UPDATE - There is no representation problem in 9th District- Hon. O’Neal
The caller to the programme, which was aired on March 5, 2012, had claimed to be from the 9th District and that he had a concern with representation since he said he was aware that the elected representative Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal has been ill and wanted to know if there needed to be a period of non-representation to pass for a new representative to be elected.
“If he called a radio programme to find out about me what that is, is an insult to me because he knows that I am alive and whoever he is should know that my telephone number is listed,” Hon. O’Neal said.
According to the district representative and former Premier, persons from the 9th District have been communicating with him on issues on a regular basis. “All the time...I was just on the telephone with a constituent who called me on a very important matter...My phone rings all the time... It was just a caller making mischief.”
Meanwhile, following the publication of Virgin Islands News Online's story earlier today March 21, 2012, Hon. O'Neal has since issued a detailed statement on the matter, and further re-emphasised his representation for his district and availability. He also gave a background regarding his illness and time away from Territory.
Hon. O'Neal revealed in his statement that he has been ill from since the end of November 2011 and was a patient at Peebles Hospital and was later flown overseas for further treatment where he spent the Christmas holidays. However, he said since his return, he has been recuperating well with the help of a therapist, family and friends.
"I would like to inform the critics who questioned my representation to my district that I have never stopped representing my people. My telephone is always open to anyone and I have had many calls relating to problems and concerns from my constituents and have been able to make proper representation on their behalf. Anyone can fall ill at any time whether they are old, middle aged or very young."
He said in his statement that he has seen the blogs, heard the talk shows and while people are at liberty to express their feelings, they must do so with respect.
"It is important to set a good example for those who are younger and inexperienced. One of the most important things in building a country is to inculcate in our young people a sense of dignity, respect and appreciation for contributions made. It would be a sad day for the British Virgin Islands if we lose that respect for one another and especially for our elders who worked hard to get this country to where it is."
To his constituents he said, "I would say to my constituents at this time, “do not despair”, we have unfinished business which we will endeavour to complete. The Service of Thanksgiving which was planned will go ahead and with God’s help and your continued support we can move ahead."
The former Premier also said his office in Virgin Gorda is opened Mondays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that while he may not be there the Secretary is always there.
For Tortola, he said through his statement that he is available for appointments at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition at the House of Assembly Building on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11.00 a.m. Appointments can be made through the House of Assembly Office or directly at 494-2360 or by emailing me JACK@ralphoneal.com.
Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, in response to the caller to the radio programme, had said the people in the 9th District voted for the representative and that they had the confidence in his ability to represent them. He had noted too that Hon. O’Neal attends the House of Assembly meetings.
Premier Smith had also promised frequent visits to Virgin Gorda and that his Ministers of Government would also be setting up office there in an effort to meet the needs of the people in the 9th District.
Territorial At Large Representative Hon. Archibald Christian had reminded the public that there are also four Territorial Representatives that are available to deal with the problems and issues affecting the people of the 9th District.
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