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Premier slams Opposition for peddling misinformation on Ministerial Advisors

- said Opposition could have simply requested information
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, has slammed Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), right, for spreading misinformation about the Ministerial Political Advisors initiative. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during his live broadcast on the Facebook page of the Government of the Virgin Islands on July 26, 2021. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during his live broadcast on the Facebook page of the Government of the Virgin Islands on July 26, 2021. Photo: Facebook
According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), it was only after the satisfaction of the Deputy Governor and Governor John J. Rankin CMG (in photo) were achieved that the matter of Ministerial Political Advisors was carried to Cabinet. Photo: GIS/File
According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), it was only after the satisfaction of the Deputy Governor and Governor John J. Rankin CMG (in photo) were achieved that the matter of Ministerial Political Advisors was carried to Cabinet. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a live broadcast that lasted almost 40 minutes, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) cleared the air and slammed Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) for his comments on the Cabinet’s decision to appoint political advisors for ministers.

“While this is not a tit-for-tat, now is the time to highlight that leadership is doing what is right for the people at all times and not when it is politically convenient, or when it seems like there are easy political points to be scored - because lives depend on leadership that is genuine,” Premier Fahie said during the broadcast on Monday, July 26, 2021.

Public officers' abilities not being questioned

He described the post of political advisors as a “long overdue matter of assistance to Ministers and Junior Ministers in carrying out their Ministerial functions.”

“This matter has been tossed around by Governments for the last 20 years and has been further compounded since the addition of Junior Ministers in the new Constitution of 2007, as it is one of great concern to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the elected Government. Since your current Government took office in March 2019, we have encountered certain problems with pushing forward the mandate for which we were elected. These problems are not unique to this Administration. They are issues that also hampered past Governments.”

He stated that the decision was not because the public officer's abilities and dedication were in question, “but rather a number of limitations that have affected the entire system of Government over the years. In a number of initiatives, and for varying reasons, Governments have resorted to the engagement of consultants using the annual budgetary allocations for this purpose. In essence, the consultants would bring to the table some expertise, ability, experience, knowledge or other skill that is needed to add to what is available in the public service so that we can get the job done and be accountable and transparent while doing it.”

Not new expense created

He said the Ministerial Political Advisors would be paid from the consultancy allocations, similar to the UK government system.

“Ministerial Advisers or Ministerial Aides are not uncommon in Government systems around the world - and that also includes the United Kingdom, from where we have sourced a model for the role and adapted it to the needs of the Virgin Islands. As I said, the history in the Virgin Islands is that Ministers and Ministries have always needed expertise that are outside of the resource capabilities of the Public Service, and for work, the nature of which is outside the limitations of the Public Service Regulations – but necessary to get the job done. And this expertise is most often sourced through the engagement of consultants – for which each Ministry has long been allocated a budget annually.”

He added: “So, my first point to you is that this is not a new expense being created. All we have done is to give the role a title, streamline the terms and conditions of engagement, and in the interest of Good Governance, we have created some checks and balances so that neither the Ministers nor the advisers can abuse the post. That is all that we have done. We have merely put some structure and controls on an age-old practice.”

Deputy Governor’s Office agreed to the need

The Premier stated that the recommendations were received from the Deputy Governor’s Office (DGO) and was reinforced by correspondence from the Governor as to what they recommend the job title should be and what should be the terms and conditions for the role.

“The DGO agreed with the need for the role of the Ministerial Political Advisor. All the recommendations of the DGO and the Governor were accepted by the Premier’s Office, and it was only after the satisfaction of the DGO and the Governor were achieved that the matter was carried to Cabinet. It is clear that this initiative was not one that was just pulled out of a hat.”

Opposition Leader’s figures are inaccurate!

Turning his attention to the Leader of the Opposition’s statement that was released earlier in the day, Premier Fahie said the amount that will be paid in remuneration is not the $1.35 million that the Opposition is throwing around.

“Cabinet approved a maximum of three advisors to the Premier and a maximum of one for all other Ministers and Junior Ministers. The Premier or any of the Ministers are not obligated to utilise this post or the maximum allowed. The remuneration are in two bands; (1) for the Advisor to the Premier, the remuneration range is between $79,440 and $120,000 per annum; and (2) for the Advisor to the other Ministers and Junior Ministers, the remuneration range is $60,408 to $84,408 per annum.”

He reasoned that if the Premier and the Ministers and Junior Ministers engage the maximum allowed number of advisors, the total amount to be paid across all Ministers will be between $600,768 on the low side to no more than $866,448, “These are the facts.”

Opposition aims to 'incite & rile up population'- Premier

“There is nothing else to add on to this figure because the advisors are not entitled to any other benefits. The advisors are not entitled to vacation leave, sick leave, overtime, gratuity, phone allowance, travelling allowance, vehicle allowance, meal allowance or any other benefits. So, clearly, we are not near the base total of $1.08 million that the Opposition is peddling, and definitely a long way from the $1.35 million they are throwing around, which they have inflated with false and sensational assumptions about non-existent benefits. I must say that the modus operandi of this Opposition, as they always do when they spew sensationalised misinformation, is to say they do not have access to the information.”

