As Elvis “Juggy” Harrigan launched his campaign for a second term as District Five representative Friday, other Virgin Islands Party members praised his record of supporting youth programmes and spoke of their own ties to the district.

“When I moved from Virgin Gorda at the age of 12, it was Huntums Ghut where I came to live,” said Premier Ralph O’Neal, who spoke glowingly of Mr. Harrigan.

Mr. O’Neal added, “As the English would say, he’s a jolly good fellow.”

At-large representative Irene Penn O’Neal described Mr. Harrigan as an “avid sportsman” — a former president of the BVI Basketball Federation representing a district containing numerous athletic facilities, including the basketball court where the launch was held, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, among others.

Should the VIP remain in power, members intend to “promote sports tourism” in the territory, along with the performing arts, Ms. Penn O’Neal said.

“Team Virgin Islands Party will ensure that there are laws to protect your intellectual property,” she told artists, saying the party would work to support the VI film industry, with its connections to the history and culture of the territory.

“If you want to secure a career in entertainment, vote for who?” she asked the crowd, which shouted back, “VIP.”

The party will also broaden scholarship offerings, funding more online degree programmes and increasing allowances for students living abroad, she said.

And, she added, the VIP will support youths interested in getting involved in politics through a “youth parliamentary programme,” and those interested in starting businesses through a Small Business Bureau.

“This is opportunities for all,” she said, alluding to the party’s slogan.

Despite the economic downturn, Mr. Harrigan said in his own speech, “the VIs stand tall in the eyes of those in the [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] and in the United Kingdom.”

The VIP government successfully resisted calls to reduce the size of the public service, he said.

“Despite tremendous pressure from the UK to downsize the public service, the tried and tested team of the Virgin Islands Party government has been able to keep this ship afloat,” he said.

Mr. Harrigan said he has worked to secure funds to support work on infrastructure projects like road and ghut work in the district and renovations to Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall.

“I am constantly pushing for more projects and more funds for District Five,” he said.

Road plans

On the road that leads past ASPS and the Magistrates’ Court, “there is a dangerous situation,” with only one lane for vehicles to enter and exit, he said. There are plans to redesign the entire area, with a new gazebo and a new roof for the nearby well, he said.

Work is also planned on a 20-foot-wide ghut that brings water “down with a fury” into Huntums Ghut, flooding parts of the neighbourhood, he said.

“Help is on the way,” he told the crowd.

He also boasted of his ability to provide “local, regional and international representation,” after traveling with VI delegations to events in countries including Trinidad, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Denmark.

At-large candidate Zoe Walcott-McMillan spoke of the party’s commitment to workers and small businesses, vowing to continue reviewing alternatives to the existing payroll tax system and minimum wage structure. She also criticised the opposition National Democratic Party for purchasing trucks for the Public Works Department, rather than signing petty contracts with “small local businessmen in the trucking sector” to do necessary work.

“A petty contract is not a handout. A service is being provided, and you’re being paid for a service,” she said, later adding, “A VIP government will continue the petty contract system, but with a view to ensure that opportunities are available to all.”