NDP’s manifesto is about “putting country first”
Sir Olva Georges Plaza was filled with supporters as leader of the party Dr. D Orlando Smith stated, “The beauty about this manifesto that I hold in my hand is that it has been developed after a conversation between all of us young and old; a dynamic conversation which began twelve years ago and one in which your thoughts, your ideas continue to be the rock on which this document is founded.”
He pointed out that his party’s manifesto is not about making a great song and dance about laying it on the table of the House of Assembly which signifies its accomplishments over a four year-period.
“Rather we will do as we did four years ago – put all the components into a Legislative Agenda, or to break this down – a four year work plan - that forms the basis of our stewardship to you the people of this territory! In so doing we are positioning ourselves to be accountable to you. Yes ladies and gentlemen, this way you can tick the boxes at the end of four years when we will ask you to vote for us again,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Dr. Smith bemoaned the fact that the Territory’s state of affairs falls on the shoulders of the incumbent Government, because of its failure to steer the “ship of State” with competence. “So that we found ourselves floundering just as our leaders were floundering. Therefore, what we do as a country in the immediate future as we chart our way through these uncertain times will be critical if we are to survive and see this territory return to economic normalcy and stability.”
Youths take the spotlight The politicians took a back seat last evening, as seven members of the NDP’s youth arm gave snippets of the manifesto.Touching on security it was disclosed that the NDP recognises the need to create efficiencies in the management of the borders, hence a merger of Immigrations, Customs and Civil Registry Departments will create a new Border Control Agency.
Furthermore, an “e-Borders” programme will be established, which will allow travellers to and from the Virgin Islands (VI) to check-in in advance of travel using data provided by passengers via their airline or ferry operators.
A national ID database is also in the cards to be initiated.
In fixing the economy by helping small businesses, the NDP will establish an Agricultural Sales Corporation (ASC) as a statutory body similar to the BVI Fishing Complex. The ASC, the manifesto explained, will provide retail distribution locations (farmers’ markets) for locally grown small stock meat and agricultural produce.
Likewise, the NDP said it will create economic zones on the islands of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke for any business, with exemptions from taxes and customs duty for 5 to 20 year periods, with supporting legislation with regard to the location, development and type of structure required for any business to operate successfully. The focus will be on green and environmentally compatible businesses which bring value added in tourism and financial services.
And to encourage local spending as a means of strengthening the local economy, the NDP’s manifesto outlined that it will review the existing customs tariff regime, with a view of keeping more money in the pockets of residents. According to the manifesto, such a review will also determine a “Basket of Goods” or basic items, which are critical to living in the VI, to be imported duty free.
Meanwhile, the manifesto underscores the importance of minimising the cost of living in the Territory and will undertake to working diligently with international shippers in reducing shipping cost particularly from the United States mainland to the VI to a more competitive structure as that enjoyed by USVI.
A Landlord Tenancy Act will be introduced which will protect the rights of landlords and tenants to the disadvantage of neither, the manifesto added.
Tourism
Among the long list to generate revenue in this sector, the NDP will establish a Ministry of Tourism. According to the manifesto, “this need not be a standalone Ministry but is instead a central part of a larger Ministry of Economic Development”.
The manifesto added, the party recognizes the need to create a Branding Commission for the Virgin Islands, and the primary objective of the Commission will be to develop and manage a unified Brand for the territory in the global marketplace with a primary focus on tourism, financial services and investment promotion.
In addition to that, the establishment of a US Immigration and Custom Pre-Clearance facility in the Virgin Islands at the Airport and at the new West End ferry terminal will be explored.
And with regards to providing opportunities for youth, the NDP will work with businesses to encourage the young people to develop their skills through apprenticeships, internships and attachments.
The manifesto further stated, the “Free Tuition” programme at HLSCC for all qualified British Virgin Islanders will be reviewed to ensure that it is working as intended.
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