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VIP - a formidable opposition?

Premier Ralph T O’Neal now leads the opposition party. Photo: VINO
From left to right – Hon. Fraser, Hon. Fahie and Malone at a recent meeting in Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO
From left to right – Hon. Fraser, Hon. Fahie and Malone at a recent meeting in Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO
Left to Right - Members of the Opposition Andrew Fahie, Julian Fraser and Alvin Christoper.
Left to Right - Members of the Opposition Andrew Fahie, Julian Fraser and Alvin Christoper.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Four members of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) will now be sitting in the opposition’s seats in the House of Assembly, and while they will be a tough team, Carvin Malone opined that they will analyse the issues and make informed decisions for the betterment of the Virgin Islands.

In an interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Malone, the consultant for the party, stated that the job of the opposition is not just to oppose “it’s to find ways to add value to the country because we have to build the VI together.” “We have a country to run,” he added.

Members of the opposition are party leader Ralph T O’Neal, Andrew Fahie, Julian Fraser and Alvin Christopher.

Restructuring of party

Many political pundits have pointed out that the VIP loss the election because over a period they forgot about the people, refused to listen to their concerns over the BiWater contract, green houses and the Purcell Ghut, among others.

And while, Malone did not comment on those views, he did say the analysis of the VIP losing “will always be there and will be debated over the next few months”.

“But the fact is there will be a period of healing that the Territory has to go though. The voters sent a message to the VIP which means over the next four years there will be a period of reflection and then how we move this ball forward,” he revealed.

Commenting on the restructuring of the party, the VIP’s consultant disclosed that the party’s congress will have to take all the critical issues into account, so the whole process of “who will do what, and who will do what when is yet to come”.

And as for the new Government, Malone stated that topping the list of priorities should be how they can generate the funds required to invest in education, health care and infrastructure.

“There are a number of things that are still on the table...there is a meeting that will be held in the United Kingdom soon and the new Government will have to get on board immediately ‘all barrels running’. The Cabinet as a team will have to deal with this,” he opined.

