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UPDATE: Premier Smith ignores ‘transparency’ request of Opposition Leader

- was asked to produce every correspondence between VI & UK on recovery plan since November
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) has not honoured the request of Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) to produce by 2:00 P.M. on March 15, 2018 every correspondence between the Virgin Islands (VI) and the United Kingdom (UK) Governments on the Territory’s recovery plan since November 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), speaking during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Third House of Assembly today, March 15, 2018 said only last week he heard that the Recovery and Development Plan presented to the public by the National Democratic Party (NDP) in December 2017 was already agreed to between Government and the United Kingdom, suggesting that the public consultation meetings that followed were just a show. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), speaking during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Third House of Assembly today, March 15, 2018 said only last week he heard that the Recovery and Development Plan presented to the public by the National Democratic Party (NDP) in December 2017 was already agreed to between Government and the United Kingdom, suggesting that the public consultation meetings that followed were just a show. Photo: VINO/File
The Recovery and Development Plan public consultation meetings, called by Government in January and February 2018 and which were for the most part shunned by the public, were just a sham, as the draft plan presented to the public in December was already agreed to between Government and the United Kingdom, according to reports reaching our newsroom. Photo: VINO/File
The Recovery and Development Plan public consultation meetings, called by Government in January and February 2018 and which were for the most part shunned by the public, were just a sham, as the draft plan presented to the public in December was already agreed to between Government and the United Kingdom, according to reports reaching our newsroom. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Luckily Opposition Leader Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) wasn’t holding his breath waiting for Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) to honour his request to produce every correspondence between the Virgin Islands (VI) and the United Kingdom (UK) Governments on the Territory’s recovery plan since November 2017.

Hon Fahie made the request during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA) on March 15, 2018.

He had demanded that by 2:00 P.M. yesterday the Premier has “every correspondence that was given to the United Kingdom, from in November when this was agreed and the responses from the United Kingdom, ready for us [Members] before we start this discussion at 2:00 PM.”

Nothing new with Premier’s behaviour- Hon Fahie

However, Hon Fahie told our newsroom today, March 16, 2018 that Premier Smith had not produce the documents as was asked.

“He has not honoured the request to date. There is nothing new with this behavior in this respect. The discussions are ongoing and I will wait until they are finished before I comment,” Hon Fahie stated.

Members of the HoA met yesterday to discuss the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Bill which was introduced to the House yesterday by Premier Smith and had its first reading.

“What I can say is that I will continue to be guided by the God of our forefathers in these uncharted waters. I will not compromise the people of the Virgin Islands and, in return, the future of the Virgin Islands, especially economically, for no one. Leadership matters,” Hon Fahie said.

See previous article published March 15, 2018

'Bring all correspondence with UK on recovery plan to table'- Hon Fahie

- Virgin Islands Recovery & Development Agency Act 2018 introduced & gets first reading

The Virgin Islands Recovery & Development Agency Act 2018, which is aimed at bringing into law stipulations outlined by the United Kingdom in exchange for guarantees for hurricane recovery loans, was introduced to the House of Assembly (HoA) today, March 15, 2018.

The Bill was also read for the first time and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), who introduced the Bill, said he will explain its provisions at a second reading.

Public meetings were just a show?

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said only last week he heard that the Recovery and Development Plan presented to the public by the National Democratic Party (NDP) in December 2017 was already agreed to between Government and the United Kingdom, suggesting that the public consultation meetings that followed in January and February 2018 were just a show.

“…the whole act and everything was based on the plan that was already agreed to in November of last year, although we have been having public meetings on it,” Hon Fahie stated.

“I am asking of the Premier, so that we can discuss this intelligently and know what we have committed the country to, to produce to the Honourable House every documentation that is relating to this whole recovery issue with the United Kingdom and their responses, so that every elected Member can be extremely clear what we have committed the country to,” the Opposition Leader remarked.

Premier Smith said a meeting was plan with HoA Members to discuss the matter this afternoon.

“We have already agreed with all members of the House that we will have a discussion on the matter this afternoon, I think at 2 ‘O’ Clock, when all the documents will be, at that time, ready for that discussion.”

Bring every correspondence with UK- Hon Fahie

However, Hon Fahie contended that the Premier wants to go through the [Virgin Islands Recovery & Development Agency] Bill clause by clause and demanded that by 2:00 P.M. the Premier has “every correspondence that was given to the United Kingdom, from in November when this was agreed and the responses from the United Kingdom, ready for us before we start this discussion at 2:00 PM.”

Given a chance to respond, Premier Smith said he had no further comments.

Meanwhile, the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Third HoA will resume on Monday March 19, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. when the Budget Address will be given.

