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‘Let’s make Cabinet minutes public’ – Hon Andrew A. Fahie

- in light of Hugh E. Darley’s allegations about how Gov't made decisions on cruise pier development project
Representative for the First District Honourable Andrew A. Fahie suggested that while the cruise pier development project is a good one, its execution demonstrated lack of transparency and accountability. Honourable Fahie was speaking about a number of disclosures that former project coordinator of the cruise pier development project Hugh E. Darley made over the course of a month beginning December 2015. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Fahie said he will continue to press for Cabinet minutes to be made public. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Fahie said he will continue to press for Cabinet minutes to be made public. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola VI – Representative for the First District Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has suggested that while the cruise pier development project is a good one, its execution demonstrated lack of transparency and accountability.

The former Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Fahie, was speaking about a number of disclosures that the former project coordinator of the cruise pier development project, Mr Hugh E. Darley, made over the course of a month beginning December 2015.

He noted that it isn’t every project government has done is bad and that the ports project is one of the good ones, however, he believes the problem people have with some of the good projects is the lack of accountability.

“That seems to be one of the underlying factors with a lot of the projects that cannot be completed by this administration,” Honourable Fahie told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview.

He also said the House of Assembly seems to be a thing of the past where spending is approved far long after that spending actually takes place.

“And when you bring these things up, most of them in the administration have a way of trying to paint you in a negative light.”

He said the people of the territory are mature enough to demand transparency and accountability.

“That is why most of these things are done in Cabinet and not reaching the House of Assembly. I am going to be championing the cause for the minutes of the Cabinet to be made public and for there to be penalties for non-factual statements being made by persons in the House of Assembly.

“We have to bring back accountability in this country... we can’t love somebody so much that they can do no wrong and hate somebody so much that they can do no right,” he said.

Darley confirms Gov't's lack of transparency

Mr Darley alleged during his December 2015 visit to the Virgin Islands that he was directed by officials in the National Democratic Government who to speak to and who to deal with regarding the project.

He insisted that as a businessperson he has no political allegiance and wanted to work with the political opposition to hear their ideas and views on the project but said he was denied this opportunity when he was a resident on Tortola for some two years.

While he was here in December 2015, Darley said he believed Dr Smith silenced his ministers from speaking with him.

Mr Darley, who alleges that the Government of the Virgin Islands owes him money for the use of his designs for the cruise pier project, said he was going to disclose to the international investment community that the VI Government, led by Premier Smith, could not be trusted.

In addition to claiming that the Government owes him money for the use of his designs, Darley made a number of other scathing allegations of lack of accountability and overpricing on the project. He, however, has not responded to this news site’s request for copies of documents to support his allegations against the NDP Government, even though claiming he was in possession of such evidence.

31 Responses to “‘Let’s make Cabinet minutes public’ – Hon Andrew A. Fahie”

  • tretretrete (19/01/2016, 08:22) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good points Hon. Fahie.
  • Amen (19/01/2016, 08:24) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    I didn't always agree with Fahie in the past but more & more he is making alot of sense.
    • wize up (19/01/2016, 09:50) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      @ Amen; fahie is good people and you hear more from fahie about the issues that are affecting the territory while you hear nothing from the official leader of the opposition unless it is a matter affecting his district especially sea cows bay(just saying)
  • about time (19/01/2016, 08:26) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Keep fighting for the people. We appreciate your willingness and boldness to do so.
  • Mandingo (19/01/2016, 08:27) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    I couldn't agree with you Andrew more for these words....“That is why most of these things are done in Cabinet and not reaching the House of Assembly. I am going to be championing the cause for the minutes of the Cabinet to be made public and for there to be penalties for non-factual statements being made by persons in the House of Assembly.

    “We have to bring back accountability in this country... we can’t love somebody so much that they can do no wrong and hate somebody so much that they can do no right,”.

