D4 By-Election looms; Walwyn to make a comeback?
His group, the National Democratic Party (NDP 1) suffered a crushing defeat and rejection at the polls on February 25, 2019, coming in with a mere 4 seats out of 13. It also saw his Party Leader, the controversial Myron V. Walwyn being convincingly defeated by over 600 votes.
Can the NDP be trusted?
According to the Governor and the Virgin Islands, the constitution says a by-election must be held within two months. However, it is now up to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) to advise His Excellency Augustus J. U. Jaspert of a date.
Many have suggested that the decision of Mr Vanterpool, has further raised trust issues with the NDP 1—and if they care about people—at a time when many are blaming Mr Wawlyn for the NDP election loss as the party was planning to rebrand and even seek a new leader.
With the pending by-election, according to sources within the NDP1, no candidate has been selected at their recent emergency meeting, however, the front runners are believed to be Mr Walwyn and Henry O. Creque, the son of the former First Lady Lorna G. Smith OBE.
Luce on the Loose
Public opinion placed the Virgin Islands Party’s (VIP) candidate, Luce D. Hodge-Smith—who lost to Mr Vanterpool by 57 votes—as the favourite. Mr Vanterpool had 442 votes and Hodge-Smith obtained 385.
The two other smaller parties, the Progressives United (PU) and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) also had candidates in the 2019 race, however, it is unclear if their candidates will return.
A by-election will now cost the Territory additional money, as the voters were just settling down after a hard fought 2019 General Elections. All eyes are on whom the NDP1 will bring, as the VIP is likely to stick with Ms Hodge-Smith, an indigenous Virgin Islander.
History
One historical fact is that the Third HoA was dissolved in 2018 with 12 seats after the death of Hon Deloris Lettsome-Christopher (R5) and the Fourth HoA will reconvene on March 12, 2019, with also 12 seats after the resignation of Mr Vanterpool in the 13 seat legislature.
32 Responses to “D4 By-Election looms; Walwyn to make a comeback? ”
NO!!!!
We don't want no second hand canoe in the fourth. Can't deal with no more mudslinging.
Next.