Vanterpool said he believes having a representative from all of the sister islands will give each of them proper individual representation.

“I’m in support that we have to prepare and plan for better representation in the sister islands. So I am supportive of a legislature that represents at least 15 members that has representation in there for Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.”

“So maybe time is coming when we should have a representative for Anegada and one for Jost Van Dyke, just like we have one for Virgin Gorda … And maybe that representative will help to go and develop Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.”

No Excuses

Vanterpool, who is also the Fourth District Representative, also said there is no justifiable argument against giving these sister islands the needed personal representation at this junctuure.

“Anegada is an island that has great potential, Jost Van Dyke is an island that is showing its growth. Don’t say because they are small and have a small population, they can’t be represented by themselves, they can represent themselves,” he argued.

“Don’t come and tell me about the cost and all kinds of things right now. The representation is important. Somebody in Anegada needs to be looking out for Anegada and not wait until the member from Virgin Gorda runs over to Anegada every week or every now and again. He needs to be there to represent Anegada and somebody on Jost Van Dyke needs to be over on Jost Van Dyke representing Jost Van Dyke,” Vanterpool argued.

Historic Move

The Opposition legislator further said the move would be fitting one under the newly proposed constitution.

Responding to the suggestions in the summary of the debate, Premier Andrew Fahie agreed that the two sisters need there own representation.