Hon Fahie blasts pro-Govt news site for malicious article
“I noticed and read with keen interest an article written by BVI Platinum News with the headline ‘$$ Sent to T&T without contract; Four years later & still no steel pans,” he said.
The article has since been updated by BVI Platinum News to include Hon Fahie's response. The story had mentioned Hon Fahie’s name in a paragraph which reads, “BVI Platinum News understands that the transaction raised a red flag and was subjected to scrutiny by the Auditor General, Ms. Sonia Webster, who included her findings in an audit examination of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, which at the time was being administered by former Sports Minister, Hon. Andrew Fahie.”
Hon Fahie said, “What was interesting about the article is that it was mentioned that is was during my tenure as Minister. However, the manner it was stated coupled with my picture affixed to the story seems to be giving the impression that the Minister was involved in this transaction that is under scrutiny,” he said.
He further added, “As Minister one thing I never did is micro manage Departments under the Ministry of Education. They were monitored in a timely manner. Also as Minister I had no legal authority to sign purchase orders, agreements nor contracts. Under the financial regulations those are the responsibility of the Accounting Officers.”
According to Hon Fahie, if proper research was done on the matter it would have clearly shown the position he took as former Minister for Education and Culture as it relates to the said Department.
“So to give any impression otherwise cannot go unchallenged. I have no intention to throw anyone under the bus but the records will clearly show my position on many matters pertaining to this Department from the date of taking office and the relentless efforts in having them addressed. For the record Departments in government have their own votes to spend from and they are expected to run their day to day operations in a manner that is consistent with approved policies. Failure to do so then the checks and balances such as Internal Audit and the Office of the Auditor General are there to safeguard the public's purse,” Hon Fahie said.
He said all of the above was done independent of political interference and involvement which is the case in this matter at hand. “Any attempt to state otherwise or imply otherwise is without merit and can be viewed as malicious in nature,” said Hon Fahie.
Efforts to contact the Financial Secretary Neil M. Smith to confirm whether a contract is required for the purchase of goods under Virgin Islands regulations were futile as this news site was told that no one was available at the time of the call to give a response.
A few years ago a former Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Robert C. Chalwell was accused by both the Auditor General and the Ministry of Education and Culture of questionable spending. At the time of the allegation former Minister for Education and Culture Lloyd K. Black was never held responsible for Chalwell’s alleged actions.
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36 Responses to “Hon Fahie blasts pro-Govt news site for malicious article”
The sacarsm in your comments is telling.
you are fighting a loosing battle. If you cant find
no acheivements, make promises but dont play
the blame game. It would not get you any where.
Lord help us. I will be praying for you.
And his response proves it.
Coupled with the fact he assumes that we are all graduates of his dumbing down initiative dubbed Good to Great Program
Often times I have say, " Did he really say that"