UPDATE: Youths have no respect for some HOA members – Jason A. Smith
The article, ‘Loud calls made in final HOA for both sides to work together in 2014’ was published on January 6, 2014, spurred a discussion among the group of youths who attend the Cedar College, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Elmore Stoutt High School and a few others who are seeking employment.
At the time, Mr. Smith recognized a reporter of this news site and boldly choose to voice his opinion. While he declined to have his photograph taken, he said, “In this case my voice is louder than a photo. I look a job right now so my photo! Nah.”
He said that in his opinion, the members of the HOA have a far way to go in gaining the respect, especially of youths.
Pointing to the article via his smart phone, he said that he has not heard much from the Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton while in the HOA, and that there are others that seem not to be able to express themselves in a respectful manner. He called names of members of both sides of the House.
“We look for role models, the Premier (Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith) is a humble man but some others (names called) cannot stand before me and get my respect. They need to conduct themselves better,” Smith said, as his comments were supported by several of his colleagues.
The group of youths claimed that there should be some form of penalty or disciplinary actions taken against leaders who fail to conduct themselves respectfully in the HOA and other public places. “If teachers wear or do certain things they are disciplined sometime even in the presence of children. With the Ministers it shouldn’t be any different especially in places like the HOA.”
Another youth, who opted not to be named, called for a youth symposium featuring youths and Ministers where they can candidly exchange views. “Come on this is a small place so the pool of people that we can look up to is very small, look at Hon O’Neal, is more senior to all of them in the House and I can’t ever remember hearing or seeing him behaving like some of the others who always on their feet like they know it all.”
Most of the youths did agree that though in most cases where there is an angry outburst or response an apology is made, they insisted that it shouldn’t happen in the first place. “We too Mr. Minister (Hon Skelton) are looking forward to yall presenting yourselves better. Debate time is a hot thing but it’s done in a mannerly way. We love yall happy 2014 but please be role models it is not too late,” urged Smith.
See previous story posted January 6, 2014:
Loud calls made in final HOA for both sides to work together in 2014
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “We have to get into difficult times sometimes Madam Speaker in order to figure out what’s inside of you, so to speak, so that you can do the things that are necessary to put this country back on track, back on the road to prosperity and I know that we can do it.”
This was according to Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton as he was giving his closing remarks on Friday December 20, at the final sitting of the House of Assembly (HOA) for the year 2013.
Wishing for ‘a bit of sunshine’ in 2014, Hon. Skelton told the HOA, that one of his greatest wish is to see the Territory get stronger but underscored the importance of all stakeholders working together for this to be accomplished.
He said that getting the country back on track would require the help of members of the opposition. “I am positive that we can do it even those who are very negative madam Speaker, serve a purpose …I have no doubt in my mind that with the negative as well as the positive is what makes us strong,” added the Honourable Minister.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool also had his bit to say in recognizing the importance of both opposition and Government working together for the betterment of the Virgin Islands.
It was in his closing statement that he sought to allay misconceptions that may have existed about the relationship between the two sides of the House. He told the HOA, “… my colleagues, both sides of the isles who we have worked closely with, sometimes we seem to be in battle but that’s not the case.”
Hon Vanterpool said that during debates they would have had differing views but they have all been trying to do what is best for the Territory despite the fact that they may have approached it in different ways at different times.
This idea of working together was also supported by at least one member of the Opposition, Representative of the Second District Honourable J. Alvin Christopher, who during the very sitting, indicated his willingness to work with the present government to improve the lives of persons in the Territory.
To date, it is not known when the first sitting of the House will be for 2014, however, persons are eagerly awaiting what is expected to be strong representations from both sides of the House on initiatives that can possibly take the Virgin Islands forward out of its current state.
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20 Responses to “UPDATE: Youths have no respect for some HOA members – Jason A. Smith”
Bell your cat..you youths too rude as well and you show no respect to the members of the house, especially when out in public. Gone are those days
Skelly have the heart to ask for peace ... He has no respect for others ideas.