New 2019 Escalade for Premier Fahie
The vehicle will be procured from Virgin Islands Motors Ltd and will cost taxpayers some $115k with the tender process waived, however, according to the Premier, he never wanted a new vehicle.
Mechanical Issues
In a Virgin Islands (VI) Cabinet post-meeting statement for April 24, 2019, it stated that they, “Decided that due to the numerous mechanical issues being experienced with the Premier’s official vehicle and the related safety concerns, the formal tendering process be waived for the purchasing of a new vehicle, a 2019 Cadillac Escalade, from Virgin Islands Motors, Ltd in the amount of $115,600.00, which includes all costs related to fees, taxes, wharfage, custom duties and landing.”
Premier Fahie had recently complained in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) of the mechanical issues and embarrassment he faced from traversing in the inherited vehicle, which according to him, was still undergoing repairs.
In fact, the vehicle has had a history of repairs going as far back as July 31, 2016, when it was involved in an accident outside The Moorings on the James Walter Francis Drive dual carriageway on Wickham’s Cay II.
Following that, in the era of the 2017 Category 5 hurricanes that ravaged the VI, the former Premier Dr Smith decided to park the official state-owned vehicle, with senior National Democratic Party (NDP) sources citing, "The boss was advised not to drive it… so it's parked in the basement of the Central Administration Complex."
‘I Didn’t Want One’ – Fahie
“I didn’t want one but do the research, if you go to VI Motors, the one that I was driving there, it embarrassed me so many times,” the premier told the HoA at last week’s budget debates. He says the vehicle breaks down often and mechanics had indicated that there is a risk in driving the 2016 luxury ride.
“I want you to know what’s in the budget because I have nothing to hide from the people of the Virgin Islands. You cannot be private in public,” the Premier further implored.
The new vehicle comes at a time when Hon Fahie announced on April 25, 2019, in the HoA, that he has received three threats of assassination since becoming Premier.
Noting that the matter was now a national security issue, Premier Fahie further revealed that the issue is currently being investigated by both private security firms and top ranks in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
11 Responses to “New 2019 Escalade for Premier Fahie”
you sound so stupid this is just some bulls***. we could have use some of that money on salaries and the schools. but don't worry we will get more than we vote for.
Fortunately for us he does not have a fleet of vehicles with security personnel to escort him. Of course, what the Premier has done to restore the pride and dignity to the country since he was elected is evident of the his love and pride in his performance to restore these islands. I love this Premier and I do hope that he will continue to make us proud.
honestly-speaking both transactions should be beneficial to the territory
The premier deserves his suv as you hot heads of boards driving 90g vechicles
Yes, the OFFICE of the Premier should have a vehicle that is both practical (large enough for state events etc) and befitting but also having a bit more of a prestigious and better car would be money better spent. Cayman got a decent vehicle dropped off by the Royal Navy ship to save any extra import duties.