Fahie accuses Penn of misleading public for political gains
Premier Andrew Fahie said people should be aware of their social responsibility and not try to misinform or mislead the public when discussing issues affecting the territory.
The Premier made that comment while responding to Opposition Leader Marlon penn’s criticism of the government’s use of the $40 million taken from the Social Security Board (SSB),
Fahie said he respects the work of the Opposition as it is a very important element within a democracy. However, he said such work must be done responsibly.
“The only reckless action is what the Leader of the Opposition is doing to try and mislead the people of the Virgin Islands for political gains,” Fahie said while speaking on JTV Channel 55 recently.
“Funding from the Social Security Board comes with much accountability and the member knows that as well. Also, the financial records of the territory will dispel his rhetoric,” the Premier added.
Fahie noted his administration has been prudent with the public’s purse while battling the challenges of the fallout from the worst pandemic to hit the world in the last century. He added that when discussing government actions and plans, this must be taken into consideration as it is an important point.
The Premier said that over time, the truth of what is happening will float and the lies that people try to spread will sink.
Speaking on the NDP Radio recently, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn had said the government squandered the $40 million taken from the SSB and the administration has returned for another grant.
Penn had promised he would be vocal about the matter if the grant is approved. Penn said he had always been against taking money from the SSB. The Opposition Leader said any monies coming from the board to the government should be a loan.
“We have to understand that the fund’s money is being invested for a reason. You have to take into account the cost-of-living increase to ensure that you have a robust enough fund so when pensioners who are living a longer life, when they retire or reach the age of 65 the monies are there so they can reap the benefits of the fund,” Penn said.
Back In 2020, the Fahie administration approached SSB and received a grant of $40M to provide COVID-19 economic relief which was distributed to affected employees who were laid off or were working reduced hours due to the pandemic; churches, daycares and also to farmers and fisherfolks.
Penn maintained that the government cannot keep taking pensioners’ money as a plan moving forward.
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Is this a case where the pot is calling the kettle black?
Pot calling kettle black. I really believe that our Premier needs to have his head examined. What he is accusing Marlon of is exactly who he is and what he does.
Im not even reading the article, my comment is based SOLEY on the caption. UHM who misled the public more than……u kno what….nvm! yal have a blessed day
Misleading? This wasn’t. Cindy say she welcome Marlon on her cabinet. What a low blow! Guess wha Cindy NDP don’t want you on NDP either. He beneath her she beneath he lol. Yucky mess lol
Incompetence
What a HORRIBLE mistake ! Really ! Get real the. List of recipients was not the real list ???
No account of who and where the money went ?
Where are the farms?
Where are the fish?
Where is the fishing market?
Was not the stimulus Essential to increase food production and make food cheaper and more accessible instead of importing ?
Where is all of this goods and services to benigit the country ???
“Funding from the Social Security Board comes with much accountability and the member knows that as well. Also, the financial records of the territory will dispel his rhetoric,” the Premier added.
Does our Premier realize that we ALLL watched the COI and was able to make up our own minds regarding the stimulus? Does he realize that the COI sessions are on youtube and will remain there for a long, long, long time so anyone can go back to them for information? Accountability he says. Fishers and farmers paid over $6mil LOL!
And when the public asked you about the list of names for farmers and fishermen you said it was ” a bogus list” then the COI revealed it was the true list!! You need to STOP!! You mislead the public by putting others down so you can get into position of power! StOP!
Tired of this Crap!
tell that to customs too. if they close down any charter companies for not being in compliance without a reason them hundreds of workers will be laid off.
Shame on The Moorings and double shame on BVI customs. It is abundantly clear the government of BVI is putting on a dog and pony show.
The Moorings flexed their muscles and said they were not going to comply on some very simple and easy to implement safety systems.
Meanwhile Shipping and Registry were not following all of the rules governed by MCA. MCA cracked down on shipping and registry and as they say poop rolls down the hill.
BVI customs created a big event by impounding 160 charter yachts for not being in compliance. Big drama, oh we are cracking down at the expense of the tourism business. Customs could have impounded say 10-20 vessels to show they are serious. But they wanted the drama.
I recently learned that all non-bvi flagged boats must pay $205 for a temporary import license. It appears customs only enforced it with active boats in the water. Never mind the hundreds of “VI” boats sitting in peoples yards rotting. Did they collect from them?
What about all the unregistered cars with trees growing through them. Do they get fined?
Driving through Tortola looks like driving through the worst 3rd world country on the planet. Register the abandoned boats and cars or sell them for scrap.
It seems the bvi government wants to raise all of their money on the backs of the visitors that have been coming there for years. How soon we forget Irma. Irma crushed the BVI’s. Who stepped in? The non-belongers. Branson, Paige, countless yacht people stepped up. Remember “BVI Love”? Well that is clearly over.
After visiting the BVI’s for 40 plus years I am officially done with the BVI’s.
I realize I am a visitor and I need to respect the laws and culture of the BVI’s. Things have dramatically changed in the last few years. My vote is a silent vote. I am leaving. I am sure I am not the first person to do this or think this, but I predict a mass exodus.
Perhaps the BVI’s want to be a cocaine distribution hub. Good luck. Remember your neighbors are a just a few miles away and they have a lot of money invested in the DEA.
Best of luck Fat Boy!