Fraser: It Ain't Over Yet
Hon Julian Fraser says he has not yet decided to leave politics, telling District 3 residents 'it ain't over until the fat lady sings' at a Fish and Chat event in Sea Cows Bay. Local contractor Rajah A. Smith has said he would run for the seat only if Fraser stands down, while other potential candidates, including former Speaker Julian Willock and NDP's Aaron Parillon, have expressed interest.
Hon Julian Fraser, RA, told residents of the Third District on Wednesday night that his political run is not finished, delivering a blunt message to those urging him to step aside: "it ain't over until the fat lady sings — and she hasn't sung yet." The 75-year-old veteran legislator spoke at a Fish and Chat event hosted by local contractor Rajah A.
Fraser acknowledged his age and the reality that "all good things do come to an end," but stressed he remains active in projects he believes are important for the Virgin Islands. "We have some big pictures that I'm looking at, that we gotta clean up, we gotta fix and until I say... it ain't over until the fat lady sings," he said, stressing he is not in politics merely to occupy a seat.
The event followed comments by Mr Rajah A. Smith, who indicated he would be willing to run for the District 3 seat at the next general elections — but only if Hon Fraser decides not to seek re-election. Smith's condition highlights a developing conversation in the district about succession and readiness of new leadership.
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock has also announced interest in contesting District 3 if Fraser steps down, though Willock has publicly aligned himself with "Team Fraser." Meanwhile Aaron F. Parillon, a member of the National Democratic Party who ran against Fraser in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections, has continued to eye the seat.
Fraser has represented District 3 since 1999. Fraser challenged residents and prospective candidates to consider whether they are prepared to take over substantive work rather than simply fill a seat: "So when people walk around and talk about Fraser is old, Fraser needs to step aside... but if I step aside, are you ready to step in?
Or are you going to step in and just be somebody to make up a number?" The exchange underlines an evolving conversation in District 3 about leadership transition, continuity of local projects and the calibre of candidates who will represent residents in upcoming elections. For voters in the Third District, the statements from Fraser, Smith, Willock and Parillon mark the beginning of what may be a competitive and closely watched selection process for a seat that Fraser has held for more than two decades.
This report is based on coverage by Virgin Islands News Online.
Primary source: VINO