The Bryan-Roach campaign motorcade on St. Croix making its way to Frederiksted on Sat. Nov. 5 2022. By. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE CHALANA BROWN.
With just two days remaining before Virgin Islanders who have not yet voted cast their ballots, the campaigns have been taking every opportunity to make an impactful impression that their team is best suited to lead the territory in the next four years.
Cue the Bryan-Roach campaign, which demonstrated unflinching determination when the campaign — despite heavy rain all Saturday — led a huge motorcade from the Altona Lagoon in Christiansted all the way to the Frederiksted Beach in a show of unrelenting vigor.
At the helm of it all was the gregarious Governor Bryan himself, who appeared to revel in the campaign moment, mindful that election day is Tuesday. The governor held social media live broadcasts through his mobile phone, giving supporters and onlookers alike a first-hand experience of the rain-soaked rally.
A "wet fete" is what the event was eventually deemed as supporters refused to give in to the incessant rainfall. The Consortium, positioned on the Queen Mary Highway across from the St. Croix Educational Complex, witnessed the massive motorcade that lasted about 10 minutes as vehicle after vehicle honked their horns and supporters screamed cheerfully in support. The governor, at the front of the line, slowed his vehicle to point his index finger to the camera showing the number 1, Mr. Bryan's placement on the General Election ballot.
Several trucks outfitted with sound systems came through, while loud, excited cheers could be heard as a safari with senior citizens made its way west with the motorcade.
The vast contingent of Bryan-Roach supporters was praised by some on social media for their unflinching support, and criticized by others for their participation in rainy weather.
For Mr. Bryan, it was an opportunity to show Virgin Islanders that he would press through come rain or shine.
"Frederiksted we reach!" a jubilant Bryan proclaimed on live video through Facebook. "As far back as the eyes can see we have the motorcade coming down."
He added, "This is proof that even in the rain Crucians are coming out to support the number 1 team, the Bryan-Roach team."
The motorcade culminated with a concert that featured Soca veteran and relentless hitmaker Farmer Nappy. During his performance, portions of which the governor carried live using his phone, supporters danced to hit songs "Hooking Meh" and "Backyard Jam". The governor, a Soca lover, sang with the crowd before heading to the stage himself to revel along. The occasion represented a full display of a man prepared for campaign activity and fully enthralled in the moment.
The Vialet-Sarauw campaign motorcade will take place today, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Altona Lagoon, making its way to the Frederiksted ballpark, according to a flyer on the campaign's Facebook page.
Watch V.I. Consortium's live coverage of Election Day 2022 on our Facebook page beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.
