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  by pltm
• Jul 19, 2018
• 5

(PLTM) - Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith announced that as government tries to rectify the BVI Airways $7.2 investment issue, he will no longer be answering any questions on the subject in the House of Assembly.

During the July 19 Sitting of the House, both Opposition Members asked the Premier various questions relating to the BVI Airways arrangement that government entered into a few years ago, to secure a nonstop flight between the BVI and Miami.

Over the last few months, the government has come under heavy criticism for its decision to invest $7.2M in the airline that never flew.

During the last two sittings of the House of Assembly, various information was revealed about the arrangement, with even a member of government stating that there is difficulty contacting the owners of the airline.

Against this backdrop, Hon. Smith in response to a question from Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Andrew Fahie, told the House that he would say no more on the subject. The Premier declared, “Madame Speaker, I have been answering many questions on this matter in the Hon. House. Steps are being taken to recoup the monies that were invested by government.”

“I do not wish to make any further statements as they would compromise the steps being taken. I will provide a full report at the appropriate time,” he added.

In response, the Leader of the Opposition announced that government’s attempt to recoup the money is an exercise of futility.

“Madame Speaker I am asking the government, can he answer the question please, because Madame Speaker at no time can you get any answers on this plane,” Hon. Fahie declared.

Hon. Smith disagreed that the attempts to recoup the money are futile and told the House, “Madame Speaker I have given the answer that was important to give and while the Leader of the Opposition thinks it is an exercise of futility, I certainly do not.”

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