Dr. Vincent Scatliffe believes he accomplished a lot during his first term in office, and he wants a chance to show residents what he can do in a second term, he said at his campaign launch Monday evening in Road Town.

From the start, he said, he planned “for the many issues” facing the district, but like the rest of the world, the Virgin Islands faced the additional challenge of the global economic downturn.

“Faced with this economic reality, the Virgin Islands Party was confronted with this daunting decision of whether to lay off civil servants or re-prioritise capital projects and other activities,” Dr. Scatliffe said. “A compassionate, caring, sensitive and visionary Virgin Islands Party administration made a wise decision and decided to re-prioritise capital projects rather than lay off civil servants, thus avoiding much pain and suffering on their families.”

The crowd at his launch cheered.

Introduction

During his introduction of the candidate, Premier Ralph O’Neal said Dr. Scatliffe is a “hard working man” who “tries to assist where he is most needed.”  

Mr. O’Neal also said Dr. Scatliffe is not the type to remain silent during Cabinet meetings.

“You could have a knife to his throat or a gun to his ear, but he’s going to tell you as it is, and those are the men that we need,” Mr. O’Neal said. “And you have a man here representing you who is not afraid to tell you as it is.”

When he took the stage, Dr. Scatliffe claimed several accomplishments for his first term in office. He said he contracted with ghut cleaners periodically to help combat the sewage problems in Road Town. Facilities in the district were also improved under his watch, Dr. Scatliffe said, including that Lower Estate basketball court.

The candidate, who called himself the “man with the vision,” told residents he had created a plan for health care for senior citizens, for which 25 people have registered. He also partnered with Fifth District representative Elvis Harrigan to send youths to that district for after-school programs, since the Fourth District doesn’t have a community centre, he said.

Dr. Scatliffe later added that land has been set aside for such a centre in the district, but that it, too, “had to be reprioritised due to the global economic shortfall.”

Other plans made progress, although they haven’t been completed, Dr. Scatliffe said. For example, plans have been drafted to raise the bridge near the fire station to prevent future flooding. He said work on that project will begin when the territory receives its $15 million Caribbean Development Bank loan.

A contract has been signed to repair the roof of the Band Stand, and plans for restrooms there are complete, according to the candidate.

He also said plans are “far advanced” for further improvements at the Queen Elizabeth II Park and the softball field.

Similarly, plans are also completed for a new fisherman’s wharf, although officials are waiting on consensus from “older fishermen” before proceeding with the project, Dr. Scatliffe said.

The candidate also told residents he has plans for other projects, too. He spoke of widening the Manse Road; creating a three-lane highway near the Queen Elizabeth II Park; refurbishing the Old Government House Museum and the House of Assembly; building a “pedestrian mall” in Wickhams Cay; and re-engineering some of the district’s drains.