41 Responses to “VIP - a formidable opposition? ”

  • >> (09/11/2011, 08:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Running a country aint no playing around you know. They got to get going and fast.
    • wake up call (09/11/2011, 09:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Next time around i think you will find that they are going to be competing against the NDP and the PPA will have become better organised. With people like Frazer on board the VIP who would really want to join ranks?
      • voter (09/11/2011, 10:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Ayo ndp paid bloggers do not stop just because yo all could not get Fraser out ayo ah talk piss. Fraser remains the best hope for dey 3rd district and the country…now dispute dat
        • BREAKING NEWS!! (09/11/2011, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          We disputed it at the polls yesterday already, we took him and the VIP out of office...lol. It was sweet to see Frazer pack up his stuff in Banker Boxes this morning....lol.
        • Real Talk (09/11/2011, 11:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          He spent over $1Million dollars on works, paved roads, built walls, gave out money, paved Havers hill, which is a PRIVATE ESTATE!!! They got most of the votes on pre-poll day, the Friday, where they brought in Yellow and Eggy to vote, two mentally challenged individuals that need help but they never studied them before. All of this effort, including bullying, intimidating and threatening people in the voters line and they still only beat the 'lil' boy by 56 votes! Kevin campaigned from July until November! He went up against the Treasury and a man with 12yrs under his belt. He had a young committee who was still learning the ropes but learned quickly and were NOT AFRAID of the big bad Fraser. He had a dedicated team (at-least most of them) and they worked hard despite everyone saying there's no way they could beat Fraser!!! They put their necks on the line and are pleased with the end result! With a dedicated YOUNG TEAM, anything is possible, don't underestimate the power of YOUTH!! A record 1176 votes were cast and Kevin, a newcomer got 557 votes, THAT SAYS A LOT!!!!! This man has a bright future and has been a great example to the youth, especially the young men in his district and the territory on a whole! He will prove many of the naysayers wrong, especially those who were ranting and raving saying he won't have any power if he's elected. Watch the next four years and you'll eat those words! Loyalist, Crumble, WHEH YUH DEH MON???
          • botty boy (09/11/2011, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            shut up myron all the children going astray with a funny man like u in education his votes are who he registered in the third district they were not sea cows bay people oj aint ready for fraser we sea cows bay boyz wish he wanted his significant other like how he wanted the position fraser all the way
          • empora without clothes (09/11/2011, 15:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            tid damm funny man in and still talking pi$$$...come on go teach the students to spell as dey minsiter deman
          • This is how E-M-P-E-R-O-R is spell. (09/11/2011, 20:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            "Empora" you going to be the first student for some remedial English lesson, you have a serious spelling problem. I would suggest you learn English before you start blogging.
          • A visiting foreigner (09/11/2011, 22:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            "This is how E-M-P-E-R-O-R is spell,” you might not need to be the first student for some remedial English lessons, but they would still do you some good. You have a not-so-serious-yet-still-troubling-since-you-appear-oblivious grammar problem. I suggest you solidify your grasp of English before you start attacking others for their use of the local informal spoken language. The correct conjugation for "spell" in your taunt would be either "spelt" or "spelled," depending on whether you're using the British or American spelling.
        • Viola Forill (09/11/2011, 17:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Thank God this is only "YOUR" opinion! If ONE individual alone remains the "ONLY HOPE" for a district, you would better pray that God does not allow him to AGE, or DIE!!! Now what does that make your statement sound like?
    • right on (09/11/2011, 10:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I say you are right.
      • ok (09/11/2011, 18:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You are disrespecting our Minister. unless he propositioned you, shut up before you get a lawsuit. I admire the man for being ambitious and focused. Why are you people so negative and jealous. I am proud that he has made it to Minister of Education so all your foolish talk can't change that. Stop eating up yourself and use that energy for advancement of yourself.
