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by pltm
(PLTM) - Former Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Hon. Julian Fraser has threatened to take off his gloves as moves were made to have the new Chairman, Hon. Andrew Fahie appointed Opposition Leader, a post Hon. Fraser currently holds.
"My brother, "fought" is an understatement. I am still fighting and I am beginning to get a bit pissed, and prepared to take the gloves off," Hon. Fraser said in response to a resident's comment under a post on the Opposition Leader's Facebook timeline.
He continued, "Out of loyalty (which many around here don't care for), I have taken the fall for a lot of things others have done, but that time seems close when I will be setting the record straight."
Hon. Fraser, with a photograph of the over 40 years old VIP symbol, the lady with the torch, commented, "How much longer can she keep this flame burning under the current state of indignity. The present power grab within the Virgin Islands Party has reached proportions never before seen in its history."
He said, "It's all about wanting the post of Leader of the Opposition and there are those willing to sacrifice anything to get it. Anything, including the demise of the light."
Party President, Dr. Natalio 'Sowande' Wheatley has stated that he (Wheatley) wrote officially to Governor John Duncan in relation to the matter of Opposition Leader.
On November 30, 2016, the party delegates voted against Hon. Fraser; 52 for Hon. Fahie and 22 for Hon. Fraser at the Congress.
Fahie Pens Letter To Congress
Meanwhile, BVI Platinum News has since learned that Hon.!Fahie wrote a letter to all the party delegates on Friday, January 20, in wake of last week's public fall out.
One of the recipients provided BVI Platinum News with a copy and indicated that they are now fully aware of the role of the Opposition Leader.
"A confidential letter was written to the members of the Congress and at this time, I wish to leave it confidential," Hon. Fahie said when contacted about the letter.
In the letter obtained by BVI Platinum News, Hon. Fahie made it clear, "I am not in a fight for the post of Leader of the Opposition. When you elected me as Chairman of the VIP on November 30th, 2016,!you also elected me as political leader of the VIP, whether in Government or in Opposition."
He continued, "As such, the role should be carried out by the person gaining the majority support of Congress in the most recently held elections. This position was made clear by the Governor in his pronouncement of July 2015 when he decided on the post of Leader of the Opposition."
The party Chairman said that this is important because constitutionally, as Opposition Leader, "You are Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and must conduct regular inquiries and investigations into the affairs of Government so as to ensure transparency, accountability and good governance."
He went on to state that as Opposition Leader, there is a tremendous volume of work to be done.
"You are responsible for submitting the names of persons in representation of the Opposition, to fill posts on numerous committees and statutory boards. It is fitting that all members of the Opposition must have some form of input in such selections and at a minimum, must be informed when these posts become opened and definitely when submitted and filled."
Hon. Fahie lamented that these requirements had not and are not currently being met.
"And you are the first one to be consulted by the Governor and other UK officials on matters requiring the input of the minority voice among elected members of the House of Assembly."
He said, "These views submitted must reflect those of the Virgin Islands Party. Most important to me as Chairman and as the Political Leader of the VIP, the lines of communication must be widely opened. You elected me as Chairman and, in accordance with the VIP’s Constitution, I truly intend to report to you on my stewardship as political leader."
Hon. Fahie stressed that the post of Leader of the Opposition cannot operate in isolation of the party’s goals and intentions.
"The business of Government and my stewardship is your business and I shall keep you fully informed. I shall effectively communicate with all elected members; all executive committee members; all congress members; all district committees; and all ordinary members of the VIP."
He said that gone are the days when anyone in the VIP would feel quarantined or isolated.
"The post of Leader of the Opposition cannot operate in isolation of the party’s goals and intentions. To do so there must be a constant open channel communication between the Leader of the Opposition and the Executive Arm of the party through the Chairman."
Hon. Fahie further stated that currently, this is non-existent, noting that it is unwise for anyone to assume that the post can operate as an independent entity to that of the party.
"This must be immediately addressed and rectified. An extra-ordinary and urgent meeting of Congress will be announced and convened by the President very shortly to further discuss a positive way forward," the VIP Chairman told the party delegates.
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