‘God Made It Happen,’ Nelson Says, As He Announces Last-Minute Running Mate Gary Udhwani

ST. CROIX — Senator Positive Nelson’s dream of becoming the next governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands had faded with the dusk of Monday. At the Botanical Gardens’ Bodine Pavilion in St. George, Mr. Nelson emotionally revealed that his efforts to find a running mate had proven unfruitful. “I don’t have somebody that I can tell you is my running mate,” he bemoaned.

But like a man whose fortunes had changed for the better, Mr. Nelson emerged beaming with excitement at the Elections System of the Virgin Islands here. He went live through his Facebook profile to announce that God had made a way when seemingly all hope was lost.

And after successfully filing his nomination, Mr. Nelson walked out the Elections System to be greeted by a small but fervent group of diehard supporters. “Change is here!” they chanted. “We’re in the game!” Mr. Nelson followed.

The senator took sometime to acknowledge yesterday’s apparent swansong, and expressed regret at what had happened.”We want to apologize to all,” Mr. Nelson said. “We are so sorry about yesterday. Up to yesterday, as you know — you know what the reports were up to yesterday — but God has used this journey thus far to prove that he is able. And we are hopeful that you will see that God is able to the journey along the way to November 6.”

Mr. Nelson’s running mate is Gary Udhwani, a St. Thomas businessman who owns a restaurant called Phali, according to the senator. Mr. Nelson kept crediting God for making the alliance with Mr. Udhwani possible. The lawmaker revealed that he was contacted early Tuesday following news that his bid had ended because of the lack of a number 2. “Sometimes when you get in that tight spot and you lean and God, God shows up. I serve a just-in-time God,” he said.

Mr. Nelson said the team’s mission now is to get his message to the people, which he said includes repairing the territory’s infrastructure, revitalizing the economy with a focus on small business, preparing the territory for future storms, “and to be as self-reliant as possible.”

As for his confidence in the ability of Mr. Udhwani to deliver as a lieutenant governor, the senator said, “I think I have found someone who understands business and he has passion to see growth in the Virgin Islands, and he had the courage to step forward.”