Scatliffe surrounded by his young supporters at last evening’s meeting. Photo: VINO

The candidate stated that he will be the district’s bridge over troubled waters. Photo: VINO

Though the crowd was small under the tent, a number of persons lined the streets to listen to what he had to say. Photo: VINO

The entrepreneur, who is a newcomer to the political playground, vowed that he will be the constituents’ bridge over troubled waters as he highlighted his plans to upgrade education, job opportunities, health care and crime, among others for the district.

He asserted that top on his priorities is to identify the high level professional jobs for “which we continue to recruit from overseas” – one which he said could be tackled by a new generation leader.

“We must make a greater effort in our schools and at our college to prepare our own people to fill the vacancies in our job market at all levels. It is crucial for us to identify those sectors where our people are largely absent and then work within our schools to identify those students who have an aptitude in the particular area. Those students, once identified, must be assisted to follow the particular academic path which will, in time, see them moving into the positions for which they were identified,” Scatliffe said.

In addition to that, the young people who are talented with their hands, the 4th district candidate said he will explore the possibilities of them furthering their studies at technical and vocational institutes, locally, regionally and internationally.

According to Scatliffe, the responsibility belongs to “all of us to ensure that our children are given first class facilities and tools to help them to develop their hidden skills and talents. Focus on our children and young adults will be one of the areas of priority during my term as representative.”

He also proposed the introduction of M-learning (mobile learning) and e-learning tools as other methods of teaching and learning at all levels in the education system, since children of today are “techno-savvy”.

Furthermore, the candidate stated, “The increased understanding of Science and Information Technology from within our schools will be the foundation for the growth and development of the Technology industry as a new economic pillar. Policies and legislations would have to be introduced that would be attractive to outside investors who will consider the Virgin Islands as a viable option for doing business. I will propose the establishment of a Technology Park that would house research and development centers for some of the world’s leading software and hardware manufacturing companies.”

If elected, Scatliffe said he will ensure that more attention is given towards fixing the district’s infrastructure, starting with the sewerage system which could cost some $12M.

“For many years, we have heard a lot of talk about fixing the sewerage and years have gone by and still no action. The solution to this problem, as explained by the experts, lies in upgrading the main pumping station. I am told that fixing Road Town’s sewerage problems will cost more than $12 million. I am also aware that the global recession has had an effect on the Virgin Islands and our economy is in trouble. However, if we fix nothing else, we must fix the sewerage system. I promise to work diligently to ensure that fixing the sewerage system is at the top of the agenda,” he pledged.

According to him, remedying the situation will start during the first year of his term. “We cannot continue to fool around with this – our health depends on fixing the sewerage system, and our economy also depends on it. Few things are as indispensable as that.”

Flooding will also be minimized with ongoing cleaning of the ghuts, he said.

A partnership with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will be forged to create a stronger response to crime, the independent candidate disclosed.

He pointed out, “Crime is particularly worrisome because of its potential to affect our way of life and standard of living. Crime doesn’t just hurt the victim. It hurts us all. Crime creates a climate of fear, it demands the diversion of government monies to solving the matters, it lowers property values, and it reduces the confidence of business owners who become fearful of investing in their businesses and fearful of expansion.”

To this end, Scatliffe will lobby for the placement of several closed circuit television cameras, have more street lights around the district, and ask for additional foot patrols.

He will also encourage more training for officers in the prevention and detection of crime. “I will act as the bridge between the community and the Force in ensuring that they are aware of the community’s concerns. I will do whatever I can to get the Department’s community policing initiatives going so that people can once again have confidence in the Force.”

“District 4, is the home of the capital - Road Town. Road Town should be a bright, shining, attractive place – a place of which we can all be proud. If people do not feel safe walking its streets, if its business people no longer feel confident that their investment in their business can be effectively protected, Road Town will die,” he charged.

It is a three way race for the district seat with the incumbent Dr. Vincent Scatliffe and Mark Vanterpool under the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the running.

But Scatliffe told his supporters don’t be fooled or distracted if his opponents “come telling you” that an independent representative cannot accomplish anything.

“Our history would also show that many of our former Chief Ministers and legislators started their career in politics as an independent...Tonight I claim that we take back control of our district, take back the control of our young people, and take charge in making sure that our capital is once again the shining star of the Virgin Islands. You need a new man in the 4th! A servant leader! We are at the dawn of a new generation of leadership and I will represent you well,” he promised.