Update: Sylvester out! Pastor Gregory George in as ESHS keynote speaker!
Information now reaching this news site from its well-placed sources inside the National Democratic Party Administration is that it's official - Mr. Sylvester of the class of 1992 was snubbed and will not speak today. Instead, Pastor Gregory George will deliver the school’s keynote address.
Pastor George is from the class of 1995 of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre. Many would remember also that Pastor George came to light in the 2011 general elections when he was critical of the former Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, who is also the 9th district representative.
It remains unclear why Mr. Sylvester was not allowed to speak as both the Ministry of Education and Culture and the class of 1992 remains tight lip. It also remains unclear as to the extent of the participation in today’s ceremony from the class of 1992.
When contacted, Pastor George said he had no comments to offer on the matter.
Mr. Sylvester, who also had worked for the government of the Virgin Islands both at the Public Works Department and the Ministry of Communications and Works, before becoming the Ministry of Finance Budget’s Coordinator, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Andrews University in Trinidad.
He was also a former independent candidate for the 8th district located on the eastern end of Tortola in last year’s Virgin Islands General Election. However, despite his credentials, intellect and how he has turned around Delta Petroleum and made it the number one place for gas and other related products in the VI, there seems to be some in the ruling National Democratic Party of Dr. D. Orlando Smith who are reportedly opposed to him speaking.
Meeting held with Premier; select a new speaker
It was this news site’s understanding that a meeting was held with Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith in his office on June 25, 2012 with the class’ organising committee to allegedly request that they choose a new speaker, according to a source inside the meeting. It remains unclear what the objections are or whether the class of 1992 has surrendered to the request and selected a new speaker.
Most of the organising committee members were and still remain tight lipped about the situation, however, a spokesperson for the class told this news site that they were working on a press statement which has not yet been released.
The Government said it has no comment on the matter, however, they look forward to Thursday's graduation to see the students graduate and receive their certificates. They further offered congratulations to all the students and thanked everyone who had a role to play in the success of the students.
As of press time, Mr. Sylvester could not be reached for comments.
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