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AG Baba F. Aziz out by 2020; Hon Fahie says VIslander should hold post

- contract will come to an end in February 2020
Ahead of the February 2020 end of contract for current Attorney General (AG), Mr Baba F. Aziz, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has signalled that for his replacement, the government may be looking to have the position filled by a Virgin Islander. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie was at the time speaking at the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Second Session of The Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), today December 13, 2019, when he thanked the AG for his works over the year on behalf of the People of the Virgin Islands. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Premier Andrew A. Fahie was at the time speaking at the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Second Session of The Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), today December 13, 2019, when he thanked the AG for his works over the year on behalf of the People of the Virgin Islands. Photo: HoA/Youtube
‘Hard Talk’ radio commentator, Julio S. Henry, remarked in an edition of his show, that the VIP Government should do what it takes to get rid of this AG Mr Baba F. Aziz given his role under the NDP. Photo: VINO/File
‘Hard Talk’ radio commentator, Julio S. Henry, remarked in an edition of his show, that the VIP Government should do what it takes to get rid of this AG Mr Baba F. Aziz given his role under the NDP. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Ahead of the February 2020 end of contract for current Attorney General (AG), Mr Baba F. Aziz, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has signalled that the contract may not be renewed and for his replacement, the government is looking to have the position filled by a Virgin Islander.

The Premier was at the time speaking at the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Second Session of The Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), today December 13, 2019, when he thanked the AG for his work over the years on behalf of the People of the Virgin Islands.

“I know most likely this will be the AG’s last budget with us, cause I know that his contract ends in February. But I want to thank him from the NDP [National Democratic Party] Government to our Government, for the service that he has rendered to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Hon Fahie said.

BVIslander can hold Post – Premier Fahie

The Premier continued, “and we want to make sure that… once it’s the end, that he has held the fort for us, because we know the constitution allows for a BVIslander to hold the post… and he has served the post tremendously well."

Effective February 10, 2015, Mr Aziz, a native of Ghana, was appointed to the post of Attorney General in the Attorney General's Chambers under the then NDP government, according to the Government Information Service (GIS). Amongst his various roles, he served as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Government as established by the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

He also served in an advisory role as a member of Cabinet, the National Security Council, the House of Assembly and the prerogative of Mercy Committee as well as being responsible for managing the administration and activities of the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“So once that is the case Mr Speaker, we want to thank him in his office and whoever comes also for what they have done… In the spirit of all of this, we have done a lot of work but yet a lot more work to do,” Hon Fahie told the House.   

However, even as the Premier moved to thank the AG, his role during the latter parts of the past Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith led NDP administration did not come without criticisms.

AG came under fire for role in NDP 

Political commentators and pundits have long accused Mr Aziz of overseeing the NDP’s lack of transparency, accountability and good governance in relation to the management of the territory and its resources during his tenure.

‘Hard Talk’ radio commentator, Julio S. Henry, remarked in an edition of his show, “I firmly believe at all cost, whatever it takes, the current government now, VIP should figure out how to get rid of this Attorney General that we have,” relating to the role he played under the NDP.

Mr Aziz had responded in a previous HoA sitting that his role was only to advice the Government on legal matters and was not involved in certain decision making of government or government spending.

Mr Aziz succeeded Dr Christopher P. Malcolm who was appointed Attorney General from January 2012 to December 2014.

Mr Aziz holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from The American University in Washington, D.C., a professional certificate of law from the Ghana School of Law and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ghana. 

