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VIP celebrates 53 years of 'unwavering service, resilience & progress'

The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), the oldest and most successful political party in the [British] Virgin Islands, is celebrating 53 years this March 2024. Photo: Facebook
The Virgin Islands Party was founded by H. Lavity Stoutt in 1971 and has won more general elections (seven) than any other political party in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/File
The Virgin Islands Party was founded by H. Lavity Stoutt in 1971 and has won more general elections (seven) than any other political party in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), the oldest and most successful political party in the [British] Virgin Islands, is celebrating 53 years this March 2024.

The VIP has said it considers 53 years "a remarkable milestone" and urges the Virgin Islands to join with it in proudly celebrating 53 years of dedication, unity, and progress.

"Today, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Agriculture Fair on the island of Virgin Gorda, we reflect on our journey of resilience and achievement. As we gather to mark this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the shared vision of a thriving British Virgin Islands," the party stated in a press release on March 2, 2024.

'Unwavering determination'

In the statement endorsed by party chairman Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and party president Sharia B. deCastro, the VIP said it is with "unwavering determination" that it remains steadfast in its mission to foster growth, prosperity, and unity across our beloved community.

"Together, we have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and forged enduring bonds that define the essence of the Virgin Islands Party. As we look ahead, let us continue to stand united, drawing strength from our rich heritage and collective spirit.

"Here's to 53 years of unwavering service, resilience, and progress! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our journey. The best is yet to come as we continue to build a brighter future for these Virgin Islands together," the VIP stated.

Notable leaders & accomplishments

Notable leaders and members of the Virgin Islands Party include the late visionary H. Lavity Stoutt, the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE and the late Carvin Malone.

The VIP has won more general elections (seven) than any other political party in the [British] Virgin Islands.

The party was founded by H. Lavity Stoutt in 1971 when Stoutt left the United Party in order to contest the 1971 election after a dispute with Conrad Maduro as to who should be leader of the United Party.

Virgin Islands Party had held power continuously from 1986 until 2003, winning four consecutive general elections, which is the longest unbroken streak in government for a political party in the Virgin Islands.

16 Responses to “VIP celebrates 53 years of 'unwavering service, resilience & progress'”

  • hmm (03/03/2024, 07:42) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    If the headline is true past leaders will be rolling in their graves. There is certainly more corruption and cronyism than service, resilience and progress today. Our current leader is floundering and certainly not progressing the country.
  • Citizen (03/03/2024, 07:49) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some of those Senegal green flags still through the place. Even they scared to touch them. I thought those practices were illegal in the VI.
  • Well saw. (03/03/2024, 08:44) Like (30) Dislike (11) Reply
    Was Lavity a VIP, or Unity? God Bless NDP. VIP had us sinking Deep..NDP came in and keep us a Float. VIP came in and again the ship start sinking NDP came back in and put us back on Coast but with one big in fighting and power struggle. VI P came back in again the ship is slowly thinking, Nothing going on in the country, The Premier in lock up in Miami, Britain is
    unhappy, Citizen are frustrated, the gravy train is over loaded.. Time for Britain to be take the wheel..Time for something new and different, can't get any worse..
  • Just saying (03/03/2024, 10:23) Like (21) Dislike (5) Reply
    More like 30 years of doing a whack of #@*%!
  • POINT OF NO RETURN (03/03/2024, 10:43) Like (28) Dislike (6) Reply
    BOTH ANDREW AND SOWONDE KILL DAH PARTY DEAD
  • Stop it! stop it! you must stop it! (03/03/2024, 10:48) Like (36) Dislike (4) Reply
    53 YEARS OF WHAT? cronyism, fraud, theft, drug running, obeah, nepotism, corruption and the likes????????? GEE ME AH BREAK!!!!!!!!!
  • resident (03/03/2024, 11:27) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    The party is grown fat and lazy because of corruption it needs to change course now or be swept in the dust bin of history
  • BVI love (03/03/2024, 11:49) Like (6) Dislike (26) Reply
    Long live the vip
  • Unfortunately (03/03/2024, 12:50) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
    The VIP party started out good but ended up bad....What a waste!
  • @POINT OF NO RETURN N (03/03/2024, 13:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    THAT WAS PUT / THE HONORABLE ( L STOUTT ) MADE HIS FAMILY , THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY PROUD AND THAT
    SHOULD OF BEEN RESPECTED , BY THOSE WHO WAS GIVEN THE HONOR TO TAKE THE COUNTRY UP TO A .HIGHER LEVEL , BUT AS E SEE THESE JOKERS CANNOT BEVEN WALK IN ( MR STOUTT 'S ) SHADOW . THESE CORRUPTED POWER HUNGRY WANNABE ARISTOCRACTS HAS TURNED THIS ONCE PEACEFUL AND LOVING COUNTRY INTO A - DRUGS GUNS , AND COLD BLOODED EXECUTION STYLE KILLERS KILLING FIELD WHERE THEY CAN RULE SUPREME WITH THE
  • Drive around the BVI (03/03/2024, 14:36) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Whatever Lavity and Ralph created Andrew and Sowonde allowed to run down......Look at this place in 5 short years....Gone to the dogs.
  • 2024 (03/03/2024, 19:44) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    in all fairness all of them needs to go: if you remove Virgin Islands Party then who: NDP serious issues: PVIM & NDP Same-Thing| PEP, no one looking to be affiliated with Fraser…..we a fresh political party
  • Native Tongue (03/03/2024, 20:30) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply

    All who said the VI and the VIP gone to hell 15 years ago are stillliving here contributing nothing but criticizing. Talking sh&& a mile minute. Can't think of nothing but sh&&.

    • @Negative Tongue (04/03/2024, 06:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      some of born right here and simply expressing their opinion

      look at the roads(where is the criticism
      look at the street water(where is the criticism
      sweage on public streets(where is criticism
      lights bills(where is the criticism
      the dump at pockwood pond(where is the criticism

      what is being done for the people who were born in Road Town……….Road Town people outnumber by the spanish & Filipinos
  • Compare (05/03/2024, 04:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Compare today's infrastructure with that of thirty years ago when Lavity left the scene the only thing that stands out is Peir Park and the Hospital. Don't even look at the roads. So, it is clear that there was an initial twenty years of growth and a latter thirty years of stagnation under these clowns who have collected much more tax revenue. Lavity period: establishment and tremendous growth of financial services, Improved water system to Desalinated water, Improved roads, Paved roads from Airport to West end, Administration building. community college, Improved electricity, improved ports, Social security. These clowns Hospital, Peir park and Queen Elizabeth bridge.


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