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Premier questions if blatant UK corruption is benchmark for VI’s good governance

- Blasts duplicity of CoI as coming when the UK itself was not ready for one as a result of COVID-19
Virgin Islands (VI) Premiere and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called out the blatant alleged corruption in the UK’s management of its COVID-19 pandemic and asked whether that is the benchmark the Virgin Islands (VI) should follow for good governance. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Fahie’s statement and questions came as he appeared before the UK-funded VI Commission of Inquiry (CoI), while in discussion with Commissioner, Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom during hearing Day 47, today, October 12, 2021. Photo: CoI/Facebook
Premier Fahie’s statement and questions came as he appeared before the UK-funded VI Commission of Inquiry (CoI), while in discussion with Commissioner, Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom during hearing Day 47, today, October 12, 2021. Photo: CoI/Facebook
WICKHAM’S CAY II, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called out the blatant corruption in the United Kingdom’s management of its COVID-19 pandemic and asked whether that is the benchmark the Virgin Islands (VI) should follow for good governance.

Premier Fahie’s statement and questions came as he appeared before the UK-funded Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Hearing Day 47 on October 12, 2021.

VI being unfairly judged on a different standard- Premier Fahie

According to the Premier, his comparison was necessary given that governments of the BVI are being judged based on how the UK Government handles certain issues.

Hon Fahie said when it comes to assessment COVID-19 handling, the VI should be on equal footing with that of the UK, given both countries have experienced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet a CoI has been imposed on the VI, when the UK Government has indicated that it is not ready for one.  

He said around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the healthcare system and economies of global economies and still continues to do so, and that it forced the VI, like other governments, to adopt extraordinary measures and procedures. 

Hon Fahie, therefore, called for 'Parity and Equity to be afforded to the VI, given it is faced with a pandemic just like the UK Government.

VI seeking 'parity' with UK on COVID-19 handling 

"Even though, when you look t the track record of the UK government who called this Commission of Inquiry, how it has handled its economic stimulus and social programmes, how it has failed to have accountability, transparency and value for money, and other governance issues surrounding COVID-19, I think you will find that the BVI with our imperfections do not fail or fall into that same barrel as the UK," he said. 

Hon Fahie admitted that while the VI and the UK have made a few mistakes regarding its handling of the pandemic, he said there remains no evidence of the high level of blatant corruption in his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as is the case with the UK under the leadership of the Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson administration.

Hon Fahie in his presentation used an example that pointed to the blatant nepotism to access UK government funding in the billions under Johnson's Government and said that in the VI, the Fahie administration has never been involved in any such practice. 

Who is the benchmark for good governance? - Premier asks 

The Premier asked rhetorically, "I am appealing to you commissioner in the context of whom is the BVI suppose to pattern and set our good governance benchmarks and standards and against who's standards and benchmarks in the BVI's governance is going to be measured?"

"If it is the UK's, then I can tell you that we have no VIP lane for party supporters in our governance system as an official policy, so therefore if its the UK standard, then the BVI would have exceeded those standards by several thousand percentage points," Hon Fahie said.

More details on the Premier's presentation before the CoI to come.

