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Fahie ‘scolds’ opposition leader for misrepresenting the facts!

- UK Gov’t requesting budgets of all OTs, not just VI
Minister Fahie at his launch last evening.
Dr. Smith is leader of the NDP. Photo: VINO
Dr. Smith is leader of the NDP. Photo: VINO
CAPOONS BAY, Tortola, VI – Trying to mislead the people with false statements to gain power are not signs of a true leader chided Minister for Education and Culture and 1st district representative Andrew Fahie to leader of the Opposition Dr. D. Orlando Smith.

Delivering a speech to launch his re-election bid, the ‘man on a mission’ accused the National Democratic Party (NDP) of using “un-factual statements” in a misguided attempt to sway voters that the United Kingdom (UK) needs the Territory’s budget because it is spending recklessly.

“Those who know better, should do better. The UK is currently stating to all Overseas Territories (OTs) that we heard earlier – not BVI alone – that they would like to see the budgets for each Territory two months before. The perception management bureau [the NDP] is now once again trying to mislead you my people with perception management. They are trying to convince you that it’s only the BVI has to do it!” Hon. Fahie stated.

On Thursday, October 13, 2011, Dr. Smith had stated at a tent meeting in Baughers Bay that the UK Government’s request was an indication that the VIP was spending recklessly.

However, Hon. Fahie pointed out that trying to mislead “with un-factual statement to gain power are not signs of a true leader.”

“The BVI has always shined in the eyes of the UK on how we keep our finances and they know that,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, he said the NDP has spun the truth aimed at trying to convince residents that the VIP Government has eliminated the free tuition programme at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, Minister Fahie further stated.

“Again an unfactual statement made by the leader of the NDP. This is not a personal attack but you cannot allow these things to go. Those who know better should do better. Let us fight on the issues, don’t use perception management to try and cloud these issues or destroy others.

“But whenever they come on the podium they say the VIP lie... I said in Huntums Ghut when a man preaching about lying all the time, he is a liar. If a man preaches about giving out white envelopes all the time that is what he does....because a man can only tell you what he knows!” the district representative proclaimed.

Meanwhile, Premier Ralph T O’Neal Premier O'Neal told supporters that the proposal sent by the UK Government allows for his comments, but he has not done so as yet.

“We have to be careful because we do not want to get under the clinches of the British Government when it comes to money,” he stressed. Pointing to the fact that since 1977 the VI has been able to carry its own budget, the Territory’s leader added if the budget was left to the UK, they would have cut the civil servants.

Furthermore, he said he heard Dr. Smith’s comments on Dancia Penn’s statement on the issue and was shocked.

“…where he said that he was appalled. Well I am shocked at the way he went on. Yes, we are negotiating but not alone,” Hon. O’Neal explained. “It is all the islands…no negotiations have completed as yet because it has got to be discussed in London when the OTCC takes place on November 22. So how could he talk about being shocked?”

Interestingly, the Territory’s leader also revealed that Dr. Smith, who was the then Chief Minister, had signed borrowing guidelines with the UK Government which was never made public.

Upon discovering the ‘secret’ document, Hon. O’Neal took it to Cabinet where it was eventually passed in the House of Assembly.

12 Responses to “Fahie ‘scolds’ opposition leader for misrepresenting the facts!”

  • True (16/10/2011, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    sorry Andrew I like you but your facts are incorrect there are OTs that are not required to submit there budgets to the UK to oversee, Bermuda is just 1. Also if the UK has confidence in the VIP government, why are they holding up the CCB bank loan?
    • Well sah (16/10/2011, 22:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The fact is that they are trying to make it sound like only BVI. But the fact is also that there are other OTs that have to do the same thing. I believe that this is a good point. Fine Bermuda doesn't have to, but then again BVI is a progressive country so who knows.
  • Dr. King (16/10/2011, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell them Fahie because they so desperate for power which they will never get again the NDP is telling lies and more lies. Now let me see how they will explain the millions and millions and millions of tax payers dollars they waste and now have the BVI bankrupt...let them explain that one!
    • Wow (16/10/2011, 14:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is interesting mr. fahie would say millions and millions out the door when according to the auditor generals report of 2008, they was a 86 million dollars in the consilidated fund. notice he did not give any references where we could find these millions gone out the door
  • Watery Fart (16/10/2011, 12:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Fahie you and the VIP asked us to put you back in after NDP's four years in office, 2003-2007! You asked, knowing what you were going to meet in the Government, good and bad! We voted the NDP out in droves, for their ONLY 2 year term in Government. You campaigned in 2007 on NDP's 4yrs, you won! Now you really expect to come back in 2011 harping on NDP's four years? What about the VIP's four years Andrew? Come on now, this is what we are judging you on!! You want NDP to be judged TWICE on their only 4yrs? No No No!! When we go to the polls we will be looking at your last four years. We will also compare your last four, to NDP's four and so far, NDP got you but lengths! So the question is Mr. Fahie, please tell us the voters why we shouldn't vote you out after these past four years. Please tell us what you have done that deserves another four years. Please explain to us in detail what you accomplished, without calling NDP name! You are the incumbents and have to answer to us! The NDP will be judged by us on their plans moving forward, not 2003-2007 so try again!
    • farmer brown (16/10/2011, 17:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      any political party who have to get dem speech written by whites outside the country can not be trusted....they can never represent our local intrest...neva trust dem...dey will be talkin cocka-may-may...
      • Period Cramps (17/10/2011, 10:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I watched every single NDP candidate at one time or another speak without prepared speeches! Hush your dumb self!! NDP are filled with intelligent individuals who can write their own speeches! When Myron was writing Fraser speeches he was a genius now, all of a sudden he need outside help for a speech? Give it a damn rest !
      • too ignorant (17/10/2011, 11:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Some of you people are too ignorant to be real. How do you know that the company you are referring to doesnt employ, black, indian, asian people? You need to move away from this ignorant and racist type of attitiude as it will only hold yourself and our BVI back further. Do not bring race into your argument, it is not necessary.
  • peter crumble (16/10/2011, 15:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this dr smith is playing sly ole fox...he cant be trusted any more
  • no more lies (16/10/2011, 23:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    it looks like the NDP will say anything, tell any untruth in order to win this election
  • lovemoredomore (18/10/2011, 02:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Andrew Fahie is a sorry soul. The UK see the need to censor BVI's budget, and it came under the VIP watch, now they want to water down and make excuses. It is necessary and that is why it is happening. Andrew you are twisting fact, and now even lying. Go away, you are a wolf in sheep's clothing.
  • Hmmm (19/10/2011, 03:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Minister Fahie you have some nerve scolding others for misrepresenting facts. Your whole four year tenure in Government consists of misrepresenting facts to the public.


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