BVI News

EZ Shipping contract not my idea! I only facilitated barges — Premier

Premier Andrew Fahie. (GIS photo)

Premier Andrew Fahie has once again sought to correct claims that he initiated discussions with EZ Shipping to use its barges as part of the territory’s sea defences.

The barges were introduced at the start of the pandemic and were used as surveillance platforms by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the execution of their duties.

Both the former governor, Augustus Jaspert, and former police commissioner, Michael Matthews, have publicly said they were not in favour of using barges.

But, according to Premier Fahie, the barges were never his idea to begin with nor did he push for the contract with EZ Shipping, was claimed by Jaspert.

The issue was again mentioned in the House of Assembly recently so Premier Fahie said he needed the record to be clear on the matter.

“All the paperwork of National Security Council and everything will show that the Premier was not the one who suggested nor brought forward these barges,” Premier Fahie said.

“I can’t sit here and hear this again and not come in to clarify this. There is no information existing, showing that the Premier was the one that suggested the barges. Those came from the JTF,” the Premier added.

He continued: “All the [Premier and] Minister of Finance did in the time of great need is facilitated it because of the necessity of protecting the borders and there was no other alternative at the time.”

According to reports coming out of the Commission of Inquiry, an unsolicited offer was allegedly made by EZ Shipping’s owner, Clyde Chalwell, to execute the contract even though a request for the radar platforms had not been placed in the public domain at the time.

These barges reportedly cost the territory nearly $12,000 per day to assist with border security.

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15 Comments

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  1. Captain BVI says:

    “There is no information existing, showing that the Premier was the one that suggested the barges. Those came from the JTF,” the Premier added. MEANING that he didn’t put it down in writing so as to avoid having proof that it was suggested. Verbal is heresay, written is definitive. They just playing word games and hoping the people buy it. Strupes!

    Like 51
    Dislike 2
      • Whew says:

        Meanwhile blacks lies, white lies, black cats, white cats, black mails is there any white mails. Words does tell stories some true but unbelievable. It’s a harsh world when some platform chooses to form a plots. The devil is in the details yes tail the devil you’ll see the spin from the spinners.

        Like 2
        Dislike 1
      • Tangled web says:

        @hiphop

        From this older article you reference, it sure seems like someone was pushing for the contract with EZ Shipping.

        But from this newer article:
        “… according to Premier Fahie, the barges were never his idea to begin with nor did he push for the contract with EZ Shipping, as claimed by Jaspert”.

        It is looking like Jaspert is correct on at least the second, if not both, claims.

  2. heckler says:

    If not you then who is it, CSC the vip’s consultant?

    Like 31
  3. say i say so says:

    EZ money for fat robin hood and his band of thieves to share up.

    Like 33
  4. ITS TIME says:

    This is what the not-so-sm**t Premier said. All the [Premier and] Minister of Finance did in the time of great need is facilitated it because of the necessity of protecting the borders and there was no other alternative at the time. We all know that’s an untruth the British Navy was offered to you at no cost, but as we all know there wasn’t going to be any kick back so it was turned down.

    Like 44
  5. Me no fool……….. says:

    Me no fool Foy or you no saint…………..so stop playing these stupid games. Every man and he dog know how you operate as we not come down wit the last shower of rain

    Like 29
  6. Rubber Duck says:

    You don’t have to be the bank robber who came up with the idea to be guilty.

    Like 27
  7. Well sah! says:

    Mr. Fahie continues to take BVI people for fools. We are in a bad place BVI with this man as our leader.

    Like 23
    Dislike 1
  8. . says:

    Foy said “no other alternative at the time.”

    I thought the governor offer the service of the British navy?

    Like 27
  9. Unbelievable says:

    So you have no responsibility whatsoever to properly vet this idea to ensure that it is viable and in the best interest of the BVI. And as minister of finance to ensure that people are getting value for money. The more you talk the more you show us that you are not qualified for this position. I can’t believe I chose to vote for your party. You really fooled me Fahie but not again.

    Like 25
  10. LOL says:

    why isn’t he shutting up he is just reminding people – somebody just explained it to me, it is his arrogance – lol

    Like 16
  11. No alternative says:

    Tell that to a fowl and they woukd pick you .
    Oh my
    “Alternative” meaning no other choice …. What a ting to say in public !!!

    Like 11
  12. A LITTLE CONFESSION ? says:

    How do these BAREFACED and LIEING imposters ez
    expect people to RESPECT them / and not one of them has the integrity to speak OUT HONESTLY ( SHAMEFUL)

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