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by pltm
(PLTM) - Former Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Andrew Fahie is in danger of losing the First District seat.
During a recent press conference, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley stated that a by-election in the First District will be required, if former Premier Fahie vacates his seat.
“It has been well publicized that if you missed three Sittings without having the permission of the Speaker, then the seat will vacate. If the seat vacates, it will trigger a by-election. That is what the constitution says,” Dr. Wheatley explained.
He also mentioned that the bi-election would have to be scheduled within 60 days after the seat has been vacated.
Recently, Speaker of the House of Assembly Corine George-Massicote denied Fahie’s request for permission to be absent from the sitting of last Tuesday and future Sittings in the House of Assembly, which will ultimately lead to his seat being vacated.
On July 19, she noted that “I am minded not to grant leave to the Honourable member for this Sitting or any subsequent Sittings for such time as the circumstances of his non-attendance remain the same.”
Dr. Wheatley confirmed during the press conference that he was not consulted by the Speaker on this decision, and explained that the Speaker functions independently.
Hon. George-Massicote has also suggested that considerations about amending the Standing Order 84 to clarify the conditions of members being permitted to be absent from the House of Assembly by the Speaker.
Currently, the conditions of Fahie’s bail prevent him from leaving the United States.
There was also a request for his trial to begin in January 2023 as opposed to July 2022, which was granted.
Since the arrest of former Premier on April 28 on drug and money laundering charges, the residents of District One have been without a Representative in the Territory.