24 Responses to “Premier questions if blatant UK corruption is benchmark for VI’s good governance”

  • Eaxactly (13/10/2021, 09:08) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pot calling kettle black ...lmaoo
  • TIT FOR TAT (13/10/2021, 09:11) Like (44) Dislike (8) Reply
    More childish behaviour
  • By Our deeds.. (13/10/2021, 09:55) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    We have our Issues...The Premier comes across like all is well, he is perfect, there is no mistake or bad decisions....We are being Judge by our deeds and our deed are far less than perfect...England will be judge for their sins, we will be judge for ours..
  • My true feelings (13/10/2021, 10:04) Like (112) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need some serious help on the Island. We are going down in a blaze of glory. I am so disappointed in the way things is going. We have to stop this WRONG KNOWING THAT YOU ARE WRONG BUT AT THE SAME TIME WANTING TO BE STRONG AT THE SAME TIME BAD BEHAVIOR. WE ARE LOOKING SO BAD RIGHT NOW, WE ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK, THE BUTT OF JOKES ON THE OUTSIDE. THAT IS SO EMBARRASSING.
    • @My true feelings (13/10/2021, 14:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      You could not have said it any better. I give you 5
    • @My true feelings (14/10/2021, 10:39) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      This is why black nations can never come out of bondage...'wisdom rules the world', so you all can sit down and let a racist, heartless nation rule you, if you wish, and when they are done with you all, you can go work as their slaves once more. That's why most of the 'likes' are from the White Community who knows that you are in mental bondage to them.
  • 911 (13/10/2021, 10:07) Like (5) Dislike (90) Reply
    the premier is so right, we with you, them set of oppressors and racist trying to take over the bvi
  • Rubber Duck (13/10/2021, 10:26) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ranted and made speeches all through his evidence. A statesman or a truthful witness would have just answered the questions
  • Sigh (13/10/2021, 10:27) Like (3) Dislike (28) Reply
    Premier giving them licks. At the end of the day, the point is the UK cannot be a just judge. They should have come with a different approach, not one aimed to shut the country down. They could have still gotten rid of the crooks but should not aim to take over anything or any part thereof. When they hold a COI on slavery and reparations, maybe then they can be considered a benchmark for anything. But until then, please and goodbye!
    • lmao (13/10/2021, 15:27) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      @oops, AND HERE WE GO AGAIN, ANOTHER ONE, YOU OOPS HAS FALLEN INTO THE IGNORITIS SPIN CYCLE HEAD FIRST. LOL AND LMAO AT THE SAME TIME.

    • jah (14/10/2021, 00:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Oops it seems you haven't been too long in school and you haven't finished your coloring books..leave politics for elders
  • Can someone (13/10/2021, 11:15) Like (89) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please explain why the Premier is behaving in this manner towards the UK and the COI. Sir, you called for a COI investigation when the former party was in office. You got what you asked for but it fell on your Administration. Face it, deal with it and move on. The nit picking is not going to work.
  • My girl (13/10/2021, 11:30) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is corruption in every country including the BVI and the UK. That said, it should not be tolerated in any shape or form.
  • Jane (13/10/2021, 11:47) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    Two wrongs dont make a right. Enough with this whataboutery, Fahie is fooling no-one.
  • Mr. Premier. Arent you a Christian (13/10/2021, 12:45) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    So if Brotain is committing Sins that will lead it to hell, its ok for you do the ssme Sins.. Start Doing the right things and stop worrying about Britain..
  • Real (13/10/2021, 14:16) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Simple fact is that we dont want uk to move in and take control of our country. What we should be welcoming is any assistance with policy making and other areas where we seem to be lacking. I mean...theae contracts with C SKelton Clyme ( or should we now be calling him chief of staff !!! ) are a joke...renewed under the same terma of reference but his roll had changed significantly.....contract signed under a different name than that in which they were issued. We need assistance with these things because it is obvious that our present system does not work
  • But at the end of the day (13/10/2021, 14:26) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Britain is going to come off on the winning side. Stop worrying about Britain. They are our boss just like we the people that put you in office IS YOUR BOSS. AND DON’T YOU FORGET THAT, YOU DON’T RUN US, WE RUN YOU.
  • Pastor Vermicelli (13/10/2021, 16:26) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    So yes God, i was a sinner , a bad bad sinner, but Fred down the road was too , so let me into the kingdom of heaven
  • Know this (13/10/2021, 16:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stone Age thinking is and will continue to be the norm in the BVI.
  • Native Senior Citizen (13/10/2021, 17:20) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon
    Premier Andrew A Fahie, your pointing to the aUK government shortcomings, do not vindicate your Administration from its responsibilities to the people of this country, that have employed you and the other ministers as loyal defender of their rights if equal beneficiary of our financial wealth.
    The way that I see it is that you are trying to avoid facing up to your responsibilities by continuing trying to shift the fault of bad governance to the UK, rather than who you know who are to be blamed.
    In other words, you are coming sideways, not straight forward.
    This country is many overseas territory of the UK. Because of this fact, the CoI has the inalienable rights to in this country, to probe into misconducts of mismanagement of our finances by politicians, and others. You and other big mouths can't do a thing to change what happening, and what will happen.
    The more you talk against the UK's government, and the CoI is the more it appears that you hate justice for the people of this country.
  • Lauri (13/10/2021, 17:36) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    While being aware of the governments ways for 3 decades, but not being from here I have experienced many unnecessary situations which all have been degrading.
    However I have a whole load of great friends many belongers and I call this home. I volunteer often for many charities and do my best to be part of this community I love.
    In my humble opinion we need a big shake up with a brand new set of faces with a completely different mindset. All I’m hearing is God and slavery which is just a perfect example of how much work we need to do.
    So many questions. Why did the rapists application even get that far?. Outrageous, yes let’s get him here at our expense and pay for prison. Then release a convicted rapist into our community with belonger status.
    I also know many who have been so broke, family’s out of work and not a dime or drop of compassion from our government.
    We as a community need to stand together and speak up, the government has been kissing babies and stealing their lollipops.
    I am thankful to Gus and really hope we all see some serious changes that will bring fairness, and a little more humanity.
  • Relax (13/10/2021, 19:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    When will the BVI GROW UP and take full responsibility for itself. You have listed the deeds of the UK Politicians don't repeat them, you will be held at a higher standard and all infractions will be investigated by the police and prosecuted if the territory's laws are breached. Love covers a multitude of evil.
  • .... (13/10/2021, 22:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Truth be told there’s a lot of bull crap going on and really it does start with