27 Responses to “UPDATE: Premier Smith ignores ‘transparency’ request of Opposition Leader”

  • watcher (15/03/2018, 13:32) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    Too much lies from Mr zzzzzzzz
  • Albert (15/03/2018, 13:42) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Yes... and then lets mull it over for another 6 months...
  • tretretrete (15/03/2018, 13:59) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with Fahie 100%
  • please (15/03/2018, 14:22) Like (8) Dislike (45) Reply

    Fahie cut it, we elect Governments to govern, let them govern! Look at how St Kitts is developing so nicely from once a 3rd world shanty town now with beautiful, proper, value added developments so that the entire country benefits. They let their Governments govern! Of course the Government should keep people informed but you really think the Government has to meet with every district before they tell the UK what the BVI needs? No plan of this sort is set in stone, if there are areas that the public mentioned that are not contained in the initial document, what will stop them from including it? This is just petty politics and I dare to say most of those sitting on both sides in HOA are power hungry and don't give a @#$% about this Territory.

  • huh (15/03/2018, 14:46) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    Bunch ah jokers
  • one eye (15/03/2018, 14:47) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    Keep pushing Brox bummer
  • Gasson (15/03/2018, 15:14) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    "the Recovery and Development Plan presented to the public by the National Democratic Party (NDP) in December 2017 was already agreed to between Government and the United Kingdom"

    That is being downright deceitful. Come by my house soliciting votes in a few months. Waiting
    • dude (15/03/2018, 19:13) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      then u should welcome him and apologize b/c u dead wrong. I suggest u confront whoever misled u and ask them why they did such a thing to u
    • Yes (15/03/2018, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      Once they have your goodies you will vote for them so just hush.
  • William (15/03/2018, 15:51) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Those wicked wretch!!! Traitors!!! Set of vicious liars!!! I’m disgusted by this government and their treacherous lies!!!
  • voter (15/03/2018, 19:09) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
    Sorry but ndp going back VIP only got 3 seats plus fahie they got 2 at large Willock and Karl and the 9th.

    Ndp again yall
  • Music (16/03/2018, 05:11) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Bloggers galore always complaining about lack of public input, yet hardly any of the public turn up at meetings held for just that. Seems the public at large cant be bothered so complainers are way outnumbered. Normally governments are elected to represent the people, and in most countries are left to get on with it. If the public dont like what results they can change government at the next ballot box (election).
  • business man (16/03/2018, 06:04) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    All business men running this country. They not going to be left out. Common sense. My question to Back Benchers . You all have change in your hands. whats the delay. Whats the issue. ?
  • @ @ @ @ (16/03/2018, 08:06) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need a general elections
  • chad (16/03/2018, 09:19) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NDP got away with too much corruption.
  • ForbiddenTruth (16/03/2018, 16:31) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NDP is an Illusion of transparency.
  • All talk (16/03/2018, 16:42) Like (4) Dislike (18) Reply
    NDP all the way next election, don't mind the noise!
    • To All talk (16/03/2018, 17:26) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree. NDP all the way out of politics next general elections.
  • dude (16/03/2018, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so what else is new
  • Phoenix (16/03/2018, 23:58) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    4 months of correspondence???? Mr Fahie is not asking for transparency, he's just being obstructionist. I don't like ANY of our politicians right now, but when we need them most, these VIP back benchers aren't doing or saying anything to help the Territory recover. What a disappointment.
    • To Phoneix (17/03/2018, 09:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Speak for yourself. The Premier cannot be trusted and he cannot be allowed to sign off on help without telling us the terms and conditions. Fahie is correct. Let us all see what is happening behind closed doors. Fahie continues to be the voice for the voiceless. If it wasn't for him then we the people will never know most of the nonsense the NDP is doing especially with our tax dollars.
  • grace (17/03/2018, 19:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Years ago VIP made me run to the polls to vote NDP, and I'm doing it again. I will never forget how the VIP clan knocked down everything the poor people were begging for. NDP is no worse than they were and I was treated more humane than ever before and got my license to run my business , when VIP denied me over and over again. For all of you that voted for NDP, let's do it again!
    • @grace (19/03/2018, 15:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don't worry. People in the BVI are not stupid, neither are our memories short. VIP seems to think we are, but we remember the past very, very well. They are jumping up and down and painting this doom and gloom picture of the BVI and calling the UK to come and take us over, but we will continue to pray for this country. The NDP are not perfect, but neither is Hon. Fahie and his VIP, which at the moment is a party of one. They have lots of 'overspending', 'money wastage' and project overruns skeletons in their closets. They were the ones who let the business people in this Territory rape the Government Treasury in the first instances by paying whatever they charged and not caring about the consequences. Now, the sky is the limit. Even the trucks on the road making bank in short order. We are not stupid. We have been saying that to you every election, but on top of in denial you are playing possum. Totally new energetic and awesome or it will have to be NDP again. Sorry.


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