'Give me an opportunity to help give back' to VI- Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffle
Just as first and accurately reported by our news centre on March 6, 2023, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) has launched eight (8) candidates for the 2023 General Election of the Virgin Islands. We were the first to announce that the candidates would be Mr Ronnie W. Skelton, Ingrid A. Moses, Shaina M. Smith-Archer, Stacy Mather, Sylvia C. Moses, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Paul A. Hewlett, and Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL).
Our news centre also accurately reported that former Speaker of the House of Assembly Ms Moses-Scatliffe was placed on the PVIM ticket as At-Large candidate, in place of long-serving party member Lesmore Smith.
Moses-Scatliffle is a lawyer and has served as the HoA Speaker for the Second and Third HoA in the periods spanning 2011 to 2019 under the then National Democratic Party (NDP) Government.
In a video post entitled ‘Meet the PVIM
Candidates for the 2023 General Elections’ posted on the PVIM Facebook
page on March 6, 2023, Ms Moses-Scatliffle said a combination of the
sacrifices of her parents and what the territory has given to them, has
been a major factor for her entering the 2023 race.
2023 At-large Candidate
In a video post titled ‘Meet the PVIM Candidates for the 2023 General Elections’ posted on the PVIM Facebook page on March 6, 2023, Ms Moses-Scatliffle said a combination of the sacrifices of her parents and what the territory has given to them, has been a major factor for her entering the 2023 race.
“I have a desire to serve this territory. My parents came to the BVI from Saint Kitts in the early 1960s. My father came as a wide-eyed, 16-year-old, straight out of high school.”
She added that while both her parents worked in the tourism sector, it is their sacrifices and opportunities provided by the VI that has brought her where she is, in addition to helping them develop in their career.
“I feel an obligation to give back to the territory. I've been given much, although they came from nothing. I was able to graduate from high school on my own merit,” she added.
“I obtained a scholarship from the BVI government to pursue my studies at University I came back to, and I am here offering myself today to the people of the territory to give me an opportunity to help give back what the territory has so given my parents, myself, and many residents,” she said.
Some of the PVIM candidates announced on
March 6, 2023. From left: Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL), Paul A.
Hewlett, Sylvia C. Moses and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2).
'If not now, then when?' - Moses-Scatliffle says VI in critical times
Meanwhile, it was revealed that while Ms Moses wanted to enter the election race in previous polls, she feels now is the best time, considering what the territory is experiencing.
“If not now, then when? In all my 53 years… there has never been a more critical time in the life of the territory than now,” she added.
The new At-Large candidate noted it is imperative for the people of the Virgins Islands to understand where they are as a people and where they need to go to overcome the challenges of today.
Ms Moses said she brings to the table her principles, which include integrity, transparency and accountability. “We need people who are strong, capable, competent who have integrity, accountability, transparency and hope."
This hope she added, will help VI move forward with a sense of purpose under inspirational leadership which she, and the PVIM can provide.
As HoA Speaker Ms Moses-Scatliife was sometimes criticised as being biased, as she was seen as often acting in favour of the then-ruling NDP-Administration Members in the HoA.
It was prior to the 2019 General Election that Moses-Scatliffe, while still serving as HoA Speaker, was announced as a candidate for the NDP. This drew strong criticisms from the public and Members of the HoA and Moses-Scatliffe ended up not contesting the election.
