Elections 2023: Gov’t is broke, don’t believe promises of easy fixes — Perline Scatliffe-Leonard

Independent candidate for the Seventh District, Perline Scatliffe-Leonard, at a joint public meeting at The Stickett on Wednesday evening

(JTV News) — The British Virgin Islands government system is “cash-strapped” so don’t believe promises of easy fixes until you’re shown evidence.

That advice came from independent candidate for the Seventh District, Perline Scatliffe-Leonard, at a joint public meeting at The Stickett on Wednesday evening.

She shared the podium with the National Democratic Party at-large candidate, Dr. Kedrick Pickering who told the audience his presence was two-fold: to “endorse” Scatliffe-Leonard for the Seventh and “beg for your vote” as one of the at-large candidates.

“Already with your help, we have identified some of the key issues that must be addressed to improve your lives here in our district. Some are simple and immediately achievable outside the system of government which is already strapped for cash,” Scatliffe-Leonard told her supporters.

“And let me again remind everyone, do not be swept off your feet by rhetoric and promises of easy fixes, and promises that require funding in an already cash-strapped government system.

“When they come to you, tell them bring the budget book. You want to see every penny! Tell them bring the budget book out, you want to see everything! And if they can’t show you…. you don’t want no words, you want to see evidence,” she added.

The former director of the Water and Sewage Department officially announced her candidacy for the 2023 General Elections at a press conference on Feb. 8 and launched her official political campaign on Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Stickett in Long Lonk.

She told her supporters Wednesday that she offers herself as a “servant” and not as a politician.

“Ladies and gentlemen, District 7, I am you, and you and you, and that is a good starting point to represent your interest. This is why I offer myself as your servant leader, not a politician. I offer myself as your servant leader,” she said.

She touched on many issues during her speech, including the water and sewerage problem affecting the seventh and eigth districts.

Her main opponent in the Seventh District, incumbent Virgin Islands Party candidate, Natalio Wheatley.