Speaker throws more cold water on Premier Smith's 'robust economy' claims
She said since the last sitting of the HOA much has happened and “no doubt”, glaring before us are greater financial challenges and tougher economic times for the territory.
“We have witnessed the closing, destruction, and down-sizing of prominent businesses resulting in layoffs and terminations which have deeply affected our people psychologically, socially and financially,” Hon. Moses stated.
The Speaker added that a popular aphorism states “never judge a man or woman unless you can walk a mile in his or her shoes” and figuratively stated that the shoes of many of the VI’s citizens have become tattered and worn since the House last assembled, “and were you to venture a quarter mile in their shoes, you would quickly understand their daily struggles”.
The Honourable Members were urged to apply the neighbour principle established by scripture and law, which admonishes them not to engage in an action that will be injurious or that will affect their neighbour.”
“The citizens of these Virgin Islands who have elected you, and those who call here home are your neighbours, and at this time sound leadership principles demand that you combine your efforts as representatives of the people to find solutions and answers to lessen their burdens and carve an economic path that will bring speedy relief to their daily hurts.”
She also pleaded with the Members of the House not to shirk from their responsibility or to become weary in doing well. “Strength, courage and hope can be found in scripture which states: ‘Many are the afflictions of a right-standing people, but God will deliver you from them all.’ With your collective efforts these afflictions will pass and the Virgin Islands will once more be restored to greater economic standing.”
The Hon. Speaker concluded her speech by optimistically stating that it is her hope and firm belief that “out of this seemingly economic darkness, a brighter and prosperous day will come for the Virgin Islands”.
Speaker's take on economy in contradiction to Premier Smith's
Meanwhile, Hon. Moses take on the economy has thrown more cold water on the claims of Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith's.
Speaking during the Questions and Answers segment at the Ninth Sitting of the Second Session of the Second House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on May 14, 2013, Premier Smith refuted assertions that the economy of the Virgin Island is failing since, according to him, there is no economic data to support such a claim.
Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, back in June had then joined the growing chorus over the debate on the Virgin Islands economy and disputed the claim made by Premier Smith that the Virgin Islands economy is ‘robust’ and getting better.
"What I hear daily from the people and from what I have seen is not enough to say that things are good here, we are still struggling,” the former Minister of Finance and Premier had said during an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.
Hon. O’Neal, who is also the Ninth District Representative [Virgin Gorda & Anegada], had said when he watches the news from Asia, Europe, China, Australia and even our neighbors “economies all over the world are struggling and some are getting worst… very seldom they give good news on the economy… this must have an effect on the Virgin Islands.”
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34 Responses to “Speaker throws more cold water on Premier Smith's 'robust economy' claims”
Many have been afflicted with evil and instead of conquering the evil with the good, they turn around and worked out on others the very same evil they received and think that the Almighty is not watching. But he is watching day and night. When a man sows evil seeds, he WILL reap evil fruits and when he sows good seeds, he WILL reap good fruits.
In reality, how much can this Government do concerning the negative effects of the GLOBAL economy? Today's decisions are being made by outside investors who also have made substantial investments in the country from which ALL residents benefited from. Now today, we seem to be attacking those same investors who are trying to keep their companies afloat.
To preserve the trust of the House, the Speaker's actions must be impartial. Consequently, the Speaker never participates in debate, only votes in case of a tie and works to balance the right of the Government to transact business in an orderly manner and the right of all Members to be heard in debate.
The Speaker guides the House through its deliberations by calling the items on the daily agenda, reading aloud the text of the motions before the House, recognizing Members who wish to participate in debate and putting the question to the House for decision. If a Member feels that a subject requires urgent attention, the Speaker may be asked to schedule an emergency debate. During consideration of bills, the Speaker is responsible for determining the procedural acceptability of amendments proposed by Members. During the daily Question Period (QP), when the Government is held to account for its policies and conduct, the Speaker ensures that it is conducted in a civil manner and that Members have a chance to participate.
The Speaker is empowered to rule motions brought before the House to be contrary to the rules and privileges of Parliament and hence "out of order". Members may also raise a point of order or a question of privilege for the Speaker's consideration.
Upon the Government's request, the Speaker also has the power to recall the House when it is not otherwise scheduled to sit
mvw better go beg for she again fast fast
AMEN and AMEN over and over again!!!!!!
I am standing on God's Word too...not just parts of it but ALL of it!!!
LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and LOVE your neighbor as you love yourself. If you don't want your neighbor to steal from you, covet what you have, lie to you, then DO NOT DO IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOR. It is as simple as that!!!!
TRULY AND GENUINELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!!! Do not be a FAKE, COUNTERFEIT, HYPOCRITE!!!!