According to Hon Fraser, recalling that the VIP did not initially win a majority of the seats to form a majority Government in 1995, he said, "She [Eileene L. Parsons] told him that she could join us [VIP] if he [Ralph T. O'Neal] is the Chief Minister and he told her no."

Minority VIP Win

The 1995 General Election in the Virgin Islands was held on February 20, which result in another victory for the incumbent VIP party; however, the VIP only won a total of 6 seats to form a minority government, one that could have been severely limited in carrying out its functions.

During that time, the United Party (UP) won two seats with the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) winning a total of two seats. The three other seats were won by independents, J. Alvin Christopher representing the Second District; Eileene L. Parsons and the late Ethlyn E. Smith, who won in the Fifth District.

To form the majority government, Mr Christopher joined the VIP after being offered a Ministerial seat.

'Loyalty' shown to HL Stoutt- Julian Fraser RA

"Mr Lavity Stoutt is the leader of the Party and if anyone is going to be the Chief Minister, it's going to be him," Hon Fraser told the house.

Calling Hon O'Neal "loyal" to those around him, Hon Fraser said, "So despite us trying to form a government and the opportunity presented itself... on a matter of principle he [Ralph T. O'Neal] said no," Mr Fraser noted in relation to the offer from Mrs Parsons.

Mrs Parsons at the time had won an At-Large seat running as an Independent Candiate.

Although refusing to challenge H. L. Stoutt for the top position of Chief Minister, Hon O'Neal as Deputy Chief Minister would find himself assuming the role after Mr Stoutt suddenly passed away on May 14, 1995.