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History made! First time reserved power ever used- Elton Georges

- Has the National Democratic Party Government embarrassed the country?
Former long-time Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands Mr Elton Georges CMG, OBE (left) has confirmed that last week Thursday March 16, 2017 history was made in the Virgin Islands by Governor John S. Duncan OBE (right) as never before in the political history of the British Overseas Territory had a governor exercised his reserved powers. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, has said the issues of the governor’s action show poor Leadership on the part of the government led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), right.
Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, has said the issues of the governor’s action show poor Leadership on the part of the government led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), right.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It was last week Thursday March 16, 2017 that history was made in the Virgin Islands as never before in the political history of the British Overseas Territory of some 40 thousand residents that a governor did what His Excellency John S. Duncan OBE did.

The United Kingdom appointed Governor invoked sec 103 (b) of the VI Constitution, giving him the power to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund or other public funds.

The constitution states in Sec 103 —(1) No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except on the authority of a warrant under the hand of the Minister charged with responsibility for finance; but where, in the opinion of the Governor, acting in his or her discretion, moneys are required to enable the Governor to discharge his or her responsibilities under section 60, such moneys may be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund either—

(a) on the authority of a warrant under the hand of the Minister; or

(b) on the authority of a warrant under the hand of the Governor, acting in his or her discretion.

Never happened before- Elton Georges

Our newsroom caught up with former long-time Deputy Governor of the VI Mr Elton Georges CMG, OBE, who told our newsroom he could not remember "in the BVI History this even being done.” Mr Georges spent some fifty years in public service in various senior positions from Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor, Acting Governor, and Complaints Commissioner among others.

In a brief conversation, he told our newsroom, “If I am correct this is history.”

It was last week that the governor invoked his power to take $800,000 from the Consolidated Fund to place in the budget of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

Many political observers see this as direct rule and embarrassing the Territory and also a stain on the National Democratic Party Government.

Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) told the public moments ago March 21, 2017 on the International Morning Ride Show on ZROD 103.7 FM with Paul A. Peart aka Gadiethz that the issues of the governor’s action show “poor Leadership on the part of the government.” He said it’s a “sad day for democracy in the Virgin Islands and we must continue to hold the elected government accountable.” 

In an interesting spin a few weeks ago, the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) claimed that the UK is pleased with how the Government is managing the VI’s finances.

45 Responses to “History made! First time reserved power ever used- Elton Georges”

  • zoe (21/03/2017, 11:18) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    SMH
  • chad (21/03/2017, 11:22) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
    look how the NDP has allowed the UK to take the BVI over
    • qc (21/03/2017, 12:56) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
      Nobody in their right mind would EVER put their country through this embarrassment, we need an election
      • Yes (21/03/2017, 13:59) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
        ayo put them there
        • Idiot (21/03/2017, 18:42) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
          And who your choice was??? VIP....you are laughing because you are silly. You don't yet understand this is a "country" thing not a political party thing.....take your head out the sand....
        • Reply (21/03/2017, 19:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          100%
    • jokers (21/03/2017, 15:21) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      the pastor was right, now he got the last laugh. Set of jokers bout they can run government. crime on the rise and you reducing the budget, mehn come again, time to retire cuz u cant think straight again.
  • help! help! (21/03/2017, 11:26) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need a new party to rescue us from the jaws of the NDP
  • o gumbs (21/03/2017, 11:28) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    he taking over the treasury next.. say i say so
    • fish (21/03/2017, 22:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      a men brother Fahie hope if and when you become the next premier you can see that also
  • sec 103 (21/03/2017, 11:29) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    What an embarrassment
  • welsah! (21/03/2017, 11:31) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    tings to talk!
  • Yes (21/03/2017, 11:31) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where is the man from boy Mr Mouth Walwind? Where is Dr.D Olorna Smith?
  • chad (21/03/2017, 11:32) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS IS A BAD SIGN
  • MaryAnn (21/03/2017, 11:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the governor should now and I mean now is to ask the minister of finance to bring the financial reports to the house and if he decline to oblige demolish the government and call and election . This government think they are running their own house. But I am telling we put you all in there and we are tired of you all bull crap. You all think you are untouchable but next election we are going to send a clear message we start to get our message out so we can put a stop to this madness in this little island.
    • . (21/03/2017, 19:42) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Betta hope not since there is no viable alternative to vote for. They would just get re-elected and guess what? Another 4 years. I pray for my BVI.
  • watching (21/03/2017, 12:10) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's the Governer doing what he think is necessary, even though it shouldn't have come to that but that's just the reality of it all.
  • Ya me born (21/03/2017, 12:19) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the NDP should scrap the idea of airport expansion ...going ahead with this idea is guaranteeing that the UK would take over governing the BVI
  • History (21/03/2017, 12:21) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    Unfair of Elton for when he was acting governor one time he wanted to use it but they came around
  • Police Headquarter (21/03/2017, 12:23) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's use our intelligence people to tackle this wicked government. Serial governments do not show any remorse for their actions. They lie and apologize when they get caught, vindictive and revengeful. Their interest is to have more and more power to soothe their ego and undermine the intelligence of this great country. The people that reap any benefit are the cronies and ones that are too weak to see their destructive ways. Prime example the temper tantrum Premier crumbled with a bitch slap by the Governor. I guess they will sh$t their pants if the Governor start on white collar crime.
  • Omega Sabbath (21/03/2017, 12:33) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    You think small do you think any government official after these 2 terms to accomplish all the under table dealing care if you send them home? Smh all the family members friends side tings sex slaves already eat a plate. All the kick backs for all the projects been taken so you really think they care? We lost already.
  • inquiring mind (21/03/2017, 12:34) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
    I have another theory why this governor did this...this money if for retired UK officers....hummmm
  • Ocho (21/03/2017, 12:43) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    we need a anti-NDP ban distraction by Trump
  • Uncivil servant (21/03/2017, 12:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This decision SUKS!!!
  • Eagle Eye (21/03/2017, 12:49) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr Smith and the NDP are a joke. And we are better than this—or we should be. The world knows it. And the world is watching.
  • --------------------- (21/03/2017, 12:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    All in all, me thinks there is actually a credible threat that the public are not aware of to our Finances . But given the information vacuum, I can only suppose.
  • Yes (21/03/2017, 13:04) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow that was a well deserved bitch slap like never before in history!

