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‘I don’t support’ allowing Hon Fahie to join HoA virtually- Hon Malone

- but said 3 strikes rule in HoA wouldn’t apply if Hon Fahie gives valid reason for absence
At Large Representative Hon Carvin Malone, right, has said Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, should not be allowed to join HoA sittings virtually. Photo: GIS/File
At a press conference on Friday, May 27, 2022, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) should focus on his court trial defense. Photo: GIS/File
At a press conference on Friday, May 27, 2022, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) should focus on his court trial defense. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Now that ex Premier of the Virgin Islands Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is out on bail in Miami, the question being asked is whether he will be allowed to attend sittings of the House of Assembly (HoA) in a virtual capacity to enable him to keep his seat as an elected representative.

While the Standing Orders of the HoA have been amended to accommodate virtual sittings, there has reportedly never been a situation where elected Members have attended virtually when Members were meeting face to face.

A source familiar with the Standing Orders told our newsroom they suspect a Member can be allowed to attend sittings virtually even when the entire sitting is not being held virtually, since the HoA would accommodate “witnesses” virtually during Standing Finance Committee Meetings.

“It is possible with the leave of the Speaker,” the source said.

‘I don’t support that’- Hon Malone

During a press conference on June 15, 2022, to announce his decision to join the Opposition, At Large Representative Hon Carvin Malone was asked if he feels Hon Fahie should be allowed to join HoA sittings virtually.

“Well, that is not my particular decision. I don’t know of that being done at any time here in the Virgin Islands. It was done during the pandemic, the height of the pandemic, but it is not being done for any member that I’m aware of,” Hon Malone responded.

Asked if he would support a motion to allow Hon Fahie to be able to join the HoA virtually, Hon Malone said he would not support such a motion.

“We have to be able to have it done so it is consistent. It will be the first time it has been accomplished and it is not one that has come to the table, and if you asking the question I’m not going to skirt around it, the answer is no. I don’t support that and his day in court will come…” Hon Malone stated.

Hon Fahie could be excused- Hon Malone suggests

The former Health Minister suggested; however, that there is the possibly that Hon Fahie could be exempted from being made to vacate his seat if he fails to attend three consecutive sittings of the HoA.

“The three strikes you’re out rule is actually covered in the constitution…It says that if you’re absent without reason, without notification, then is when those rules come in. So, if there is a specific reason given to the Speaker, given to the House of Assembly, well then those three strikes don’t apply at that particular time,” Hon Malone stated.

He also suggested that the law may be subject to interpretation.

Hon Fahie 'should focus on his defense'- Premier Wheatley

At a press conference on Friday, May 27, 2022, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R1) was asked whether Hon Fahie would be able to attend HoA sittings virtually.

“I don’t anticipate that we will be having virtual meetings anytime soon and my particular view with the former Premier is that it is my view that he should focus on his defense. He has a difficult case and task ahead of him and that is where his focus should be,” Dr Wheatley had stated.

Hon Fahie out on bail

Former Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was detained in Miami on April 28, 2022, by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on drugs and money laundering conspiracy charges.

He was released on bail from the Miami Detention Centre on June 13, 2022; however, he is not allowed to leave the US or his place of residence in Miami.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in a statement on May 2, 2022, said “Like all persons charged with a criminal offense, Andrew Fahie is entitled to the presumption of innocence, procedural fairness, and a free and affair trial within a reasonable time.”

32 Responses to “‘I don’t support’ allowing Hon Fahie to join HoA virtually- Hon Malone”

  • SCB (16/06/2022, 10:54) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
    No!
  • Road Town (16/06/2022, 10:55) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    No!
  • SCbeegee (16/06/2022, 11:20) Like (35) Dislike (5) Reply
    “Innocent until proven guilty”…sure thing.
    But it’s hard to unsee the words and conversations and agreements made in that affidavit…
  • Two sides to a story (16/06/2022, 12:09) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    “‘I don’t support’ allowing Hon Fahie to join HoA virtually- Hon Malone”

    But in real life you know he’s like “Yo Head Coach, you know I got to be politically correct on my stance against you in the public but you know you my dawg and even though I’m saying this I would like you to join us. I miss you big dawg”
  • What!! (16/06/2022, 12:32) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    He cannot expect to be half way cross the world with an electronic device on his leg under house arrest and expect to take part in our House of Assembly. What he think it is. Is this what we coming to,
  • Karma world (16/06/2022, 12:55) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    You now premier your days coming !
    You so power hungry
    You would say and do anything
    To remain in the seat
    Your definately not my premier !
    Call election now !
  • Earl (16/06/2022, 13:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Of course not !
  • WE DO NOT WANT HIM EMBARRASSING THE BVI (16/06/2022, 13:13) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should Fahie be permitted to sit in virtually in HOA!!!!

