Now a candidate with the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), Flax-Charles is contending that the VIP failed at scoring points using her old endorsement of that party and only resorted to doing so because she is “the most trusted voice associated with their party”.

She argued that she herself had no business playing recordings of her opponents, which she claims exists, and said she has chosen to focus instead on the “all-out battle” for the future, wealth, security, and freedom of the territory’s children.

Five-point plan

Flax-Charles told residents she had ‘a real plan of action’ which she said will create more opportunities for young people and others in the district. She described these as ‘Prioritising Youth Empowerment’, ‘Distributing Crown Lands Fairly’, ‘Heightening Healthcare Services’, ‘Creating a Business-Friendly Environment’, and ‘Reforming the Public Service and Governance’.

The one-time Calypsonian said she believes that young people should be provided with internships and other initiatives that allow them to learn and grow in practical work environments. She also promised to develop a competent workforce which she said will be filled with individuals who are not only educated, but also knowledgeable about the work environment.

International-standard sports facilities

Additionally, Flax-Charles said she is committed to providing access to international-standard sports facilities such as an Olympic-class swimming pool and a regulation-size running track. She said this was important for young people in the Ninth District, pointing out that such experiences are paramount for the development of their athleticism.

Touching on the issue of healthcare on Virgin Gorda and Anegada, Flax-Charles bemoaned the fact that something as simple as dialysis cannot be offered in the district.

“The resources exist but our so-called leaders have not had the gumption to demand what we deserve. I was the only one that got up there and demanded,” Flax-Charles said.

She also claimed that a million-dollar deal for medical equipment at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre disappeared when the donor “refused to have a backroom meeting”.

Land distribution

Flax-Charles assured residents that she is also determined to address the issue of land distribution. Arguing that young people on Anegada and Virgin Gorda need land, she claimed this has been kept from them and reserved only for those who are part of a ‘political in-group’. She shared plans to establish a fair and practical approach to land distribution which she said prioritises those who need the support and have the ambition to develop.

Home ownership, according to Flax-Charles, is also a priority and something she described as a first foray into true wealth building. The At-Large Representative said she has worked with developers to create an affordable housing model that utilises as little as an eighth of an acre of land but still affords residents up to three bedrooms.

“We must evolve beyond antiquated systems and instead look to solutions which have already been internationally implemented,” she urged. “And we have even had some success right here on Virgin Gorda.”