Gov't keeping 'open mind' on UK Loan Guarantee
Addressing a small gathering at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay, Tortola, on August 20, 2019, the Premier was at the time speaking at the first in a series of public consultations on the UK Loan Guarantee arrangement.
Looking to the Future
“We might trust this Governor, but we don’t know who we might get in the future,” the Premier said in his maiden public speech on statements by the UK appointed Governor, His Excellency Augustus J. U. Jaspert on the UK Loan Guarantee.
According to Hon Fahie, it is not about the individuals, rather institutions at play, “Your government wants to make it clear that we are keeping an open mind, on whether we should pursue this loan guarantee; however, we are firm on what we will not stand for.”
The Premier was firm in his stance that “Mortgaging of our birthright” was an option on the books regarding the territory’s surrendering of certain rights and privileges for financial gains.
“We will not stand for us frittering away or jeopardising that which our father fought and struggled for, we will not lie down and hand over our children’s and grandchildren’s inheritance,” he said.
Only Virgin Islanders Understand – Premier Fahie
“We don’t expect non-Virgin Islanders to fully understand what I’m talking about because these things have to do with our heritage and not theirs,” he said.
The Premier welcomed more public input on the issue moving forward, alluding that the people are strong and have shown perseverance in the past, “I will not bow and I will not bend to anything that will not secure the bright future for present and future Virgin Islanders.”
He said no matter what decision is made, through the input of the people, “These Virgin Islands will see better days no matter who says what.”
Meanwhile, the consultations moved to Virgin Gorda last evening, August 21, 2019.
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3 Responses to “Gov't keeping 'open mind' on UK Loan Guarantee ”
There are so many other important things that you as Premier need to be addressing. Like our flagging financial services industry, shrinking tourism, high cost of living, inadequate access to and from the territory ... just to name a few.