"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
The Commission of Inquiry called House of Assembly Clerk Phyllis Evans to testify on July 14, asking her why incomplete applications for pandemic aid were accepted, how ministers decide who …
Continue reading “Clerk: HOA was ‘overwhelmed’ with Covid applications”
Heads of government from the Caribbean Community said last week that the organisation continues to support the Virgin Islands government as the United Kingdom-led independent Commission of Inquiry into possible …
After Commissioner of Inquiry Sir Gary Hickinbottom alleged that Speaker of the House Julian Willock had breached the Register of Interests Act all three years that he’s been in office, …
In recent days, the Commission of Inquiry has shone a glaring spotlight on the long-standing need to reform the system through which legislators declare their interests, a task that leaders …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: The Register of Interests is broken. No surprise there”
The below is my paraphrase of the combined submissions House of Assembly members gave to the Commission of Inquiry in recent days, with the exception of Deputy Speaker Neville Smith. …
Legislators recently discussed options for designating Crown land for residents interested in becoming first-time homeowners across the territory. In the question-and-answer segment in May 13’s House of Assembly sitting, Opposition …
Following a recent string of violent crimes in the territory, the House of Assembly has passed legislation to widen the definition of “explosives” to allow more aggressive prosecution of gun-related …
Leaders of the statutory boards that oversee tourism, airports, seaports and telecommunications were in the spotlight on May 13 in the House of Assembly when Opposition Leader Marlon Penn asked …
Continue reading “Statutory board members’ stipends discussed”
Legislation designed to bring greater transparency to public construction contracts was debated in the House of Assembly on May 13 in a move that Premier Andrew Fahie described as part …
In the House of Assembly, members can get away with saying almost anything under privilege without fear of retribution, except perhaps for calling another member a liar. It is not …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Show host, others called out”
Over the past week, legislators passed 11 bills in two days, including one that will alter their retirement package in a way that has not yet been disclosed to the …
The recent seaport reopening has come with some “teething pains,” but it has been an overall success, Premier Andrew Fahie said on April 29 in the House of Assembly. Between …
Following reported complaints from retired legislators about an “anomaly” with how their retirement funds are tabulated, the House of Assembly is considering changing a law to address the issue. Premier …
Construction is under way at some of the territory’s hurricane-damaged community centres, with an eye toward reviving activities that can take place as the world recovers from the pandemic, Health …
The agency established to lead the territory’s recovery from the 2017 hurricanes is under new leadership, with former legislator Ronnie Skelton chairing the board. Premier Andrew Fahie announced April 29 …
Continue reading “Ronnie Skelton heading new board at the RDA”
At the same time that Health and Social Development Minister Carvin Malone was providing an update on derelict vehicle removal efforts in the House of Assembly last month, he noted …
Continue reading “Derelict vehicle removal programme is ongoing”
The House of Assembly passed seven bills on April 22, most of which updated existing legislation focused on financial matters including fee waivers, trusteeships and inheritance rules. While presenting the …
Cruise ships would be able to start and end their journeys in the Virgin Islands under a proposed law introduced recently in the House of Assembly as part of efforts …
The United Kingdom’s commission of inquiry is scheduled to start holding its first hearings today in Road Town. The move is the next step after the commission received various written …
A plan for managing the territory’s borders during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has been drafted and provided to members of the National Security Council, Premier Andrew Fahie said last Thursday …
Continue reading “Premier mum on border management strategy”
This year started with the January launch of an investigation into alleged corruption in the Virgin Islands as then-Governor Gus Jaspert aired concerns about political intimidation and inappropriate use of …
This year marked the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Recreation Trust Act (Cap 278), and Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said the trust is launching a series …
My goodness, the House of Assembly was busy last week. It passed lots of new bills and quite a few amendments to finance bills, most of which I feel sure …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Drag racing, cruise bill spark questions”
Starting Sunday, Farmers and Fishers Week will celebrate a sustainable, adaptable future in food production, according to Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. The event marks the resumption of a …
Continue reading “Farmers and Fishers Week to kick off Sunday”
Speaker of the House Julian Willock started last week’s House of Assembly sitting by levelling criticism at the Governor’s Office for not yet assenting to bills already approved by legislators. …
Continue reading “Speaker calls out governor on pending bills”