    He should be removed as First District Rep!!

    Where is the NO CONFIDENCE VOTE??!!??!!

    If you could remove him as Premier, he should not be fit to be a part of the Government either!!!!!!!!

  • long look (16/06/2022, 13:37) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    Yes:)
  • faith (16/06/2022, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "..a fair trial" as opposed to "affair trial"
  • WHAT!!! (16/06/2022, 14:12) Like (32) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why is Andrew Fahie still being refered to as "honerable"
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (16/06/2022, 14:23) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    I totally agreed with Hon. Minister Carvin Malone.
    The former Premier, Andrew A. Fahie must first be proving innocent of the alleged crimes that have been labelled against him by the DEA.
    Tell me, if you can, and many and that the former Premier can't, represent the BVI under house arrest in Miami Florida. Only ignorant people, and others that are trying to fool us believe that he can.
    Wake up those of you that are still sleeping, believing, speaking , and writing lies, and stupidity. Accept factual truth.
    (Like or dislike)
  • ? (16/06/2022, 14:50) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Father hove mercy these people have no shame and so is EEEEEEEEE.
    Which premair you all talking about ???? upside down backwards crossways he is no honorable
  • Heck no!!!!!! (16/06/2022, 15:17) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    HE IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM BE ALLOWED TO JOIN HOA VIRTUALLY. HE SHOULD NOT EVEN BE ALLOWED TO SCRATCH HIS MOUNTAIN OYSTERS WITHOUT PERMISSION OR PROPER SUPERVISION.
  • west end (16/06/2022, 15:17) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    No!
  • My Goodness (16/06/2022, 16:54) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    The outside has already labeled us in the BVI as Slow, backwards, non functioning people. Please don’t allow that man to bring more embarrassment to the territory. Just who the hell do he think he is? Strip him of being District 1 Rep. why do we the taxpayers have to continue paying him to hold that seat? PLEASEEEEEEEEE STOP CALLING THAT MAN HONORABLE. MY PET DOG IS MORE WORTHY TO BE CALLED HONORABLE THAN THAT MAN. DOGS ARE MORE LOYAL THAN THAT MAN.
  • Silent Majority (16/06/2022, 17:03) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stay firm Madam Speaker. The Head Coach no longer represents us.
  • Andrew talking to them (16/06/2022, 17:25) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    .Neither the Governor or Britain would have Andrew voice contaminating our HOA...However, Rumor has it that Andrew is at War with Sowande and talking to his numbers wanting them to dis Sowande. So this unity is under serious attack.
  • WO (16/06/2022, 17:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    That would be awkward A.F and I dont mean andrew fahie....
  • Down West (16/06/2022, 17:33) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    PLEASE BE HONEST WITH YOUR ANSWER. PRESS LIKE IF YOU THINK ANDREW SHOULD BE RELIEVED OF THE POSITION OF DISTRICT 1 REP. PRESS DISLIKE IF YOU THINK ANDREW SHOULD NOT BE RELIEVED OF DISTRICT 1 REP. I AM GOING TO BE THE FIRST PERSON FROM WEST THAT IS GOING TO PRESS THE LIKE BUTTON.
  • lol (16/06/2022, 18:26) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    It just shows the true character of Fahie, he should have resigned so this isn’t even up for debate. He is a disgrace to the BVI
  • The Nation (16/06/2022, 18:54) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    What??!!! That is why you wont get my vote next election.
  • #FreeTheDrew (16/06/2022, 20:09) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Let Sugar mouth speak. Something fishy about this whole thing.
    His lawyer get a hold of the alleged videos and recordings? Ghat delay alone is grounds gor mistrial. Withholding that alleged evidence.
    • @#Freethedrew (17/06/2022, 08:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You sound so ignorant.

      Do you not know that an AFFIDAVIT is a STATEMENT that is supposed to AFFIRM fact and you could be held liable for lies?????

      Though there are some right here including in Govt Offices who have lied in Affidavits.

      The DEA would NOT claim to have video and voice recordings and it not be so.

      Denounce that witchcraft that seemingly has a hold on you.
  • ok (16/06/2022, 22:16) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    I honestly think there will be a mistrial, he just might walk free after all.
    • @ok (17/06/2022, 08:18) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hear this other one who needs to pray the witchcraft is removed off them.

      Then again, he got access to the internet now and could be blogging as all kind of people.
  • BVI love (17/06/2022, 11:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did Fahie ask to be part of the meetings?
    Does anyone know why Fahie reached out to Malone and not to Wheatley?
  • HMMM (17/06/2022, 11:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He's not here. How can he represent people who are unable to contact him ?


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