Ralph O’Neal Leaves Political Scene

Last week, BVI Opposition leader Ralph O'Neal announced that he is going to retire from public service and political life. He is the longest serving elected politician in BVI history, with more than 38 years of working in the House of Assembly and Legislative Council. Also, he has been the head of the elected government for combined 12 years, which is the second longest period in the jurisdiction, following Lavity Stout whom he succeeded in 1995.

Ralph O’Neal was the first person to be appointed to the newly titled Premier office in 2007, under the newly adopted constitution. He left the post in November 2011, after the Virgin Islands Party lost its majority after the general elections. At present, he is the leader of the opposition already in the third time – a record among BVI politicians.

BVI Premier Dr Orlando Smith made a statement following the opposition leader’s announcement, where he recognized on behalf of the government and people of the BVI the invaluable contributions O’Neal has made to the development of the territory.