He said the responsible thing to do would be to ascertain the correct information, such as asking questions in the House of Assembly, and the Government would have provided the information.

20 Responses to “Premier slams Opposition for peddling misinformation on Ministerial Advisors”

  • wow (27/07/2021, 10:01) Like (86) Dislike (9) Reply
    The premier needs to be quiet right about now
  • WOW (27/07/2021, 10:22) Like (45) Dislike (4) Reply
    We need election now now now
  • Rubber Duck (27/07/2021, 10:23) Like (43) Dislike (3) Reply
    To announce this in the middle of a COI and a Covid crisis shows political naivety of breathtaking proportions.

    How dumb are they?
  • 007 (27/07/2021, 10:26) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Imagine they had had these “ consultants “ before the COI, they could have blamed everything on them.
  • Misinformation (27/07/2021, 10:28) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    Misinformation creates havoc. However the public will read in between the lines. There is s saying where there is smoke there is fire. I personally wonder where our priorities lie in this pandemic. Which is most important at this time should be the question. We want a lot of things and there is a difference between want and need.

    Last night I really think we were going to hear updates on the things that are affecting us immediately and the way forward. There is a time for everything and last night was certainly not the time for nitpicking. Who had the time to do this or that.
    What are we doing to help get people buried in a quick manner?What measure are been put in place to help families in this crisis? The list goes on. This is what the territory is doing for you all. They are praying that the Great God of this universe intervene in the midst of what's happening currently in the territory. You all better do the right thing. Seek the face of God for your all self to because it appears you all are not listening. Please I beg you all to surround your self with Godly men and women who could give you wise counsel this is crucial. Place God first ask for wisdom and understanding. This territory needs clear direction now more then ever. Turn turn turn, in the name of Jesus turn and tune in to our God for directions. There would be no need for misinformation because you all will be singing the same tune. Amazing grace how sweet the sound
    • To Misinformation (27/07/2021, 23:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes, they will surround themselves with Godly men. One in particular who makes a living on government contracts/tax payer dollar..
  • um (27/07/2021, 10:35) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    Would it not be better to train the public officers and PS's. It seems that this is a way around the people in the ministeries that should be providing the services amd instead of making the unpopular but needed overhaul of the Public Service they bring in new people. Set better targets for the public service and sack those that don't perform. Remove the job for life mentallity. This just means we are wasting money on salaries and consultanta. Fix the problem, don't band aid it.
  • Gratifier (27/07/2021, 11:01) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
    We tired a Andrew old stories and excuses. Britain giving him a rope to hang himself and he has falling for it. Too much excuses Andrew. Done with the PARADOX man.
  • Boss. Stop it. Listen to urself (27/07/2021, 12:46) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    There is no need for advisors at this point at this stage of economic struggle for the people...This move is blind, deaf, insensitive and selfish...allow the country to return to some form of normalcy ., Unless u all have a plan to empty the treasury and run the country bankrupt before u all leave...
  • Rudolph (27/07/2021, 12:53) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    This, Mr. Premier, was a needed, timely and consice response to the opposition as well as a needed explanation for us the people. Thank you!
    We also understand that it is the opposition's duty to challenge and question and sometimes criticize the incumbent. That's ok. What we would expect at this time is for that same opposition to join hands with the Govt. in encouraging his followers and all others to become vaccinated against that which is more injurious and fatal to the population as a whole.
  • Example? (27/07/2021, 13:26) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Premier noted: "Since your current Government took office in March 2019, we have encountered certain problems with pushing forward the mandate for which we were elected. These problems are not unique to this Administration. They are issues that also hampered past Governments.”

    With all that time spent It would have been helpful to give an example of our current government's inability to push forward its mandate as a result of not having an advisor.
    Just the same it would have been helpful if you provided at least one example as to how the unexplained issues hampered past governments due to a lack of advisors.
  • small town (27/07/2021, 13:33) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    30 thousand people is smaller than most villages in the UK. This set of ministers are not governing 40 Million! WTH!!!
    • Twat (27/07/2021, 21:46) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      30 thousand is actually bigger than every single village in the UK as the largest is Lancing which has 19,000. It is smaller than most towns, though.Also, the UK population is closer to 70 million than 40 million.
      Otherwise excellent points well made.
  • @TWAT or TWIT (30/07/2021, 20:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WERE MADE ABOUT A NEED FOR A PAUSE WITH (COI ) SO THE PEOPLE CAN GET LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE AMOUNT OF STRESS CAUSED BY THE ( COVID 19 ) AND AFTER ALL THAT THE ( COI ) HAS UNCOVERED , HE GOT A PAUSE AND LOOK AT WHAT HE START DOING AGAIN , ANOTHER SPENDING SPREE AND YOU HERE TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH PEOPLE LIVE IN ENGLAND


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