First District Rep requests pre-approval for PwC report’s release
“Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of information, like the other Member of the HoA had the opportunity to read for the first time, a copy of the 22nd March 2013 PriceWater House Coopers "Forensic examination report of the government of the BVI Treasury Department,” Hon. Fahe said.
Hon. Fahie added, “the record will show that the Hon. Mem of the 2nd Electoral District indicated and I fully agree that it would be in the interest of this Territory to have this report debated in the House as soon as possible. A debate is necessary and a debate is welcomed.”
The First District Representative further stated that he sought assurance by way of a copy of the 'Pre-approval letter' (ie prior to March 22, 2013), that was issued by the PwC to either Mr Gaskin, the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Premier or any other member of Cabinet, stating that approval was given to circulate, publish, reproduce or distribute this report to anyone other than the members of the Cabinet of the BVIGOV.
Madam Speaker the assurance of prior approval will give this House of Assembly comfort in knowing that the government is not in violation of its own contractual obligation and that PwC would be prepared without reservation to stand behind its findings as they could now be considered final, comprehensive and binding.
The House then took a brief recess before returning.
When the Members returned, Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith stated that the report was the Government’s property but assured that the letter would be forthcoming while offering to delay the laying of the report before the House in the interim.
“The document is a body of work that was commissioned by the Government of the British Virgin Islands from PwC, hence the property of the Government of the British Virgin Islands,” Premier Smith stated, “…however, if there are continued concerns by the Member I have no difficulty withdrawing the document from the House of Assembly today and returning it with the particular passage… ”
Hon. Fahie noted that it was not a personal request but rather a note to safeguard the public purse from any form of liability or claims. “In no way are we, on this side, afraid of the debate Madam Speaker, that the Member for the Second (District) has mentioned and we all on this side have already agreed to,” he said.
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