More House of Assembly today June 6, 2017 as session continues!
Despite the Legislative Body being held in disrepute by the public, the media, elements of the intellectual class and even some HoA Members because of some legislators' behaviour, it's the highest law making body in the land and deserves respect as an institution, as only a lucky 13 are elected to the House.
The Body last met on Monday May 29, 2017 as legislators debated another tax increase, this time via a Cruise Permit fee hike. It was a day that it seems suddenly Members discovered that locals are shut out of the Yachting sector, with most Elected Members saying that local residents are not benefiting from the lucrative industry, while telling the public that locals are being laid off for expatriate workers.
One Member even advocated during the debate of the Cruising Permit (Amendment) Act 2017 that local boats should no longer enjoy special seasonal rates for cruising permits, and there should be no off season, as the increased fees should apply all year round, according to the Legislator.
Human Rights Commission maybe?
It is unclear if today the legislators will take up the Human Rights Commission Bill, which enjoyed its first reading on May 11, 2017, as some Members seem to be afraid of this bill and the establishment of the Commission that is intended to open up more rights to the populace, allowing the ordinary person more power to demand fair treatment, dignity and respect from Government, the police, public bodies and making it easier to go to court once their rights have been violated.
The Bill, which has been promised for almost ten years now, was first given way in the 2007 Virgin Islands Constitutional Order and it is now for the Commission to be set up to give effect.
The Seventh Sitting of the Second Session seems to be a very long meeting which was first stated on May 11, 2017, as it’s our newsroom's understanding that a new Sitting will be right behind this one with new Bills and new motions.
The HoA proceedings will be carried live on CBN TV Channel 51 from 10:00 AM.
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