Letters emerge of nasty fight to keep Governor out of HoA
The offensive was spearheaded by Speaker of the HoA, Hon Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe in a series of some six blistering letters back and forth between her and Deputy Governor Rosalie Adams and ex-governor John S. Duncan OBE.
Keep out of my House; You were not invited- Speaker
The Speaker of the House argued that there is a separation of powers between the three branches of government and the Governor, who heads the Executive Branch, can only come to the HoA (Legislative) if invited.
Therefore, the Speaker held the position that it was unconstitutional to hold such a swearing in at the HoA as she had not extended an invitation for the newly appointed Governor designate to come there. In a strong letter to Mr Duncan, dated May 31, 2017 and obtained by our newsroom from our senior National Democratic Party sources, Honourable Moses-Scatliffe concluded that "the egregious practice cannot therefore continue."
In a letter however, ex-governor Duncan argued in his letter dated July 25, 2017 that Her Majesty through the Governor has a right to address the HoA as "a reflection of the connection between them and of the modern partnership as set out in the constitution."
Boycott or not? Just happen to be overseas?
Meanwhile, it's unclear how many elected members will be attending the swearing in which is now to take place upstairs the HoA building on Tuesday August 22, 2017 where the new colonial boss Augustus J. U. Jaspert will take the Oath of Office for the Governor.
According to one member who is close to the situation but said he couldn’t speak for anyone, "most of them are off island any way, and many who are here may have other engagement at that time". However, both the Premier, Deputy Premier and the Opposition Leader are expected to be there; however, others could not be confirmed, according to sources close to other elected members.
Waste of time fight - Hon Fahie
Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) told our newsroom in an exclusive brief interview, when asked about his position on the matter, that "I do not see the advantages for the BVI in getting into this dispute. As leaders we must always exercise wisdom so that we can avoid unnecessary battles. It makes absolutely no sense to win the battle and lose the war".
Hon Fahie, a former Education and Culture Minster and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party, also stated "we have more pressing matters that require our attention and energies as leaders."
All eyes will be on the ceremony tomorrow August 22, 2017 to see who is there for the Legislative branch and who is not.
The ceremony is expected to be carried live on local radio station and streamed online. It starts at 10.00 AM.
See below copy of the first page of two letters between Speaker of the House of Assembly Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe and Ex-Governor John S. Duncan OBE:
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61 Responses to “Letters emerge of nasty fight to keep Governor out of HoA”
The issue is some, gain SOME black people are quick to push the dumb idea that evil and all its siblings resides only within BLACKS ...SHUT UR A.. UP
Speak to the freaking issue and stop pulling down your own people I have NO love for the NDP or any person/govt that steal and under mind its people and I for one agree that there must be measures put in place to ensure that the people and their country isnt destroyed by persons elected to run its affairs....For instance any project that will change the fabric of the country should be voted for by the people before it can be undertaken. Instead of saying Black people evil maybe you should make a suggestion.
If you aren't aware that corruption and evil doesn't have a color or a race then do some research.
What if the UK government decide to be spiteful like them and decide to suspend the Constitution because they refuse to cooperate with the Governor and we have a Turks and Caicos situation. What will they do then?
There is a way to disagree with those in authority and this nonsense is not the way. This is not strategic at all.
I am so so disappointed with this bunch of ego inflated politicians we have elected. Its disgraceful.
I mean this gentleman could easily be sworn in at his office or better yet in an outdoor public place. Open it up in a venue for all to witness and whosoever will may attend. He is an official for the people isn't he? So what's the problem?
Partisan back and forth is absolutely unnecessary.
I totally agree with her.Not because something has been done traditionally means it should continue if we wish to have it changed.
So all of a sudden it is unconstitutional for the Governor to be sworn in at the House of Assembly? I am sure there is more that is going on that has the NDP nervous and a bit peeved. The Speaker may well be right on constitutional grounds but is it a fight that you really want to have at this time? Remember the Governor's position is a continuous one so Duncan's successor must continue where he left off. I hope they understand and appreciate that.
Lights. Camera. Action.
Remember they had enslaved us once; they still want to rule over us again. But we are a stubborn and stiffnecked people; "we wouldn't bend, we wouldn't bow, we wouldn't burn, not again." Forward ever; backwards never. Let's go forward. We welcome the Governor, wherever they sign him in, he done Governor. Next; move on with rebuilding this country.
Enjoy your stay sir. The previous Governor ha sleft a great legacy and we trust you to carry on the same.
When in the history of the BVI has any Governor ever been elected. It is unfortunate that you have joined in fanning the flames of disrespect. May I remind you that the speaker was not elected either. So might it be fair to say there is something in the mortar why you keep referring to him as unelected. Why haven't you referred to the Speaker of the house as unelected? Clearly Mrs. Moses-Scatliffe find it necessary to garner opinion of experts to solidify her position but for what purpose? If this was let's say the former Governor was entering another year and you wished to make a stance then this might be one the people will support but to start on a new Governor who has not set foot in the island is totally uncalled for.