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'VI people demanding good governance & accountability'- Hon Fahie

- tells Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert @ Swearing-in Ceremony today, August 22, 2017
Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Leader of the Opposition urged the new Governor, His Excellency Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert that the people of the territory are demanding more accountability and good governance from the leaders. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), OBE was among the members of Government present at the Swearing-in Ceremony today, August 22, 2017 at the Supreme Court building in Road Town. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), OBE was among the members of Government present at the Swearing-in Ceremony today, August 22, 2017 at the Supreme Court building in Road Town. Photo: VINO
His Excellency Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert during his swearing-in ceremony held at the Supreme Court building in Road Town. Photo: VINO
His Excellency Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert during his swearing-in ceremony held at the Supreme Court building in Road Town. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Newly appointed Governor Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert was urged by Leader of the Opposition Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) that the people of the territory are demanding good governance and more accountability from its leaders.

This was said during the Swearing-in Ceremony held today, August 22, 2017 at the Virgin Islands Supreme Court building in Road Town.

The Leader of the Opposition stated that in order for the territory to move to a successful self-determination, there must be good governance and accountability from the leaders.

“The people and voters of the Virgin Islands are demanding accountability, transparency and good governance. As leaders, if we are able to gain the confidence of the people that we are accountable, transparent and demonstrate good governance, then and only then we would be successful at this much talked about referendum of self-determination,” explained Hon Fahie.

He continued, “Whether the Virgin Islands stay or the Virgin Islands exit is a matter for the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Leader informed the Governor that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition is guided by the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007; the Standing Orders; the Public Finance Management Act and Regulations; and the Protocols for Effective Financial Management.

“As Governor, you have your job and as Leader of the Opposition, I have mine,” emphasised Hon Fahie.

‘Far more pressing issues’

Governor Jaspert’s swearing in comes amid controversy that the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe, fought to block the new Governor from being sworn in at the House of Assembly (HoA) as has been the tradition.

Hon Moses-Scatliffe was not present at the Swearing-in ceremony.

Hon Fahie; however, has refused to be drawn in that fight.

“I will offer no unwarranted battles and surely no squabbles concerning venues for signing ceremonies. There are far more pressing issues and matters of urgency that are critical to the well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands and to their potential advancement.”

In closing, Hon Fahie commented that he and the government of the day will agree on most things but there are other issues that require “intense discussions”, noting that the discussions will be conducted in a respectful manner.

Meanwhile, among the members of Government present at the Swearing-in Ceremony were Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), Deputy Premier Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and Dr the Honourable Hubert R. O’Neal, Ninth District Representative.

17 Responses to “'VI people demanding good governance & accountability'- Hon Fahie”

  • yep yep (22/08/2017, 15:56) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well said
  • one eye (22/08/2017, 16:15) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    What a boycott
    • Truth Sayer (23/08/2017, 08:03) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      Before we comment negatively, we should check facts. Many Legislators are away on holiday or business.
  • E=MC2 (22/08/2017, 16:38) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    “The people and voters of the Virgin Islands are demanding accountability, transparency," That is absolutely true.

    How does the respectable gentleman proposes to deliver accountability and transparency to the people? All knows or have a clear idea and or opinion on what the territories need and in what direction they want them to go.

    As such, they are seeking and awaiting solutions, not more media political sound bites and political dogma.

    As one current minister poignantly pointed out to graduates a few suns ago, be careful not to do anything contrary that will get out, for it will permanently follow you for your entire professional career here in the B.V.I..

    Hence, how does the Honorable Minister intend to confront and resolve the albatross currently associated with his career(s)?

    Much of the cognizant voting populace will be skeptical and will not expect the deliverance of "accountability and or transparency from a political leader with known ethical chronicles..

