ST. CROIX — At the St. Croix Board of Elections casting of lots event on Thursday, a woman who described herself as the friend of Alicia Hansen, picked number 9 for the oft-discussed candidate. Mrs. Hansen, whose real name is Alden Alicia Pickering, has been cleared by Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes, above, who said in her response to a letter from the St. Croix District Democratic Party asking for an inquiry into the legitimacy of Mrs. Hansen’s candidacy, that Mrs. Hansen is qualified to be on the General Election ballot.
At yesterday’s casting on lots, Mrs. Hansen’s supporters had the greatest showing — many of whom were family members — which stands as a testament to the candidate’s undying support by those who’ve chosen her as their voice. Even with the many controversies that have encamped the former senator — from moral turpitude in 2014 to this year’s identity scandal — fans stand steadfast, some screaming her name in support as they arrived at the Board of Elections office here on Thursday.
The Democratic Party had taken to task Mrs. Fawkes, asking that she verify whether Mrs. Hansen, who has filed to run for a Senate seat in the General Election as an independent candidate under the name Alicia “Chucky” Hansen, should be allowed to run, or whether she should be disqualified.
Family and supporters of candidate Alicia “Chucky” Hansen. (Ernice Gilbert, VIC)
“We are writing to you because the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands has a responsibility to all residents in the Virgin Islands to ensure that every election is conducted in a legitimate manner with legitimate candidates in according with the laws of the Virgin Islands,” reads the letter. “Because of the questions being raised again about the validity of the candidacy of former senator Alicia Hansen, and in order to preserve the integrity of the upcoming election, it is imperative that the Elections System of the Virgin Islands assure the public that she has met all the requirements and fulfilled all responsibilities to be legally qualified to be on the ballot for November 8, 2016 General Election.”
During a Joint Board of Elections meeting on Monday, a majority of board members were astonished that Mrs. Hansen had been able to run for office for so many years using a name that was not legal.
“This is disturbing to me,” said board member Glenn Webster, questioning how was it possible that Mrs. Hansen had ran for public office, become a sitting senator for multiple years, and no one noticed that the name she used was not legal. “This is outrageous [and] beyond my understanding.”
“How could she even be a voter if that’s not her real name?” Mr. Webster questioned. “If [Alicia Hansen] is not her real name, then it’s too late for her to meet the common filing date.” Mr. Webster was referring to the upcoming General Election.
Board member Lisa Harris-Moorhead said the decision should be left to the courts, and so too did St. Thomas Board Chairman Arturo Watlington. But others, including board member Carla Joseph, expressed bewilderment, with Ms. Joseph stating that she was “flustered and flabbergasted” by the revelation.
Board member Aldelbert Bryan, without mincing words, said Mrs. Hansen should not be allowed on the ballot. He also questioned the validity of former Governor John P. de Jongh’s pardon of Mrs. Hansen, stating that Alicia Hansen, not Aldene Alicia Pickering was pardoned. And since there is no legal Alicia Hansen in the Virgin Islands, then the pardon is null and void.
“There is no Chucky Hansen legal in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Bryan said.
Even so, barring a court challenge, Mrs. Hansen, with the blessing of Mrs. Fawkes, will be your number 9 candidate on the November ballot.
Tags: alden alicia pickering, alicia chucky hansen
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