    Gov needs to keep these NDP jokers' feet to the fire.
  • long look man (21/03/2017, 13:40) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is Everyone so surprise MS P told the Public the wells had Dried up long time ago.
  • Ambassador (21/03/2017, 13:43) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bottom line BVI used to be straight up, not turning a blind eye to criminals. Small islands, few bad apples. Somebody knows the truth. Police ourselves or somebody else going to and we might not like it. Cannot just blame politicians. It's all need to examine ourselves. Jehovah Roi, God sees!
  • just asking.. (21/03/2017, 14:08) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    When is the governor going address white callar crime?
  • Kermit (21/03/2017, 14:30) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    What I tell you. I know NDP fans dem going bawl. I ain't tell you it have more to come? Hiding money for what? Police needs funding , hospital needs funds for updated equipments, supplies, more professional Doctors Set a crooks. Dont talk about the poor teacher them. Their classrooms need help along with their paychecks. Wait man, before John Duncan leave he going lift up them skirts.

    When the wind blow, fowl bottom does show
  • JVD (21/03/2017, 17:38) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Shame shame shame on you voters
  • island man (21/03/2017, 17:46) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply

    I am not surprise with this situation. Dr. Smith has failed a long time ago and also failed 3 months ago when Mrs. Smith says women has the right to do what they wants without the notification of their spouse.
    I am interested to see M*** Add to dictionary one day be investigated for the miss handling of public funds.
    However, the Police was long awaiting for much needy help and now the ball is rolling.
    don't forget the High-School much needy repairs also Mr. Governor.

  • max (21/03/2017, 19:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of a sudden people are turning on NDP. I am specifically referring to their supporters. They were warned..lol..
  • yeah (21/03/2017, 20:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Wa Island man says
  • wize up (21/03/2017, 20:57) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    see where the money gone and who is in charge of the department: it will be a cold day in hell before the same governor invoke his powers and give additional funding to education; custom or immigration....his next move is to invoke his power and give his UK affiliate at Her Majesty Prison additional funding: look at this chain of command in today's BVI: the governor:the commissioner of police: the director of public prosecutor: the head of prison(white power).....
  • pat (21/03/2017, 22:00) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    it doesn't mean that this budget is proper or right for the BVI
  • heads roll (21/03/2017, 22:11) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    the BVI is VIP country and only you guys should be running it is now shocking true! this could have never happened under Uncle Ralph
  • next (21/03/2017, 22:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NDP have eroded all the gains with their anancyism.
  • Yes (21/03/2017, 23:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope this money is for investigating political crimes and locking up some of these loose lipped jokers
    • wize up (22/03/2017, 07:24) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ lol: that money might be spent on more UK experts: those Suzuki car rentals: one will hope to see more police on patrol because in this small territory one will only see the police out in large number at the scene of a crime after that is back to normal...just want to touch on the experts from the UK; this Territory had a series of unsolved murders and the UK officers came in to solve them because it was suggested the local officers were unable BUT i will submit those folks from the UK have not done any better than the local officers: as a matter of fact crimes are being committed every day while the so called UK experts are here(look at the stats ...many many unsolved murders and other crimes from early 90s)....as a matter of fact you don't hear one word from the governor or the commissioner of police.....talk that
  • Pay attention (22/03/2017, 16:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Tsk tsk Pay attention!History repeats itself in the Caribbean as in the South America and in the Mother land.
    Mashup is facilitated from within by a chosenJudas who owes big time stirring the pot,building distrust with inflammatory unproven fallacies to the weakminded and enslaved self haters. Yes, we are self haters and prime targets for civilnupheaval.pay close attention . Stock up on flashlights. Pay attention!
  • Ourpeopleman (23/03/2017, 10:19) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    And I say, the agenda of the British has always been to divide and conquer us. After we started to flourish and the doves are not fluttering around in the bird sanctuary, we appear to be something for his croonies to come to. Well let me say it this way, the Governor is not interested in the Virgin Islands so, he is interested in the UK's highhandedness. This is what Lavity used to challenge them on. We are looked at as slaves who must be controlled. The Governor could have done it a different way, but he and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, hell bent on controlling us. We Virgin Islanders brought this country to its success, not no flipping UK. When are we going to get loose from the people that enslaved us? Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing is too difficult for the African to do. Start believing in yourself. Our people any day, than the wood-slave UK.
  • Dun (23/03/2017, 23:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is what this government calls skilled negotiating? I call it pathetic.


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