ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 18th, 2011 -- Addressing a crowd of approximately 60 persons, who braved the inclement weather to hear their faithful son of the soil speak at the Catholic Community Centre on Saturday September 17, 2011, Premier O’Neal also gave a glimpse of what Government was able to do for Virgin Gordians and VIslanders as a whole, noting that government continued to forge ahead with major projects and also outlined plans including making more land available for housing areas.

“Name any big project and ask who was steering the ship. It was the Virgin Islands Party and some mistakes were made when we gave other people a chance. They begged for a chance and you gave it to them and you paid for that with bitter tears. I want to warn you, don’t go back in that road again because you saw for yourself what happened.”

The Premier further said his government was focused on empowering the people, especially young people, and was working on several initiatives to achieve that goal, including the recent passing of a legislation to give duty free exemption for materials for those building first homes as well as persons constructing small villas so that they could get a bigger share of the tourism pie.

“And then we have got someone to be in charge of the small business development for our people. We hope that she will soon take office and will do what we expect her to do.”

Commenting on the 2007 Constitution, the Premier said it was not a perfect document but rather it was like a tree that grows and subject to amendments and enactments that are geared to foster betterment for the Territory. But he noted that the first change to the Constitution that he would like to see is the section which says that the Governor is responsible for electing the Deputy Governor. He said cabinet must have a say in who should hold that position.
 
Hon. O'Neal is greeted by Virgin Gordians at his declaration ceremony at the Catholic Community Centre. Photo: VINO

Hon. O’Neal also said that discussion was on-going for a hospital in Virgin Gorda and also that Government was looking at taking back property to make available for Virgin Gordians. He pointed out an area on the eastern side of Winter Hill and Pond Bay to become a housing area. “We shall take it back. The time has come for more housing space in the Valley of Virgin Gorda and we have to provide it.”

He said too that more emphasis would be placed on improving the civil service and would work to ensure that government has more say in it.

On the Regional scene, the Premier said government would also ensure good diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.

On the issue of consolidated funds, he said government will work hard to improve on that area noting that England had said that the Territory must have enough funds to carry the Territory for three months in the event of a disaster. He said, however, that Government was interested in having funds that would generate interest rather than just have it stashed away.

Premier O’Neal, in closing, said the VIP team is the team to do all that he has proposed. “You already see what some of them have done and you can trust them…I believe that we have been successful so far and with God’s help we will continue to do more for our people especially for our younger generation.”

The leader of the party was accompanied by all of the elected members of his team and also potential office bearers, who all pledged their full support for the stalwart politician.

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