Political parties in BVI gearing up for general elections 2015

Editor: In its quest to return to power, the opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is fielding an unprecedented six women of a field of 15 candidates for Monday’s general elections.{{more}}

The party, under a new leader, Julian Frazer, has eight new candidates on its slate. Its manifesto embodies a vision for better days. The manifesto was released at a Women’s Rally on Sunday evening at Road Town, Tortola. President of the VIP Carvin Malone said the manifesto has issues related to youth empowerment, housing and stimulating the economy, dealing with the financial services sector, food production and taking the sister island into account.

Meanwhile the incumbent National Democratic Party (NDP) has included three young candidates in its line-up including a pretty TV personality Sharma Smith. THE NDP, which was formed in 1999, won the 2003 general elections and captured eight of the 13 elected seats then, but in the 2011 elections won nine of the elected seats.

A well-known lawyer, Dancia Penn, who served as Attorney General and Deputy Governor, has thrown her hat in the ring and is contesting as an independent candidate for one of the four at large seats. The BVI Legislative Council has 15 members: 13 directly, nine representing districts and four at large (the entire territory). There are two ex-officio members, the Attorney General and the Speaker.

Both Premier Dr Orlando Smith and VIP chair Julian Frazer are confident of victory.

Oscar Ramjeet