On Sunday February 5, 2023, the Virgin Islands Party released an initial list of some 10 persons who would be seeking election under their party banner. Missing from that list however, was At Large Member of the House of Assembly and member of the VIP, Junior Minister for Trade the Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles. This came as a shock to some but certainly not a surprise to many as rumours have been swirling for months as it relates to her position in the party. 

It is said that the Hon. Junior Minister left the Congress meeting citing an emergency. The Premier and leader of the party Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley stated that “paperwork (for ratification) wasn’t filled out according to the provisions of the Virgin Islands Party constitution.”  He also stated that she will have a second chance to do so.  

But what is the real truth around this brewing situation?  Information to our newsroom suggests that Flax-Charles will be contesting the elections as a 9th District Candidate under the National Democratic Party banner. A message to the leader of the NDP, Honourable Marlon Penn went unanswered. However, when our newsroom reached out to Hon. Flax-Charles, she responded “Good evening. I guess we will all have to wait and see.”

Further information to our newsroom indicates that Hon. Shereen Flax-Charles is meeting with the Progressive Virgin Island’s Movement this afternoon Tuesday February 7th. 

Hon. Flax-Charles has been very vocal in her displeasure with decisions the party has made and her treatment inside the party and sitting Government, especially under former disgraced Premier Andrew Fahie. Others say that the Member is difficult to deal with. 

There are also talks of extreme tension between Hon. Flax-Charles and Hon. Vincent Wheatley, VIP Rep in the 9th District and contender for the upcoming elections. 

We continue to monitor the space as tensions around elections 2023 heightens. 

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