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by pltm
(PLTM) - Former Opposition Leader, Hon. Julian Fraser has called on Premier Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith to stand up against the recent unprecedented move by Governor John Duncan to exercise his constitutional powers. Governor Duncan invoked Section 103 of the Constitution to force government to make available an additional $800,000 for crime fighting efforts. Hon. Fraser said that it’s unfortunate that the floodgates have opened and an occurrence is imminent. "I want the Premier to know in this particular instance, he needs to stand up on this particular instance; let the public know what exactly went down, how it could have been avoided," he said in the House of Assembly this week. "I wouldn’t go so far to say make sure it doesn’t happen again, because I think this is now where the floodgates have opened and there is nothing you can do." The Third District Representative said he is very troubled and upset over the Governor's action, which he believes has taken the Territory constitutionally back to over a decade. "I would be the last person to say I have any admiration for the government of the day; if anyone accused me of that they could very well be wrong. But it's not about the government; it's about our Territory and our own self esteem as a people." He said he will support the government in challenging matters like this because it's not about the government, it's about the Territory and its advancement. "God in Heaven knows we have a long way to go. People think when we’re talking about the Constitution we’re talking about independence, but the distance we have to go from where we are in this Constitution…" Hon. Fraser suggested that the Governor is above the Constitution. "I will not be going anywhere with the Premier unless that is where he is heading (advancing constitutionally); pussyfooting with this issue about advancement. It's hot in here, the temperature is high and matters like this don’t help. So I am very, very angry and upset about this." He said, "I don’t think any self respecting Premier of this country would watch the police force in need of resources and not make (money) available for them…" The Opposition Member stated that he is in support of the police getting more money, but not in this way. "This is an issue about us as a people.”
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