“How much money do we allow for Covid-19?” Premier Andrew Fahie asked last Thursday during a press conference. “That, no one can answer. How much are we going to put …
Continue reading “Premier, governor trade jabs over Protocols”
May 28, 2020
April 24, 2020
Code of conduct in works for ministers
Premier Andrew Fahie called for greater transparency in government as he reported April 16 on planned measures that would establish a legally binding ministerial code of conduct. “The ministerial code …
April 20, 2020
Cabinet okays ‘interim’ stimulus framework
The Cabinet has approved certain aspects of an economic stimulus programme designed to help the territory weather the coronavirus pandemic, and full details will be disclosed soon, Premier Andrew Fahie …
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March 23, 2020
EDITORIAL: In a crisis, communication must be a two-way street
Until March 17 the government had begun falling behind in its duty to keep the public informed about COVID-19 in the territory, but it took important steps that day when …
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February 28, 2020
Premier stands by law denounced by free-speech groups
Premier Andrew Fahie doubled down on his support for a controversial new cybercrime amendment this week, responding to criticisms from free-speech advocates for the first time since the law took …
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February 27, 2020
Premier still tight-lipped on his security detail
In the face of questions from Opposition Leader Marlon Penn in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Premier Andrew Fahie stayed mum about the cost of the private security detail …
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February 21, 2020
Governor okays bill decried by free-speech groups
In a move feared by international free-speech advocates, Governor Gus Jaspert announced last week that he had assented to a cybercrime amendment that they predict will stifle free speech and …
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February 17, 2020
Another bill triggers free-speech alarms
In the midst of harsh criticism from free-speech advocates about a cybercrime amendment that took effect last Wednesday, the House of Assembly is now considering another proposed law that has …
February 6, 2020
Territory wary as Brexit arrives
“The UK is now outside the European Union,” Governor Gus Jaspert said during a Monday press conference. “But there are some important messages for people in the BVI in terms …
January 24, 2020
Fahie defends bill opposed by free-speech advocates
Despite media organisations abroad strongly opposing parts of a cybercrime bill that awaits Governor Gus Jaspert’s assent, Premier Andrew Fahie doubled down on his support for the legislation this week. …
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January 16, 2020
Runway extension ‘a must,’ premier says now
During last year’s election campaigns, now-Premier Andrew Fahie vigorously opposed the incumbents’ plan to extend the Beef Island runway as soon as possible, insisting that the effort should not be …
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December 1, 2019
Junior ministers trade places with no notice
Fewer than nine months after their original appointment, the government’s two junior ministers traded places on Monday, Premier Andrew Fahie announced the next day. As of Monday, Shereen Flax-Charles (R-at …
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December 1, 2019
Citing ’49 march, premier promises constitutional review
Following the 70th anniversary of the march that led to the restoration of the Virgin Islands’ legislature, Premier Andrew Fahie announced plans to initiate a delayed constitutional review process before …
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November 25, 2019
Premier announces $414 million budget
In a speech that acknowledged looming economic challenges but included various plans to boost public revenue without major tax hikes, Premier Andrew Fahie promised a $414 million budget in the …
August 31, 2019
Ex-BVIAA chair fires back at premier, says July claims were largely false
Former BVI Airports Authority Chairman Glenn Harrigan wrote a scathing letter to Premier Andrew Fahie this month, claiming that some of Mr. Fahie’s July criticisms of the BVIAA were false …
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June 27, 2019
Speaker mum on why he dropped Vanterpool appeal
The day after public urging from Premier Andrew Fahie, Speaker of the House Julian Willock last week dropped his appeal against a High Court order to swear in Mark Vanterpool …
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June 13, 2019
Premier gives 100-days speech
Premier Andrew Fahie touted his administration’s accomplishments in a statement last Thursday marking his administration’s first 100 days in office, pointing to the construction agreements for the Elmore Stoutt High …
May 30, 2019
Ministers grilled on water
The people of Sabbath Hill are suffering regular water rationing due to the diversion of water towards Balsam Ghut, according to Transportation, Works and Utilities Minister Kye Rymer. The disclosure …
May 27, 2019
Premier introduces six bills
Premier Andrew Fahie introduced six bills on Friday in the House of Assembly, including the long-awaited Consumer Protection Act. He also introduced the Immigration Passport (Amendment) Act as part of …
May 27, 2019
Premier says info on BVI Airways ‘deleted’
Premier Andrew Fahie told the House of Assembly on Friday that information on the botched BVI Airways deal is “missing” or on a “deleted” hard drive and that he is …
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May 23, 2019
Opposition grills premier on Willock legal battle
Lawmakers at the House of Assembly on Friday grilled Premier Andrew Fahie about the cost to taxpayers of the legal battle between Speaker of the House Julian Willock and Mark …
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May 14, 2019
EDITORIAL: ‘Policy’ of replacing boards is an unfortunate mistake
The new government has taken a step backward by implementing an explicit “policy” of revoking and replacing the boards of all statutory bodies and government committees. Though previous administrations often …
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May 4, 2019
Premier says he received three death threats
Premier Andrew Fahie has received three death threats since taking office in February, he revealed during the budget debate in the House of Assembly last Thursday. “Since becoming premier, it …
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May 4, 2019
HOA passes $427 million budget
The House of Assembly passed a $427,657,383 budget on Friday after two days of debate. The Appropriation Act 2019 “is now in its final stage before it can be fully …
April 5, 2019
VI attends ACS for first time
Premier Andrew Fahie led a delegation to the Eighth Summit of Heads of Government of the Association of Caribbean States in Managua, Nicaragua last week, the first time a head …
