Leaders debate cancelled, Walwyn Flip-Flops from original call
After his party candidate got hammered in the nine district debate on January 9, 2019, in Virgin Gorda and he was embarrassed over the performance of Dr the Hon Hubert R. O’Neal, Mr Walwyn ordered his district candidates not to debate anymore.
No district debate - Walwyn
Many groups in different districts were planning more debates in each district including the six, fifth and third, but all NDP 1 candidates declined.
Trying now to save face, Mr Walwyn agreed to a Leader's debate between the heads of the four political parties. Hon Julian Fraser RA, Chairman of the Progressives United (PU) declined the invitation to participate and Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) an NDP breakaway group, was on the fence but would not have participated according to a source with knowledge of the decision.
Now comes word, that today, Tuesday, February 12, 2019, that Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was willing to debate only if “all the leaders from the other parties were debating” however, with that not happening, he is out.
VIP all or none
In a statement issued today by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Hon Fahie noted, “our team has been preparing for the event on the assumption that all the leaders of all parties were willing to come to the table.”
The VIP made it clear it would not debate “unless all party leaders were debating”.
In response, the organizer of the Debate committee, Mr Eustace C. Freeman aka “Boss” speaking exclusively to our news Centre noted “I regret to inform that the debate scheduled for [the] 21st [of] February 2019, is now cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. We the committee still hold a strong belief that this is an important part of the democratic process and is very hopeful that years to come, it would be a mandated requirement en route to office.”
VIP still ready to debate all
The VIP, however, noted in their statement that ‘We stand ready to join a debate- even at short notice- should the preparation and organisation for it, meet the standards that we have discussed.”
The NDP 1 camp has been silent on their new position, but someone close to them claims that they are “still willing to answer the questions the organising committee had put forward.”
24 Responses to “Leaders debate cancelled, Walwyn Flip-Flops from original call”
John is unfriendly but I know he never pass u with out saying good afternoon or morning
Please give the news as it is regardless of party affiliation. The VIP haf theiir say and the committee for the debate also responded. Dont flip the story to be about myron.
How come is Myron flip flopping? As far as I am you reported it is Fahie who pulled out of the DEBATE. If you are going to debate, you debate anyone. You do not have to get all the leader to have a debate. I respect Fahie very much but this a no go, that condition was intentionally set so as not to participate in the debate.
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It gives the people a view of the candiabtws ideologies and mental stamina.