Opposition pledges support for new Gov’t
Following the Official Swearing-in at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, today, March 12, 2019, Opposition Leader and District Eight, Representative, Honourable Marlon A. Penn, addressing Premier Fahie said,” I pledge to work with you and your Ministers….We will work together for the betterment of the Territory.”
Hold Feet to Fire
He was adamant however, that despite the public pledge of support in the HoA, “I will keep your feet to the fire, you be assured of that.”
The Opposition Leader was adamant, the “issue of rebuilding the Territory in paramount in moving forward.”
He was of the view, the major issues facing VI requires a united front.
Directing his comments to Premier Fahie, Hon Turnbull was adamant that, major issues facing the Territory requires leadership and coordination and will also require “all of us, opposition members and government working together.”
Country First
Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull—the lone Representative of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) party and District Two Representative—also committed his party’s support to government.
Lamenting the critical juncture with which the VI Elections was held, Hon Turnbull opined that, “(what) I believe we ought to keep in front of us is that at this critical time it calls for Leaders who will put country first and put people above personal preference to rebuild the territory.
He suggested that if elected officials were willing to put preferences and prejudices aside, the legislators will have an opportunity to rebuild the Territory, positioning it for next 50 years,
The lone female Member of the Opposition, Honourable, Alvera Madura-Caines (D6), representing the ousted National Democratic Party (NDP), in addition to calling for a moment of silence for the Late Honourable, Delores LETTSOME- Christopher, pledged her full support to the VIP Government, whilst committing to “not oppose for opposing sake.”
She vowed however, to not remain silent on developments inimical to the Territory and to ensure her voice is heard.
Hon Madura-Caines, appealed to government members to also pay attention to the plans which had been laid out by the now opposition members on the campaign trail, saying, “it’s not about whose idea it was but what is best for country.”
Missing Monies
Former VIP Member now leader of the Progressive United (PU) party, Honourable, Julian Fraser RA (D3), while committing to support government in the interest of the betterment of the Territory used the Opportunity to remind Premier Fahie that it is now up to him to provide the answers to questions such as missing monies under the previous NDP Administration, in addition to unraveling the many shady transactions that would have been coming under scrutiny.
He also used the opportunity to call on Opposition Leader, Honourable Penn—as de facto, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee—to not relent on investigations into spending by administrations previous and present.
Institutions
Speaking to some of the challenges facing the Territory domestically and externally, Hon Fraser was quick to point out the inexperience of the government members, in addition to the fact the Opposition is being represented by three different political groups—NDP, PU and PVIM.
He called the situation a “challenge.”
The veteran political stalwart also directed comments towards the At-Large representatives, reminding that they are also representatives of each District across the Territory.
Hon Fraser RA also reminded that while there is talk of Independence and Self Determination in recent months, the foundation institutions of the Territory must first be strengthened, beginning with the HOA.
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