    • dog (19/01/2016, 13:18) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      maybe the proposed Freedom of Information Act which was slated to be presented can be a tool to help with transparency. This is also where investigative reporting is badly needed but the NDP has dampened that avenue with threats of jail time for "whistle-blowers". Deals behind closed doors do not make for a good project or policy.
  • Political Observer (19/01/2016, 08:30) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Save for national security information and personal/sensitive info, HOA proceedings should be made public. This action will live up to transparency and accountability and true government in the sunshine. Members are elected to represent the people (representative democracy) and their election is not a license to unilaterally do as they like, how they like, when they like or where they like. Members have an obligation to consult with the electorate. Except for certain emergency situations, all expenditure should be authorized and appropriated by the HOA. For example, the recent $7M funding of BVI Airways should have been discussed in the HOA. It is not an emergency. The port project is a vital project to enhance the tourism productivity, improving the BVI competitiveness but it is execution leaves much to be desired. The dark swirling clouds need to be cleared. Waiting with baited breath to hear from the MCW. Furthermore, we need to hear from the Premier.
  • Quote of the day (19/01/2016, 08:30) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    "You can't love somebody so much that they can do no wrong & hate others so much that they can do no right." Said like only Fahie can. Right on target Fahie. That's the new BVI for you.
  • wize up (19/01/2016, 08:50) Like (3) Dislike (19) Reply
    all of these concerns from fahie been around for well over 40 years...guidelines for good government should have been in place years ago
    • @wize up (19/01/2016, 10:11) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Face the fact that in the history of the Virgin Islands this is the first time that we have such consistent & blatant abuse of power by an Administration. Don't look for excuses.
      • wize up (19/01/2016, 17:16) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
        @ wize up: where is the proof about the blatant abuse of power; what is know to be factual small man cant get paid in a timly manner when they offer services to current administration
    • Tell the Whole Truth (19/01/2016, 10:27) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not like how it is now. The politician then use to answer the questions quickly. The length of time these politicians taking to get back to us nowadays is unacceptable behavior.
  • foxy (19/01/2016, 09:53) Like (7) Dislike (18) Reply
    He still will never be the VIP chairman
  • E. Leonard (19/01/2016, 10:12) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    " We have to bring back accountability in this country...we can't love somebody so much that they can do no wrong and hate somebody so much that they can do no right, he said." Deep and profound! Partisan politics in the developed and developing countries is a hindrance to progress. Whatever side one is on the other can't do anything right. Good governance requires diverse input.
  • okay (19/01/2016, 10:16) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well said Hon. Fahie. We have government in the dark not in the sunshine.
  • To foxy (19/01/2016, 10:46) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Real issues that affecting us is being addressed & all you can think of is Chairman of the VIP. With small minded people like you in the VIP shows clearly why Fahie really should care less about being the Chairman.
  • Zion Hill (19/01/2016, 11:29) Like (1) Dislike (21) Reply
    Fahie trying hard mehson but after what he did fraser we taking everything he say with a grain of salt
  • yes (19/01/2016, 11:34) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    These ministers of government know what they are doing is wrong. They have the China mentality. They know they are to lay out their plans to the electorates. Seemingly there is no one in place to see good governance. This little country seems to be clouded under corruption.
  • @Zion Hill (19/01/2016, 11:36) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Go get a life you imposter! People like you make the dog sick.
  • BuzzBvi (19/01/2016, 12:11) Like (0) Dislike (11) Reply
    I am sick of hearing about this Darley man
  • okay (19/01/2016, 12:20) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    ..But first, let's make the meetings between Andrew and Claude back when they were in power for the after school neighborhood program that cost us over $900K and didn't even last 6 months. Where are those Andrew?
    • @okay (19/01/2016, 13:03) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      You were sleeping because that was explain. Plus your figures are too high you mischief maker. Your point is mute because your NDP knew this & still hired him. That is the best of the NDP anyways. Try to make anyone who highlights their corruption in a bad light. That tactic is played out.
  • Not Okay (19/01/2016, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (15) Reply
    Fahie trying but I see nothing done in D1 for a long long time. His statement in the vicinity of anything Darley sickens me. Having made his infamous pronouncement about corruption, with Darley subsequently making a leap at shaking down the Gov is unforgivable.
    • To not okay (19/01/2016, 15:45) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please. Don't look for excuses. You full well know that unless the NDP Government makes the money available to get projects done in the 1st District then there is nothing Fahie can do but lobby & inform. So take a seat from talking piddle.
  • and.... (19/01/2016, 14:49) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    The consultant report about race cars. Mr Consultant was paid several hundred thousands but we have yet to hear or see the result or even the name of Mr Consultant.
    • @and.... (19/01/2016, 15:52) Like (38) Dislike (1) Reply
      Poor you. Your NDP in power now for 2 consecutive terms & you still looking for lies to try to keep them in power. The drag racing contract was under one hundred thousand dollars & it was tendered & these are facts. GO ask about Myron million dollar ESHS wall that will cost even more to finish. Where did that money go?
  • Agree (20/01/2016, 05:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Agree 100%. Why the secret? They work for us.
  • Dim Sum (20/01/2016, 11:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I reiterate.....Power and privilege are being used to rig the system to increase the gap between the richest and the rest to levels we have not seen before. Far from trickling down, income and wealth are instead being sucked upwards at an alarming rate!


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