‘There is no clear understanding’ - Mitch on ‘Fast Track’ initiative
With the now postponed “Clear path to regularization: Residency and Belonger Status Programme’ initiated by the Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Virgin Islands Party (VI) administration still a burning and controversial topic in the territory, Hon Turnbull is urging the Premier to come forth to the Opposition and explain exactly what his plans are regarding immigration.
Opposition at a loss – Hon Turnbull
“I remember the first Saturday meeting we had, after getting the order paper and hearing the outcry and hearing the concerns, even with the Members and Ministers of Government that were there and even to this day, there is not a clear understanding of what is happening,” Mr Turnbull said at a third district meeting in Sea Cows Bay on Thursday, May 23, 2019.
The district two representative further revealed that he, like the rest of the opposition are at loss as to what the ultimate outcome is, even as Premier Fahie has repeatedly stated one of the main reasons for seeking to address the issue of regularisation is to unite the Virgin Islands to face the challenges that may lie ahead.
“The [Government] meetings that I could have tuned into, I think there were three meetings, you still have not heard a response from the elected government, they are fielding information to come back at an angle,” he said while alleging that VIP government is playing political games.
Further, he revealed that the plan was that the current Town Hall meetings being executed by the government, should not have happened so soon, rather after the amendments to the immigration act.
“If I may say this, on that Saturday meeting that was had, the meeting with the community wasn’t supposed to be until after the decision was made,” he said in reference to the ‘Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act' on the HoA order paper.
Political Games
While admitting that the opposition have not been proactive, he said, “The game that is being played right now, is a game that… Yes, you are in fact true that we as an opposition should be more assertive and forthcoming but it’s also a game that is being played that we are not holding the government… accountable.”
In ‘deleting’ the amendments to the Immigration Act and subsequent indefinite postponement of the ‘Fast Track’ initiative, Premier Fahie has indicated that his Government will respect the voices of the people to find common ground on the issue.
According to Hon Turnbull, “In terms of where we are going to go from here, I need to hear from the Leader of the Government Business or whoever is moving this bill… what is the plan!”
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17 Responses to “‘There is no clear understanding’ - Mitch on ‘Fast Track’ initiative”
People are making a big fuss and carrying on, but every country (except the BVI) look out for their people. Anyone see that video circulating where the T'dad leader is speaking about the Venezuelan immigrants and how they must protect the rights of the people of the T&T Republic? Our politicians need to wake up in real time.
and unintended consequences so one should dot the I’s and cross the T’s. Further, one should apply the carpenter’s rule, ie, measure twice and cut once. Hon Premier, call a caucus meeting to plot/plan the way forward. Be mindful that some may tell you what you want to hear but not what you need to hear. Plan, plan, strategic plan, SWOT, situational analysis, replant..........etc.
All of the bad talking is not necessary. If you don't like it here, you have options, and it is your right to exercise them and seek greener pastures.