Smith Will Run Only If Fraser; Fraser
Rajah A. Smith has said he will only contest the Third District seat if long-serving incumbent Hon Julian Fraser decides not to run, but Fraser has signalled he is not ready to step aside. Fraser told residents at a June 9 Fish and Chat event that "it ain't over until the fat lady sings," underscoring his intention to remain active in politics for now.
Smith has reiterated that he would only enter the race for the Third District representative if the current incumbent, Hon Julian Fraser, chooses not to seek re-election — but Fraser has made it clear he is not yet ready to leave politics. Smith first outlined his conditional interest while speaking on The Big Story on JTV Channel 55 with host Cathy O.
Richards, telling viewers that a group of Third District residents had approached him about standing for the seat "if our representative, the Hon Julian Fraser, decides not to run" (VINO). Smith and supporters also used an informal community gathering called "Fish Talk" to float the idea to residents, describing the meeting as "more like a social gathering; you could come, grab a fish, chill and talk.
It's not so much of a political event; it's more of a social event." Throughout his remarks, Smith emphasised his loyalty to Fraser, saying "I'm a hundred percent Team Fraser" and stressing he will not contest the seat if Fraser remains on the ballot. He told constituents that most people in District 3 back Fraser for another term and credited the incumbent with progress on local needs, pointing specifically to infrastructure work on roads and water networks and the removal of derelict vessels.
However, at the Fish and Chat event hosted by Mr Smith on Monday night, June 9, in Sea Cows Bay, Hon Julian Fraser responded directly to talk of retirement. Fraser told residents "it ain't over until the fat lady sings — and she hasn't sung yet," insisting his time to exit politics "has not yet arrived" and that he remains actively involved in initiatives to advance the territory (VINO).
He asked residents to consider whether would-be successors were prepared to carry the work forward, saying, "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?" Fraser added he is not in politics merely to occupy a seat and that he still has "big pictures" he wants to complete.
The recent exchanges underline a likely decision point for Third District voters. Other potential contenders have signalled interest: former Speaker Julian Willock has said he would be willing to run if Fraser does not seek another term while describing himself as part of Team Fraser, and Aaron F.
Parillon of the National Democratic Party has contested the seat in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections and remains an active challenger. Fraser, 75, has represented District 3 since 1999 and serves in the Virgin Islands Party government as Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change (VINO).
For residents of the Third District, the immediate question is whether Fraser will formally announce his intentions. Smith says he is prepared to step in only if Fraser stands down; Fraser's June 9 comments, however, signal he plans to remain in the race for now. Voters will be watching for any formal announcements from Fraser and potential nominees in the coming months.
Primary source: VINO