Part of the packed house at the 'Save the Seed Centre' that was transformed into an oasis of style and elegance for the VIP's 47th Anniversary Gala. Photo: VINO/File

Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Andrew A. Fahie (at left) along with some of the Honourees or their representatives at the recently held VIP 47th Anniversary Gala. Photo: Cleave M. Farrington

Back in February 2018, VINO had reported that members of the public and talk show hosts, have always expressed concern that the VIP would not be ready in the event a snap election then. 

Many said that the party was "caught with its pants down" at the 2015 snap elections, won in a landslide by the National Democratic Party (NDP).

Now, with the NDP Government in utter disarray and a new opposition party, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) on the horizon, the prospects of a 2019 VIP elections win, is much greater—a testament to its leadership—as outlined by the ‘Honestly Speaking’ radio host, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline. 

 Strong Leadership

“The level of leadership, he [Hon. Fahie] has been able to garner around him in a very short span… His spirit of being inclusive and honouring all of our citizens no matter what their party affiliation is, I think that is a testimony and a clear example of the leadership that you can expect,” Skelton-Cline opined. 

Back In November 30, 2016, Hon Fahie unseated then, Opposition Leader and Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, at the party’s internal election, to become Chairman of the VIP.

Recently, Hon Fahie, in demonstrating strong leadership was also one who was extremely vocal about putting the needs of the Territory first, in showing a non-support of the 2018 By-elections for the seat of the Late Fifth District representative, Honourable Delores Lettsome-Christopher. 

 “In speaking with the Leader of the Opposition earlier, he is not in favour of by-elections… Most people for the sake of cost, the efficiency, the state of the country that we’re in, are not in favour of a by-election… Why procrastinate and put the country any further through this debacle,” Skelton-Cline said in the November 13, 2018 edition of his radio show.

 By-elections for the seat of Hon Lettsome-Christopher, was later cancelled by the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, instead, announcing that General Elections are to be held by April 16, 2019.

Stability in unstable environment

 “It is a good time to celebrate a party of 47 years,” Skelton-Cline said in referring to the VIP, “because that bespeaks a party of stability and in this unstable environment that we are living in, in the Virgin Island….What better to have a model… of a party [VIP] who’s been around for 47 years through thick and thin but is there, is a steady hand… and that’s exactly what the country needs at this particular time” Skelton-Cline said on his Honestly Speaking radio show.

 In February 2018 on the same radio show Hon Fahie had reassured the people that the VIP was stronger and putting the needs of the people first.

“We are doing a lot more than people say…. We are going to do our part and to be honest,” he had said.

 “I’m really glad with how we are progressing and we are going to bring people that love the BVI, love the people and want to do right by the people,” Hon Fahie said as he continues to openly chastise the NDP government for their general lack a accountability, transparency and principles.