‘Iron Lady’ Sandy M. Harrigan-Underhill launches D4 campaign
During her official campaign launch in Road Town on Saturday, April 8, 2023, Harrigan-Underhill urged voters in the upcoming election to refer to this track record, noting that she is an honest leader who can represent and fight for the people of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) both locally and internationally.
She noted that she would have created her own footprints and legacy as an educator for over 27 years, most of which was spent in the district serving in various capacities.
‘Iron Lady’
Harrigan-Underhill said her challenging journey as Principal at the school would provide great insight into her aptitude for leadership and the reasons why she is the leadership the District deserves.
“While I was hired to be the Principal of the school I believed that I would emerge as more of a transformational leader…who was able to motivate, influence, inspire and lead our largest secondary school of over 1400 students and nearly 200 staff during a period of considerable challenges,” she said.
She added that the period between 2014 and 2018 was some of the most difficult years faced by the school, where a drastic change in its culture and ethos resulted in major disciplinary issues during her tenure.
Those issues ranged from gang-related activities, drugs, daily fights and cyberbullying, which demanded constant Police presence on the school’s campus.
“During this time, I would be called the ‘Iron Lady.’ I believe I was given this name for having the courage to dig deep and to understand that building strong relationships and partnerships with the community would be the key to turning the school around,” she noted.
‘I am the leadership that you deserve’- Harrigan-Underhill
Harrigan-Underhill told supporters that this demanded leadership that understood the complexities of the issues and what was required to address them.
“People of the Virgin Islands, I believe that we are at a crossroads and that this election will determine the course that we will take…I believe that our country is crying out for good leaders, compassionate leaders, leaders who understand that when they are elected, they are elected by the people to serve the people and as such they are accountable to the people…I am confident that I am one of those leaders, “ she reiterated, as she recalled more challenges she tackled at the school following the 2017 hurricanes.
“This is my legacy…It is on this record that I humbly seek your vote, people of District 4. Asking you for the opportunity to do even more…I believe that I am the leadership that you deserve,” Harrigan-Underhill reiterated.
Harrigan-Underhill resigned from her job as ESHS Principal in 2019 to contest for a Territorial At Large seat with the NDP but failed in her quest to get elected.
Her boss at the time, the controversial former Education Minister Myron V. Walwyn, also suffered a heavy defeat as an At Large candidate.
Both Harrigan-Underhill and Walwyn are now seeking to get into the House of Assembly (HoA) via district seats.
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52 Responses to “‘Iron Lady’ Sandy M. Harrigan-Underhill launches D4 campaign”
This country needs competent, experienced person . My people do not be blinded by family ties , friendship
but weighs who is best person to represent the district
Sandy outweighs the other candidatrs
Other smaller islands she will see that they will not get left behind. These other islands can be tourist attractions as well! Many persons are seeking jobs, in the tourism industry! BVI needs to go forward!! GO FORWARD WITH LUCE!
VOTE. LUCE!!!
Arguably education is one of a country's developmental pillars (she spent about 80% of her speech talking about her record as the ESHS principal, while conveniently not mentioning her current tertiary level work at HLSCC as its first Director for the Institute of Education); but there are other pillars that need equal attention to ensure that the district thrives socially and economically.
For example what are her plans for creating safe communities in the district; tackling crime, unemployment and underemployment; job creation in the district, disaffected youth; after-school programnes etc. Many of her ideas are big ticket plans that will require huge sources of capital funding. While they are good, in my mind, district representation is also about building stronger, more cohesive communities from the grassroots up through targeted community organizing in critical areas.
Former US President Barack Obama understood the concept of community organizing very well in his early years as a political aspirant). It's about being a voice for the voiceless and empowering and inspiring hope along the way to achieving systemic changes. It's also about being innovative and thinking outside the box for workable social and economic solutions instead of recycling the same ideas from one election season to the next.
I wish all the candidates well in their bid to represent this district as it will not be a 'walk in the park' by any stretch of the imagination.
Why call done the BVI whilst it's the Bread Basket for many Caribbean Islands and abroad? think about it.
It's one BVI LOVE!! Lets Live in Peace and Harmony.
One more thing. Nevis has been putting on their contest every year for the last several years and I think it's in July
Ayo go vote for a lady who’s speech was articulated with a set of unrealistic goals.
Wait till election to come say what she going to do but before then you couldn’t find her in site.
How can a constituents be so easily fooled.
Former rep went with mi***ns and now endorsing her to try to t*** more with a vague visions and promises which are comfort to fools.
Sandy we not no fool so please have several seats.
Thank you!
The previous deputy director of culture accomplished more in one year than Luce accomplished in her tenure.
She now holds a position in aviation, a field she knows nothing about, but because of her political affiliation she was given that post. Yet the aspiring politician currently contesting the ninth district is out of a job.
I would like to hear her thoughts on that.
Vote Ian
It's time to say @*&^% the UK.