    • Wait A Minute (09/11/2011, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Want to know what a formidable opposition looks like? Just look back at the past four years with just two NDP members. As Malone rightly said, the job of the opposition is not merely to oppose for the sake of opposition but they must add value to the discussions. This is precisely what Drs. Smith and Pickering did during their time in opposition. They embraced and sanctioned those things that they deemed constructive and for the good of the Territory and spoke out against those that were not. In fact, they were often criticized for being too nice because they were in support of good measures brought forward. They were respectful, humble, and present, prepared, and went about their work diligently. How this new VIP opposition handles it is left to be seen. They must remember that the same eyes watching the performance of the new administration would also be looking at them and observing their behavior. My advice for them is to first reflect on their defeat and come to terms with some of the fundamental reasons why the voters rejected them this time around. Here are just a few of the reasons given by voters (many of whom supported them in 2007): arrogance of some of their members, catering to a few instead of the many, lack of transparency, no fiscal discipline (wasteful spending), no clear agenda for the country, too many broken promises, total disregard for the country. You see, we must realize that often times the things we say about others are the very things we are guilty of. We tend to project those negative and undesirable behaviors of ourselves unto others. The very things the VIP accused the first NDP administration of they were guilty of and the people came to realize that and voted them out. One of the most vexing things that the VIP did was to tell people that the NDP does not care for the “little” man. Truth be told, the VIP want to make “little” men out of the people by giving them hand outs thereby keeping them in their lowly places. When you depend on people for hand outs you never achieve anything and you are subject to their control. One cannot grow and develop and aspire to be anything if they are dependent on hand outs. I think the lack of trust was another big reason for the defeat of the VIP at the polls. You cannot hide important information from your people and expect them to continue to trust them. How can you sign contract and not disclose to the public who the contractors are, the amount of the contract and the terms of the contract. You do not have to give minute details but provide information on how tax dollars are spent. There were far too many secrets kept from the people and they have a right to know. And yes, leadership matters. You cannot run around ripping each other apart for three and a half years jockeying for position and then band together a few months before election and say you are a team. VIP had too many Chiefs and no Indians. For the sake of the election they belated began to show respect for Dancia Penn as Deputy Premier but were busy vying for her spot so they could have become the heir apparent to the former Premier. The big question for all VIP supporters and party loyalist is whiter to VIP? Putting personal agendas ahead of the people will not cut it now or later. The VIP needs to redefine itself before coming to the people asking for support.
  • BREAKING NEWS!! (09/11/2011, 09:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In that picture, Andrew look like he looking a job...lol.
    • First District Voter (09/11/2011, 13:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He has a job and that is to represent the people of the first district.
      • SMH (09/11/2011, 15:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        yeah he have a job but with a HUGE paycut!!! No more access to the treasury for himself and cronies.......feel the recession like everyone else now....lol
        • VIP Supporter (09/11/2011, 15:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          JUST BACK UP OFF OF FAHIE!!!! HE AINT LOOKING NO JOB HE ALL SET. I HOPE WHEN THE NDP SETTLE IN YOU AINT LOOKING A JOB. JUST TALKING FOOLISHNESS, FAHIE IS A MAN ON A MISSION AND HE DELIVERS, CLEARLY THE SUPPORTS OF THE FIRST DISTRICT SEEM TO THINK SO. FAHIE AINT GOING NO WHERE TILL DISTRICT SAY SO!
        • hmm.... (09/11/2011, 19:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          And now ayo put in the NDP to live even larger ... i guess One Mart is going to get back on its feet ... fool
        • Hmmm (09/11/2011, 20:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          True... those in Government going collect what he was collecting. In fact whoever goes in after will get what Andrew was getting. It's legal. Don't come on here making it sound like the man a thief. You all just amaze me.
  • right on (09/11/2011, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THOSE OLD A$$$ ST. THOMAS PEOPLE WHO COME HERE AND GIVE THE 3RD DISTRECT THOSE 56 VOTES SHOULD OF STAY THEM A$$ ST. THOMAS I SO VEX
    • BREAKING NEWS!! (09/11/2011, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I so agree with you, if you don't live here you should not vote!! You come to cast a X, leave on the next boat and then we are the ones who live here with the misery while they go back where they come from.
    • Albion (09/11/2011, 11:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well, Frazer spend all day Sunday in STT giving out free ferry tickets, scholarships and other perks. That's how 4 of my family came accross (and still voted for OJ!) THAT'S how he bought his votes. OJ is too much of an honest person and that's why he lost by only 59 votes. For we he is still the winner. I hope the new Gov't will give him a PS position - he deservs it and would be a great asset to any minister.
      • Wow (09/11/2011, 14:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        If true that is really sad. Buying votes is not new, but it is illegal and I could never enjoy any success knowing it wasn't rightfully earned. It says a lot about someones character. I wish all of the person who were given gifts from him in STT on Sunday had decided to call the press and chosen to vote the other way.
        • Really (10/11/2011, 12:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Politics is a game people. We could say the same. The truth is that the VIP voted themselves out of power. The NDP campaigned (whether fair or not) they campaigned and they registered, flew in and paid for their victory. The message was by any means necessary, the VIP must go. I too have family members that came over from STT in the second district and they came on the ferry tickets purchased by the NDP. That's politics, it's a game of who does it better. The NDP had the failures of the VIP on their side. It was that simple. But time will tell and the people will see.
