‘We have lifted the profile of the BVI’ - Premier on 100 days in office
The Premier through an official statement entitled, “Restoring Hope and Prosperity to All” released Thursday June 6, 2019 on the first 100 days in office, said his administration understands the challenges that the territory faces and as such, have been putting ‘shoulders to the wheel’ in areas such as immigration reform, restructuring of government, strengthening Statutory Bodies and seeking to build a more efficient public service.
Building Efficiency
“It is clear that public sector efficiency must be a key element of improving the lives of our people. But the lessons of the first 100 days have told us about the crucial needs of improving the efficiency of the public services,” the Premier noted in underscoring that the government will build on that foundation.
“Our first 100 days have confirmed to us what we knew coming in: that there is a challenge in governance that must be fixed to be able to deliver for our people,” he said.
Premier Fahie noted that challenges are both structural and historic, while pointing to several strides made in the 100 days such as the VIP’s Transitional Budget, the new tourism agenda, addressing the long outstanding civil servant increments and reshaping the economy for investment with youth in focus.
“Education is an area that we have been focused on from day one. We were able to fast track the process and sign construction agreements for the L-Shaped building in Road Town at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS),” he noted.
Hon Fahie says he remains confident that ESHS students will return to attending school full time in September 2019 for the first time since Irma in 2017.
Immigration, Housing & Youth
“In these first 100 days, we have also begun to lay the foundation for what will be comprehensive Immigration and Labour reform. We have shown leadership on this issue; the kind of leadership that will be needed for a successful conclusion,” he said amidst current backlash over the government’s urgency of the issue.
Further, he noted, “we call on Members of the Opposition to join us in this national endeavour; to be genuine leaders, rather than be flame throwers; and to be influenced by the national good, rather than narrow and hypocritical political considerations.
The leader of Government business was also firm in pointing out that doing nothing is not an option, “it only postpones the obvious, only for it to have dire consequences the longer we wait.”
“In the first 100 days, we have begun looking at policy also to deal with our housing challenges; set up a framework for youth employment, to which major announcements are coming soon.”
In its first 100 days in office, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government has set about strengthening ties in the region through a number of regional meetings, including the OECS Heads of Government meeting in Guadeloupe. In first photo, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) greets and speaks with Prime Minister of St Lucia, Allen M. Chastanet during the OECS Authority Welcome Breakfast Meeting. In second photo, Premier Fahie talks with current Chairman and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves. In third photo, Premier Fahie talks with 4th Vice President of the Guadeloupe Regional Council, Diana Perran (centre) and Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston A. Browne. Photo: Bria Smith/GIS
Regional Integration
Further, Premier Fahie said the government has set about strengthening ties in the region through a number of regional meetings such as the OECS Heads of Government meeting in Guadeloupe, the summit of the Association of Caribbean States – ACS, and also the Seatrade Tourism Conference in Miami, “understanding also that this is a useful tactic that will aid our national development.”
According to Premier Fahie, “But if we have proven anything in this first 100 days is that fear will not paralyse us; and this territory shall get better because this Government, with focus and determination, shall push on.”
He invited continued scrutiny of the government as the administration forges ahead, “but most importantly we encourage your faith; and even when the temptation comes, we implore you to let scepticism be replaced by hope.”
9 Responses to “‘We have lifted the profile of the BVI’ - Premier on 100 days in office ”
Guess they have to wait another 3 years for another Premier then another New Escalade.
As it relates to the increments owed to the hard working government employees,it was the NDP government who did not pay increments.
However,I am confident that Hon.Fahie will soon address the backlog of increment,because all NDP left behind are backlogs for Fahie to fix.
Immigration reform and regularization,was left in backlog,and withinin 50 days in office,fahie fix that backlog..
Lets appoint fahie as the fixer of the backlog left by the NDP.