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Governor seems ‘hell bent’ on running the country- Hon Fraser

- called Governor Duncan's exercise of his reserved powers a soft takeover of the democratically elected VI Government
Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), left, is not applauding the move by Governor John S. Duncan OBE, right, to exercise his reserved powers and instruct the Accountant General to immediately fund the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Photo: VINO/File
Part of the Facebook post by Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser RA (R1) on March 16, 2017. Photo: Facebook
Part of the Facebook post by Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser RA (R1) on March 16, 2017. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is not ready to share his views on Governor John S. Duncan’s historic move to exercise his reserved powers. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is not ready to share his views on Governor John S. Duncan’s historic move to exercise his reserved powers. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While there are many persons who believe it was necessary for Governor John S. Duncan OBE to exercise his reserved powers and instruct the Accountant General to immediately fund the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) especially in the wake of back to back murders, not everyone is applauding the move, including former Leader of the Opposition Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3).

“Could you imagine, the Comptroller of Customs telling the Premier he needs $800,000 to patrol the waters and immediately proceeded to sign his own warrant for the Accountant General to give him the money. NO. Because the Comptroller of Customs don't have that power. But the Governor does, and that's what he did for his police,” Hon Fraser wrote on his Facebook page on March 16, 2017.

Monarchial takeover

Recalling that on January 10, 2017 he had stated on Facebook that police officers are humans and that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) should not be in competition for funds in order to provide the necessary resources to keep the peace, Hon Fraser had said persons shouldn’t expect that to change as long as the RVIPF remained under the Governor.

“I was wrong, because I didn't think the day would come when I would see a Governor exercise a Monarchial takeover of our Treasury. This is what I call a soft takeover of the democratically elected Smith Government. The Governor was wrong and he has to be stopped,” Hon Fraser stated yesterday, March 16, 2017.

Act of desperation

The former Leader of the Opposition reminded too that he had also stated in his January post that as long as the RVIPF is under the Governor the elected Government would never feel the necessary pressures to properly fund the Police because the issue of crime is always the responsibility of those in charge. “There is no reason the Governor can't give responsibility for the police to the Premier. It happens in Bermuda, and it has been working for decades. The mechanism for this exists constitutionally. We need to make our Elected Government responsible for keeping us safe, and if they don’t, hold them accountable," Hon Fraser had stated.

The long serving legislator said he still believes this, “because it is the democratic thing to do. What the Governor did was an act of desperation and undemocratic.”

Noting that some might disagree with him, Hon Fraser said it is his opinion that the Governor ought to stay out of local politics. “…he has the Protocols for Effective Financial Management to hold the government accountable with. That is an Administrative arrangement between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Government of the Virgin Islands to keep the Government frugal in its financial affairs.

“What happened today, has set this territory back at least a decade in our Constitutional advancement, and has shaken the core of our democracy. Hate the Government all you want, but keep your dignity by respecting your fellow Virgin Islanders. They did it to him, what makes you think you are any different?”

Opposition Leader not ready to speak

His Excellency Governor Duncan, who has been publicly embarrassing and blasting this government, told the local media yesterday that he had used his reserved powers under the constitution to direct the Accountant General via warrant to allocate the sum of $800,000 to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

Last month Governor Duncan made public that since the NDP took office they have cut the Police operations budget by some 46% percent and told persons at a government ceremony that this administration has no regard for “priority in spending.”

Meanwhile, this news site sought the views of Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on Governor Duncan’s historic move yesterday; however, Hon Fahie stated he would share his views at another time.

“I will release my views in due course,” the Opposition Leader responded.

41 Responses to “Governor seems ‘hell bent’ on running the country- Hon Fraser”

  • can't...believe this (17/03/2017, 11:57) Like (35) Dislike (3) Reply
    Frazer, little by little i'm seeing why herbut wanted to knock you out. This was necessary, just like how your removal was also bobo. Get over it and move on for the restoration of our safety and security, and instead, focus on all these unprioritized investments and depletion of our treasury for self-interests and special interests.

