BVI News

Elected parties locked in talks about coalition

From left: PVIM Chairman Ronnie Skelton, the VIP’s leader Dr Natalio Wheatley, the NDP’s Chairman Marlon Penn, and PU leader Julian Fraser.

Members of the four political organisations that will make up the next House of Assembly have been locked in discussions about forming a coalition since the last evening when the results of the general elections was announced. The previously governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) landed six of 13 seats, the National Democratic Party (NDP) won three, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) won three, and Julian Fraser of Progressives United won the remaining seat.

A party needs a majority seven seats to form the government so the groups are now discussing the way forward.

A post-election statement from the PVIM on Tuesday said: “We have met with all elected persons and groups, namely Progressives United, the National Democratic Party and the Virgin Islands Party, to decide the next step as we seek to form a government in the best interest of the aspirations of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The PVIM added that they left their offices and groups at 4 am this morning, April 25 with an intention to reconvene at 8 am.

“Rest assured that we will not compromise our principles and values of integrity,” the PVIM added.

The NDP also issued a statement confirming that they have been having meetings with different political groups “to seek out the best opportunities to forge an alliance with other elected representatives.”

The NDP described the process as “extremely delicate” and said it requires careful thought, deep consideration and decision-making.

“Ultimately, any progress hangs on achieving and important balance that would require compromise,” the NDP stated.

The VIP also noted that it was in talks the the other political organisations and promised to give an update in short order.

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24 Comments

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  1. Hmmm says:

    The people only care about one thing at this point: “do not come out that room an utter the words Fraser is Premier or Deputy” anything but that……

    Like 25
    Dislike 5
  2. Do not fail us says:

    Lorna, I heard you crossed over to VIP. A travesty. I hold you in higher esteem than that. Do not fail us the people. We have to “Keep Moving” but we will not, Not with the VIP Government.

    Like 22
    Dislike 10
  3. Two year rotation? says:

    Let the combined opposition form the next government. Let Marlon be Premier for two years, then Ronnie for the other two.

    Like 4
    Dislike 8
  4. Snakke6 says:

    Don’t resurrect the snake. We took its head off leave it off. VIP must not see power in the bvi for a long long time. And surely not with someone who can only garner 400 votes should neither be our country leader or party leader. I am surprise he was even invited to the talks. Let him go and rest his slow brain.

    Like 19
    Dislike 2
  5. Tafari Zharr says:

    TROUBLESHOOTING IN PARADISE

    PUP or VIP
    “…AT LEAST TWO YEARS”
    By Tafari Zharr
     

    GRIEVANCES AND GOOD GOVERNANCE ARE SIBLILINGS AND TOGETHER IT’S THE “EQUAL” RELATIONSHIP THAT  PARTNERS A POLITICIAN WITH THE PEOPLE IN A DEMOCRACY
     
    BUT FIRST WHO WILL BE SEATED: new PUP [Progressive United Party) or once disbanded VIP (Virgins Islands Party).
     
    “The House was informed that the then Governor of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) had launched a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into claims that corruption, abuse of position and serious impropriety had taken place in public office in recent years. (On (Hansard, HCWS716, column 32WS)

    Timeline

    Elizabeth Truss -UK statement (corruption/abuses
    18 January 2021
     
    Gov. Received Gary Hickinbottom report to release
    June 04 April, 2022
     
    Andrew Fahie Arrested  (1:22-mj-02719)
    28 April, 2022
     
    THE UK THE SUSPENDING LOCAL
    28 April, 2022,

    BVI would not deliver the essential reforms required:” BVI Governor publish report and findings
    29 April 2022

    Government of National Unity, SWORN IN
    5 May 2022
     
    Premier Fahie’s Retirement from HOA,
    24 Nov , 2022
    
“I, Andrew Alturo Fahie, now respectfully take this time to officially inform you Madam Speaker, … a copy.”
     
    House Of Assembly Dissolved
    10 March, 2023
     
    Election Day
    24 April, 2023
     
    GOOD DAY VIRGIN ISLANDERS:

    WE ALL HEARD AND READ IT: SUFFICIENT PROGRESS under Premier Natalio Wheatley has not been made.  
     
    “If it becomes clear that this approach is not delivering the reform the people of the BVI want and deserve we will take action. This may require the swift implementation of the final report recommendation [imposing direct rule].”
     
    Troubleshooting

    COI said “almost everywhere “ in the principles of openness, transparency and the rule of law were ignored.” And for direct rule to be imposed for at least two years.”
     
    Its Moments after Election, the governor still can offer his perspective as far as good governance to be in keeping with the privy council’s recommendations based upon different scenarios.
     
    REFLECTION the unity government failed to deliver on the reforms, which no one could have met anyway.  Let’s not forget that which is apparent.  Like the heavy reprimand of an imposing parent, the child with eyes closed is waiting, hunched shoulders, muscles tensed, bracing for the shoe, belt, hand, stick, or whip, to drop.  The UK threat of “Order of Direct Rule, it can stand up for the people.
     
    Teamwork

    IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WE TAKE CARE OF HOME FIRST, so in that spirit let my mind get set on my opinions:
     
    FIRST: Assemble the home, VIP can add anyone really.  But, if you make Vincent Wheatley Premier, Mather is a good choice.  Additionally, Bring Lorna Smith In and Make Her your anchor.   With That’s the Move – we have a legacy election with empowerment for our women; and we have our first female leader Lorna is really, really, good.
     
