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Political appointees are ‘a bunch of crooks’- Hon Fraser

-Calls for a permanent Elections Commission
Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), Former Chairman and Leader of the Opposition recommends that there should be a separate election committee, adding that he does not support the idea of the Premier or the leader of the opposition being a part of the selection process from members of the commission. Photo: VINO/File
Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), during his speech, former opposition leader made it clear that no political party should have any involvement in the selection of persons to sit on the Election Commission. Photo: VINO
Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), during his speech, former opposition leader made it clear that no political party should have any involvement in the selection of persons to sit on the Election Commission. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola VI – Representative of the Third District and former Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R1) lashed out at political appointees to any commission describing such appointees as “a bunch of crooks”.

He made the statement during the ninth sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) today, Tuesday August 1, 2017 when he was addressing the need for a permanent Elections Commission in the Virgin Islands (VI) during the debate of the Bill entitled Elections (Amendment) Act, 2017.

He made it clear that no political party should have any involvement in the selection of persons to sit on the Elections Commission.

"This will then result in several National Democratic Party candidates making up the Elections Commission … same difference, a bunch of crooks."

He emphasized that if that process took place “it will have X amount from one political party, and X from another political party."

"The seriousness behind the Commission still stands and we have to sit down and work it out,"  he told the Speaker of the House of Assembly, noting the issues that will arise if political parties are involved in the selection process.

Following, Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Archibald C. Christian (AL) disagreed with Hon Fraser when he called the NDP ‘a bunch of crooks’, adding that the minister should not have made that statement.

 Permanent Elections Commission

"The CPA [Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of the United Kingdom] Observers in their recommendations for a commission they said there is a need for a permanent and independent commission to provide permanent commission," said Hon Fraser.

In agreement with the CPA Observers, Hon Fraser recommends that there should be a separate elections committee, adding that he does not support the idea of the Premier or the Leader of the opposition being a part of the selection process.

10 Responses to “Political appointees are ‘a bunch of crooks’- Hon Fraser”

  • voter (01/08/2017, 16:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmmmmm SMH
  • vex (01/08/2017, 17:34) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Tell them Fraser
  • officer (01/08/2017, 18:31) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    i here by nominate elder Renelle Fraser ex COP for the 3district
  • chad (01/08/2017, 19:04) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply

    While I do agree with the notion of an independently selected election commission I find it incredulous tnat this minister would refer to the ndp and potential members of the proposed committee as a bunch of crooks.
    Be clear mr. Minister, who exactly are these crooks? What illigalities have they committed that renders them crooks? We the people would like to know in terms of us deciding for whom to cast our votes in the future.
    Or are you shedding crocodile tears because you now find yourself impotent and without power to influence as in the past?  We definitely need more responsible people in our political system.

    • Reply (01/08/2017, 23:09) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      The word I want to use I cannot.
    • pat (02/08/2017, 11:09) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      while the idea of an independent commission is a must, this kind of language is exactly why Fraser has lost his influence. As VIP Chair, he created bickering instead of focusing on the greater good, his ego kept getting in the way, and he did nothing but whine. It became personal which is not helpful in politics. I do believe that NDP is a well-oiled machine who have only their best interest at heart. I would like to see permanent elections and not spot surprises.
  • tell um like it is (01/08/2017, 21:02) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    he hit the nail on the head
  • Xxx (01/08/2017, 23:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Trying to think of the upside here.....
  • wize up (02/08/2017, 06:41) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    let's see how many boats loads will be coming up to vote of the next elections: most on these special boat voters hardy comes back to BVI unless for a funeral service:
  • vi (02/08/2017, 09:21) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pot calling the kettle black. Enough said.


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