On Wednesday, March 15th, 2023, the VIP released their final and complete list of candidates for the 2023 general elections. However, one name in particular created quite a stir - Marietta Flax-Headley. She was on the list of candidates to contest in District 2. Our newsroom was flooded with queries as to the validity of her run, which we confirmed based on a letter received from the VIP PR Team.
By Thursday morning, March 16th, our newsroom again became inundated with information surrounding the decision for Mrs. Flax-Headley to run and what had brought about such a sudden decision. By 10:00 a.m. that same morning, our newsroom received a forwarded message of what allegedly appeared to be from Flax-Headley, informing of her run and asking for support.
Alleged Forwarded Message *unconfirmed that it is from Flax-Headley..
“Just letting all my family and friends know that I said yes to being a candidate seeking to represent District 2 in the upcoming election on the VIP ticket . Everything happened really fast so I apologize to everyone to not being able to inform you before it broke . If you’re not registered in my district unfortunately you’ll be unable to vote for me but I’m asking for your support in voting for the VIP candidate in your district and the four at large candidates. Also if you have friends and family in District 2 give them a call and ask them to support Teacher Headley, she’s ready to serve in another capacity. Love you all. We moving in One Direction Forward. I ask for your prayers as I begin this new chapter.”
Throughout the day, our newsroom continued to be flooded with information on the decision, to the point where contact was made with the legal team as to whether and how a story should be written.
It is alleged that on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023, a meeting was called by the VIP to ratify their final candidates - Zoe Walcott and Kevin ‘OJ’ Smith. However, it is alleged that during the meeting, the team started calling for a candidate for the 2nd District. With this call, those in the meeting allegedly stood up, allegedly surrounded Flax-Headley, allegedly raised their hands over her head, and allegedly began to pray. Allegedly Flax-Headley had turned down the request to contest earlier in the week. It is alleged that when she didn’t break with the prayers, she was allegedly guided into a separate room by some 3-5 persons (names are known but will be withheld) and allegedly handed a phone call. It is alleged that her son, who had discouraged her from contesting this year, was on the other side of the call, encouraging her to contest. It is alleged that after that call, one more call was made, and on the other side of that call was allegedly the former chairman of the VIP and disgraced former Premier, Andrew Fahie. It is alleged Flax-Headley was once again given the phone, and there Fahie was, allegedly encouraging Flax-Headley to do this for the team. Her decision was then allegedly cemented. She would contest D2.
What is not in question, and what is a fact, and what has been reported internationally is that on April 28th, 2022, former Premier Andrew Fahie was arrested in Opa Locka, Florida for drug trafficking and money laundering while on official duty. He was attending the 2022 Seatrade Show in his official capacity as Premier and Minister of Tourism. With his arrest, the Territory was tossed into turmoil and international embarrassment. On April 29th, given the arrest of the Premier, the results of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry were released, with a recommendation of suspending the Constitution. The VIP mobilised themselves to retain power through what some consider to be the facade of the Unity Government.
With the fallout of the Premier’s arrest and the results of the COI, the majority of the Territory urged for a dissolution of the House of Assembly but were advised it was not an option; the constitution would be suspended with such a decision. On Tuesday, February 14th, 2023, the Governor held a press conference at which our media house posed the question as to whether dissolving the House was an option, to which the Governor replied it was indeed one, but that was never presented to him or the UK, a position the Governor doubled down on in a follow-up press conference on Friday, March 3rd after the now sitting Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley attempted to discredit the Governor’s response during his appearance on the Morning Braff show on Monday, February 20th, 2023.
To date, the VIP has never officially distanced or disavowed itself from its former Leader or his actions, with allegations surfacing that there are those in the upper echelons that keep contact daily, suggesting he is still very involved in the running of the Territory a frightening thought given the position the Territory finds itself in.
With the news of Flax-Headley’s decision to run and the allegations of how that came about, concerns about the ramifications of a VIP win at the polls are flooding our newsroom. There are those that fear a UK takeover should the VIP win. There are also concerns of a brewing battle with the UK should Dr. Natalio regain leadership and concerns of the Territory being forced into involuntary independence under Dr. Wheatley’s leadership. Dr. Wheatley has been questioned on many occasions for his lack of transparency with the public and his handling of a free press. The overwhelming response inside the Territory, as they head to elections on April 24th, is that he is not a trustworthy Leader.
The Territory heads to the polls on Monday, April 24, 2023, and was abuzz over the weekend with rallies from Virgin Gorda and throughout Tortola
#decision2023