Hon Fahie asks whether Premier had authority to fire Bishop Cline
Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, a member of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, First District Representative as well as Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), made the remarks during his first address for 2017.
Proposed legislations will rebuild trust globally
“I recently made a promise to you to ensure that I will strongly lobby for the passing of a few pieces of legislations to ensure that good governance is not merely just a buzz word that it is apparently is today,” Hon Fahie remarked.
He informed that these legislations include but are not limited to Whistleblowing Legislation for public officers, Campaign Financing Legislation, Ethics Legislation, Freedom of Information Act, Consumer Protection and an economic plan to boost local businesses.
“The passing of those pieces of legislation among others is the only way to bring back local, regional and international trust in any government of the day in these Virgin Islands given our dismal current state of affairs,” he continued.
According to Honourable Fahie, the people’s cry continues to be heard on many issues and addressing them in the manner that is being done is merely addressing the symptoms but, with the passing of these legislations, it will arrest the cause and give the desired result that each person yearn for which is an equal and fair opportunity to make it in their own country especially without high-handed political interference.
“Together we will build a better Virgin Islands for us all,” he concluded.
Cline’s resignation controversy proof minister’s powers must be clear
Meantime, the high ranking official noted that the powers and privileges of members of the HoA, especially ministers must be clearly defined and not left to one person’s interpretation or opinion, adding his own comments on the alleged forced resignation of the Chairman of the BVIHSA John I. Cline.
“The recent developments within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and particularly the request reportedly made by the Premier, that the Chairman of the BVI Health Services Board should resign in a timely manner reminded and illustrated why it is important why there must be clarity on what members of the House, especially ministers, can and cannot do,” he stated.
Adding, that while it is not for him to delve into the reasons why the Chairman was asked to resign, but “this incident clearly illuminates the imaginary line that this government continues to draw between what the laws says should be done and what they believe should be done.”
He pointed out that the Chairman of the BVIHSA in accordance with the law was appointed by cabinet, “which begs the question –does the Premier without the approval of Cabinet has the authority to demand the resignation of the chairman?”’
Hon Fahie noted that all should be reminded that the BVIHSA is a statutory body which, according to the interpretation of the Attorney General, is not considered to be part of the government for contractual purposes. “Yet interestingly, the chairman of this statutory board can be summarily removed, my people this is one of the reasons why it is imperative that we obtain a clear and binding interpretation of section 67 of the constitution among other sections; so that those in office are not allowed to make such arbitrary decisions.”
The VIP Chairman said it is for these types of reasons why he has sought for a reference to be made to the Court of Appeal, if there was any doubt whether this reference should be made, “this should remove such doubt once and for all.”
Robust accountability through Public Accounts Committee
Hon Fahie further pledged that the Opposition will use all available mechanisms to hold the ruling party accountable and continue to seek answers that inform of the state of the territory’s finances and how hard-earned tax dollars are spent.
“In this regard, we will be embarking on a robust accountability through the Public Accounts Committee with a view to holding the elected government accountable for every allocated fund. Members of the HoA are not above the law and as leaders, we must lead from the front and that simply means that we must abide by the laws of this territory and wrong cannot be right based on who is loved and right cannot be wrong based on who is hated.”
Meanwhile, Hon Fahie announced that the annual First District Report will be given on Saturday January 28, 2017 at 7:30 P.M. at the Capoons Bay recreational centre. The theme is ‘Together we will rise’.
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24 Responses to “Hon Fahie asks whether Premier had authority to fire Bishop Cline”
We Commend You Fahie For Shining Your Light Into The Darkness.
We have a Government running our affairs with – No Transparency, No Accountability, No Inclusion, and No Clarity on Anything. What a Horrible State of Affairs!
Now they trying to throw us to the [LOAN] Sharks circling off Beef Island and Necker Island without warning us where we stand.
Either way you left before you had planned to...
That being said Fahie does have a point about due process.
I truly hope that Hon. Fahie is serious about the legislation and policies that he is promising to implement. Really sounds good but we have heard this before from the NDP Government in the sunshine only to be waiting 5 plus years later but nothing. He has a point in regards to the Cabinet of 5 voting on Cline's appointment then should they not be allowed to all have a say in his removal? Now in regards to the AG's weak argument that the statutory body is not central Government well, central Government just fired a member of the statutory body. Well look trouble here.
Nonethess, be that as it may, the Premier as leader of local government must have the ability to part ways with employees who he has lost confidencein, especially employees who went public challenging his competency as MoF. This was a bridge too far so he had no choice but to ask for the head of John ( John the Baptist, no). No leader any where would tolerate this type of public dissing. The Bishop did not use sound judgment. In fact he exercised poor discipline. As an experience leader of a large flock, the poor judgement and discipline is surprising. He put the MHSD between a rock and a hard place. Technically, he resigned, not fired. What if he refused to resign, would he have been fired?