Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie surrounded by Gov't HoA Legislators receive prayers and blessing at the New Life Baptise Church in Duff's Bottom Tortola on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Photo: GIS

On Thursday, March 5, 2020, an earlier thanksgiving service was held at the New Life Baptise Church in Duff's Bottom, Tortola where all eight House of Assembly Government legislators, including House Speaker Julian Willock were in attendance for the service. Photo: GIS

Virgin Islands Premier and other Government Legislators surround North Sound resident Leticia Lennard for prayers. Photo: Facebook

In separate praise and thanksgiving services, the VIP Government marked its first year with prayers and worship. Photo: GIS

"What a beautiful Church Service celebrating our first year in office on Virgin Gorda. After the service, we all visited and fellowshipped with Leticia Lennard at her home in North Sound. What a joy it was to be with her and witness her faith and strength and to encourage her as she battles cancer. To God be the glory," the Premier said in a statement released on social media later the evening.

On Thursday, March 5, 2020, an earlier thanksgiving service was held at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff's Bottom, Tortola, where all Government legislators, as well as House Speaker Julian Willock, were in attendance for the service. 

The Premier in statements said, "Our Government thanked God for guiding, protecting and directing us through our 1st Year as Your elected Government in spite of the challenges, through Him, we remain laser-focused on our mission to help our people towards a better life."

All could not be done in the first year - Premier Fahie

The Premier underscored that while all could not be done in the first year, there is still plenty more to do. "But we celebrate each milestone by giving God all the Praise. We also thank you the people of the BVI, we are not perfect but we will continue to strive for perfection through serving a perfect God," Hon Fahie noted.

The VIP Government entered office and the House of Assembly (HoA) after winning the February 25, 2019, General Elections in the Virgin Islands, taking all four of the At-Large Seats; Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Hon Carvin Malone (AL), Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) and Hon Neville A. Smith (AL), in addition to seats in the First District - Hon Fahie, Fifth District - Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Seventh District - Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Ninth District - Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9).

Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), while not an initial VIP member, crossed the floor on January 20, 2020, from the Opposition's National Democratic Party (NDP), which added another member to the government side of the House. 

Unconventional Government 

Over the first year, Premier Fahie has touted his government as an unconventional one that got things done in unconventional ways.

It also gained a reputation for being a government of priority.

The VIP Government was praised for quickly repairing and reopening the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) which was damaged by the hurricanes of 2017 and also swiftly reopening the West End Ferry Dock as a port of entry. The previous National Democratic Party (NDP) government had failed to execute both of those important projects.

One of the major moves, which garnered heavy criticisms from a small group of persons, was the regularisation of some 1500 expatriates who had been living and working in the Virgin Islands for 20 years and more.

Several other initiatives announced and launched under the VIP Administration include the rotation of the Deputy Premier's post, live streaming of all government events and meetings, public consultations of bills and initiatives, 1000 Jobs in 1000 Days Initiative, diversification of the local tourism sector and the establishment of the local medical marijuana industry.