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‘Are non-balanced accounts to blame for Govt’s bad cheques?’ – Hon Fahie

-Premier Smith said he did not have an answer to that question
Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) wanted to know whether the failure by Government to bring its accounts up to date had anything to do with Government cheques being bounced as he grilled Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith in the House of Assembly yesterday Fabruary 17, 2015. Photo: VINO/File
The question and answer period which was put off from Thursday February 12, 2015 got underway in the House of Assembly yesterday February 17, 2015. Photo: VINO/File
The question and answer period which was put off from Thursday February 12, 2015 got underway in the House of Assembly yesterday February 17, 2015. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith refused to say whether the issue of ‘bounced’ Government cheques stemmed from the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration's failure to balance accounts in a timely manner.

He was at the time responding to questions by Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R2) during the Third Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Second House of Assembly yesterday February 17, 2015.

Hon Fahie had asked a slew of questions regarding whether advance warrants were issued, the grand total of advance warrants and a full listing of the names, purpose and budgetary heads and sub heads for each warrant.

“The country’s cheque books are not being balanced for three years, could he state in this Honourable House how [their finances could] be running if these expenditures are not being balanced,” asked Hon Fahie.

“We have 325 advance warrants being issued and they are not being brought to the House of Assembly to be regularized Madam Speaker. So the question is Madam Speaker, is the Minister of Finance running the country after not balancing the cheque books for three years?” he asked.

“Madam Speaker the cheque books are being balanced…and it is not the first time that supplementaries are not brought to the House within the year,” said Premier Smith.

“But this is not within the year, this is three and a half years later,” Hon Fahie fired back. “Could this be one of the reasons Madam Speaker, because of the accounts not being balanced in a timely manner, could this be one of the causes of the Government’s [cheques being bounced?] Madam Speaker?” he asked.

In response, Premier Smith said, “Madam Speaker I don’t have the answer to that particular question.”

17 Responses to “‘Are non-balanced accounts to blame for Govt’s bad cheques?’ – Hon Fahie”

  • chad (18/02/2015, 09:23) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    The Premier and his gang saying one thing but doing a next.
  • cay (18/02/2015, 09:47) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    how long before we get rid of the NDP
  • i from here (18/02/2015, 10:05) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    It is caused by VIP leaving the treasury with only $12,000.00.

    The books showed one figure but the Bank account showed another! SMH
    • Nonsense! (18/02/2015, 14:30) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Even if that is the case, the first thing a new Accountant should do is ensure that their book balances are reconciled to the bank balances!
  • qc (18/02/2015, 10:05) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    keep on dem fahie they too LIE
  • ooooo (18/02/2015, 10:08) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    the NDP is the first government in the history of BVI to ever BOUNCE CHEQUES.....yo could take that to the bank!...lol
    • chad (18/02/2015, 11:26) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      NDP don't clear checks the Bank does!! They run overdraft facilities all the time. Why bounce checks now?
      • Yes (18/02/2015, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        It does not matter how we call those ndp monsters. What matters is to find the best ways to get rid of them.
  • run (18/02/2015, 13:22) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    No matter how long the NDP run they cannot hide...you see in St. Kitts all the tricks that Douglas played in the end he still had to come around to the people. The same thing will happen to the NDP
  • Forbidden Truth (18/02/2015, 15:04) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    "In response, Premier Smith said, “Madam Speaker I don’t have the answer to that particular question.”

    Smith dont have a lot of answers to a lot more things because he is being left in the dark about a lot of the countriy's business and the people's concerns. Most of this misleading and holding back of information from him is coming from his PS, ministers and influential business people and so-called rich folks on those outer Islands and enclaves.
  • just asking... (18/02/2015, 15:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    me just do not understand how come the NDP hates to answer questions like do the public business
  • AC 360 (18/02/2015, 15:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fahie time and the next election will take care of this government
  • WELL THIS IS IT (19/02/2015, 08:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Fahie knows exactly what he is talking about the VIP was terrible but they love to share...the NDP could care less about us the people who paying dearly taxes to support their lavish life style they already travel the world compliments of us....we would be fools to give them another opportunity at it...I am devastated at their behavior...they don't know what it is to struggle and we the people know it far to well on a monthly basis living from pay cheque to cheque they don't have any conscience...fancy cars big houses unlimited spending travel bringing in all sort of consultants to give away the money...NDP "NATIONAL DEVASTATION PARTY" they have to go...
  • VIP v. NDP (19/02/2015, 10:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VIP nor NDP would address cost of living in this country people are hungry how long before there is price control we are being taking advantage of from every angle, rent food & salaries WHAT ARE THEY WAITING ON??????????? the other Caribbean countries have safe guarded their people against high prices WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR????? people used to be able to live off of Vienna Sausages and corn beef now these are delicacies which we have to buy only when we can afford to I remember when we could run in the supermarkets and buy $10 worth of things when we run out now 4 items cost close to $20....PRICE CONTROL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED...home owners are now renting one unit in their apartment buildings to cover the entire mortgage this is advantageous THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO PUT LAWS IN PLACE TO PROTECT US...even the restaurants are getting ridiculous just because there are no rules and regulations...since when a plate of chicken cost $13 now minimum wagers cant even afford to go out and have a meal or celebrate an occasion...ADDRESS THESE ISSUES MAN AND STOP WASTING THE TAX PAYERS MONEY every one of them Politian want a go at the money to spend freely and hire friends and family who will give um kick back that's all well and good but fix it so that the people whose money you're spending can live comfortable too. them talk bout OMAR but he was modern day Robin Hood every body must eat according to him.
  • ABC (19/02/2015, 19:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, they are busy raising funds. Thus far they have received five million from Social Security and one hundred thousand from other sources. Very few trust these people with their money.


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