Vanterpool Seeking Re-Election

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(PLTM) - Minister of Communications and Works, Hon. Mark Vanterpool will be seeking another term in the House of Assembly (HoA) as Fourth District Representative in the upcoming elections.

In recent months, there was some skepticism as to whether or not he would be running again.

This morning, November 29, Vanterpool confirmed with BVI Platinum News that he would be seeking re-election under the National Democratic Party (NDP) ticket.

In 2015, Vanterpool walked away with a whopping 82.6 percent of the votes in his district.

“I believe that my contributions to the country’s growth and development would still be very useful. I have had many calls from my constituents and throughout the territory to continue to serve, and I have made a decision for another term and do my best to continue to serve the Virgin Islands,” he declared.

He is of the view that his experience in managing his Ministry and district will be an asset to the territory.

“I believe there are many shapeable leaders or possible leaders that can join in the management and leadership of the country, but it will be helpful to have some of us who have had experience involved,” Vanterpool stated.

He went on to say that despite the recent incidents of division and breakaways in the NDP, he remains confident in the party’s ability to contest the elections—which are expected by April—and to govern the BVI.

“From what I see, the National Democratic Party is a very strong organisation. Like any other organisation, after many years there are going to be ups and downs, hiccups and so on.”

However, Vanterpool says that despite what the position of others may be, he is very sure of the party’s leadership under Chairman Hon. Myron Walwyn.

“The party is still very strong; they have a leadership team that I am going to strongly support and the group has a very strong following from what I know. So, I will be fully supporting the team to go forward,” he stated.

The Minister’s tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption in relation to the controversial $85 million Pier Park project. The project was executed under the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), which falls under his purview. While there was an initial budget of $50 million, upon completion, the project cost some $85 million.

Former developer of the project, Mr. Hugh Darley had alleged that the government utilised cheap building materials and cut back on the number of buildings in the pier park, but ended up paying more than what was expected at the start of the project.

Darley had claimed that the project was to be built for $45-$50 million. He further alleged that some $10 million was overpaid to contractors and others on the marine works portion of the project.

As a result of this scandal, there were rumors in circulation that Vanterpool had received instructions not to contest in the election, and that he was being investigated.

Premier, the Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith had later come out and said that the Minister was not being investigated and there was no reason to subject him to a probe.

When asked about his fears of how this controversy may affect his campaign and the public confidence in him, Vanterpool stated, “I consider my reputation to be intact, very firm. It will be seen and will always be seen that the Pier Park project is a very excellent project in the interest of the territory….Pier Park will be a legacy of my Premier Dr. Smith and myself as Minister. There hasn’t been any cheating or nefarious activities to do with the Pier Park.”

With the confirmation of Vanterpool’s candidacy, the NDP's slate is now up by one.

So far, the four At-Large candidates have been confirmed to be Principal of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), Sandy Underhill; Chairman of the Festivals and Fairs Committee, Mr. Trefor Grant; Deputy General Manager of the BVI Electricity Corporation, Mr. Henry Creque, and party Chairman, Hon. Myron Walwyn.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aaron Parillon will be running for District Three, and Vanterpool for District Four. Former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) 6th District candidate, Mr. Elvis Harrigan was selected for District Five and Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines has confirmed that she will remain the Sixth District candidate.

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