On Tuesday in the House of Assembly, government members are scheduled to field numerous questions from the opposition members regarding the finances surrounding BVI Airways and the proposed Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion project, among others.
Opposition Leader Andrew Fahie (R-D1) plans to ask Premier Dr. Orlando Smith (R-at large) whether BVI Airways is complying with the contract it signed with government.
He is also scheduled make inquiries regarding Raptor Aviation, the company from which Dr. Smith has said BVI Airways is leasing its jets. Dr. Smith divulged that information after both government and BVI Airways maintained for months that BVI Airways had “purchased” the AVRO Regional Jet 100 planes it plans to use to make the flight to and from Beef Island and Miami.
Additionally, Mr. Fahie plans to ask the premier about the status of government’s yet-to-be publicised audited financial statements from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
The opposition leader is also scheduled to quiz Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool (R-D4) about the St. Thomas Bay jetty upgrade on Virgin Gorda and some of government’s contracts regarding the development of the Tortola Pier Park.
Opposition Member Julian Fraser (R-D3) plans to ask Dr. Smith about the duty-free commerce at the cruise pier.
He is also scheduled to ask Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering (R-D7) about the history of the proposed airport expansion project, including details of certain government expenditures on that project.
Dr. Smith is scheduled to table the BVI Tourist Board’s Annual Report for 2015; Statutory Instrument 2017 No. 20 – Stamps (Undersea Life Definitive) Order, 2017; Statutory Instrument 2017 No. 21 – Stamps (Underwater Life Part 1) (No. 2) Order, 2017; and Statutory Instrument 2017 No. 22 – Stamps (Underwater Life Part 2) (No. 3) Order, 2017.
Lawmakers plan to give an introduction and first reading to a bill titled “Financial Secretary (Transfer of Powers) Act, 2017.”
They are also scheduled to debate the “Customs Management and Duties (Amendment) Act, 2017.”
The sitting is slated to start at 10 am.
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