PVIM sprung a surprise — Benito Wheatley
The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) may have sprung a major surprise in securing three seats in the House of Assembly (HOA) following yesterday’s general elections.
That was the conclusion of several observers who watched as last evening’s elections proceedings unfurled. This includes Benito Wheatley, who most recently served as Special Envoy of the Premier with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration.
In the final analysis, the VIP secured six seats — just one shy of the required seven-seat majority needed to form the next government — while the National Democratic Party (NDP) secured three seats and the one-man Progressive’s United (PU) retained its single seat in the HOA.
Wheatley commented that, although the territory may not have completely pulled away from the two-party system with the latest elections results, the PVIM has clearly emerged as a legitimate third party. “They actually have their own base, as we can see… and that makes a big difference,” Wheatley stated.
While noting that the VIP’s results meant that it remained the largest group in the HOA, Wheatley contended that the PVIM’s showing at the polls was quite unanticipated and was a likely the result of the party’s messaging during the elections campaign.
“The big surprise was the strength of PVIM,” Wheatley stated. “That is, not the shocker, but I think it’s what perhaps, what we didn’t expect. They performed very well and clearly their message to the voting public resonated.”
According to Wheatley, it was largely the PVIM’s narrative of rebuilding the country and fixing basic things which appeared to ‘carry the day’ for many of the voters who propelled the fledgling party, now in its second elections, to its unprecedented level of success at the polls.
Meanwhile, as negotiations continue over which of the parties are likely to emerge as successful in forming the next coalition government, Wheatley suggested that it may be a much simpler and clear-cut feat if the VIP is able to join with one other party to achieve this.
Otherwise, Wheatley argued, the other three parties will have to come come together to form a government and this then gives rise to the big question of who will emerge as Premier from within that configuration if they go that route.
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Lorna and Julian are desperate and will support any party that makes them Premier. The little girl (can’t remember her name) who was third in the at large voting will jump to any group that will take her seriously. Please move Mitch on from Natural Resources – he has been a disaster.
From the writings on the wall, Marlon is to be the Premier.
I think it was more of the individuals themselves than the actual party. Ronnie was seen as a person with integrity and lots of experience. Lorna was very articulate and ery strong in her interviews. The VIP had more of a party pull than ndp and pvim.
A few surprises. The word on the street is that an agreement has been reached between NDP and PVIM with Ronnie being Premier and Marlon being Deputy Premier. However, it is rumored that J. Fraser aka Liberator is angling/demanding to be Premier or no deal. The liberator holds the trump card and is leveraging his position, for no government can be formed without him. He is not the only play or king maker though. It is also rumored that Lorna Smith, the former First Lady, is making a play for Premier. VIP is also a player and can cut a deal to form the government. Moreover Fraser’s play is not new and has been done in the past. Former Chief Minister Willard Wheatley, an independent candidate, leveraged his position into becoming Chief Minister in 1971 under the United Party. He did it again in 78/79 under the VIP. Former Chief Minister C.B . Romney also leverage his position into becoming Chief Minister under the United Party. Let’s be honest Fraser is a veteran, long-serving elected member and the clock is ticking. And this may be his last opportunity to becoming Premier, joining the list elitist list of BVI leaders. He is playing the hand that he is dealt. However, he is not the only one with the leveraging power though. Any one member can play hard ball. Some may label the Liberator’s move as self-fish, but everyone act in their own self-interest. Ronnie and Marlon acted in their self-interest, splitting up the spoils. This is a chess game being played so who will checkmate whom and if no one is willing to compromise and put pride, ego aside, it will be a draw. And the possibility of the governor choosing a leader/Premier. I said it was Fraser’s last chance to be Premier. Well, it is also Ronnie’s and Lorna’s. Marlon and Walwyn got time. Just a thought in Walwyn’s case will the Guv seat him or waiting until his legal issue is resolved.What does the constitution say.
Worst was Mitsey – who in their right minds voted for her – actually not many. She is a awful woman and deservedly came right near the bottom of the race.
Next worst was Perline who suffered from three serious problems – she ran W&S as the worst Government department there has ever been – she is a deeply unpleasant woman – and most seriously she was supported by Sindee, thereby guaranteeing that she would not be elected.
The surprise is that Daniel got 10 times as many votes as Mitsy- good for him but excruciatingly embarrassing for her. I’m luvin it!
PVIM needs to join VIP and decide who will be the next Premier (Ronnie or Natalio). Case close
This could have been avoided had the Premier unequivocally endorsed Hon.C Malone and Hon V. Wheatley instead of leaving their stepping aside of their Ministries to speculation. The Premier appears to have been more interested in preserving his own legacy of his Unity party rather than leading the VIP.
The electorate clearly communicated with the resounding winning of Hon. Walwyn in the 6th that they have doubts about the intentions or motivations of the COI. The Premier should have demonstrated more courage in support of his party.
The country does NOT WANT OR NEED Fraser as Premier. When is the UK taking over? Seems like the need is becoming more and more apparent.
He does realise this is a compliment to the NDP. The 3 winners in PVIM:
Mitch- original NDP
Ronnie – original NDP
Stacy – headed youth program initiated by the NDP
Yes, the NDP whether together or separated is a formidable force. No major surprises there. They only needed to come together all along.
At the end of the day what is best for the Territory is what matters most.
We will see how this plays out. PEOPLE versus POCKET.
You could look at that woman and call her a little girl because she is short? You all to disrespectful.
All the women were outstanding, smart and intelligent in the race. They are all winners.
She is a little girl, with no voice. Waste of time.
Fraser holds the balance of power on all sides. Don’t settle for anything less . Although I don’t appreciate your style at times I think he means well for the territory. Your district appreciates you. That’s why you are winner.
Parrilon you did exceptionally well. Dont give up.
Continue to work and be a visible force in your district. Congratulations both of you.
Dead on arrival!
What does he hold now except his parted head? Fraser outsmarted himself. Anybody that thought VIP with 6 seats and Fraser with 1 seat was anything to bargain with had to be an idiot. Fraser needed 6, VIP needed 1. Idiots!