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by pltm
(PLTM) - Voters are being warned about the message that will be sent to the international community by re-electing the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
The warning was made by Marvin ‘MB’ Blyden, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement’s Fifth District Candidate, during his campaign launch in Huntum’s Ghut last evening, April 5.
Speaking to the number of issues confronting the BVI including hurricanes, Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and an Order in Council that threatening the suspension of the BVI’s Constitution.
“We have all witnessed and endured them. Together, we have seen our country being labelled as a narco-state, corrupt, bad governance and we live under the possible suspension of the constitution and the list goes on. Ladies and gentlemen, re-elect any member of the VIP will send a message to our international community that we label our country and voters as corrupt and condoning corruption,” Blyden stated.
He added, “I put it to you tonight that the best solution is inexpensive and does not require any budgetary exercise. All it takes. All that is required is for all of you to go to the polls on April 20 and April 24 and vote them out.”
Blyden took aim at infrastructural issues which fall under the incumbent District Representative, Hon. Kye Rymer, the Deputy Premier Minister of Communication & Works.
On the issue of water woes, Blyden pointed to the $22M losses being experienced by the Department of Water and Sewerage.
“A department under the portfolio of the fifth District Representative remains without meters. Therefore, there are no meters to read and the Government continues to lose 22 million annually. I ask you tonight, can anyone, any home, any business survive that level of loss?” Blyden questioned.
He added, “Friends and supporters, residents in the Fifth District, I know of the water challenges. I have heard and experienced the complaints. Ladies and gentlemen when you honour us with your vote, a PVIM Government will do all in its power to ensure adequate water…that water is not only to the fifth district, but the entire Virgin Islands. The project will be funded by the recouped monies of 22M annually. That is a solution.”
Blyden described the road infrastructure within the district and the Territory as a disaster.
“We have all witnessed this daily by dodging potholes from east to west. When elected, a PVIM government will commission the asphalt plant purchased by the Minister for Communications and Utilities three and half years go,” Blyden said.
He added, “Could somebody buy a toy three and a half years ago and don’t know if it’s working or not. I must repeat the asphalt plant has never been used or commissioned. We will find a solution and fix it.”
Blyden also floated solutions to the traffic situation in the district which he said has become a problem since the traffic turnaround was implemented. and pointed to the development of the economic zone project which is ongoing, but has displaced the youth and elderly that used the location for gatherings.
“Additionally, on the same property a wall was constructed in the middle of the property. This has already started to cause challenges such as further erosion by the ghut which will cause the undermining of the Huntums Ghut bridge,” Blyden said.
He added, “Ladies and gentlemen the solution must be swift.”
According to Blyden, a wall must be constructed on the bank of the ghut to prevent erosion.
“Also bring back the young men to District Five and host regular sporting tournaments for example basketball, dominoes etc. These tournaments will include all districts which will build life-long relationships. That is a solution,” Blyden said.
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