It was hardly surprising that Ken Mapp reverted to form and announced earlier today that it was “his way or no way” with respect to the gubernatorial debate organized by the territory’s Chambers of Commerce. 

Quite properly, the Chambers decided that the unilateral last-minute demand by Mr. Mapp to change the rules and arrangements which had previously been agreed to weeks ago by both campaigns was unacceptable. The Chambers cancelled the debate scheduled for Tuesday evening.

Ken Mapp showed the people of the Virgin Islands today that it is always about him, it has to be ‘his way or no way.’ This posture has long been Ken Mapp’s modus operandi—from his days in the Senate to his tenure as the territory’s Lt. Governor.

O’Connor has spoken with both Governor de Jongh and Lt. Governor Gregory Francis who expressed their disappointment at not having this opportunity to speak directly to the important issues confronting the territory as well as about the many initiatives they have undertaken to build a better future for all.

De Jongh-Francis 2010 announced weeks ago it had accepted the invitation of five community organizations to participate in a series of territory-wide forums and political debates. Tomorrow’s debate would have been the final such forum before the November 2nd General Election. 

At no time did we object, nor did the Mapp-Sekou campaign object, to the formats of these debates and forums and it is really unfortunate that the public will not have the opportunity to hear the candidates discuss the issues.

O’Connor said he is certain that the public will learn a lot about Kenneth Mapp and what one can expect from him based on his actions and statements concerning the now cancelled debate.