‘Only my health or VIP Congress can move me’- Hon. O’Neal
Speaking to this news site at his home in MacNamara, in the capital city, Road Town on June 7, 2013, the Ninth District Representative said the record has been set straight, after Opposition member and First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie told the public on more than one occasion that Hon. O’Neal promised members of the Opposition that after 18 months he would give up the Leadership of the Opposition.
However, Hon. O’Neal did confess that what he said was that “after 18 months, I will see how my health is and a decision will be made once good health continues to prevail….I see my doctor every month,” the first Premier said.
When pressed on whether he is in good health, the 79-year-old leader [born December 15, 1933] said “I feel ok but time will tell.” Hon. O’Neal also stated that the 18 months ended at the end of May 2013.
When asked why would Opposition Members say he told them he would step aside after 18 months, Hon. O'Neal claimed that what he said was to the Virgin Islands Party and “not at a meeting of the Opposition.”
Hon. O’Neal added that only the Congress can move him as Party Leader
When asked, if he will carry on as Opposition Leader and Leader of the Virgin Islands Party until the next general elections, Hon. O'Neal said “that's what time will prove.”
Hon. O’Neal further told this news site that if he is to be removed as VIP Leader that it would have to be done through the Party Congress, which is the governing body of the party.
"The way the VIP is set up there is a procedure, if you have to get a new leader and if that becomes necessary to put in place." When further cornered on the question of, if he feels there is time for a new Party Leader, Hon O'Neal responded, "Well that's one thing I cannot say because who knows!"
When asked by the reporter whether he would be a candidate for the leadership post whenever the Party Congress has a meeting, the veteran politician with 38 years of Parliamentary service under his belt declined to comment.
When asked when would there be a meeting of the Party Congress or a general meeting of the Party since none has been called after losing the 2011 elections, Hon. O’Neal said no date has been set, but assured party supporters that “a general meeting will be called.”
He said it’s important that political parties meet regularly to keep abreast of what is happening. Research done by this news site revealed that, according to the VIP Constitution, only the Virgin Islands Party Chairman or President can call a meeting of the 76-member Congress.
However, a source close to the party told Virgin Islands News Online that 2/3 of the 76 member Congress, which is made up of 8 members from each of the 9 districts, plus 1 person representing each of the At-Large members could demand a meeting of the Party Congress. The Party Congress is different from the general body of the party.
Hon. O’Neal is the Party Chairman. There is no President since the immediate past President, Carvin Malone, resigned ahead of the 2011 general elections, but remained as a consultant to the party.
VIP is Government in-waiting
Sounding like he was gearing up to lead the VIP as party boss into the next general elections, Hon. O’Neal declared that his party is “the government in waiting.”
When told that his VIP is in shambles and will not be ready for the next general elections, Hon. O’Neal disagreed and claimed that “the VIP has to start gearing up itself.” He also stated that none of the two political parties- National Democratic Party (NDP) or his own VIP- "are ready or geared up as of today, for the next general elections.”
VIP will be ready for next elections, lots of new candidates to choose from
One thing the VIP leader is confident of is that by the time the next election period comes around “the VIP would be ready.”
The Party Leader also confirmed that suggestions have been flowing in by the numbers of possible new members/candidates, and they have a long list of new candidates to choose from.
When asked if he predicts that the VIP will be returned to power in the next elections, Hon. O’Neal told this news site that "the good book says boast not thyself of tomorrow.”
When told that many NDP elected members and their supports are saying that the VIP is dead and that the NDP will be in power for a long time, at least 8 to 12 years, Hon. O’Neal had a big chuckle and said “l heard that line many, many times after the 2003 general elections….but you know what happened in 2007..I know better."
When pressed for the last time again about his leadership of the party, Hon. O’Neal said “the leadership of the VIP would be in the hands of the Party members in line with its constitution.”
It is important for our readers to note that while the Party Leader is chosen by the VIP Congress, the Opposition Leader is chosen by a majority sitting in the Opposition. They are two different processes, as the party can choose a new Leader, however, the same person is not necessarily the Opposition Leader.
75 Responses to “‘Only my health or VIP Congress can move me’- Hon. O’Neal”
Look how deeds idiots goin sit by and let rt kill the vip...eh
Praise the Lord!! God answers prayers and continues to do so.
Ralph is proving to me that he is a w***k*d man. He has plans on holding on to VIP leadership even if he has to kill the VIP while doing so. This is sad to know that this man that I respected so much refuses to understand that his time is up & he needs to bow out gracefully & guide the new era of the VIP party in the best direction.
Ralph saying he didn't promise anyone to move as leader of Opposition or VIP leader in 18 months so either he or Fahie lying. I am not a Fahie fan but I believe that Ro.... is l*ing because I worked with him & he is famous for these kinds of dece**ful acts then he turns around and make everyone else look like liars. I think Ralph bringing his p!g to a fine market this time.
Atually this was expeted. How could some one be so distrutive to a political
party and its Country. One word comes to mind. GREED AND MORE GREED.
What a waste of knowlege and talent for the sake of GREED....SMDH like him
hate him, this is him 100%
The good lord is looking down over us all.
The country needs strong leaders in these difficult time and this is no joke.Some of us have invested significantly in this country and we are looking for results
ho ho ho