CARICOM’s interest in 'damaging' CoI is positive – Premier Fahie

- on heels of feral blast from Heads of Gov't over secretive CoI launch

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Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called ‘positive,’ the concerns and interest expressed by CARICOM over the Commission of Inquiry and the secretive nature of how it was established by controversial Ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert and the United Kingdom (UK). Photo: VINO/File

There have been questions over the real motive of the Commission of Inquiry called by ex-governor of the Virgin Islands Augustus J. U. Jaspert, with the support of the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO/File

Whenever Ex-Governor of the Virgin Islands Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert made certain allegations that would harm the reputation of the territory, several UK newspapers would publish one-sided articles with sensational headlines and photos, sometimes even before the local media received the information. This was no different with the controversial CoI. Photo: VINO

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called ‘positive,’ the concerns and interest expressed by CARICOM over the Commission of Inquiry and the secretive nature of how it was established by controversial Ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert and the United Kingdom (UK).

CARICOM in a February 26, 2021, communiqué said: “The Heads of Government are dismayed at the manner in which the COI was established with no consultation, or prior communication, between the United Kingdom Government and the duly-elected government of the British Virgin Islands.”

VI's Image & Ecomony 'Damaged' - Premier Fahie

Now, according to Premier Fahie, the statement is welcomed given the damaging approach of the CoI at how it was announced, and the alleged collusion with UK press by former Governor Jaspert to make the announcement as dramatic as possible.

“CARICOM’s interest in the Commission of Inquiry is positive, especially their understanding of how damaging the approach taken to the COI’s announcement was for the image and economy of the Territory that is based on tourism and financial services."

Premier Fahie continued, "Local businesses and the welfare of families and individuals were placed at risk by the decision to not provide notice of a planned announcement beforehand.”

Premier Fahie and local political pundits have described the announcement as damaging to the VI's reputation as a financial services provider on the international scene.

Announcement welcomed - VI Gov't

The CARICOM announcement came following VI’s participation at the recently concluded 32^nd Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on February 24 and 25, 2021.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Sports, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley attended the meeting on behalf of Premier Fahie.

At the meeting, Hon Wheatley engaged with the Heads of Government on a range of issues, including the ongoing impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on health and economic growth in the region, and measures to drive economic recovery.

15 Responses to “CARICOM’s interest in 'damaging' CoI is positive – Premier Fahie”

Secretive & Damaging (28/02/2021, 10:36) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
It was secret from those subject of the allegations, and yes it will be damaging to those same people when the facts are made public
hahahaha (28/02/2021, 11:33) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
These people are in such denial... Imaging talking about The COI is doing damage to people and their families...I guess they mean their friends and fam... Ask the hotel and restaurnt workers they will say Cant get a simple Sea port open is doing more damaged to them and their families....There is no balance in their moving the BVI forward plan, Excuse only we getting,..
chosen (28/02/2021, 11:39) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
Mr now you all are looking at caricom in a diffrent way when some bvi islandés are treating and bad talking other caricom National here in the BVI so bad all of you ministers turn a blind eyes and ears now some of you all are in the hot seat you all are sayin diffrent.
Xxx (28/02/2021, 11:51) Like (53) Dislike (33) Reply
Thanks hon Fahie for staying on thoes racists oppressors we from the other islands stand with you
musa (28/02/2021, 12:22) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
Come on bvi families we know what we have protect it at all cost.
wd (28/02/2021, 13:23) Like (11) Dislike (21) Reply
Andrew A. Fahie you will say that the concerns and interest expressed by CARICOM was positive, no matter how you and
CARICOM feel about it you can stop, the islands that make up CARICOM their leaders are as croup as our leaders. They need to mind their own business and stay out of the BVI business no one asks for your opinion.
Rubber Duck (28/02/2021, 17:40) Like (9) Dislike (15) Reply
A bunch of failed states. Living standards of the third world. Is that what we aspire to?
- @ rubber duck (01/03/2021, 16:04) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
  Fahie we love you and stand with you we also need to hear from the White House in dc and the EU, racist must be condemned
  
  Thank you carricom
True (28/02/2021, 18:59) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
Is this a CARICOM Country? I guess not. Then why all of a sudden this Government think's CARICOM is thinking their way. This government pressured CARICOM citizens to leave their Island and go to where they belong. This government find a way to put all expatriates to pay extra taxes on everything they have already paid for.
from buckingham palace (28/02/2021, 19:35) Like (17) Dislike (29) Reply
Premier Fahie,stop the hypocracy once and for all.The COI is not only during your time as Premier from 25th February 2019;its going to look into the Pier Park allegations that you made when you were in opposition:Remember?So stop the hypocracy.we want the COI to go ahead,to look for evidence of corruption;and it finds none,then we can move on,but for you and Carricom to talk about COI,like as though is something bad..Stop behaving like you looking sympathy,because is only on election day,you will know if you get sympathy or not.Remember the Virgin Islands Neighbourhood Project,under your Ministry of Education,with the CONSULTANT.Carricom should know about that.We want the COI.
@ rubber duck (28/02/2021, 21:33) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
People with your mentality are the biggest part of the problem.
Caricom gone (28/02/2021, 23:15) Like (11) Dislike (25) Reply
So Caricom could only reflect what they were told. Did they have an audience with the UK to hear their side? And by the way, the BVI now has time for down islanders? Well sah.
yea (01/03/2021, 11:45) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
Do like Haiti. revolt and throw these bombs out of here including the traitors.
DON Q (01/03/2021, 16:05) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
We need to keep fighting for our freedom and independence the Uk remains bad news
Youth (02/03/2021, 18:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
This Commission of Inquiry is already fixed. It is not democracy.

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CARICOM’s interest in 'damaging' CoI is positive – Premier Fahie

15 Responses to “CARICOM’s interest in 'damaging' CoI is positive – Premier Fahie”

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