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by pltm
(PLTM) - The trip in May by Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith and Opposition Leader, Hon. Andrew Fahie to the United Kingdom (UK) is being questioned by Opposition Member, Hon. Julian Fraser.
When the House of Assembly meets tomorrow, July 19, Hon. Fraser will ask Premier Smith whether his trip to the UK with the Leader of the Opposition was by invitation; if yes, by whom and for what reason; if no, why did they go to the UK; whether he asked the Leader of the Opposition to accompany him or he invited himself; and why did he take the Leader of the Opposition with him.
Further, he will question how much this trip to the UK with the Leader of the Opposition cost the tax payers, who did they meet with and what was accomplished.
Hon. Fahie and Premier Smith travelled to London following the UK Parliament’s decision to impose public central registers of beneficial ownership on all Overseas Territories, including the BVI, through the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill.
The trip was said to be as part of the final push ahead of the House of Lords consideration on the provision, which was eventually approved by the House of Lords.
Meanwhile, at tomorrow’s sitting, Premier Smith will be grilled on a number of other issues by both Hon. Fahie and Hon. Fraser, including BVI Airways, cruise pier and landside development project, public registers for beneficial ownership, compensation for businesses which were affected by looting following the September hurricanes, insurance of government buildings, sister islands bank woes, and other major financial issues.
Ministers Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Hon. Myron Walwyn and Hon. Ronnie Skelton will also be asked questions.
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