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Hons. Fraser & O’Neal clash in HOA over PAC!

-Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal accuses Hon. Julian Fraser of not attending any Public Accounts Committee meetings
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal OBE (Photo: VINO) and Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser RA (Photo: GIS) clashed in the House of Assembly on November 19, 2013 on the reasons for Hon. Fraser's resignation from the House of Assembly’s select Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It was Virgin Islands News Online that first broke the story on November 15, 2013 that popular Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser RA, had since November 5, 2013 resigned as a member of the powerful House of Assembly’s select Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

At the second sitting of the third session of the second House of Assembly held on November 19, 2013 First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie was approved by Parliament to replace Hon. Fraser.

Why he quit- Hon. Fraser

In addressing the matter as to why he resigned from the PAC, Hon. Fraser told the House of Assembly (HOA) that he was so far out front on the issue of the Ports Development Project and the need for openness and transparency to be the order of the day. He said there was no secret that he had spoken out on this project both in the public domain and in the HOA via questions so his position was clear.

Hon. Fraser said he has not one day ceased to let up on the matter. However, he said “a few weeks ago the Auditor General Report on the project was released to the PAC and something had to give as it relates to my advocacy on the streets and there are certain things as a member of PAC I cannot do”.

The former Minister for Communications and Works in the O’Neal Administration said, given his position that he “has been public it is expected that the Pubic Accounts Committee to be objective and fair in their dealings and that my being there will be looked upon as being subjective”.

In this regard he said, “I thought it best for me to tender my resignation from the Committee.”

Hon. Fraser said he submitted his resignation in ample time to allow someone else to be appointed. He showered praises and endorsement on Hon. Fahie and told the HOA that he has worked with Fahie “on a previous PAC and he knows he is quite capable and will do a good job as anyone.”

Leader of the Opposition Hon. O’Neal’s version

In his contribution to the motion to replace Hon. Fahie with Hon. Fraser, Leader of the Opposition and Virgin Islands Party Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE had another twist.

Hon. O’Neal told the public that Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser “never attended any meetings since being nominated to the Public Accounts Committee”.

Further, the Leader of the Opposition reported that Hon. Fraser went to his office “suggesting that Hon. Fahie be on the Committee,” and Hon. O’Neal told Hon. Fraser “according to the rules only three Opposition members could be on the Committee and if he wanted Fahie on then he [Fraser] would not be there.”

Hon. O’Neal told the HOA that what Hon. Fraser said to him a year and months ago is what he wanted and nobody can be vexed with Hon. Fraser because “he is a big man.”

The Ninth District Representative warned that “the Public Accounts Committee is not a committee of spite or for trying to get at people or put people in trouble and if there is a problem there is a process”.

The Virgin Islands Party Leader, while confirming that the PAC has a copy of the Auditor General’s Report on the Ports Development project, also said that his Committee did not ask the Auditor General to do a search or check of any matter relating to the Ports Project.

However, he said the report is being examined by his committee and was to continue this week but was interrupted by the HOA sitting. He said persons have been summoned to come before the Committee, but “I cannot tell you what will happen, we have to wait and examine other persons.”

He said he remember in another case some had called “for blood but there was no blood there”, however, as it relates to the current report on the Ports Project, Hon. O’Neal told the HOA “we have to examine the facts and then bring it before this House”.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

The Public Accounts Committee is a select committee of the House of Assembly. It is responsible for overseeing government expenditures to ensure they are effective and honest. The PAC is seen as a crucial mechanism for ensuring transparency and accountability in government’s financial operations. It reviews the Auditor General's reports and can call any Public Body to testify before it on their finances.

The PAC can also call on the Governor to carry out a Commission of Inquiry into any dishonest practices from any Government Bodies or individuals after an Audit report or its own investigations.

It is the only standing committee of the House that is chaired by the Leader of the Opposition. The PAC is a five member committee with three from the Opposition and two from Government. In the case where one Member is not present at a meeting and it becomes a tie, the Opposition Leader can cast an extra vote to break the tie.

59 Responses to “Hons. Fraser & O’Neal clash in HOA over PAC!”

  • chad (20/11/2013, 08:21) Like (7) Dislike (17) Reply
    Ralph is out of order.
    • Kev (20/11/2013, 09:52) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
      This is the biggest in-house CAT FIGHT ever. Never thought these two good old boys would ever fall out. Ralph still trying to run the show, he needs to GO HOME and watch some t.v.
      • Bollocks (21/11/2013, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

        Fraser popular? The reason he will never be top dog is that he is so unpopular.