    SECOND: The Other NDP PVIM PU Parties Form a new PUP -Progressive Unity Party  and Again Lorna For Premier or Fraser, but Lorna is preference in this scenario. Ronnie: Finance.  Mix it up. Ironically, If Lorna is seated – This is a full circles story and a win For, centennial, First Lady Imogene Creque

    MAY THE NEW GOVERNMENT PLEASE STAND UP UNSELFISHLY.
     
    THE BVI OPERATES AS A PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
     
    “…If it becomes clear that this approach is not delivering the reform that the people of the BVI want and deserve, we will take action.
    This may require the swift implementation of the final report recommendation.
    In order to be able to do so quickly if required,
    the UK Government has submitted an

    Should it prove necessary to do so, I will instruct
    the Governor to make a proclamation in the BVI Gazette
    appointing a day that the Order will come into force…”
    ELIZABETH TRUSS
     
     
    VIRGIN ISLANDERS LET THE PEOPLES SEATS BE SO FILLED ACCORDINGLY TO THE VOICES OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS because IF WE CANT HAVE THAT RIGHT WE FLIRT WITH LOSING OTHERS WE HOLD DEARLY ON TO.

    MAY THE NEW GOVERNMENT PLEASE STAND UP!

    GOD WILLING.

     
    Copyright (c) 2023 by Tafari Zharr
     

    Like 4
    Dislike 2
  6. Tafari Zharr says:

    ONE VOTE,
    FOUR SEASONS,
    FOUR YEARS,
    FOR ALL

    By Tafari Zharr

    VI Voted with Exactness, VI Braced, For Us All

    VI Voted for a Better Democracy” Any Day Now

    VI Voted As If Its Bloodline Depended On It

    The Non-Bliss Is Not A Dis

    It’s Indicative, the Tensions, the Biases

    *VI People, the world sees as Dark and Doom

    But Our Narrative: Resilience Is Our Story

    Like Your Leaders We’re Deserving of Political Grace

    Second Chances: Of which We Know Nothing Else,

    Therefore, We Are Right Now Who We Strive To Become
    B E T T E R

    Virgins On The Edge – VOTE Towards Self Determination

    Rocking Into A Thriving World-class Economy

    Our Elections Are Representations Of The People

    Reflections Of The Dynamism Of Our Democracy

    Emancipated And Empowered: More Inclusive And Willing, Present But Patient

    That’s The Voice Of The Virgin Islands

    Not Defined By An Inquiry Neither Label nor Libel will do

    VI Voted for Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer

    VI Voted For A Territorial Right To Choose

    No Disingenuousness UK: VI Voted Against Direct Rule

    (c) 2020. Tafari Zharr. All rights reserved.

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  7. Good riddance says:

    Well VIP put themselves in that position. Zoe couldn’t help them win a seat for the fourth or fifth time. Them treat Misty and Shereen and Carvin bad. All you ungratefulness and wickedness is the cause of all you position now. Them empress real people just need grooming next time round and them good.

  8. Hard but... says:

    Let Wheatley go back to his job to finish outstanding matters with Britain…country above self and party. No more games.

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  9. hu,hu,ha,ha,wu,wu,wa,wa ,stump says:

    That’s when you got more Chiefs than Idians!!

  10. Voter says:

    Well Lorna did the right thing, Mitch and Frazer are to power hungry thats why they will remain in the opposing side. How cold Mitch want Deputy Premier? How could Frazer want Premier?
    Well VIP got one to complete the seven and all is over

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  11. Taxpayer says:

    Please not Fraser.
    Please not Fraser.
    Please not Fraser.
    Please not Fraser.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  12. Shame on Lorna says:

    Shame!

  13. The trauma says:

    Just this statement brings back PTSD

  14. Ausar says:

    I am supporting either Ronnie or Marlon, as the next Premier.

    Certainly, not the one from the third district..

    Soo exciting to watch, as it all plays out.

  15. Government not party says:

    Why are you saying crossed over to VIP? People sit on the Government side with their party affiliation still. They have 48 hours to form the government and time is running out leaving it as a stand off. Let things unfold. The dust will settle soon

  16. Too many Men Chief says:

    When we have the likes of Ronnie & Fraser all wants to be Premier, they will not bend for the love of country, It may hurt to learn that Lorna is in the VIP corner but that tells you men cannot make up their minds on anything.

    I don’t blame her if that is true. Three big men so greedy on Power.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  17. Rubber Duck says:

    She is still NDP, but if she is inside the VIP govt she can keep an eye on them for us.

    Ideally she will be Minister of Finance.

    She who holds the purse strings runs everything.

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  18. Cato says:

    Another 4 years of a VIP Government. Lets move on to the next phase in our lives.

  19. Solution says:

    Why don’t we forget about this party-system which has proven to be our down-fall and have the 7 people with the most votes form the government (and I have not even looked at the votes cast for any of them, so no personal preferences).

  20. LMAO says:

    Marlon is NDP leader and let Lorna pull a fast one on him. She is now Deputy Premier and he is now in the Opposition yet again to get nothing done. Wow!

  21. HMM says:

    Its unity now not coalition. let them fight among themselves now for premiership as the watch Lorna as deputy premier..

  22. Hmmmm says:

    I am laughing sooo hard. Julian Fraser sweaaaar he was the man of the hour, walking around puffed up. Where is he now???????????????

  23. Set a moomoo says:

    I hope those who voted for Fraser get what they voted for LMAO

  24. hmm says:

    tis best Aaron got voted in and formed the government. Sea Cows Bay back in the Opposition and not even leader.

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