Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, has met with Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lord (Tariq M.) Ahmad, right, to discuss the Virgin Islands/United Kingdom relationship and the Loan Guarantee. Photo: Facebook

Many persons who voiced their opinions during the recent public consultations on the UK Loan Guarantee were of the view that the territory could survive without the Loan Guarantee, rather than ‘hand over power’ to the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO

A damaged coastal road in Carrot Bay following the passage of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. The Virgin Islands has been rebuilding steadily from the devastation. Photo: VINO

The leader of government business is in the UK with the main mission being to redefine the conditions surrounding the Loan Guarantee and its effect on the Protocols for Effective Financial Management as well as concerns with the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), which the VI government and many citizens have termed as a second government imposed by the UK.

During public consultations on the Loan Guarantee, Premier Fahie assured that the VI could not accept the Loan Guarantee unless certain terms were negotiated and placed in writing. Although, being positive about negotiations, Premier Fahie had said in the event the UK was not prepared to negotiate the conditions of the Loan Guarantee, he was prepared to take the matter to a referendum.

Many persons who voiced their opinions during the consultations were of the view that the VI could survive without the Loan Guarantee, rather than ‘hand over power’ to the UK.

Productive & positive meeting

On the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page today, September 12, 2019, Hon Fahie expressed optimism following his meeting with Lord Ahmad.

“I held highly productive and positive meetings with Lord Ahmad on the BVI-UK relationship and the loan guarantee,” Premier Fahie commented.

This, however, is just one of several meetings the Premier is expected to have on the Loan Guarantee while in the UK.

“Our constructive engagement with the United Kingdom will continue as we work to get the best for our Territory and the people of the Virgin Islands,” Hon Fahie continued.

See link to related article:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/premier-fahie-off-to-uk-to-seek-common-ground-on-loan-guarantee