Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

VI Opposition was instrumental to progress of HoA insurance coverage – Premier

- calls out ‘deception’ regarding Opposition statements chastising policy
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called ‘usual deception’ the statements emanating from the Opposition Members of the House of Assembly (HoA), regarding the insurance coverage for former legislators. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has been accused of being deceptive regarding the Opposition's stance on health insurance for retired legislators. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has been accused of being deceptive regarding the Opposition's stance on health insurance for retired legislators. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called ‘usual deception’ the statements emanating from the Opposition Members of the House of Assembly (HoA), regarding the insurance coverage for former legislators.

A statement from Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) on June 6,  2021, said Members of her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition have expressed their disappointment and concern regarding the request for proposals (RFP) for private health insurance coverage for former HoA members.

Opposition Members reject proposal

Hon Penn said the plan advertised in the media comes despite there being no consensus by all members of the HoA to issue such notice.

Commenting on the proposed health insurance, the Opposition Members had this to say, “The Members of the Opposition do not support the recently advertised RFP as it did not follow the agreed-upon process of a report from the lead member on this initiative.”

Premier Fahie said that during the course of this week Members of the Government's side of the House of Assembly will give a detailed response.

'Usual deception' by Opposition- Premier

However, the Premier noted “What we will say at this time is that Members of the Opposition who were instrumental in progressing this matter from the inception have released statements which clearly show that they are up to their usual deception where they are divorced from the truth,” he said.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to House Speaker, Hon Julian Willock for a comment however, the speaker declined to comment on the matter.

Premier Fahie said; however, the government will do what is in the best interest of the people of the Territory.

“I can assure the public that whatever is in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands will be the only course of action,” he said.

36 Responses to “VI Opposition was instrumental to progress of HoA insurance coverage – Premier ”

  • Hmm (07/06/2021, 15:55) Like (82) Dislike (8) Reply
    I don’t understand. Why the government want private insurance and their people have to use NHI? This is BS. If you think you need private insurance take it out yourself like the rest of us or get rid of NHI!!!!! Y’all got to be mad! This is a fly on the ppl of the VI face. So wait, our tax money is who will pay for y’all extra private insurance ????? No man. Ridiculous
  • NICK (07/06/2021, 16:12) Like (55) Dislike (1) Reply
    the best interest for the people of the virgin island is for members of hoa to get theirs own private insurance, not with our taxpayers money.
  • I believe the Premier.. (07/06/2021, 16:14) Like (22) Dislike (18) Reply
    I am far from been a fan of the Premier but I believe hin on this one, they all are one of the same, low character, nust want to take, take, take, when they get caught, they start singing like shaggy.... "waSn't me". How the hell this idea was even entertained... Cant trust politicians..
  • Dear Andrew Fahie.... (07/06/2021, 16:23) Like (60) Dislike (0) Reply
    We do not care whether they were involved or not. What we care about is the Government clearly pushing an agenda right now that benefits NOBODY but the HOA members and their predecessors. Neither this proposal OR the proposal for a change in the benefits for outgoing sitting members of the HOA are of a benefit to the people of the BVI. We all know that.... including YOU. If you would like to turn your attention to the matters that are pressing for the BVI public please let us know the following: 1. WHY is the high school not finished? (all buildings in their entirety and fully furnished)? 2. WHY are the teachers of the territory having to publicly call out the government for their lack of attention and care when it comes to our children? This is in all schools across the territory - not just one.
    FYI.... by coming to the media about this AGAIN you are throwing fuel onto the fire. We are already VERY upset that you even thought to bring this up at this time. Now you want to try and push blame? No matter what .... you allowed it to go through to a stage where the speaker of the house invited companies to TENDER?!?! .... All whilst fully aware that this was not in the interests of the people of the BVI.
  • Tell us (07/06/2021, 16:30) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHO WAS IT THAT BROUGHT THE MOTION TO THE HOUSE, ARE YOU TELLING US THAT ALL 13, MEMBERS VOTE IN FAVOR.?????
  • WE DONT CARE (07/06/2021, 16:33) Like (40) Dislike (4) Reply
    We dont care who and how.....CANCEL IT FORTHWITH
  • Insulted Taxpayer! (07/06/2021, 16:52) Like (31) Dislike (4) Reply
    Quite frankly, I don't give a toss about who did what nor who is being deceitful The bottom line is that it is RIDICULOUS and INSULTING for legislators to ask for us tax payers to foot the bill for their supplemental health insurance.

