A year after the passing of former legislator and community advocate Carvin Malone, his vision for a united and empowered Virgin Islands is being brought to life in a powerful way. Members of his One Virgin Islands Agenda (OVIA) have taken the next step in ensuring his legacy endures by forming a Board of Directors and moving forward with plans to register the organization as a non-profit.
Malone started OVIA because he believed in the power of education and awareness. He knew that knowledge was the key to empowering Virgin Islanders to make informed decisions about their future. What began as a small online chat group has grown into a dynamic platform, complete with a dedicated website offering valuable resources and information on issues like self-determination. Today, OVIA has 244 active members – encompassing a wide cross section of the Virgin Islands community, a testament to Malone’s lasting impact.
The Board is committed to continuing Malone’s work, guided by the principles in the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007. The Constitution’s Preamble, which affirms the people’s desire to become self-governing and take greater control of their affairs, remains at the core of OVIA’s mission.
In collaboration with Malone’s family, the Board has created a 10-point agenda to carry his vision forward. This plan aims to continue educating and empowering Virgin Islanders, ensuring the organization remains a voice for progress and unity in the community.
The 10-point agenda include the following:
1. Register OVIA as an NPO engaging in non-partisan community development and education.
2. Research issues of importance to the community, engage the public and publish positions that reflect and support the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands.
3. Establish a Think Tank to give thought leaders a platform to share and promote ideas and information on VI issues, developments, and plans.
4. Make representation on behalf of its members to Government and other authorities regarding matters of community consensus.
5. Initiate and facilitate education, awareness, and discussion forums that promote the social, economic, and political interests of citizens and residents.
6. Advocate for and participate in key national initiatives such as the new Constitution negotiations and other major events and activities on the future of the Virgin Islands.
7. Conduct public opinion polls to gauge public position on key issues and use them for advocacy and education.
8. Seek independent funding to support the work of the organisation as a non-partisan advocate.
9. Maintain web and social media presence as tools of community and member engagement, information exchange, education, and awareness.
10. Engage the Virgin Islands diaspora as a valuable source of expertise, support, and external access, and assist them with connecting/reconnecting with the Territory.
Current members of the Board are Art Christopher, Dr June Soomer, Bishop John Cline, Amber Wheatley, Jahnai Caul, Kyle Ricketts, Christopher Famous, Emily George and Kedrick Malone. Additionally, Dr Charles Wheatley, OBE and Dr Robert Mathavious, OBE have agreed to serve on the Board of Elders to avail the organisation of their wisdom and experience in guiding its development.
The public is invited to stay tuned for further developments on OVIA as the Board of Directors moves forward with these plans.