    1. decimation I mean genocide of the native Americans. The first European slaves in these parts.

    2. Introduction of Africans as slaves for profit breeding and cruel entertainment.

    3. The legal hanging of a white man for killing his black slave Prosper for stealing what was it a mango. yes very justified /s

    4. The freeing of the slaves to live subsistence life styles under British rule.

    5. Economic slavery to printed currency. Relinquishment of substance for the pursuit of an manipulated illusion. Affordable housing gone. Self sufficiency gone.

    We have pop tarts, corn flakes, diabetes, hypertension, stealing for lack of paper and it’s all good right?

    Until we fully come to terms with HOW we got into this current situation and where the poison is we can not come to formulate a solution.

    If we don’t become familiar with the evils of yesterday they will still haunt us and take on new forms.

    Let’s sweep all these issues and the thousands of skeletons under the rug because it offends people to comprehend the truth.

    Pirates and gold. Treasure chests. Iconic for a reason... Stolen wealth sailed to the European motherlands.

    Don’t mind that the descendants of slaves started over at zero in a new land meanwhile the emancipated were being taxed by England.

    See the historical riot and fire in response to cattle tax hikes.

    Don’t mind all of it because “We have England to thank for our wealth”. That’s how the UK DJ spins it. Rewind and play it again DJ it sounds good!

    Don’t mind the bone poking through the rug.

    Don’t mind the saints from England come to save us nor the legacy of catholic missionaries.

    Don’t mind the drug war. A war on plants that have been used by humans for tens of thousands of years which IS as insane as the Spanish inquisition.

    Don’t mind that we’re living in a man made hell waiting for them who have the power & wealth to create a sustainable utopia while they actually don’t care.

    We say slavery is over but the truth is as a society from the top to bottom we’re addicted to slavery. We think it’s the way of life.

    Human beings don’t have to live this way and you all know it’s the truth.

    Women in Africa and the Amazon are walking with no top. No problem. What the F are we doing that makes us more civilized.

    We’re screwed. Asleep at the wheel of reality but we’re taking the dream seriously.

    We need an inquiry into these topics!

    It’s said don’t put rats to mind cheese. How interesting we allow & expect long time slavers to oversee freedoms & design our society.
    what could go wrong?

    What is bail isn’t that legal corruption?

    What is corruption. It holds no water in light of a bigger picture.

    To me corruption is the belief that this is how people are meant to live & die. No getting high that’s a sin I mean a crime.

    Now that the pope isn’t calling the shots they have lawyers to write those dos & do nots. No regard for good and evil as long as it’s legal.

    It’s a lie to benefit a select few. They say the devil sits in high places. Hmm

    You who come with decorations to sweep up the mess are pawns yourselves. What good was the privateer? It was good for some free soldiers & more taxes.

    Life in Babylon. Everyone’s confused & making it hard for each other no one wants peace it’s all about debt & domination. Let’s follow the leader & get more of them “righteous strikes”. Sickening.

    As humans we can do better be better. We’re modern but not civilized.

    If we were to any degree allies would denounce the massacres of innocents no matter who’s bomb did it. Crickets. Silence.
  • @ OOPS (14/10/2021, 12:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HEY


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