    East End sewage spelling every day, please go and help NDP with that problem.
  • Really (17/03/2017, 12:00) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    He's still the Opposition Leader????
    • moomoo (18/03/2017, 20:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Fraser need to go join the rest of the moomoos in the other party...I'm just ignoring his really absurd and assinine comments and moving to the next article...Guvnah! Nice one mate..great call! The majority stands with you. Please forgive some of the moomoo-ish so-called leaders in this place.
  • big man (17/03/2017, 12:06) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    Fahie word of advice my friend don't let them pull you in their mess. We know you support the RVIPF 100%! Hang low low low. We know you will speak soon. We know you not short sighted. You got good vision! We perishing because the ndp administration lacks vision. God save the Queen! For once we can say God save the Queen and believe in it! We need peace not crime we should fight give crime all we got. It has no place in our society none none none.
  • Spoken like a true leader Honourable Fraser (17/03/2017, 12:08) Like (15) Dislike (31) Reply
    That is the speech the Premier should have made last night to galvanize the people and close ranks. As Virgin Islanders, we cannot be happy about this. This is not only a reflection on the Smith administration, so no need to rejoice along party lines over this. There is a more serious issue at hand. It is the colonialists letting us the BVI electorate know that they do not trust our ability to choose able men and women to run our country. It is a vote of no confidence in our intelligence, our abilities and years and years of fighting for self-autonomy. I agree that at present, Dr. Smith seems to be doing things that leaves much to be desired and I am an NDP supporter without any fail. My blood is indeed red. But the way to deal with that is not for us to be happy when we see direct rule tacitly being effected. I have said it already and I will say it again, we can do a lot worse than the NDP, we can go backwards to have no self-governance and be directly ruled (by siding with foreigners against ourselves in the middle of controversy), or we can act on our emotions and vote in a new party who knows no better, have no respect abroad and who will take us further into the direct rule abys. We can also collect our senses, close ranks and defend these Virgin Islands and our leaders at all cost and all the work that Willard Wheatley, Lavity Stoutt, Theodolf Faulkner and the other founding fathers laid to ensure that it was known that we had hearts, voices and brains and we were able to love ourselves and speak and think for ourselves. My mother used to say, when I was young, nobody will give me their good child for my bad one. They might be doing a bad job right now, but they are Virgin Islanders and our leaders and it is our business. When we were condemned to a bird sanctuary, it was our business then and only we cared about us to do differently. It is our business still and we can manage it ourselves. I applaud you Honourable Fraser for seeing above the fray and dealing with this issue from a national pride perspective. May God save and continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.
    • Helpuslord (17/03/2017, 19:40) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
      I consider Hon. Fraser a very wise man. He understands that we as Virgin Islanders need to stick together. He understands that if the Governor doesn't like something, each time he can invoke his Constitutional powers. Virgin Islanders, do not be faint at heart. The time is now for us to chart our own future, our own destiny. No pale man from UK can do it for us.
    • WHAT??? (17/03/2017, 21:27) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Meh son move from here wid dis bull crap talk. We are not slaving and people losing dem life and these man dont care bout we only their pockets and you going tell me dis nonsense???? I don't care about rulers who got we in dis position for the Governor to go on bad like dis. I want safety for my family. If I got to continue to catch fish for a living I will do it but these NDP man using we like prostitutes and going wid our money and laughing at us. Tell Dr Smith to get out we govenment and lock up the rest cause he sleeping.

      Fool me once ok, fool me twice wid good talk and a few bucks and beers but come dis third time to see how far you going reach.
  • HMMM (17/03/2017, 12:10) Like (7) Dislike (26) Reply
    fraser calls it as he see's it...andrew just playing games and waiting to see what happens then he will come in the game like some big relief pitcher
  • ABC (17/03/2017, 12:11) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    I with fahie
  • ... (17/03/2017, 12:14) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    You rather the Governor do his job and try to help the country or England come in and freeze the town.
  • collateral damage (17/03/2017, 12:21) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    my boi, you fighting the wrong battle. NDP is no good for us and should be removed from office, only then, we can start over and work towards betterment for all.
  • dog (17/03/2017, 12:32) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    Frazer sell out…hot because what His Excellency may have done to him…this is about the people Mr. Frazer
  • hog city (17/03/2017, 12:53) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    good thing we changed the Opposition Leader
    • @hog city (17/03/2017, 20:30) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
      Fahie is soo lost that he has become a Tom
      Cat... Look trouble for our little country.
  • W*F (17/03/2017, 13:03) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    What views is.that fool going to have in due course? What the governor did was necessary, and he should also had ordered a commission of enquiry into TPP. This damn government is getting away with murder. They want to kill the country, run amok with no hindrance. Fraser in this case just shut up. Your job is on the line.
  • fraser boy (17/03/2017, 13:29) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    we were once with you, but you just keep putting your foot in your mouth. So now you looking favour with what NDP is doing to we. Fraser, Pleaaseeee leave that! Wrong fight!
  • Law Abiding citizen (17/03/2017, 13:32) Like (27) Dislike (9) Reply
    He should run the country. VIP and NDP are visionless with no direction. Lead us Govenor.
  • VG Realist (17/03/2017, 13:39) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    Shut up Fraser!
  • YOLO (17/03/2017, 13:43) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply

    Frazer you disgust me...the Goverment spending million on dollar a pure non sense putting money in there back pocket .... and we the people need officers and u getting upset....... hall your h** face from here ......burn out VIP and NDP y'all is garbage...... let's get in a new party today!!

