The April 23 meeting summoned by the chairman of the Virgin Islands Party was said to be “time wasting” by some party insiders. The confab was originally planned for delegates to nominate party leaders, but the agenda was changed to have a general meeting instead.
But instead of serious matters concerning the problems within the party and the way to move forward, most of the time was spent on irrelevant issues during the marathon five-hour session, according to some attendees. Prior to the meeting, two senior party members announced that they would challenge the outgoing chairman, Opposition Leader Ralph O’Neal, who has been at the helm for more than 18 years. But it is said that the two proposed contenders were loud in their praises of Mr. O’Neal, who has not yet indicated whether or not he will be in contention for continued leadership of the party. He, however, reportedly said that he will make an announcement at the next meeting, slated for May 28.
Although some party members feel that the 80-year-old chairman should stand down and allow a younger and more vibrant person to take over, no one was bold enough to indicate this at the meeting, and from all indications it seems as if the former premier and the party stalwart will again be in contention. However, there are reports that he may be challenged and that campaigning is in progress behind the scenes.
Not unhappy
Although most of the attendees were dissatisfied about the meeting, the two senior members who are possible contenders of the leadership, Julian Fraser (R-D3) and Andrew Fahie (R-D1), were not unhappy at all. They told reporters after the meeting that “parties came out of the meeting energised, knowing what needs to be done in order to compete in the next general election.”
Noticeable at last week’s meeting at Maria’s by the Sea was the absence of former deputy premier Dancia Penn, QC, who some believe may be a contender for leadership of the party. Perhaps she is not interested in the top position, or has opted to quit politics altogether. She, however, remains tight-lipped on her plans.
No ‘quarrel’
Although there was no “quarrel” at last week’s meeting, inside sources say that all is not well with the party. I am of the view whatever is the problem, it should be fixed as soon as possible because unity is strength. The party is already weakened with the breakaway of Alvin Christopher (R-D2), a former minister of the VIP administration, who formed his own movement. However, since the launching nothing more has been said about the new party.
The VIP is the oldest active political party in the VI. It was founded in 1971. Prior to the 2011 general elections, the VIP had held power in the territory for all except 15 years since the adoption of the modern Legislative Council in 1967. The party most recently held power after the general elections on Aug. 20, 2007, winning 10 out of 13 seats. However, it lost the 2011 general elections and now in the opposition.
{fcomment}