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UPDATE: HoA off to late start; Opposition no show @ opening

- Speaker Willock says no information was provided for Opposition's absence
In an unprecedented move at the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) today, Thursday, February 27, 2020, the entire Virgin Islands (VI) Opposition were a no show when the house opened at its chambers in Road Town at around 10:45 am. Photo: VINO
The Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), which last met on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, will resume from 10:00am today, Thursday, February 27, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
The Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), which last met on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, will resume from 10:00am today, Thursday, February 27, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) will bring some 8 bills for their Second and Third Readings when the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) resumes today, Thursday, February 27, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) will bring some 8 bills for their Second and Third Readings when the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) resumes today, Thursday, February 27, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In an unprecedented move, at the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) today, Thursday, February 27, 2020, all of the Opposition Members were a no show when the house opened at its chambers in Road Town at around 10:45am.

The current Members of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition comprises Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8); Hon Mark H. Vanderpool (R4); Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Second District Representative, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2).

It is unclear if the move is one that was planned or could be as a result of tardiness; however, House Speaker Hon Julian Willock indicated to the House that no information was provided from the Members regarding their absence.

Even with no Opposition Members present, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) carried on with the business of the House.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) will bring more information on this development as it unfolds.

See previous article published February 27, 2020

HoA resumes today with Gov’t Business

The Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), which last met on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, will resume from 10:00am today, Thursday, February 27, 2020.

The Sitting will continue with Item No 8 on the Order Paper- Public Business; 1) Government Business.

Some three bills; the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2020; Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act, 2020; and the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2020 will get their Introduction and First Reading.

Those bills will be brought by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

Second & Third Readings

Twelve bills are to get their Second and Third readings, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019; Disaster Management Act, 2019; Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, 2019; Police Act, 2019; Charging Orders Act, 2019; Medical (Amendment) Act, 2019 and Trade In Endangered Species (Cites) Act, 2019.

The proceedings of the House of Assembly will be will be carried live on CBN Radio 90.9 FM, the Caribbean superstation or follow live online on www.cbnvirginislands.com as well as on Youtube on House of Assembly BVI.

15 Responses to “UPDATE: HoA off to late start; Opposition no show @ opening”

  • Ms. P (27/02/2020, 10:12) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
    Mr Speaker please do not allow the Opposition to turn the House into a circus!
  • HMMM (27/02/2020, 11:21) Like (23) Dislike (26) Reply
    Them had a right to boycott because ayo too darm bias
    • cv (27/02/2020, 12:21) Like (23) Dislike (5) Reply
      They are paid. They need to show up to work! What have they proven/ achieved by not showing up? Is this the way that the rest of us should be have when we have issues in the job?
    • @ Strupes (27/02/2020, 13:14) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
      lets be fair the speaker has been very impartial I am starting to like how he performs
    • Darn skippy (27/02/2020, 13:53) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
      They had a right to boycutt, BIAS, BIAS, BIAS.
  • Ce (27/02/2020, 11:47) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    The whole BWEI Government is ah circus
  • S. Smith (27/02/2020, 11:54) Like (14) Dislike (20) Reply
    If these oppositions get vote in again something wrong with us, Alvera do the right thing.
    • Deh Watcha (27/02/2020, 12:35) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
      One of them had big court case to be sworn in.

      Is this the representation they were fighting to give the people?
    • @S. Smith (27/02/2020, 13:49) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
      Here’s a news flash for YA, every Opposition member will be voted back in again.
  • lodger (27/02/2020, 13:01) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I think they got the date wrong. The speaker was not clear at the end of last week when the next sitting would be. I thought it later than today.
  • See (27/02/2020, 14:33) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    No excuse short of dead for not showing up .... and on time. Give up your seats !!!!!
  • wow (27/02/2020, 15:28) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    Utter disrespect and insubordination to the HOA. I would have more respect for Representatives being present and quiet than being absent and ignorant. How are they representing their constituents of they are not showing their representation. They should enact a Bill where each Representative will have to relinquish their salary for HOA no show without legitimate reason forehand. It's time these lame Politicians stop taking people for a Ride. The same way we want accountability for Public Employees...so shall it be for Politicians.
  • we got the opposition backs (27/02/2020, 16:13) Like (12) Dislike (10) Reply
    FOY THEM PLAYING DOLLY HOUSE WITH THE PEOPLE---TAKING TIME OFF TO GO OPEN AN EMPTY HOSPITAL---TAKING DAY OFF TO CELEBRATE 1 YEAR OF ACHIEVING NOTHING---THE OPPOSITION HAD A RIGHT TO DO WHAT THEY DID
  • I Second That (27/02/2020, 16:45) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    I am also standing with the oppression. Fahie and his crew think they have this town on lock and everyone should jump to attention.
  • Quiet Rebel (27/02/2020, 17:03) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Is the Opposition boycotting the HOA? They should be rushing to the HOA to discuss the people’s business, vent any frustrations......etc. No respect for the people’s house——HOA.


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