Marvin Pickering, unsuccessful Democratic Party primary gubernatorial candidate thanks all of the voters who turned out to the polls on Saturday, Aug. 2, despite the inclement weather, to show their support for the candidacy of the Pickering/Martin team. “Calford Martin and I are very appreciative of your vote of confidence in our ability and capacity to manage the affairs of this government and offer our service to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Pickering said. The Pickering/Martin team garnered nearly 11 percent of the primary vote during this election.
“Unfortunately, we were not successful in our first attempt to be the Democratic Party nominees for governor and Lieutenant governor. We offer heart felt congratulations to the successful team of Delegate Donna M. Christensen and Basil Ottley, and wish them much success as they move forward to the general election in November,” Pickering said.
He went on to offer congratulations to the other successful candidates in their respective races for delegate to Congress, the Senate and other party offices. He also thanked all of the other candidates for offering themselves up for service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
Pickering further said, “This was a well-fought race and many of the issues that continue to plague our Virgin Islands were highlighted and solutions brought forward. These are very challenging and difficult times in our territory, and we pledge to continue to work with all concerned to confront and address these issues in any capacity that we can.”
Pickering’s platform focused on fiscal reforms that were based on his 30 plus years of experience with Cruzan Rum, having retired as their senior vice president and CFO in 2012. After his retirement, Pickering established, and he will now continue to operate, his accounting and tax consulting practice on St.Croix.
Pickering and Martin also wish to thank their loyal and hardworking supporters, volunteers and staff for their unwavering and tremendous support and confidence in the effort to effect change and instill hope in our people. “We must not give up hope that we, the resilient people of the U. S. Virgin Islands, with our collective will and effort, will work hard to improve the quality of life for all of us,” Pickering said.