    First of all, if NHI is insufficient to meet the needs of the legislators, then they need to ask themselves what purpose it serves the general populace. We have argued for years that NHI is flawed and will fail us all and this has been proven time and time again. They are now experiencing the reality of it firsthand and so they are seeking alternatives to cover themselves. Foolishness! If it is not good enough for them then it is not good enough for any us, so bin it!

    Secondly, every working adult in the BVI who has had to obtain private health insurance to supplemental the pitiful NHI regime, has had to do so out of pocket and after paying taxes. Some lucky ones may have had employers cover a portion or all of their premiums. So why the ... do these legislators feel that they should be exempted from this burden? Let them pay for it their ... selves like the rest of us or get rid of the whole stinkin' thing!

    I will never forgive the NDP government for creating this NHI nonsense and so help me, if VIP wants to see a vote from me again, they need to park this foolishness. NHI MUST GO!!
  • Youth (07/06/2021, 16:58) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    There's a new M & M gang in town and they are more destructive than the last M & M gang.
  • east end man (07/06/2021, 17:00) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    You all becareful with Marlon in town because there's no one alive who can cause more confusion than him.
  • jokers (07/06/2021, 17:01) Like (0) Dislike (20) Reply
    ANY MONIES SPEND ON HEALTH ON HUMANS MONY WELL SPENT REMEBER WE LOST HL STOUTT- WE LOST CYRILL ROMNY -REMMBER PAUL WATTLEY- REMEMBER HON DELORES CHRISTOPHER- WE DO NEED THIS HEALTH PLAN OF COURSE BUT
    THE GOOD BOOK SAYS
    THERES A TIME FOR EVERY THING
    GIVE IT TILL JANUARY?
  • Ahhhh (07/06/2021, 17:02) Like (16) Dislike (11) Reply
    I believe this was well intended but something went wrong and the Premier and his government is doing the correct thing to leave the insurance alone. I have no trust in the Opposition at all.
  • NDP supporter (07/06/2021, 17:04) Like (20) Dislike (8) Reply
    Ayo becareful with Marlon and Mitch. They are the ones who divided the NDP with the help of the old M & M gang. They now trying to divide the country.
  • please (07/06/2021, 17:07) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Mitch and Marlon need to stop their childish behaviors. They only distant themselves when the public out cry came. Why they didn't do that before? The answer is they couldn't because they organized it.
  • Joker (07/06/2021, 17:25) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are now understanding that politicians no longer work for the electorate. They are working for their own benefit with taxpayers money.Why are we paying taxes?
  • Tax Payer (07/06/2021, 17:35) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    NOT MY MONEY, THEM AND THEIR FAMILY CAN GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR TREATMENT AND WE THE TAX PAYERS HAVE TO TAKE THE LEFT OVER SCRAPS? I AM SICK OF THESE BUSHMEN THINKING THAT THEM AND THEIR FAMILY IS KINGS AND QUEENS.
  • Truthful (07/06/2021, 18:10) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
    I cannot agree that this Government has not work with the best interest of the people at heart. I can agree that they had some miss steps that some want to use to define their tenure in office for their own selfish political ambition but that will not happen. This Government continues to prove that they truly care.
    • @Truthful (07/06/2021, 20:14) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      You’re not being truthful.....COVID we can accept. The state of the schools .... the increase of benefits for 1-termers.... and now taxpayers footing the bill for their private health and life insurance WE WILL NOT ACCEPT.
  • Teacger (07/06/2021, 18:44) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so p***ed with this govt. I have to pay close to $200 every month to get reliable internet to teach my class and all they could think of right now is using my tax money in this way. Look if you cut me now you wont find blood!!!
  • WHAT!!!! (07/06/2021, 18:46) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad state of affairs in our country when you don’t know which of of our elected leaders is telling the truth.
  • ? (07/06/2021, 19:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hello what about the BDA gang ?
