Fraser says COI is constructive, offers support
Opposition legislator Julian Fraser has expressed that he believes the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) is constructive in its efforts to improve governance in the BVI and said he is ‘all in’, regarding his support for the work being done.
“At this stage of my career and my long exposure to what obtains, I am not interested in listening to the same old stories, nor watching the same game over and over again. My belief is that the exercise you are engaged in is to be constructive, and as such, I’m all in. If however, I am to learn different, I’m out,” Fraser said.
The veteran legislator made the remarks in his written position statement on good governance that was submitted to the COI. He chose to submit his position independent of other members of the House of Assembly (HOA).
My opinion differs from other legislators
It was the COI who invited members of the House to submit position statements on good governance. And among other questions, the COI asked: “What steps do you, as Members of the House of Assembly, consider should be taken to ensure that the standards of governance in place will sustain public confidence in all elements of government?”
In response, Fraser said: “I have chosen to [dissent] from a joint statement on this matter of concern, because my perspective of the issues facing the territory particularly with regards to the topic of this questionnaire cannot, and is not expected to be that of other members, main reason being the disparity in experience.”
The veteran legislator said, “the longer you live with an ailment, the more likely you are to accept that it can’t be cured. There comes a time when something different ‘new’ has to be tried.” He believes the COI is, effectively, that ‘new’ effort.
He further expressed that there should also be forward-thinking and innovative proposals which he hopes will emerge from the COI upon its completion.
Two tier system for House Members?
Fraser offered that there should be a revamp of the current Territorial At-Large voting system in place. He suggested, instead, that there should a system where parties can either field candidates for district votes OR for At-Large votes.
In response to a question that asked about his role in ensuring that there is good governance and further, how he has carried out that role, Fraser responded: “Ask yourself this question. Who makes up the House of Assembly? And the answer is the Cabinet, namely the five ministers and the Attorney General; a cast of supporters namely, the two Junior Ministers, the Deputy Speaker and another back-bencher; plus the Speaker. That is a total of 11 out of 15 members. So, who are you kidding when you are trying to pin an unrealistic responsibility on the “House of Assembly” to hold the Cabinet to account? You know that this is nonsense, and you didn’t need me to tell you this. But you asked.”
Fraser said he is aware that the same system exists in the UK. However, he pointed out that the dynamics are vastly different.
“[They’re] different in the sense that they have diversity in numbers on their side. There is a parliament of 650 members, a strong and functional Opposition comprising of no fewer than 10 Parties — including a main Opposition Party — along with other Independent MPs, and they are also blessed with a bi-cameral system. So, for them, accountability can and is achieved. Not to mention, they also have the Press,” Fraser said.
Fraser also offered numerous other suggestions to the COI he felt could improve the execution of good governance in the BVI.
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MY FRIEND I SEE YOU HAVE AWAKEN FROM YOUR SLUMBER AND HAVE REALISED YOU WERE PLAYED BY THOSE MASTERMINDS ( AND THATS GOOD, BECAUSE YOU NOW KNOW WHO THEY ARE ) YOU ARE NOT ALONE ( dr SMITH & MYRON GOT PLAYED TOO
I know the white wig wearer don’t like what he said. They’ve been friends for years, but Fraser finally came to his senses.
IF THEY WERE FRENDS FOR YEARS AND BLONDIE DONOT LIKE WHAT FRASER IS SAYING, THEN THERE WAS NOT A TRUE FRIENDSHIP IN THE FIRST PLACE.
The system is broken. There are those that are willing to fix it. These people acquired their wealth through hard work and honesty. Those that don’t want the COI and don’t want to fix the system just look at their wealth and determine where it came from. Too many in politics came from nothing, had nothing and now are extremely wealthy. How?? It’s just like that crook Obama. Had nothing and left the White House wealthy. How??
Although he sometimes takes unusual and polarized positions, I have to say that Hon Fraser is thoughtful and very intelligent in his examination of things.
FRASER IS THE MAN
Will never be Premier in these Virgin islands.
“Fraser offered that there should be a revamp of the current Territorial At-Large voting system in place. He suggested, instead, that there should a system where parties can either field candidates for district votes OR for At-Large votes.”
So because his party cannot field a full slate of 13 we should change the system? The only thing that needs to change is that we should vote for the ENTIRE CABINET! Even if we do not want to vote for all ministers at this time, at minimum the voting populace should vote for Premier of the Territory.
with Mr. Frasier. He may be an older rooster, but a wiser one. He understands what time it is. It is preferable to be a part of the solution as oppose to fighting against it. I personally think the former position bodes better for the country.
Well said Hon. Fraser. Country before self. We can learn a lot from this inquiry that can help better is all moving forward.
Dont want to go to jail because of them traffic lights.
#wewontforget
Please do tell me when did a poor decision became a crime?
We all make poor decisions
Why don’t you speak about the ones that are up and working well?>>> He is the same man that erected all
He is real, he is courageous and he is serious about seeing change happen, Something different, something new..A brighter and better way forward for the BVI,
Lol people are easily fooled I see. Of course Fraser will look to say good things because he is on the outside of the ruling party. He was literally thrown out of the party by way of a Democratic vote. People are such hypocrites they know they don’t like the man but because he says something they agree with they try to paint him as something opposite to what they called him just yesterday.
Fraser unfortunately continues to play a political game. He has identified that some are looking very bad through lack of cooperation with the much needed COI. He has now been quick to try and be identified as cooperative and helpful. The adversarial approach of the premier, the speaker, their supporters c.o. s-c, pasty, and others has been seen poorly by the population. The COI is highlighting the poor qualities of these people and how they are not serving the people of the BVI well. Do not think that Fraser has changed. What he has identified is political opportunity. It is a power grab by him and a very canny one.
I was saying the same thing myself. What Fraser say, and what he does or has done in the past are two comoletely different thing.
His year of experience being in the political wilderness is why he wants change.