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Who is in & who is out for the next general elections?!

-Speculations are ripe with some Legislators calling it a day
Mark H. Vanterpool. Photo: VINO/File
Deloris Christopher. Photo: VINO/File
Deloris Christopher. Photo: VINO/File
Julian Fraser. Photo: VINO/File
Julian Fraser. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - As the Territory move closer to the next General Elections, constitutionally due by June 2019, there will be some new faces on both sides, the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

Thus far both political parties have new Leaders, with Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) the Minister for Education and Culture, heading the NDP, and former Minister of the same portfolio Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) heading the VIP.

There are reports, and to some extent speculations, that Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) the Communications and Works Minister will not contest his seat in the fourth district, as well as two At-Large Representatives- Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, the Minister for Health and Social Development, and Archibald C. Christian, the Junior Minister for Tourism.

Are they running?

However,  the three Legislators have not made their intentions public.  There are also reports that Hon Deloris Christopher will not seek re-election in district five, and Hon Kedrick D. Pickering, the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour,  who last week announced that he is running again in the seventh district, has not stated if he will run with the NDP.

That leaves the NDP with only five confirmed candidates- Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Hons Malone A. Penn (R8), Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Dr the Hon Hubert R. O’Neal (R9).

There are mixed signals from the former Leader and outgoing Premier Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) as to his political future.  He announced that while he was voted out as party leader, he may still contest his At-Large seat, but recent polling shows both his own party and the public thinks he should retire.  He is now 74-years-old and if he runs again in a 2019 elections and wins, he will be almost 79 years old at the end of another four-year term.

VIP new faces

On the VIP side, Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA has confirmed that he is starting his own political party and will not be under the VIP banner.  It means Hon Fahie, the lone elected VIP, will have to find 12 new candidates.

Mr. Fahie last week announced that he will be running in his district along with some five new faces, from districts 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9.  Director of Culture, Luce Hodge-Smith is to run in district 4; Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Kye M. Rymer will run in district 5, while former Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works and former Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, John Samuel will run in district 6.

In addition, VIP President and College Lecturer, Dr Natalio D. Wheatley aka ‘Sowande Uhuru’ will contest in district 7, while Sister Island's Coordinator Vincent O. Wheatley, who became a hero following Hurricanes Irma and Maria for his works on Virgin Gorda and Anegada, will be the party’s standard bearer in district 9, according to Hon Fahie in a press statement.

What’s next?

It is unclear who will be for the VIP in districts 2,3, and 8 along with the VIP At Large scale.  One person, former Permanent Secretary, and businessman Julian Willock announced he will be going to the VIP congress for one of four At Large seats.

What is sure, is the next House of Assembly (HoA) will have at least seven new faces as new candidates coming on board and current ones might decide not to seek reelections.

 

20 Responses to “Who is in & who is out for the next general elections?!”

  • vi (23/07/2018, 17:03) Like (7) Dislike (54) Reply
    Let’s hope Farara runs, he will do everything for the good of the country and not his own pocket. He is the only one who can move this country forward.
    • voter (24/07/2018, 13:40) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      I am a registered voter and I can only talk about the x I have my right to put, and it surely isn't going to this guy. Tell me who old house he's going to sit down in and try to convince a family why he deserve their vote. Yeah, if its one of his comrades homes, but he aint going long bush and the ghetto to talk for nobody. Speaking for myself, I never saw him hail a common man yet
      • Well (24/07/2018, 18:13) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        I will vote for Farara have a lot of respect for him and will make a great addition
  • wellsa (23/07/2018, 17:24) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    This sound like trouble . The NDP mashed up the country and leaving it broke and in a mess we have to be very who we put to run this place. Please do not put in power hungry people we need people who have our ISLAND at heart and who will fight for all residents and put them first. We have seen too much of advantage taken of our people. The NDP do too much nonsense and it biting us where it hurting us the most. I think the premier should stay out of politics that is not his calling.
  • F (23/07/2018, 17:34) Like (5) Dislike (31) Reply
    Hon. Fraser you are needed on the VIP team. Please don't let us down...
  • alvera (23/07/2018, 17:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    not again.
  • one eye rooster (23/07/2018, 18:12) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    He belly full now so he bowing out when the damage is done. Millions gone and no Balo for he ra$$.
  • biker (23/07/2018, 18:15) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    All aspiring politicians benefit greatly from a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration, international relations, business administration, economics, political science, public health, public policy or law. Hopefully all the BVI's aspiring politicians seeking a seat in the House of Assembly will inform the voting public of their educational qualifications for these elected positions well before the House of Assembly is dissolved.
    • @biker (24/07/2018, 04:38) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      You forgot EDUCATION which is the most important and carry credits from each that you mentioned on your list.

      C'mon biker now!
  • BRAD BOYNES (23/07/2018, 19:15) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are all playing phoney nonchalant games with the people and business of the country.
  • Interesting... (23/07/2018, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thanks VINO!
  • chad (23/07/2018, 22:23) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    Wow wow wow. JUST KNOW NDP/ National Dose of Poison is dead, we need them out immediately!!
  • Diana (23/07/2018, 22:44) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    If I recall the NDP was all for term limits. The fist time around the claim only to need two terms. The way I see it, that’s just about up. The only persons on that team who qualify to enter as candidates for the next election are the rep for district 2 and 9. Every one has serve two or more terms and should gracefully bow out. According to their own reasoning this would allow for good governance, fresh ideas and for our young people to move up. It would also prevent corruption and monopoly for happening. This was said for years while campaigning to be elected. They claim all the needs was two terms and we will be amazed. That part they haven’t lied about. The corruption under this so call government in the sunshine is unbelievable.
    • Steve (24/07/2018, 04:43) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
      Their man in the 4th didn't need 2 terms to play road runner with millions.

      This man is a vicious tax payer thief.

      It will catch up to him though.
  • qc (24/07/2018, 09:50) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    ALL 13 OF THEM NEED TO GO
  • Horse Path (24/07/2018, 11:51) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Delores was and is a waste of voters time and effort
  • next (25/07/2018, 13:20) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Walwyn can’t build a wall economically so how can he be in charge of a country smh!


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