      • Sea Cows Bay (09/11/2011, 14:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        My 6 cousins came from St. Thomas to vote by tickets sent down by OJ so please stop going around saying how honest OJ is. They are strong VIP supporters but told OJ they would vote for him, 2 voted OJ but the others voted for Fraser. But if he is so honest tell him to stay out of Romney Park and he will know why.
      • botty boy (09/11/2011, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        an honest man dont beat or cheat on his wife
    • .... (09/11/2011, 19:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tortola people does have to know .... one time VIP is all the good winning by landslide next time is NDP make up ayo mind .. a set of sometimish people!
  • Strupes (09/11/2011, 12:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No worries, the opposition's job will be very easy because the 'elitist' NDP will kill themselves in short order. Mark my word.
    • in short oder (09/11/2011, 12:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      For real I heard they have a victimization list already but w waiting pond dem!
  • bobby (09/11/2011, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP...NEW DEMON PARTY IN CHARGE, WELL MABOY, DIS AH CROSS
  • Just Sayin' (09/11/2011, 13:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser single handedly killed the chances for VIP. He focused on his district alone with a works budget that should be spent territory wide, ignored the public opinion, taunted the voters with his arrogance and cost other members some good votes. He will never be Premier. VIP needs to address their "Fraser" issue.
  • Voter (09/11/2011, 14:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats to the new Government. The people of the BVI have spoken loud and clear. In 2007 the NDP Government did not listen to the people and they were voted out. Now four years later the VIP came and did the same thing and now they are out. I really hope that the new Government will now listen to the people and keep us informed on a regular. That's all we are asking for. We want to know what's going on before it happens and months or even years after. Uncle Ralph, Andrew, Alvin, Julian congrats on being re-elected in your districts and work with the new Government for the betterment of the people of the BVI. Thank you to the VIP Government for representing us over the past 4 years.
  • Mmm (09/11/2011, 15:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser say you have to get rid of he to get rid of the VIP but really he probably is the killer of the VIP. I guess some people just don't want the stubborn and obstinate kind of leadership. It seems even members of his own party are finding it hard to deal with him.
  • Good Ting (09/11/2011, 17:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just saw an article on Platinum where, and to quote an NDP supporter "Retarded Bertie" has said he will not ever contest the 9th district seat. Congrats Bertie on that decision. To the people of the 8th and 6th many days will come when you wish you had the sense of the people in the 9th. For whooooo gives up a competent Deputy P. for a back bencher and a Minister in the middle of a million dollar project for a back bencher, illiterate and all. At the very least let them finish what they had started........Well said Bertie, the people in the 9th done tell you all how that them nah want u! Now stop give people pink eye in that place you got.
    • Take it easy (09/11/2011, 19:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is this your way of venting your fustration? Be careful you may hurt your self. Your Papa Ralphie is not dead he is only resting.
    • Prophecy (09/11/2011, 19:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is this Crumble or VIP Loyalist?
    • Wait A Minute (09/11/2011, 22:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If stupidity was a vaccine you could inoculate the entire BVI. You are a sad case. You cannot compare the crew of the VIP to the NDP. Pound for pound they do not compare at all. Dancia is a decent woman but did nothing during here tenure, besides, she was too afraid to speak out against wrong doing. She sat silently and didn’t offer anything on the Bi-Water contract. Marlon is an intelligent young man with bravado. The VIP men and women were all afraid to take on the arrogant, narcissistic, self-serving Frazer. He is an intelligent man but his arrogance overshadowed his intelligence. Confidence is not cocky. Confidence is humble. He cannot even carry his own ego he would have to get a tow truck to help him carry it. Did you listen to Fahie when he was interviewed after the swearing in ceremony? He sounded bitter, juvenile, pedantic and is still stewing over their trashing at the polls. On election night he was still talking about power, the biggest word in his vocabulary. Now the NDP can begin to clean up the mess he made at the Department of Education. You need to find something meaningful to do or to blog about. Emptiness won’t cut it.
  • Virgin Gorda Landless (09/11/2011, 18:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We ainnnnn't drop Bertie fuh wha u tink. Dis was a time when evn a flu would win. We don't want Bertie. We waaant a REPRESENTATIVE. We nuh blind with pink eye. May b if he did give we some free check ups. BUT WHE BURTIE DUH DEY? We don't want uncle. But we want NDP. Check d at large votes. Now pick sense from nonsense meh son.


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