  • ccc (17/03/2017, 14:10) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply
    Julian you got this one wrong
  • Yes (17/03/2017, 14:57) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    The Governor has been forced to take this action based on the incompetence of the sitting government. He has let a lot of their shite slide. It is now time to bell the cat.
  • AP1 (17/03/2017, 15:12) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Fraser just cross the floor!!!!
  • sir (17/03/2017, 15:38) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    No you not equating the rank of the Governor to that of the Head of Customs? Really......you will be on the wrong side of history with this one!
    • street reporter. (17/03/2017, 19:04) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
      Frazer needs to shut up and sit down...He and all our local leaders, don't care about us... We all know this is long time coming... What's new?
  • wize up (17/03/2017, 15:57) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    The former opposition leader should consider leaving the governor alone.....some of us keep fu@&ing with the governor so he show us how much power he posses: keep asking for direct rule(the governor made sure his UK colleagues got money) the citizens been requesting the same governor to investigate this and investigate that(wait on that)
  • 4 more years (17/03/2017, 18:04) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    Governnor you need to stay 4 more years and clean this place up.

    Do it for the people. Good over evil.
  • Mr Governor (17/03/2017, 18:26) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need some help over here in Customs. Review our pay please! Begging
    • Snagg (18/03/2017, 06:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @mr. Governor, well Frazer said the police belongs to the governor, customs I know falls under the premier so maybe you should call on the Doc to give you more. What Frazer fall to realize is that the police is been paid by the Government of the VI and not the foreign & commonwealth office
  • Outlaw (17/03/2017, 18:52) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fraser, I really loose the little respect I have for you. As a senior legislator, I think Deputy Premier, and former legislator, your comment is reckless and unbecoming. First of all the police does not belong to the governor and second you are trying to create confusion when you mentioned customs. You really cannot compare customs with the police. I am really surprised at you who o think should know better. Sometimes we really need to think before we talk
  • We can't have it both ways.... (17/03/2017, 19:01) Like (22) Dislike (8) Reply
    All our leaders have failed us with their selfish, greedy, bullish and ignorance behavior... Don't hit​ or damn the governor now.... We've been calling on the governor for long to do something....And the governor was very slow to heed our calls... The governor have them enough time to get it right, to change their ways, to get their act right....We can't have it both ways.
  • Jacperlance (17/03/2017, 19:06) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    Is Frazer for real. How can someone be wrong when they exercise a power the highest law of the land give them the power to do. I think Frazer is trying hard to find favor with the NDP. Frazer I am appalled by your comments.
  • Frasergo (17/03/2017, 19:45) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Fraser is the only one who has the balls to say what he thinks. He understands the past, he understand high-handedness. He understands that the Governor could have done it better. He, the police, prison, the DPP, they are all a set of peas in a rotten pod.
  • Short sighted (17/03/2017, 21:05) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wasn't Hon. Fraser on the negotiating team that brought us the same constitution which the Governor used? Sooooo is he blaming himself for giving the Governor such power? Funny how that works.
    • wize up (18/03/2017, 05:52) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ shot sighted: great blog and most of the things fahie and fraser cuss about were started while fahie/fraser were the ruling administration....
      • @ wize up (18/03/2017, 08:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        that argument is out dated boss we voted them to change things after two terms its NDP as usual
        • wize up (19/03/2017, 19:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @@ wize up: you looking arguments but I dealing with facts(most of the stuff fahie and Fraser ranting about they caused them: tell Fraser and Fahie to stop talking and bring motions to the house of assembly to fix how the government conduct business: we need legislation that dictates how those we put in office should conduct themselves(checks & balances)...stop the dumb he say, she say talk !!!!!
  • voiceofthevoiceless (18/03/2017, 13:50) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Finally the Governor takes action! He did sound the warning when he criticized the Government for lack of priority when it comes to spending so it must have been a prelude to this. What took him so long? He leaves in August so is it about legacy? The vacation is over and it is time to work? Or has he been calculated in his approach? Maybe there are more interventions to come? Andrew Fahie's response is the best of all of the responses summoning the Governor to don't stop there but to use his powers to force the Government to present the audited financials, enact the FOI legislation, present audit for TPP among other things.

    Can someone find any logic in this comment?

    "The former Leader of the Opposition reminded too that he had also stated in his January post that as long as the RVIPF is under the Governor the elected Government would never feel the necessary pressures to properly fund the Police because the issue of crime is always the responsibility of those in charge".

    Is a spike in crime not enough pressure for one to understand the need for financing the Police? 3 murders this year alone and we not even at the end of the 3rd month of 2017. He acted within the powers afforded to him by the VI Constitution the same one negotiated and agreed upon by the administration that Fraser was part of. Fraser needs to cross the floor as I really do not understand his relevance in the opposition.

  • Disappointing (18/03/2017, 23:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Frazer you are an insult to the BVI you can't get over your lost. I hear you forming a party you have already lost.
  • Bandit (19/03/2017, 08:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    "for his police"!?-THEY ARE OUR POLICE-IN CHARGE OF OUR SECURITY/PROTECTION--THE POLICE NEED FUNDING AND THEY NEED IT NOW-WE DO NOT PLAY POLITICS WITH LIFE-MOVE ON AND FIND ANOTHER ISSUE/TREE TO CLIMB
    #CACTI
    Keep doing your job Mr. Gov. --if and when you step out of line we the people will make you know-we got your back on this one.
    Just a thought-could you please do the same thing for the fire service?


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