On Sunday, April 2nd, Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles launched her official campaign to contest the 9th Electoral District.  Flax-Charles contested the general election in 2019 as an At Large Candidate under the Virgin Islands Party banner. This election, however, she is contesting District under the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement - PVIM banner. The intro of her launch speech quoted Bible scripture 2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come out from among them and separate, says the Lord. Flax-Charles has spoken out many times about her experiences under the VIP Government, and it’s leadership, suggesting the relationship became untenable.

In an uplifting, power-packed speech to her District, Flax-Charles put forward a five (5) point plan of action to move the District forward.  She has referred to her plan as an ‘Action Plan’. “Over the past four years, I have traveled extensively throughout the District in an effort to understand the needs of the district,” Flax-Charles said.

The Action Plan:-

1. Youth empowerment: through the establishment of a district-specific youth trust, funded by the investments of those who capitalize on the abundance of our district, we will deliver a pipeline of opportunities, including education, exposure, experience, employment, and entrepreneurship.
2. Fair crown land distribution: this can no longer be an empty promise undelivered, or worse, a political tool for the advancement of only some. We will establish an investment model, supported by Government, but privately managed, which offers truly affordable land and home ownership FAIRLY.
3. Health care services: our quality of life on the sister islands can no longer be inferior. There will be a combination of additional services as well as better value and access to existing services such as elderly care, emergency response, and care for expecting mothers, including the birth.
4. A business-friendly environment: our islands must reflect their status as the Territory’s chief tourism revenue generators, and this economic environment should be available to local business-people also. Business-related government services, opportunities, funding, and infrastructure must be accessible and of the highest quality.
5. Government reform: at every level, our ambitious plans must be driven by real reform to the public service, legislation, and even our Constitution. We will champion heightened sister island’s participation in leadership, a more efficient and better compensated public service, and leadership which actually benefits you, the people!

Flax-Charles also spoke about repealing the Money Services Act, which she says mostly tax expatriates and business people. Her hope is to see it replaced with better policies that would encourage investment in the local economy.

In closing, Flax-Charles presented herself as not only the next District Representative but making history as the first female representative for the District.