Hon. Fahie speaking to students. Photo: GIS

Minister Fahie and Chief Education Officer Beverlie Brathwaite serve the first lunch to Shereen George of 5 Keyboarding as the lunch programme at the ESHS begun on September 7, 2011.

Speaking at his re-election launch on Saturday, October 15, the 1st district representative and Minister for Education explained that this suggestion is the only way realistic ideas can be carried out in a timely fashion. He told supporters that Government Ministers may support an idea but because the relevant agencies aren’t quick in acting, the idea falls through the cracks.

“They [civil servants] will be placed in the unit by various Ministries and other departments depending on the task at hand, and given a specific time frame to complete the task. If we want to bring sports fishing we will put in that unit, whoever from Natural Resources and Labour, tourism, the Attorney General’s (AG) office and give them a time frame to develop and establish this new industry,” Minister Fahie said.

He noted after the project is completed, the staff will return to their respective Ministries or departments where a reward must be given if they perform and penalties apply if they don’t.

“It’s as simple as that. We cannot continue to fight this unconventional economic war that we are in with conventional methods,” he pointed out.

Accomplishments

He proudly stated that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government invests in its people and family.

As the Minister for Education and Culture for the past four years, he said many innovative programmes were implemented to advance the education sector in the Territory.

The implementation of the Powerschool; Vision 20/20 for teachers where all teachers will have a Bachelor’s degree by 2020; the top three awards programme for all public primary schools; the establishment of an annual Back to School programme; increased the number of sports/athletic scholarships; schools were air-conditioned; the implementation of a primary five assessment TV review programme and the introduction of the school lunch programme at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) are just a few of the many accomplishments Fahie outlined that were completed under his leadership as Minister.

Plans for District 1

As the elected representative of the district, Hon. Fahie expressed his appreciation to his constituents for having that confidence in him.

He disclosed that the building, which was purchased to facilitate the new post office in Carrot Bay will be officially opened in a few days.

“Residents will be able to pay their utility bills and avoid the hassle and stress of going into town...this is your man on a mission. Residents will also do money transfers; there is an internet cafe and many other services. This is opportunity for all,” he told supporters.

Additionally, he announced that the time has come for a designated cultural village along with a designated fisherman and farmers’ dock to be created in Carrot Bay.

“Carrot Bay has a rich cultural heritage; one in which the future plans will ensure that we develop the area so as to increase the tourist flow into Carrot Bay. This will create a significant economic increase to the residents of Carrot Bay. It will also allow the environment to be created so that young people can invest in business allowing them to benefit from the increase flow of economic activities,” he added.

Furthermore, the district rep. pointed out that under the National Democratic Party (NDP), Smuggler’s Cove was able to get into the hands of overseas investors.

“They allowed our last public beach to get away in the name of investment. But when elected to Government in 2007 – the VIP put Smugglers Cove back into your hands. In the future, we will do investment, though I welcome foreign investment it will not be done on the backs of my people. The future plan for the beach will be in keeping with the residents’ views and maintaining the natural environment. It will be an eco-friendly beach and residents can benefit economically and socially,” he further stated.

The Capoons Bay clinic will be modernized. The plans for the new clinic are completed and have been approved by all the authorities, Fahie added. Construction will begin following a tendering process.

Other plans Fahie outlined for the 1st District include cutting more roads so that residents can access lands in the hills, establishing the Waterfront Development in West End, naming a street after H. Lavity Stoutt and increasing activities for the youths and seniors.