‘The 4th District people feel neglected & voiceless’- ‘Roxie’ Romney
“The primary response is they feel very neglected, but the number one thing for them is the lack of job opportunities. They want to feel a sense of empowerment, they living hand to mouth and worse yet they only desire to meet their living expenses,” stated Romney in an interview with Virgin Islands News Online today, May 29, 2015.
Familiar enough?
Romney’s critics have said she is not familiar with the issues of the district and that the people do not know her. The VIP candidate admitted that it has been a learning experience for her as a candidate seeking office as she has been constantly enquiring about the issues of the district so she could adequately and responsibly represent her constituents if elected. However, she said she has heard enough to know that the people of the Fourth District are not satisfied with their current situation, which is disturbing.
“The young people feel very disenfranchised. They feel as though they have no voice at all, and this is the harsh reality,” Ms Romney explained.
Meanwhile, Romney appeared on Open Mic with host Julio S. Henry on CBN Channel 51 on May 28, 2015 where Mr Henry had asked the Fourth District candidate and prominent businesswoman to respond to those who claim that they don’t know her and that she knows nothing about the 4th District.
Romney had said her last name speaks for itself as she is the 2nd daughter of the late former Chief Minister Honourable Cyril B. Romney and Lily Romney, and is “BVIslander” from the Creques of Anegada, to the Thomas family from East End, from the Smiths of Salt Island to the Romneys of West End.
She further said she grew up in McNamara, went to school right in Road Town and only left this territory on an athletic scholarship that paved the way for her to get her education.
“It is not possible for everyone to know me personally or I them. However, I have tried by every means available to me, in this very small window of time, to become acquainted with as many persons as possible but I am determined to get my message out using every medium available to reach voters with whom I have not been able to meet and this is one way that I can share my vision with the 4th District for a better day and a better life for all.”
Improving by empowering
She spoke of empowering the people by improving the revenue earning opportunities for locals as one of the ways of achieving a better life for all.
“It shouldn’t be for example, just the jobs of cleaning ghuts and cutting bush. While it is necessary, such jobs do not provide sustainable employment opportunities.”
Romney reasoned that the government under the Virgin Islands Party has in the past upheld policies of inclusion in business opportunities for its people and on that foundation locals have thrived and became entrepreneurs.
“The current NDP Administration has moved away from this practice and have opened the doors to foreign businesses without local partners. This practice sets many locals up to be forever working for foreigners in our own country.”
First order of business
Asked by Mr Henry which major issues within the District she would address first if elected, Ms Romney outlined three areas that she believes need urgent attention.
“My first order of business would be to complete with no delay, the installation of efficient sewerage disposal and treatment plants as well as [the issues of] continued reliable water and power supply.
“My second order of business would be to get the road system throughout the district cleaned up and improve the look of Road Town with special attention to Main Street but also to residential areas of the District, which is also deserving of attention.”
Thirdly, Romney said she would address traffic congestion by encouraging private and public partnership for commuters in and out of Road Town. “The Government should install bus stops in better locations where riders are not endangered or the flow of traffic impeded.”
Romney laid out many more ideas she has for the district on the Open Mic show but also noted that it is more important what the people want and that is why she has concentrated her efforts on trying to hear more from the people rather than the people hearing more from her.
“We are a just few days from countdown to June 8th and, unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of time to get to know each other as well as I would have liked. I want to assure those of you who do not know me personally, that I speak openly of my candidacy in this race to represent your interests first,” Romney stated.
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26 Responses to “‘The 4th District people feel neglected & voiceless’- ‘Roxie’ Romney”
Is it not more desirable to ensure that youths get a sound moral and academic training before letting them loose. How many of our youths are critical thinker? How many understand the difference between being materially well off and being a moral, upright, and just person?
The fact is that too many of us are singing this song without seeing the necessity of guiding the youths, of seeing that they have a solid foundation.
And, how come you have done nothing about thieves climbing people's mango and coconut trees, which they go and sell.
Ms Romney is much much better for D4. She has the humility to admit that she needs to learn more. And, she has provided some concrete plans for the district. She has a vision. What plans has Vanterpool put forth?
I live in district 4 and ill tell you this... I won't be voting for the sexual predator