Posing for a photo opportunity after a meeting on the Government's 2020 Legislative agenda, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (centre) said his team of legislators are primed and ready to transform the Virgin Islands in this new year. Photo: Facebook

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Premier Fahie for a comment on the role of Hon Maduro-Caines in his administration and while not answering the question directly, he said she is now a member of good standing like other members. Photo: Facebook/File

Virgin Islands House of Assembly: The 2020 Legislative Agenda and 2020 Budget Deliverables are well on track, according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File

"Today, we met as a Government to discuss where we are with our 2020 Legislative Agenda and 2020 Budget Deliverables. We are well on track. Ministries, Departments and Statutory Agencies have already started to push forward," Premier Fahie said in a social media update on February 10, 2020. 

Role of newest VIP Member  

While; however, the newest member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), was seen in the photograph, it is still unclear what role the Sixth District legislator will play in the Fahie-led Administration. 

"Indeed, we are well on our way with transforming the BVI to restore hope and prosperity for all," the Premier said as part of his social media statements. 

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Premier Fahie for a comment on the role of Hon Maduro-Caines in his administration and while not answering the question directly, he said she is now "a member of good standing like all other members."

'I want what is best' - Hon Maduro-Caines 

Hon Maduro-Caines crossed the floor on January 20, 2020, after making a bombshell announcement on her decision to leave the National Democratic Party (NDP) in a press conference alongside Premier Fahie.

"I have not been made any promises or offers... nor have I asked for any. I simply want which is best for our Territory and I believe that what is best for the BVI at this time, is for all patriotic Virgin Islanders to be working together on one common goal, which is the betterment and security of these islands," Hon Maduro-Caines said as part of her statements.

Current VI legislators on the Government side of the House of Assembly (HoA) includes Premier Fahie who serves as Minister of Finance; Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), Deputy Speaker, Neville A. Smith (AL); Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) along with Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL).

Premier Fahie was clear in pointing out that there were no more ministerial positions left in his government at this time to accommodate his newest member; however, Hon Maduro-Caines will become a member of government.