13) Like (35) Dislike (3) Reply
    VIP all the way
  • barging tolian (17/01/2019, 19:14) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Very excited about voted them out 13 to 0
  • Charley Rose (18/01/2019, 04:17) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    I am supporting the VIP because the foundation of this territory was built by the VIP. If you are to look round and see. The Cruise ship dock, HLSCC, the administration building, the airport and the list goes on. This is a party that cares for the people and not those who came by night and try to fool you. I want to sound the message loud and clear that this is that H.L Stout championed and the work must go on for generations to come.
  • foy (18/01/2019, 10:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    VIP got memedom just hope they can keep it


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