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Call repeated for something to be named in honour of Premier

A repeated call has been made for something in the Virgin Islands to be named in honour of veteran Legislator and Premier Ralph T. O'Neal. Photo: VINO
Chairman of the Softball Field Naming Committee, Julian Willock. Photo: VINO
Chairman of the Softball Field Naming Committee, Julian Willock. Photo: VINO
Chairman of the Softball Field Naming Committee, Julian Willock. Photo: VINO
Chairman of the Softball Field Naming Committee, Julian Willock. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Many buildings and infrastructure in the Virgin Islands such as the Althea Scatliffee Primary School, H.L. Stoutt Community College, Adina Donovan Home and Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium bear the names of notable Virgin Islanders as a tribute to their sacrifice and service to the Territory, however, there has been no naming in honour of the Territory’s stalwart politician Premier Ralph T. O’Neal.

Such a call was actually made since 2008 and repeated at the Monday October 31, 2011 naming ceremony of the Sea Cows softball field in honour of Roger Allen Hodge.

Chairman of the Softball Field Naming Committee Julian Willock, who was giving the Vote of Thanks at the time, said it was a recognition that was already long overdue and noted that he had suggested the idea some three years ago at the re-naming ceremony for the then Little A Racetrack to Ellis Thomas Downs.

“The time has come, long come, may I add, for something in these Virgin Islands to be named in honour of our stalwart Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE. I know Mr. O’Neal is a humble man, and will never ask for anything, but the records will show that he has made invaluable contributions and continue to make to the building of this great little nation and those contributions must be recognized and honoured, sooner rather than later.”

Mr. Willock further said Hon. O’Neal’s contributions, not only to the Virgin Islands but the Caribbean, merit him having a place of honour in the Virgin Islands’ and the region’s history. “This naming committee stands willing and ready to serve, if our help is required.”

Ralph Telford O'Neal, OBE, born 15 December 1933 was the first person to be appointed to the newly titled office by the Governor on 22 August 2007 under the Virgin Islands Constitution adopted in 2007 after leading the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) to a landslide victory in the 2007 General Elections two days earlier.

Ralph O'Neal also served a previous term as Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands (as the office was referred to under the old constitution) from 1995 (on the death of H. Lavity Stoutt). He won the next election in 1999, but then subsequently became Leader of the Opposition in the 2003 General Elections, and has held a seat in the House of Assembly, formerly the Legislative Council continuously since 1971.

He was educated at University of Oxford where he studied Economics.

Among other infrastructures that have been named in honour of notable VIslanders are Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport, Joshua Smith Building and Auguste George Airport in Anegada.

