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‘Sometimes laws don't mean they are morally right’- Hon Fahie

- puts spotlight on the oppressive use of laws against VI’s ancestors
While delivering his keynote speech at the 13th Annual African Remembrance Wreath-laying Ceremony held Sunday, February 7, 2021, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has reminded citizens of the oppressive nature of some laws. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The Premier was at the time talking about how the law was used to oppress slaves, and the ancestors of the VI, where they were punished for trying to assimilate and unite. Photo: Internet Source
The Premier was at the time talking about how the law was used to oppress slaves, and the ancestors of the VI, where they were punished for trying to assimilate and unite. Photo: Internet Source
Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, in a January 5, 2021, House of Assembly (HoA) sitting said the people in the territory should question a system under which one person has no accountability when everyone else does. Photo: Facebook/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, in a January 5, 2021, House of Assembly (HoA) sitting said the people in the territory should question a system under which one person has no accountability when everyone else does. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While delivering his keynote speech at the 13th Annual African Remembrance Wreath-laying Ceremony held Sunday, February 7, 2021, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) reminded the people of the Virgin Islands of the oppressive nature of some laws, including those that supported slavery.

“Can I tell you that sometimes laws don't mean that they are morally right? But we have been made to think that once it is a law and it is violating our rights then we should not move towards changing it,” Hon Fahie said.

The Premier was at the time talking about how the law was used to oppress slaves, and the ancestors of the VI, where they were punished for trying to assimilate and unite.

“Had they been caught trying to speak to each other, then they either would have been whipped, put in a cage or even killed, and guess what? That was part of the law,” he said.

Changing laws in the VI

Premier Fahie’s speech came on the heels of the Government embarking on a constitutional review to put more power in the hands of the VI, and more moves to change laws aimed at limiting the powers of the Governor.

The Premier in a January 5, 2021, House of Assembly (HoA) sitting said the people in the territory should question a system under which one person has no accountability when everyone else does.

“If the Premier goes down the street tomorrow and hit someone or slap [them], the Premier can be arrested. If the Governor goes down the road tomorrow hit somebody or slap... he is immune.”

The Premier continued, “Something is wrong and what is even more wrong, Mr Speaker… is that a lot of our people don’t even want us to address these things,” he said during the closing remarks of the debates on the Disaster Management Act (2019).

20 Responses to “‘Sometimes laws don't mean they are morally right’- Hon Fahie”

  • Rubber Duck (09/02/2021, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    WHERE IS THE VACCINE ?
    • @rubber duck (09/02/2021, 17:12) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Probably in your closet, with the skeletons you hide, just like the other psychopaths. If you don’t like humanity, go live on the moon...with your stupid racist blogging.
  • hey (09/02/2021, 15:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another set of laws that we like to shout about ALL THE TIME in the BVI is the ones that gave us a financial services industry. You know, the laws that allowed us to "LEGALLY" hide other peoples' money.
    "Nothing wrong with what we do. It's all legal," they say, over and over.
    So hush with your cherry picking of laws that enable wickedness. We write them here.
  • Awesome (09/02/2021, 16:30) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    I will screen shot this and also save this link so when Police and Health officers harrass me about wearing a mask that makes me breathe in waste, I will say the law is NOT moral and they should leave me alone. Thanks Premier!
  • Comment (09/02/2021, 17:14) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Keep on talking Premier, tell them as it is!
  • humm (09/02/2021, 17:19) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Just like the laws to get NHI & SSB and Inland Revenue certficate of earnings. Just more expat money for the treasury.
    • trrefdrfds (10/02/2021, 08:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The expats are presumed guilty until they are made to pay money to NHI, SSB and Inland Revenue to prove they are innocent of fraud. Pay slips with the deductions are not proof apparently we are forced to pay money to prove that we paid money.
      This is napoleonic rule when you are presumed guilty and must prove your innocence. This practice is illegal in most countries. Just saying.
    • @humm (10/02/2021, 09:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Well, if you don't like the rules, stop playing the game? Leave!
      • Hmm (10/02/2021, 14:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thats all you can say. One day the USA will say same
        • Comment (10/02/2021, 18:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Well if they do say the same... your country folks will be on that list too. Cause all of them flocking to the US too.
      • Expat (10/02/2021, 14:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I wonder if we all leave how much increase will they then get? Cause if we leave there will be less tases and fees from us to the treasury.
  • one eye (10/02/2021, 08:45) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    I love this premier he is the right man for the right time
  • Strange (10/02/2021, 09:23) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Powerful statement Mr Premier. You are are on point!.

    Would you change all the discriminatory and immoral laws levied against expats? Looking forward.
    • @strange (10/02/2021, 19:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      There are no laws in our books different from your country’s, expats are all over the world and each country has laws and order! If you are concerned that you are not getting your own way in the BVI, remember, you can never be an expat in your own homeland...so feel free to return.


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