        • OhKala (22/11/2013, 14:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @bollocks, If you hate Fraser say that, but his popularaty you speak for you self. Thers is no one in politics right now better.
  • cop (20/11/2013, 08:31) Like (9) Dislike (17) Reply
    fraser is still the man!
  • Shara Parlin (20/11/2013, 08:40) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    hot head vs. experience reminds me of dr. pickering and myron, what a ting to tell de King. WOW!
    • @ Shara Parlin (20/11/2013, 09:31) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
      myron is the hot head and dr pickering is experience
      • chad (20/11/2013, 12:51) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
        Experience in what Medical or political
      • grace (21/11/2013, 23:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

        Pic***ing too full of himself. His face always looks like he don't want to be bothered and wish he were somewhere else. He never smile or address people eq**lly. 

  • mvw (20/11/2013, 08:52) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    That is why I love VINO and it will always be NUMBER 1, the only site that is fair and balance…now when Deloris and Alvera dis Dr. Smith and called him out over the silly robust economy claim the bias pro government site did not say a word…see VINO is truly the only independent site we got!!! and that is way the others have falling off..BAM
  • BOW OUT RALPH (20/11/2013, 08:59) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    Bow out Tilford- or you gon get push out
  • Well Well (20/11/2013, 09:00) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply

    Ralph time is up even if the leader isn't Fraser, Ralph's time as head is up.

  • my two cents (20/11/2013, 09:03) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am not a Fraser fan but with due respect to Ralph, he must help usher the VIP into the future. This future cannot be with Ralph as head. Ralph is going to kill the VIP dead because he thinks that only he can lead it which is the same mistake all leaders display when their time comes to the end.
  • not so (20/11/2013, 09:10) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Please tell me it's not so...Ralph seems to be in bed with the NDP. RALPH seems to have more a desire to go after his own members than after the corrupt NDP.
    • Yes (20/11/2013, 11:58) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      But I have been saying so for the longest while. You all need to clean those nostrils because I smell a rat and seeing one also.
  • ooooo (20/11/2013, 09:13) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    before this old #$@% jump on the ndp who said that he did nothing for 4 years and left the country broke, he jumping on poor fraser
  • Gasprov (20/11/2013, 09:22) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ralph O'Neal is unhinged and totally disconnected. What about Mr. Fraser's reasoning warranted such a response. If Mr. Fraser is a member ofthe PAC he cannot discuss publically any matter before the committee whether he attends the meetings or not, because he will be getting the minutes and materials distributed. Fahie is quite capable. Why does everyone want one man to do everything? Can't win them all Mr. Fraser, you stay on the committee and have to keep your mouth shut, thet say we ain't hearing you. You leave the committee so you could talk, they say you leave. Good going Sir.
  • What a guy (20/11/2013, 09:24) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
    The NDP daily killing Ralph without calling his name saying he left the country broke & Ralph wouldn't touch them but he busy going after Fraser & others who are less threat to bis legacy than the NDP. This is sad & shows poor leadership on Ralph's behalf.
    • Hmmm* (20/11/2013, 10:08) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
      Fraser and Fahie are the biggest threat to his legacy with their idiocy and poor leadership
  • decision (20/11/2013, 09:27) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    I will pick Fraser over RTO any day as Fraser is the future yall
  • ------------------ (20/11/2013, 09:46) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    VINO I have a new found respect for your news site...you are very objective and take no prisoners
    • x ray (21/11/2013, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Uncle Ralph better change before he and his VIP becomes obsolete.”

  • Kev (20/11/2013, 10:01) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    A decision...Ralph and Fraser are the same. They have been bussom buddies for years reeking havoc on the BVI. I am glad they are now at each others throats because neither one of them need to be in office. We need new young leadership...OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
    • rattie (20/11/2013, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If Mr. Fraser is a member ofthe PAC he cannot discuss publically any matter before the committee
  • It's so clear (20/11/2013, 10:15) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    It's so clear that the NDP is destroying Ralph when ever they talk about the poor financial conditions they claim they met the country when they took office in 2011. Yet Ralph playing around with the NDP who intend on destroying he & his entire VIP team. What a pity Ralph ain't seeing & addressing this.
  • xxxxxxxx (20/11/2013, 10:27) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Is Uncle Ralph aim to mess up the VIP so the corrupt NDP could stay in power? Is he still snoozing? Jeez um bread man why is he allowing the NDP to hookwink and bamboozle he? sucketeeth
  • David (20/11/2013, 11:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    VIP and NDP fight against each other and then amongst themselves. And while all this happens, little is done to help the people. Misguided priorities.
  • Ralph is a TRUE LEADER (20/11/2013, 12:07) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    Good going Ralph! Put that MUT in his place!

