VIP Gov't supports Anegada having its own Representative in HoA
“I firmly believe until you can choose one from among you to represent you, you will not move to the next level the way you are supposed to,” he said to residents during a meeting held on the sister island on Sunday afternoon, October 24, 2021.
“So once it’s clear that’s what the people of Anegada wants, you have my full support. I will fully support it; this government would go with you once it’s clear that you want to be your own district and you can work together, and you can choose one from among you to represent you in the House of Assembly.”
Minister Wheatley said residents should also be willing to work in tandem with the representative for a common good.
'Nobody should stand in their way'- Premier Fahie
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) also said he would respect the wishes of the people if they wanted to have their own representative.
There are some things that have to be done which is completing a boundaries commission and certain things that we would have to do within lands.”
He added: “If and when the people of Anegada bring that petition because we have heard the same from the people of Jost van Dyke also; but if the Anegadians bring it and say this is what you want, this is what you want my answer would be yes because the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Premier Fahie stated.
The people of the sister islands have often complained about being treated like stepchildren.
Meanwhile, the other members of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government visiting Anegada yesterday were Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5).
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23 Responses to “VIP Gov't supports Anegada having its own Representative in HoA”
Anegada, as any other community, is entitled to fair and equitable representation and a fair and equitable share of the VI limited resources. Anegedians are a proud, hardy, industrious, resolute and resilient group of people. From a far, it appears as if they are frustrated and disappointed with level and quality of representation and share of economic and social resources. They feel like step children and don’t want to be subordinate to other sister islands in political representation. Clearly, Anegada has some legitimate concerns and needs. The question is how best to solve the problems at the lowest cost. Is adding Anegada as a 10th Electoral District the best, most economical and effective means to address the long-standing concerns? Before offering my opinion, I will digress.
The VI has a population of approximately 30, 492 with 13 elected members ( 9 District, 4 At Large). Each district rep, represents an average of 3,388 residents; at the district rep + at large rep level, each member represents on average 2346 residents. This is going to be an unpopular statement to many, especially current and potential politicians but in my humble opinion there are too many elected members. Open to debating my position. With vast improvements in transportation and telecommunications, a single elected member can effectively represent on average more people than he/she currently is. Donkey and horse mode of transportation are in the rear view mirror; telephone and other means of communications are common place.
Moreover, in regards to Anegada representation in the HOA, the current system is workable. Currently, Anegada and Virgin Gorda forms the 9th Electoral District; 9th District voters also vote for 4 At Large members. These 5 members in addition to the Premier should ensure that Anegadians get fair and equal political, economic and social representation and fair share of resources. Additionally, a local council should be developed and codified for Anegada to assist elected members. Further, the At Large system IMO should be restructured along geographical area, ie, each At Large member should represent a targeted geographical area vice the whole territory.
i recall when anegada use to be the breadbasket with daily flights in and out now look
by now a proper airport should be in place
they have been a serious laps in the development for us the people
substantial focus is given to the tourism industry yet somehow that tourist focus does not generate enough income to trickle down to the people
poor roads
poor public street lighting
poor water distribution
the visitors move in & out of the territory while the residents must put up with delinquent development
That international airport would have transformed Anegada. But it's not too late to start supporting it.