In March, the House of Assembly passed the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2014, drawing vocal opposition from media outlets and press freedom watchdogs here and abroad.
But Governor Boyd McCleary never signed the bill into law.
Now, without explanation, it has re-appeared on an order paper for Tuesday’s House of Assembly sitting.
In March, legislators argued that the law is needed to protect the financial services sector from cybercrime, but detractors — including The BVI Beacon — expressed concern about a section in the bill that they claimed could subject journalists to large fines and lengthy prison sentences for doing their job.
HOA rules normally call for a bill to be read in the House on two separate sittings: once for an introduction and a second and third time on the sitting when it gets a vote, but the rule will be suspended for the cybercrime bill and for an amendment to the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, according to the order paper.
Also scheduled for debate on Tuesday are a new Mental Health Act and a Quarantine Act.
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith will lay two audit reports on the table, making public auditor general’s reports on the cruise pier development and the greenhouses.
First District Representative Andrew Fahie is set to ask ministers questions about government’s agreement with Global Water and Associates; needed repairs at the West End Police Station; issues at the Cappoons Bay Clinic; and the sewage treatment facility in Greenland.
Third District Representative Julian Fraser is set to ask about the territory’s finances, unpaid vouchers, and the recently signed VI-United States tax information sharing agreement.
Click below to read the full order paper.
See the July 24, 2014 edition for full coverage.
{fcomment}