    You a true leader!
  • Champ (20/11/2013, 12:42) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    hon fraser I back you a lot but not on this one hon ralph t oneal is a respectable and good leader . I believe you guys want him to leave the party but rember he is one of the founders for that party . the vip surporters want you guys to stay together as a team getting rid of the leader the party dead most people respect hon ralph t oneal so hon fraiser and who ever think twice. that's all I have to say
    • (20/11/2013, 13:34) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
      @ Champ, if you can come on here saying that Ralph is a founder of the VIP it shows how little you know about the VIP, and therefore your opinion is meaningless. You dam just comers should know your place. Hon. Stout picked up Ralph out of the opposition when Omar was removed from his ministry. Ralph is no VIP, that's why he is trying to kill it. If you love him so much, tell him to stay to hell home.
    • Rewind!! (20/11/2013, 14:48) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Ralph is no founding member of the VIP! He was United Party and jumped over. Same with Andrew who ran against Lavity back in 1991 or 1995.
      • rewrsdffds (23/11/2013, 01:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        But Andrew did not join a party; he was also very respectful nothing wrong with throwing out a throwing line either.
  • @ Ralph is a TRUE LEADER (20/11/2013, 12:49) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Come on NDP paid bloggers everybody knows RTO days are over so get lost
  • United party (20/11/2013, 14:12) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hon Ralph O'Neal is a United Party man now he come to kill the VIP because he was never a part of the VIP and dont forget Hon stoutt only send for Ralph because Lewis lost to JJ by 2 votes. Otherwise Lewis would have lead the VIP after the passing of the father of the nation Hon Stoutt. So remember he is not really a VIP he is a Johnny come lately. and that is why I can support the VIP they wash their bed sheets in the Public. You think Doctor Smith would do this to any of his soldiers.
  • zoe (20/11/2013, 14:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is so embarrassing
    • @ Zoe (24/11/2013, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Where ayo waz when Deloris diss Myron over culture and Alvra diss Dr. Smith over the robust economy ting...iron lady better go sit down and so some work in her ministry
  • vip fan (20/11/2013, 15:21) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    If you check the records, fraser is the only 100% vip there now.
    • VIP all the way (20/11/2013, 16:58) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      for truth as Ralph was with the united party and fahie had ran aganist lavity so fraser is the only pure vip he should be the leader
    • 2 VIP Fan (21/11/2013, 19:43) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      What are the requirements to be a VIP? Oppose everything? That don't make sense
  • Champ (20/11/2013, 15:44) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    ok maybe not a founder but a respectable leader so you all respect the man
  • @champ (20/11/2013, 17:36) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    @champ, scatter your behind you lost any credibility you had by first showing that you dont know what you talking bout, bout Ralph was a founding member of VIP..... Crap, gosuck an egg
  • hog city (20/11/2013, 21:46) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Fraser is the mvp for the vip.
  • factslady (20/11/2013, 22:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is wrong with man like the rest ot the vip oppositions rs don't any respect and are you also stateing that fraser is not respecta ble. One thing I know is that he is more respectable than you stop your p........the man come out from the closet letting us know what going...boy you don't a thing about truth and politics.please fraser don't take on nobody with no entegrity or skeleton in the closet to run with you .......you have enough thing to wory about.
  • Good Point (20/11/2013, 23:03) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Now I see why Oneal is hanging in there, this VIP Party will be destroyed if he retire tomorrow
  • fedup (21/11/2013, 07:00) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ralph mash up the United Party, now want to mash up the VIP...People wake up do not let him do it!!!!
  • i was hacked (21/11/2013, 07:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem NDP investigating light bill when we want the auditor general report investigated eh
  • jtv (21/11/2013, 12:30) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well, I’m speachless Ralph need to stay home
    • TAX MAN (21/11/2013, 16:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      I am appalled but not surprised at Mr. O'Neal for his reaction to Mr. Fraser.
  • Way out (21/11/2013, 16:51) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    RALPH definitely on his way out
  • Hmmmmm (21/11/2013, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this what we want the Virgin Islands to turn to? If you are for the NDP and the VIP is in power you can't agree with what is right? Or if are a VIP and the NDP is in power does that mean you can't stand up for what is right? Ohh pleaseeeeee wake up Virgin Island. I think Frazer needs to start his own party
  • Release (21/11/2013, 20:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Obstructionist Ralph but the VIP members have themselves to blame for this outcome.
  • hands (21/11/2013, 22:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is just one more step in the downfall of the VIP and our country
    • teacher john (22/11/2013, 12:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      But to paraphrase Mark Twain, the rumors of our death are much exaggerated
  • cnbc (25/11/2013, 18:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ......enough is enough hope we can send a message to Ralph that like the NDp he must GO!!!!


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