  • truthfully (07/06/2021, 20:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    YOU NEED TO WAKE UP OR A WELL APPLIED BULLPISSLE CAN CAN ASSIST IN YOUR RETURN TO REALITY ( IN A HURRY
  • Tadow (07/06/2021, 20:57) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Andrew Fahie, your government and opposition members out of ayo dam mind.
  • Yes (07/06/2021, 22:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let the games begin!
  • M & M (07/06/2021, 23:45) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    the members from district 2 and district 8 are very amazing both of these men sat with National Democratic Party for 8 years with mouths closed while money allocated to projects was never used for the purposes intended now districts 2 & 8 candidates have the nerve to stand during sittings of the house pointing fingers just play the tape under the watch NDP and due to the poor political of the NDP BVI have COI....Marlon & turnbull said noting to the people and they fully well knew what their political party did with tax money all now east end have sewage problem Mr Penn should get a microphone and tell the BVI Public how him and Mitch knowingly sat back under NDP spending tax money for personal usage ask the member from district 4
  • Tell us (08/06/2021, 05:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHOSE KNEE,IS ON WHOSE NECK.?
  • just Because (08/06/2021, 06:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We the Public no longer know who to trust. We have Donald Trumps in our House and a whole following in our midst. We the people say so!
  • Jones (08/06/2021, 08:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see a blogger calling the opposition leader a conman a lot. If you people do not get it all you will not get it again. DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE WITH THAT TRICKSTER. He is tricking the people. Cindy could not even find him up parham town at she watchy watchy protest.
  • Unconventional leadership (08/06/2021, 09:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Premier are you saying because allegedly the opposition was instrumental from inception that makes it right. If a thing what it shows is that they saw the folly if it, had a change of heart and the government yet to see the folly.
  • Sick And Tired (08/06/2021, 11:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I believe that the opposition was in agreement. Stop all the lying both parties and do what's right for the people of the british virgin islands. This is getting ridiculous now.
  • WEW (08/06/2021, 12:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It was never approved by the HOA so as PREMIER how did it go out ? I thought you where the boss.
  • jokers (08/06/2021, 14:15) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    HON.MARLON PENN
    HON . MELVIN TURNBULL
    7 MILLION$$$ WENT OUT THE COUNTRY TO XPATS FOR A PLANE
    WHILE YOU ALL SAT ON THE SIDE OF NDP AND SAID NOTHING TILL NOW!!!
    SAME 7 MILLION$$$ WENT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE BVI FOR FISHING FARMING AND CIRCULATED IN THE BVI!!!!
    AND YOU BOTH BALLING EVERY DAY ???
    HOW CAN YOU BE TRUSTED???
  • Ridiculous (08/06/2021, 14:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I gon say if they get private health insurance i am canceling my NHI cause I have private health insurance already...
  • concern (09/06/2021, 05:38) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    People it perplexes me that when members of government, who pay taxes might I add, make decisions as such or make personal investments, like buying cars or homes or businesses we attact them about using tax payers monies. But whe the former Governor bought his expensive vehicle with tax payers monies of which he contributed nothing we did not march but instead stated that he deserve it.
    Every party he had at the so called white house was paid with the tax payers monies and guess what you black were not invited but you not march.
    Talk about slavery all over again but this time the plantations are replaced by offices where you go and slave all day, get little or nothing and the white man living off us still. And we here fighting each other.
    Black don't forget your history, stay woke
  • care (09/06/2021, 19:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    No need to blame Mitch or Marlon The primier is the leader so how come he let mitch lead him none of them in power could'nt open their mouth and say no it's not right? Guess the deal look to good to pass on .so tut , mum and sam to blame.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.