HoA prorogued! Why not dissolved? Some asked!
Many residents; however, including two current legislators speaking to our news centre over the past few days on condition of anonymity, claimed to be disappointed that the HoA will continue and not be dissolved.
'We want a general election'- Voice of the people
If the HoA was dissolved it would have led to general elections. To prorogue a legislative body is to discontinue the meetings without dissolving the House. While the House is prorogued, the legislature is still constituted.
Last year, one Member- Hon Carvin Malone (AL)- questioned the legitimacy of the Unity Government, after Premier Wheatley brought a successful motion against the Virgin Islands Party Government of the day, which was at the time led by the former Premier Andrew A. Fahie.
Honourable Malone called it a coup d’etat and said the people should have gone back to the polls after the motion was passed, since they did not vote for a coalition government.
Can we go to a fifth session of the HoA?
Others are now questioning if the HoA, which has now completed its fourth session, will have a fifth session and whether that would be legal. However, Section 84 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 states that the Governor may, acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier, prorogue the HoA at any time, but he shall prorogue the House at least once every calendar year, except in any year when the House is dissolved.
The first Sitting of the HoA took place on March 12, 2019, therefore, the HoA must be dissolved by March 12, 2023, for the end of a four-year term.
Then a general election must be held, according to Section 86 of the constitution, within two months of the HoA being dissolved, but not earlier than twenty-one days after the same dissolution.
18 Responses to “HoA prorogued! Why not dissolved? Some asked!”
So, who do you think will buy these expensive @$$ houses in Tortola. There are few local that can afford to pay $10,000 monthly for mortgage. only those who already have many houses can afford them. Check the real estate market.
Here is the article you got your partial info
"In a statement, federal housing minister Ahmed Hussen said the ban is meant to discourage buyers from looking at homes as commodities instead of a place to live and grow a family"
Government can play a part in its regulation. I think that keeping the sales mostly between Belongers and citizens of the territory is crucial to future ownership of real estate of these islands.