33 Responses to “Call repeated for something to be named in honour of Premier ”

  • a real man (02/11/2011, 07:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    that aditorium was not to be name after eilene
    • a real woman (02/11/2011, 12:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's is a good thing it was done under VIP administration, and your problem is?
      • BIG DADDY (02/11/2011, 17:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yea yea he should be honored and if the VIP allow the NDP to get in there and not honor the man then it’s their fault. The time the VIP spent honoring that old wicked lady now she biting like a snake, it should have been taken up honoring Uncle Ralph who is in a class by himself!
  • billyb (02/11/2011, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    how about the new sewage system. once it's completed, lol
    • George W. Tush (02/11/2011, 09:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      funny man Myron "billy B" you need to stop..after the elections let's hope you do not hide out in the same sewege system with shame!
    • loveann (02/11/2011, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is big disrespect coming from you. Mr. O'neal deserves to have something named after him. He has served the country well. Give him is flowers while he is alive so he can enjoy them.
    • DISRESPECT (02/11/2011, 10:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      BILLYB: This is very disrespectful for you to think so low of our Premiere to have the sewage system named in his honour. Instead of being so ignorant......do some research and you will find that our Premiere is one of the persons who have worked hard and made these beautiful virgin islands the place we call home. Have some respect for our Premiere, no matter if you are VIP, NDP, PPA or a simple JACK A>>.
    • jokes (02/11/2011, 10:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was thinking about the incerator, but you are correct. We will leave the incinerator for her ladyship!
      • tell the truth (02/11/2011, 12:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You sick desperate and hungry for power NDP bloggers who do not work will never stop!!!. But we still not voting for ayo for how you all continue to disrespect our elders…the desperate greedy gang of three, broke Mark, funny man Myron and corrupt Cline must be kept out of we House by any means necessary. Desperate men will say and blog anything! I comment Mr. Willock and yes win or lose Mr. O’neal deserve to be honored….
    • Love (02/11/2011, 12:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Billyb, what have you contributed to this community? You should be ashame of yourself to make such a comment. It shows that you donot have any respect even for yoursrelf. Even if you donot like the Premier, it is very disrespectful of you to make such a statement. This tells what kind of person you are.
  • Mo Sack Fon Seeker (02/11/2011, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about the hope killing ramp of empty dreams that leads to the treasury window. You know the one that people that the goverment owes money too have to walk away from empty handed.
    • North Sound (02/11/2011, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      all the glover parks spin on these blogs will not change anything on Monday election day...what ayo get ayo tek!
  • Virgin Gordian (02/11/2011, 09:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are lots of them in Virgin Gorda Nail Bay Road with street lighs, he didnt see the need for lights on the road that use every night The side walk from The Fire Station to Goose Bar The Market that the lions club built The Toilet that they cant get built at the Baths The Slaughter House in the bushes North Sound I could go on but i'll stop there for now any one would be suitable as there is very good reasons.
    • Valley, VG (02/11/2011, 12:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Scatter you old dead, dull, tired, boring backside with your cocka-may-may!!! Jeez um bread the ting tis bout honoring Ralph O’Neal tis nothing about election or politics. Struppusss man "VIRGIN GOEDIAN" do you rest from blogging hogwash…go suck an egg! Good idea Willock and I support it!
      • support (02/11/2011, 15:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Mr. O'Neal must be honored and I agree with this call....as for thoes idiots who saying otherwise or trying to demean what was said...just leave them to the great god of the universe
  • Period Cramps (02/11/2011, 11:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VIP has been in power over 4yrs and hasn't honoured this man! I might not agree with Ralph's politics and his latest jabs, but he deserves to be honoured and in a big way! My question is, why is this coming up anyway? His Government could honour him right away, pure fluff if you ask me. They could name the following in his honour: Mini-hospital in VG once completed West End Ferry Terminal (scaled down) once completed Cruise Pier Terminal/Mall/Shopping Centre once built Palm Grove Shopping Centre once rebuilt Prospect Reef Hospitality Center once completed Something significant should be named in his honour and while he's alive to enjoy it!
    • Peter Crumble (02/11/2011, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The sewerage system!
      • in the news (03/11/2011, 11:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        we will name the sewage running out at sea in Slaney off OJ..now that is a good idea seeing that he hates the 3 district
        • ann (03/11/2011, 13:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          both Kevin and his party hates the thrid...but we will teach them a lesson come Monday november 7...very good idea to name something off Ralph T. O'neal...willock i agree 100% with you!
  • Right Sed Fred (02/11/2011, 12:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Billy B should be ashamed. They is many otha project you could name after uncle Ralp, like the unfinished hospital, of the greenhouses.
  • Mmm (02/11/2011, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let it be something in VG
  • hip hip horay (02/11/2011, 15:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. O'Neal has work day and niht for this country and you silly half crack NDP haters will never take that form him. But you all will never get back to power come Monday to stop this brilliant idea...HONOR THE MAN NOW IS SAY ALSO
  • Migoman (02/11/2011, 15:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lol BillyB. I don't necessarily agree with you but that was a good laugh.
  • Janet Williams (02/11/2011, 19:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My gosh reading some of those hateful comments I had to shake my head…… How can people be so evil and filled with hate, and even dear to think that the Premier is not deserving or that some undignified item should be name in his honor? Some of you desperate “want to be” politicians and your silly supporters have gone pass the desperate stage…how sad! how sad!. I remember when the child Willock said the same thing on the racetrack three years ago. I agree with him 100%! Honor the man, he has served the BVI very well.
  • The Truth Hurts (02/11/2011, 20:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vip had 40 years and he had 36 and it didnt happen, what does that tell you? them better do it by monday if them want it.
    • higland spring (02/11/2011, 23:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      not so fast mey bouy VIP has another four but me not sure bout Uncle Ralph...
  • My Vote to Dancia (02/11/2011, 22:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex?
    • Overseas reader (03/11/2011, 11:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      brilliant brilliant brilliant that is the same thing i was thinking...VIP as soon as you all get back mek it happen fast fast fast
    • BEINTIME (03/11/2011, 12:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No, way, Jose. Ralphie can't get that. Find something in VG to be named after him. How about all the tents on the High School? The Ralph Telford O'Neal Vision Tents.
  • Virgin Gordian (03/11/2011, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is quite obvious that Uncle Ralphie is not about self. If he wanted to name something in his name he would have raise the issue years ago. However, we the good people in the 9th Districk have known Uncle Ralphie for many years and know that the only "honor" that Uncle Ralphie would like at this time is to be honored while he is still the District Representative for the people of the 9th District. People of the 9th District the other Parties, especially the NDP who say that Virgin Gordians are "Dumb" are all hoping that you would be ungrateful to Uncle Ralphie on election day. Send a message to them by honoring Uncle Ralphie with his last term in office. The other side (Walwyn) is now saying that when NDP is back in office those dumb Virgin Gordians, the people of District 1 and 3 will be the "forgotten ones" for voting out the NDP back in 2007. Come election day, send the NDP a strong message by voting for Uncle Ralphie and ((((VIP ALL THE WAY))))


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