Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) will be made to answer a series of questioning on the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) Wall Report and investigation at the upcoming sitting of the Virgin Islands’ House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Photo: VINO/File

Former National Democratic Party (NDP) Chaplain, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), aka ‘Mitch,’ Photo: PVIM

The wall commissioned by Mr Walwyn around ESHS, costing taxpayers some $1.6M was said to be built with little regard for public resources according to the AG in her report. Photo: VINO/File

The project, riddled with scandal and commissioned by his Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) was said to lack value for money according to the Auditor General (AG), Ms Sonia M. Webster, costing taxpayers some $1.6M.

Dr Smith is now facing questioning from Opposition Member, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), aka ‘Mitch,’ formerly of the same National Democratic Party (NDP 1) and now with the new Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM-NDP 2).

ESHS investigation status

“Madam Speaker, could the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please tell this Honourable House: The status of the Audit Report on the Elmore Stoutt High School Perimeter Wall Report and investigation that His Excellency the Governor has handed over to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force?” Mr Turnbull asked via the amended order paper for the upcoming sitting.

Just recently, Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews had revealed that the force is currently scoping out the facts and conclusion of the Wall Report, however, he declined to comment further.

“It would be inappropriate of me to comment on any live investigation,” CoP Matthews told ‘Honestly Speaking’, Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the Tuesday, January 8, 2019, edition of the radio show on ZBVI 780 radio.

Mitch adamant

Mitch however, is adamant that the Premier must provide information on the investigation to the House and in essence, the people of the Virgin Islands (VI).

The District two representative further questioned on whether, “he [Premier], has been made aware of any information from the investigation that the people should be notified of and has not yet done so?”

Mr Turnbull continues, “If yes, when does he intend to provide the people with this information.”