Hon Vanterpool in hot seat, Opposition questions RDA Plan
Hon Fahie noted that he is unclear as to what exactly the RDA (Recovery and Development Agency) is responsible for and whether those responsibilities are secured in written form.
Unclear responsibilities of the RDA
In his words, Hon Fahie says that the plans presented by Hon. Vanterpool is but a manifesto and he is concerned as to what effects it might have on the future government, claiming the plan focuses on other issues apart from recovery.
"I am not clear now, I'm being asked to approve something that I feel this government in the late stage, with couple months left for elections does not have the mandate to give the people," Hon Fahie said.
Rising to add his voice to the debate, Hon Mark Vanterpool dismissed Hon. Fahie's reference to the upcoming elections as it relates to the RDA Plan, "Nothing is wrong with a government seeing the need for recovery and within that recovery seeing the need to put together a development plan” Hon Vanterpool said.
“The responsibility of the government is to continue to put forward plans and development for the territory even if it’s the day before the election, for the good of the people of the territory," he said.
The Good of the People
Hon. Vanterpool re-emphasized that the plan should be for the good of the people of the territory of the Virgin Islands. It is after these points were made that the debated became a seemingly heated argument between legislators Hon. Fahie, Hon. Vanterpool and Hon. Fraser.
Leading the debate Hon. Vanterpool highlighted that there are a number of works to be done around the island, however, it is the lack of finances that stifle these developments.
"We need money, don't come to ask me no stupidness man, we gon fix duh country... Four hundred million dollars ($400M), we got to find something to fix the country. The money is in here (RDA plans) under broad terms!” he said.
It was at this point, Minister of works Hon. Vanterpool aggressively vented his dissatisfaction towards works being done before being called to order by Speaker of the House Hon. Ingrid Moses- Scatliffe. However, this did not stop Hon. Vanterpool from making his opinion known as he discourteously interrupted Hon. Fraser during his first few words on the matter and ignored the call for order by the Speaker of the House.
This disregard of house protocols led Hon. Moses- Scatliffe to take control and recess the sitting of the house until Wednesday, October 17, 2018. The passing of the legislative document is key to moving the RDA Plan forward and to secure funding and a loan guarantee from the UK government.
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14 Responses to “Hon Vanterpool in hot seat, Opposition questions RDA Plan”
The only decision they should be making at this time- is to set a date for election. PERIOD!!!
Moreover, though district reps May and should show territorial concerns, they were elected to represent their districts. As such, the Hon Fraser’s passion for D-3 is in line with what he was elected to do. Further, the people of D-1 and D-3 should not be penalized for exercising their constitutional right by voting for whom they want to represent them. Resources should be allocated to districts based on need, not politics. The disarray in HOA is emblematic of current government dysfunction.
Further, the MCW says, “The coast roads need to be fixed using concrete and steel. We can’t keep putting on asphalt.” This is interesting. Can the MCW tell us more about reinforced concrete roads vs. asphalt roads. Is the Speaker not in charge of the HOA? As such, should she not have directed the MCW to take a seat or two and if he refused engaged the police to remove him from the chambers?
Explain to me why these elected official speaking as if they LACK education or communication skills both written and oral, its a shame.
It is time for all voters to show a united front no matter the party. Show them that whether we agree or disagree the community and its citizens will not stand for anymore BS.