34 Responses to “AG Baba F. Aziz out by 2020; Hon Fahie says VIslander should hold post”

  • Well yes (13/12/2019, 15:28) Like (33) Dislike (20) Reply
    This is good news, time we put our own people in these positions
    • The joker (13/12/2019, 16:08) Like (33) Dislike (17) Reply
      Who will you put there when there is none to fill it
      • 411 (13/12/2019, 17:17) Like (22) Dislike (16) Reply
        Ok Mr Know it all joker.
        That’s why you’re not in a position to hire nor fire.
      • Dr cool (13/12/2019, 17:18) Like (37) Dislike (10) Reply
        I agree with you I would like it to happen but who u have for the post I think the premier have something in common like trump he wants somebody who can agree with him
    • Expat (13/12/2019, 17:10) Like (57) Dislike (11) Reply
      What exactly did this guy do bad?
      • Norris Turnbull (14/12/2019, 08:25) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
        @ Expat. Seize the time. You won't overstand.
      • dude (14/12/2019, 21:21) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        I suspect some of the things signed off on by previous gov under his watch that hurt us so we need someone who will feel it and won't just move on to another fertile land. But I can only guess. As far as qualifications, do you have any idea how many qualified BVIslanders work around the globe for other govs and agencies, there are a few who can fill the post if they choose to.
    • understood (13/12/2019, 17:34) Like (37) Dislike (0) Reply
      But, I hope he is not going to put one of his cronies in the position. And I hope everyone that is qualified, get a chance to apply for the position.
      • Totaly Agree (14/12/2019, 10:25) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        Let everyone that is local who qualify for the position a chance to interview for said position. Don't give the position based friendship. In due time we shall see.
  • Socrates (13/12/2019, 16:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who has the mettle?
  • People (13/12/2019, 17:23) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
    It is by time this happen.
  • asking for a friend (13/12/2019, 17:55) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    How you going embarrass the AG like that?
    • I agree! (13/12/2019, 20:55) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
      If this accurately reported, this is very unprofessional—but looking more like a norm— of the Premier.

  • Sue (13/12/2019, 18:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow
  • 007 (13/12/2019, 18:49) Like (9) Dislike (37) Reply
    He probably not a real attorney...I hope his credentials was properly checked before he got that job as Attorney General. Too many scams coming out of a lot of African countries..
  • Knigh Rider (13/12/2019, 21:46) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Let me make a Constitutional declaration in support of the Right-Honourable Premier, Mr,Andrew Fahie,for his address in the HoA and to say that the statement is not discriminatory.

    Whatever the Premier said, is lawful and Constitutional.

    Let us read the Constitution [THE SUPREME LAW of the Virgin Islands.

    Section 58 (1) of the V.I Constitution Order 2007 states [" There shall be an Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, whose office shall be a public office and who shall be appointed in accordance with section 95"].
    Let us go to section 95 (6) of the V.I Constitution.

    Sub-section (6) of 95 states [" No person shall be appointed to the office of Attorney General unless he or she BELONGS TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, unless in the opinion of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, there is no such (belonger-person) who is suitably qualified and able and willing to be so appointed"].

    So, if there is a qualified person who belongs to the Virgin Islanders, willing and able to do the job, the Constitution provides for that appointment in sub-section (6) of 95.

    The Premier is Constitutionally correct.

    There are persons who belong to the Virgin Islands, who are qualified.

    One love BVI.
  • Charley Rose (14/12/2019, 00:12) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    I firmly believe that there are qualified B.V.I persons to full the post of Attorney Genera. One of our own, Dancia Penn served in this capacity before and I am sure there are others in the territory who are capable to serve in that office. We must learn to be self reliant and don't depend on others to provide for us.

