PVIM: Ian Smith replaces Hewlett for D4 as ‘MB’ added for D5
The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) made what it described as some ‘big changes’ to its electoral ticket ahead of its launch at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park in Road Town last evening, March 19.
The PVIM removed Paul ‘On the Ball’ Hewlett as its District Four candidate, replacing him with former Social Security Board (SSB) Chairman, Ian Smith and selected Marvin ‘MB’ Blyden as its Fifth District candidate.
Hewlett, who appeared as the MC for the evening, addressed comments that had been circulating earlier in the day. He argued that he only withdrew his candidacy because he wanted to put the party first. “I want everyone to understand that I am a not just a people person but I’m a party person first,” Hewlett explained. “So, I support the party and what the party wants.”
Smith, for his part, argued that the country is in shambles and called the sewerage-riddled capital city of Road Town, which forms part of the Fifth Electoral District, a ’shameful excuse’ for the beauty that can exist otherwise. “Garbage, pollutants, export-only pesticides and an over-reliance on imports are making our people severely ill,” Smith argued.
He touted his business acumen as a senior banker as well as his tenure as SSB Chair and member of the Financial Services Commission. According to the former board chairman, he served the territory in numerous areas and capacities over the last 30 years without compensation.
In the meantime, Blyden claimed that business people are suffering in the BVI and said questions about why he chose to join the political movement at this time will be answered at his district launch soon. “The PVIM is ready. They are ready to take up the responsibility of moving this country forward,” Blyden shared.
The PVIM now has nine candidates, including four Territorial At-Large candidates and five district candidates contesting the elections. The At-Large candidates are Ronnie Skelton, Shaina Smith, Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe and Stacy Mather, while Sylvia Moses (D1), Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull (D2), Ian Smith (D4), Marvin Blyden (D5) and Shereen Flax-Charles (D9) are the district candidates.
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Excellent switcheroo
My concern is that ALOT of these people running had senior roles in the government departments that ran the finances of the country or (in this case) SSB during the times that our money was being squandered. They either played a role in this OR they sat by silent and watched it happen…. HOW can we trust these people?
These are two nice pick ups who are business oriented unlike those leaches on the green team who bankrupted the country along with their personal businesses
Not a good selection. He is totally out of touch and is only for the upper class of society. He talks down to the common man.
Sandy for the win in D4
By your logic then we should have serious concerns with the current group of elected reps. They agreed to the greedy bill for 1st time legislators – Mr. Smith didn’t have any hand in that! Mr. Smith was not party to the ‘stimulus’ and ‘grants’ packages either. So tell me then; if birds of a feather flock together, aren’t ALL VIP birds part of the same mindset when it comes to public funds and aren’t they ALL culpable in their COLLECTIVE actions and policies?
I eagerly await your rebuttal…
Don’t forget some of them left SSB because of the crazy spending of the people’s money.
You are exactly right. There can be no improvement if the same type of people are being recycled.
Smith has major professional failings too – ask those who worked at the bank with him and who dealt with him at the FSC. His understanding of real finance was limited.
We irgently need a debate between this candidate Smith of the Elite party, Vip party Luce Smith and Sandy Underhill-Harrigan. Let us hear their vision, their focus, their plans for the 4th district. Our capital will not be given away on a food basket the the Spanish in long bush, on every occasion. Not this time
There is a fourth candidate in the fourth. Rosita. Please don’t leave her out.
After being ignored for so long in this district we need to test all of the waters to find the IDEAL candidate who will not only look out for the marginalized constituents who have to suck up to them. Bout time we get good representation.
Whoever you are, this is a personal beef and has no place in the public forum.
Which of the other candidates is a saint? And are you one?
You forgot Rosita Scatliffe-Thompson for the debate in 4th.
This was funny to read, but consequently proves nothing towards his competency. What matters is what he can do for the 4th Your self-image issues have no place to tell people who and who not to Vote for.
after 4 years of no show mark I am willing to listen to what the candidates have to say
Ian is not a community person, but he a smart guy. Politics not for you Ian. Go run your business where you can be with your BVI friends. You know you don’t really like people.
A few of the is like that selfish no a@@.
Stop spreading lies. Ian live next to one of the most popular Villas in Tortola and the walking trail around his house is very popular. Now does your dog and chicken comment make sense.
People love to spread confusion. Ian house was literally the first and only house on that entire mountain for over a decade. You Johnny come lately was so stupid to build next to a coop? And want to demand water connection too or else to go on a smear campaign? I sure Ian cameras can speak wonders about you.
Check again
When dem couldn’t access Ssb money under Ian the roll In with the top unqualified yess people cronies
Rewind the news story
Check again
Ian all the way
Wha yo waan a rep fro de ghetto?
You must be a cartoon lollll
Crazy spending? The man had Ssb money under lock and key from the vip. When he leave Ssb you see the ignorance start
Jokes galore
The chairman of FSC never change in 15 years and ian was never chairman so stop talking crap. The world knows FSC as not need and investigation under COI.
He was a member of the FSC board of ensuring that.
REAL FACTS
Strupzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to infinity
These parties need to be shown the error of their ways. It’s time we started voting for people not parties. The independent candidate in D 4 is the one that gets my vote – Rosita Scatliffe-Thompson. A vote for her send a message against corruption.
She is dead before arriving.
Like that fiasco he A* and J* did up long bush Hill was protecting the people’s money in the middle of a pandemic after two major hurricanes that was a priority?
It’s alledge he bought a hotel in St.Thomas going down towards the airport. Also if he really loved his country so as they always like to say. Asked him where was he after the 2017 storms. In the great US of A saying he can’t deal with the situation in the BVI.