With the Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) in particular surprisingly trying to push a narrative that the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government is only talk and no action, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said the work of his Government during these challenging times is there for everyone to see; however, he still has to respond because silence can sometimes be dangerous. Photo: GIS/File

One of the major accomplishments of the VIP Government has been the quick refurbishing of the L. Shaped Building of Elmore Stoutt High School following the devastation of the hurricanes of 2017. It was an achievement the NDP Government failed to do. Photo: VINO/File

Payment of Increments for public servants is also something the VIP Government did when the NDP government could not do. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking during the contract signing and site clearing ceremony for the reconstruction of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) campus on December 2, 2021, Premier Fahie said he sometimes gets confused when he hears the talk that this is a Government of talk and no action.

"Because I have to remind myself that yes, sometimes it’s good not to listen. But sometimes it’s also good to respond, because when you don’t respond to certain things it becomes your reality. Never let anyone’s opinion of you become your reality."

Choosing just to name a few of the many things, particularly in education, his Government has being doing and has done since comping into office in 2019, Premier Fahie said his Government has come through with its promise of increment for public officers, including teachers, "that is being given right now—and I know most of you will have a much better Christmas as a result. That is not talk; that is action."

The previous National Democratic Party (NDP) had filed to deliver on its promise of increments.

'That is not talk; that is action'- Premier Fahie

Other accomplishments made by the VIP Government include major repairs and rehabilitation to the Bregado Flax Educational Complex which was turned over a few weeks ago.

"Salary revision and job reclassification of our public officers, that includes teachers, with the DG in the Governor’s Office that is happening right now. That is not talk; that is action. The modernisation of our public service through the approved and on-going public transformation initiative, being done jointly with the Governor and Deputy Governor, which includes teachers. That is not talk; that is action. The North Sound Administration building being completed and turned over in North Sound. That is not talk; that is action. The L. Adorothy Turnbull building finished, and is being used, and yes—more repairs will be done. But, it was done by our local contractors. That is not just talk; that is action.

"We have the Vanterpool building in Virgin Gorda that has been completed and will be officially turned over soon. That is not just talk; that is action. We have the Flax building in Virgin Gorda completed and will be turned over soon. That is not just talk; that is action. We have the administration building in Anegada finished and completed, and ready to be turned over. That is not just talk; that is action.

More action!

"We have the basketball court in Anegada completed so our youngsters could now have recreational opportunities like the rest of us in Anegada—and properly fenced. That is not just talk; that is action. We have the Jost van Dyke school fully air-conditioned, all classrooms, electrical workings and everything. That is not just talk; that is action. We have the Jost van Dyke School going to be built and going out for tender very soon through the RDA. That is not just talk; that is action," Premier Fahie listed.

He said those accomplishments have come at a time when limited resources is in high demand and COVID is here.

"At a time when we are working in the wake of two category 5 hurricanes and a major flood. At a time when the OECD taxation is challenging us. At a time when our financial services are being challenged. At a time when we had to do the Triple I Code, an audit just a few weeks ago, and come out rather well. At a time when we have seen more challenges than any other time in the history of the world, we have made sure that it was not just talk; it was action," Premier Fahie emphasised.