    This is a good move by the Hon. Premier as he tries to empower our people to serve this territory. It is about time that we the people strive to build this territory and take pride in doing so. The late Hon. Ralph O'Neal demonstrated his love and dedication for this country and it is about time that more citizens be given the opportunity to do so.
  • yess (14/12/2019, 08:13) Like (16) Dislike (8) Reply
    Why we have these island people holding these positions we need our locals back in power. We locals agree with you Fahie, these island people blogging hard.
    • opposition (14/12/2019, 13:03) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
      and the VIP giving out 1500 belonger status this coming monday?
    • uhm (14/12/2019, 18:44) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      He not from an island though.. lol ...Acknowledge the continent..Say why all these continent people holding our jobs. I guess everyone gets the label?... or maybe the BVI is an island continent(.. move over Australia lol.. make room for the many continents)..Nothing worse than a small minded ms who surrounded by the Caribbean sea but saying Island people as a derogatory term...Btw if you ever get rid of your stupid mentality and want to go back to the Continent in which your ancestors lived, Ghana is welcoming you.
  • facts (14/12/2019, 09:01) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    From time he went against the esteemed speaker in the mark case I knew his days were numbered
    • @facts (14/12/2019, 10:55) Like (10) Dislike (13) Reply
      And it should not have come to this. That is the talk, this is the punishment from the Premier because just like Trump, you don't agree with me, be it right or wrong, I am going to shut you down. I would not be surprised if the Prison Warden is not the next one on the chopping block. Mr.Aziz, I wish you the best as you will do well wherever your journey takes you. Be glad that you are getting away from the twisted unfair, favortisum Bushman's way of thinking .
    • Igwe (14/12/2019, 15:00) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      The man contract was up, you all scandalous.
      • Ok Igwe (14/12/2019, 17:54) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
        But contracts can be renewed/extended.
        • Legal tender (15/12/2019, 07:34) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply

          @ ok Igwe, how many times will you renew a contract for a person? Check the office he holds, the place in a mess, no difference with the office of the DPP as well. The man is not in control of his office, one former AG does all in his power to protect the NDP, he is still here in a very high Position, the AG was heading down the same road. Mr. KLF entered into a contract with government without declaring it. He had to resign as speaker. MVW entered into a contract with government without declaring it. This AG went out on a limb to protect him. Why should this government who it is crystal clear he is against keeps him as there AG. We have some brilliant young BVI attorney’s who can ably fill this position.

  • Just watching (14/12/2019, 11:05) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I AM ALL FOR GIVING THE LOCALS WHO IS QUALIFY A CHANCE TO INTERVIEW FOR THE POSITION AND THERE ARE A FEW. HOWEVER, THE QUESTION IS, IS THE PERSON GOING TO BE SELECTED BASED ON FRIENDSHIP OR I OWE YOU A FAVOR.
  • one eye (14/12/2019, 11:35) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Give it to Dancia Penn
  • what is going on behind closed doors (14/12/2019, 13:01) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    1000 jobs 1000 days. The candidate who ran in the 8th unsuccessfully was given a job at the ports unknown to us. Also the one from the blue wave party in the 5th was given a job at the FIA, again unknown to us. When will we know the cost of decorating the sports complex and who got the job?
  • attorney (14/12/2019, 14:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    dancia would be a good choice. so would be gerald farara, QC. what about ian penn? a young striving lawyer
    • my choice (14/12/2019, 15:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      IS FOR BOTH MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE BLOG. PLEASE GIVE IAN A CHANCE.
  • legal team (14/12/2019, 16:07) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wait a minute:

    Are we suggesting that the Premier should not look out for belongers and virgin islanders?

    The premier call for a belonger to be appointed.This premier have shown that he has good intentions for nonbelongers residing in the bvi for 20 years and more.clearly he supports expats in the bvi.

    Citizenship ceremony on the rise since Mr. Fahie take over, a tradition of daddy ralphy.

    A whiteman Governor come from the UK,in bvi

    A whiteman Commissioner of police come from the UK in bvi

    What is so wrong if the premier ask for a BVI attorney General?
  • tretretrete (15/12/2019, 09:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not a supporter of NDP, but Myron Walwyn deserves a chance. Farara is another good pick, Jamaal Smith is another, peehaps move Tamia Richards from being magistrate to even AG. May serve better than a magistrate. There is also Glenroy Forbes. Never say the BVI has no qualified individuals as the BVI has many lawyers and many are unemployed or has low income due to many factors including low competency, low popularity, high fees etc.
  • Try (15/12/2019, 10:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    bad idea, crony VIP supporter put in then there is no due diligence and everything approved no good at all, needs an outsider to keep it stable like this guy has done


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