-
by pltm
(PLTM) - Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Hon. Andrew Fahie has been appointed Leader of the Opposition by Governor John Duncan. Hon. Fahie made the announcement in a statement today, February 6.
"On February 6th, 2017, together with other considerations, as the new Chairman and Political Leader of the Virgin Islands Party, I was appointed by His Excellency the Governor as Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. With God all things are possible," Hon. Fahie said in his statement.
When contacted, the Governor's Office confirmed with BVI Platinum News that the instrument will be gazetted later today; hence, Hon. Fahie has been appointed Opposition Leader effective today.
Hon. Fahie replaces Hon. Julian Fraser, who he extended words of unity to.
"Kind words of friendship and sincere words of unity are extended to the immediate past Chairman and Member of the Third District, Hon. Julian Fraser, RA. I am convinced that together, we will achieve more," he noted.
He said, "I thank the Governor for the discharge of his duties as outlined in the Constitution, and I pledge to work amicably with him in the discharge of my duties as Leader of the Opposition. Thanks and God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands."
Hon. Fahie indicated that as he assumes the post of Leader of the Opposition, he is keenly aware of the mammoth task that lies immediately ahead of the Territory.
He said each of the documents---The Virgin Islands Constitutional Order 2007; The Protocols for Effective Financial Management; The Financial Management Act 2004; The Standing Orders of the House of Assembly and other documents each direct the duties and responsibilities of the Opposition Leader's office.
"What is not written is the need, if not the requirement, to solicit the views of the public and to have such views and goals properly represented in the House of Assembly, whether by Government or by Opposition. At this stage of our development and with the many challenges that lie ahead of us it is incumbent on both Government and Opposition to work together to improve and maximize the potentials of the economic pillars of Tourism and Financial Services," he expressed.
Hon. Fahie added that they must work together to explore those illusive third and fourth pillars of farming and fishing; work together to effectively and with compassion, align expenditure with realistic forecast income and work together to effect the best educated and most highly trained citizens at every level, save none.
"Let us be perfectly clear, it is also the duty of the Opposition to ensure that Government adheres to the guidelines and sound principles of Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance. Maximizing the value received for monies expended should not be a fleeting thought nor must it be viewed as a non-attainable goal. We must manage our public expenditure effectively," Hon. Fahie stated.
He said, "I would take advice and conduct a full assessment of where we are as an Opposition; where we need to be as an Opposition and how best to get there. In short, there is a great deal of work to be done."
The First District Representative thanked God, his family, residents of the First District, the people of the Virgin Islands and the VIP.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
