Governor Boyd McCleary officially named Ralph O’Neal, District Nine representative and former premier, as opposition leader in the Virgin Islands’ new government last week.
Mr. O’Neal, who is also chairman of the Virgin Islands Party, previously served as opposition leader from 2003 to 2007, the first time the National Democratic Party took power, and recently told reporters at a press conference that he’s no stranger to sitting on the other side of the aisle.
“Yes, we will form the opposition, but it won’t be the first time,” Mr. O’Neal said. “My first term in office, in 1975, was in the opposition, so I’ve been there.” During that first term, Willard Wheatley and the United Party held the government. Mr. O’Neal was also in the opposition from 1983-1986, when Cyril Romney led a coalition government.
Reflecting on their upcoming term as the party with its “back to the street,” VIP members said they plan to put their full efforts toward performing the “service to the people” of being in the opposition.
See the Nov. 24, 2011 edition for full coverage.