Dr. Kedrick Pickering (born 8 April 1958) is the former Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands, also known as the British Virgin Islands. He also served as the territory's Minister of Natural Resources and Labour. He is a member of the National Democratic Party.
Dr. Kedrick Pickering | |
|---|---|
| Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands | |
| In office 9 November 2011 – 26 February 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Dancia Penn |
| Succeeded by | Natalio Wheatley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 April 1958[1] Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
| Political party | National Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Alice Marie Pickering (nee Henry) |
Pickering has been described in the British media as "pro-independence".[2]
Background
editPickering was born in Tortola.[3] He grew up in Long Look, East End, Tortola where he still lives today. His father was born in Cuba but was an orphan and was adopted by Virgin Islander Alvin Pickering.[3]
Pickering graduated from the BVI High School (today called the Elmore Stout High School) in 1976.[4] He went on to study at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados.[1][4] He later earned Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica.[4] He later also earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona Campus.[4] He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington, D.C.[1][4]
Pickering was employed as a consultant obstetrician/gynecologist by the territory's government from 1992 until 1999.[4] Before that, he served as a medical officer in the territory from 1986 until 1988.[4] As of 2015, while serving as a Government minister, he still practices gynecology.[5]
Pickering is married to Alice Marie Pickering and is the father of 4 children.[6]
Career in public life
editPickering was first elected to hold public office at the 1999 general election following which he served as a back-bencher.[7] In the 2007 general election, Pickering and his party suffered a defeat at the hands of the Virgin Islands Party, retaining only 2 out of 13 elected seats. In the 2011 general election Pickering returned to office and his National Democratic Party won an overall majority. He was appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour.
During his political career, Pickering has stood in each election as candidate for the 7th District. He was most recently elected to the House of Assembly at the 2015 general election where he secured 75% of votes in the District.[8] He was re-appointed to serve as Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour.[9]
He split from the National Democratic Party in 2019, and was voted out of office in the general election later that year. He rejoined the party in 2023 but was unsuccessful in the general election of that year.
Electoral history
edit| Year | District | Party | Votes | Percentage | Winning/losing margin | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 7th District | National Democratic Party | 356 | 60.8% | +247 | Won |
| 2003 | 7th District | National Democratic Party | 452 | 62.8% | +189 | Won |
| 2007 | 7th District | National Democratic Party | 351 | 53.1% | +53 | Won |
| 2011 | 7th District | National Democratic Party | 535 | 70.1% | +379 | Won |
| 2015 | 7th District | National Democratic Party | 607 | 75.3% | +408 | Won |
| 2019 | 7th District | Independent | 338 | 39.3% | -36 | Lost N. Wheatley |
| 2023 | At-large | National Democratic Party | 2,860 | -472* | Lost (6th) | |
| * For at-large candidates (general elections) who won, this is the vote differential from the 5th placed candidate (i.e. the candidate with the highest number of votes who was not elected). For at-large candidates who lose, this is the vote differential from the 4th placed candidate (i.e. the candidate with the lowest number of votes who was elected). | ||||||
References
edit- ^ a b c Introducing the Candidates, The BVI Beacon, 4 June 2015
- ^ "British overseas territories in talks to keep tax haven secrecy". The Guardian. 13 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Dr. Pickering attacks rumour peddlers", The BVI Beacon, 28 May 2015
- ^ a b c d e f g "Government of the Virgin Islands". bvi.gov.vg. Archived from the original on 26 November 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ Contributor's personal knowledge
- ^ "Government of the Virgin Islands website profile of Dr. the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, MHA". bvi.gov.vg. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Constitutional & Political Development in the Virgin Islands 1950–2000". House of Assembly (website).
- ^ The Virgin Islands Official Gazette, Vol. XLIX, No. 46, Friday 12 June 2015.
- ^ "All VI Celebrate: Minister Of State Roles For Non-Cabinet Members - Premier At Swearing-In". Virgin Islands Platinum News. 10 June 2015.