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Massive crowds turn out to VIP’s Meet & Greet
With an estimated 400 persons packed into two conference rooms at the venue, the hallways offered standing room only. Even then, massive crowds stood outside with thousands listening via radio—in cars and at home—and on the various social media platforms.
The energy and electricity in the rooms were also high as supporters danced, blow whistles, chant, clapped, sang and embraced each other in celebration of the VIP and its accomplishments.
Candidates Introduced
It started out with each of the various candidates being introduced to large and thunderous applause. The four At-Large Candidates spoke on different topics and about their passion and then the Chairman of the VIP, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1)—former Opposition Leader, whom many supporters believe will be the next Premier—took to the podium.
He spoke about the solutions the VIP will introduce to deal with issues facing the Territory, including bringing about legislation that will help with more accountability and transparency such as a whistle blowing legislation that also protects Civil Servants when they see and report wrongdoing.
Mr Fahie further implored about whether it was true or false that over $1.6M was wasted on a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) by the sitting National Democratic Party (NDP) government, and whether or not the party further wasted $7.2M on a plane that never left the ground.
He also asked the public whether it was true or false that upwards of $15M in consultancy fees were spent on the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, yet to date, there is nothing to show.
VIP Strong
While we witnessed the breaking up of the NDP with its founding members fleeing to form the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM-NDP2)—when Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) became their leader—it was a grandeur symbolic to see the only surviving founder of the VIP, Ms Naomi Turnbull passing the VIP torch on to Reverend Edris O'Neal, the former First Lady who represented the first Premier of the VI—Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE—to which she passed the torch on to the fearless Leader of the VIP, Hon Fahie.
The crowd erupted in satisfaction and applause when the torch was placed in the hands of Mr Fahie as a symbolic gesture.
The VIP is now the only party with a full slate to contest the 2019 Election, the candidates are, Hon Fahie for D1, Indigenous Virgin Islander and grandson of the late Legislator, Prince M. Stoutt, Carnel D. Clyne for D2, former Ag Permanent Secretary, Educator and Businesswoman Ms Arlene L. Smith-Thompson for D3, former Director of Culture, Ms Luce Hodge-Smith for D4, Commissioner for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Mr Kye M. Rymer for D5, Former member of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Ag Permanent Secretary and businessman Mr John M. Samuel in D6, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Lecturer, Dr Natalio D. Wheatley aka ‘Sowande Uhuru’ for D7, Former Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Businessman Dean B. Fahie for D8 and Businessman and former Sister Islands Coordinator, Mr Vincent O. Wheatley for D9.
Running At-Large is Educator, Businesswoman and former candidate, Ms Sharie B. deCastro, former Party President, Mr Carvin Malone, Businessman and former BVI Softball Association President, Mr Neville A. Smith aka ‘Sheep’ and BVI Tourist Board Manager and social activist, Ms Shereen D. Flax-Charles.
Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) will bring you more details later on different aspects of the historic night.
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