    There will be a degree of mis-trust among the voting populace that must be resolved going into the next electoral cycle. Presenting political dogma without substance in media in efforts to remain relevant is insufficient.
    • To E=MC2 (22/08/2017, 19:05) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Your points are well taken but the Leader of the Opposition has stated many times what all needs to be put in place to allow accountability, transparency and good governance. The ndp government is just ignoring to act on them so he has to keep stating it until they get it done.
  • Yes (22/08/2017, 17:35) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    The news carrying has begun
    • @LOL (22/08/2017, 19:02) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      Keep looking for excuses aimed at trying to justify the NDP ongoing blatant corruption. Time will soon tell.
  • may (23/08/2017, 03:06) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    What today show is the disrespect the NDP Government has for the people of this territory and authority. The youth of this territory are watching their behavior. They should be setting moral standards for the youth of this territory.
  • wize up (23/08/2017, 06:45) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    good governance is what the tax payers must have but it can't be a set of talk: good governance needs amendments or changes in the current legislation and laws......until I hear some politician standing up with such level of conversation and demand legislative changes I will not be convinced because most of them while in public office miss uses your tax money; the set of them once elected have thier special interest groups and special friends(prove me wrong)
  • voiceofthevoiceless (23/08/2017, 07:33) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    @E=mc2
    Perhaps you weren't listening or you have convenient amnaesia but Hon Fahie has detailed on several occasions what is necessary to achieve good governance. Transparency in the form of: Th e Freedom of information actin, Whistleblower legislation, proper adherence to procurement and tendering requirements, enforcement of the conflict of interest requirements,campaign finance legislation. I would add that he needs to also look at open cabinet hearings as well. Now true we have heard these things before as NDP promised much of the same and have delivered on none but we will have to hold Hon. Fahie to this.

    Indeed this is what is necessary before we could even consider self determination. Hon Fahie may well have skeletons in his closet but who doesn't? The reality is that people can mature and perhaps it is worth giving him a chance as the status quo is unsustainable and would eventually lead us to a regressive rather than a progressive state.

    Excellent speech Hon Fahie!

    Shame on the Speaker of the House for making herself absent.
  • Love fr my country (23/08/2017, 08:00) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    I am tired of hearing all the talk about transparency and good governance which has been going on since Lavity was the head of this Territory. Yes mistakes will be made as is the case with governments all over the world.
    Show me a perfect government! Some of those who are now singing the songs are no different! There are lots of stories to speak to that. It appears to me that some are not doing this because they are better than any other but are doing so for their own political gain. I AM REALLY TIRED OF HEARING ALL THE RHETORIC! I AM TIRED OF THE DIVISION. WE HAVE JUST BEEN HANDED A HEAVY BLOW AND BEFORE WE HAVE RECOVERED, THE JESTERING AND SELF INTEREST POLITICAL MONGERING IS ON THE WAY! IS THIS LOVE FOR COUNTRY? SURELY I DO NOT THINK SO, IT IS MORE LOVE FOR SELF! I HOPE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC WOULD LOOK CAREFULLY AT THESE THINGS AND LET WISDOM RULE! TOO MUCH POLITICAL MONGERING AND NOT LOVE FOR COUNTRY!
    • voiceofthevoiceless (23/08/2017, 09:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Love fr my country

      I understand your frustration but could it be that we are the ones to blame for not holding our leaders accountable to their promises? You do not have to wait every 4years to hold them accountable you know. Speak up and let your voice be heard via social media, radio talk shows and even public protests.
  • wize up (23/08/2017, 09:15) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    set of crooks all of them ppp; NDP; VIP....bunch of lovely talk until you vote them into office: do like Kevin the Bahamas enact new government policies and the only place politicians don't go jail is this place!!!!(now you are free to blog or call me what you desire: mouth talk have never phased me in the past 60 years)
  • qc (23/08/2017, 11:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope foy says that when he becomes Premier
  • @voiceofthevoiceless (23/08/2017, 11:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    From E=MC2:

    I am truly humbled by your respect, objectivity and approach to the issues stated. Such are a rare occurrence in bloggers sphere. Much respect extended because it is due.

    Clearly, we will have varying differences in opinions and philosophies, but those should not negate civil disagreement and debate.

    A main point of concern, and though you have stated, humanly, notions of human infallibility and second chances, which will always be considered under agreeable circumstances, is to use another human analogy, how difficult would it be to gain trust in my wife/husband when he/she has been found to have committed infidelity? Transpose that to any elected official, no matter his/her portfolio, but especially finances.
  • Hmm (23/08/2017, 15:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    demanding something we supposed to be doing ourselves? we have become a very backward people....
  • GOVERNOR (25/08/2017, 20:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    poor NEW governor came to a messy place


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