Opposition Leader Andrew Fahie’s motion of no confidence in the minister of finance failed to secure another member’s support on Tuesday, leaving the effort without an official vote or debate.
Mr. Fahie (R-D1) called for Premier Dr. Orlando Smith’s removal from the head of the Ministry of Finance due to his “failure to protect the public purse.”
However, the opposition leader made it clear that he was not motioning for no confidence in the National Democratic Party government as a whole or Dr. Smith’s capacity to lead it as premier.
In support of his motion, Mr. Fahie cited various issues, including the more than $30 million of reported cost overruns at the Tortola Pier Park; government’s $7.2 million contract with BVI Airways that has yet to yield a commercial flight to Miami; and Cabinet’s decision to shift an $8 million loan earmarked for the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project to the TPP without House of Assembly approval.
He also criticised the minister for not paying suppliers and vendors on time and for failing to publicise audited financial statements covering the last six years of NDP governance.
After the opposition leader outlined these concerns and more, Speaker of the House Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe asked if anyone would second the motion. No one did.
Last week, Third District Representative Julian Fraser — Mr. Fahie’s sole partner in the opposition — declined to say whether he would support the motion or not, though he seemed less than enthused about the vote.
“I don’t understand it,” Mr. Fraser said.
The opposition member could not be reached for comment this week about his decision not to second the motion.
Despite its lack of success at the HOA sitting on Tuesday, Mr. Fahie did not regret his effort.
“I stand by my actions, … which [were] solely aimed at getting what the people of these Virgin Islands urgently need: an improved economy and the restoration of our finances to reflect accountability, transparency, good governance and adherence to all financial laws, especially the Protocols for Effective Financial Management,” he wrote in a statement to the Beacon.
The opposition leader blamed politics and accused lawmakers of valuing party loyalties over the interests of the people.
Dr. Smith could not be reached for comment on the matter, though he appeared on television on Tuesday night to defend himself from Mr. Fahie’s allegations and reassure the public that he has the territory’s finances under control.
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