Premier’s three-man committee for Speaker gets HOA green light
Premier Andrew Fahie received the votes needed from the House of Assembly (HOA) late last evening to establish a special select committee for the latest controversial matter regarding his appointed Speaker, Julian Willock.
The motion was put forward to determine if Willock received permission to file a court injunction against attorneys with the Commission of Inquiry (COI) and to further determine whether that action was warranted.
According to the Premier, the members that agreed to serve on the special select committee are legislators Mark Vanterpool of the National Democratic Party, Julian Fraser of Progressives United, and Vincent Wheatley who is the only member of the governing Virgin Islands Party.
Premier Fahie said the quorum of the special committee would be two persons.
5-2 victory for the government
In the meantime, five legislators supported Fahie’s motion for the committee while two opposition legislators, Marlon Penn and Melvin Turnbull, voted against the initiative.
Premier Fahie, Health Minister Carvin Malone, Works Minister Kye Rhymer, Junior Tourism Minister Sharie deCastro and Deputy Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley all voted in favour of the motion.
Five legislators were absent for the vote.
Proposed amendments cause a stir
Following the debate, Premier Fahie attempted to make amendments to the motion, but Penn questioned the move.
“These changes that have been made to this motion that has been debated extensively are substantive changes,“ Penn stated.
He said the Premier ought not to introduce such changes then immediately wrap up the debate without starting a new one.
Turnbull, too, offered an objection and said it would create conflict in the House.
In response, the Premier said the changes were merely cosmetic so if Penn had issues with the changes, he would abort the amendments.
Judge’s decision not being set-aside
Meanwhile, it was the court that ordered Willock to pay the fees so the Opposition has argued that the establishment of the committee means an interference with the court’s judgement.
Premier Fahie denied that the judge’s decision was being set aside, and said the House has the legal scope to indemnify the Speaker.
“I am not saying the House will do it or do it not, the law allows the House to do that,” he stated.
Fahie further said no one was criticising the judge in any way. He said the committee simply seeks to conduct a fact-finding mission to determine whether the facilitating of the payment for Willock’s fees can be made or not.
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Of all the problems facing this territory The Govt have decided to devote even more time and tax payers resources on justifying paying a frivolous and unauthorised lawsuit which had no material benefit to the ordinary people of the BVI. Meanwhile underpaid teachers and their pupils are choking on mould in dilapidated schools. Great.
This is a show. Regardless of the decision of the Committee the Premier will find a way to make sure that Willock will not pay a cent. He controls the purse strings.
……….when it was the Premier put Willock up to it in the first place. He is the puppet master for CSC and Blondie.
Looks like both action man and da man from the 3rd have taken the candy from Santa Klaus.
Nothing surprises me as they are all in the same boat………let’s hope they get to share the same cell in Balo.
Our leader and ministers disgust me and all those who were too scared to vote their conscience (well thats if they even have one) and those who were absent, for no good reason, will not be forgotten nor forgiven. Mark has a right to not run again, I wait to hear from Moustache Guy!
This time we wont forget that you all ignored the people’s voices.
Why put Fraser there? Isn’t Willock his family? Putting Vincent there is a conflict of interest. We all know he will say that we should foot the bill.
Hey Showanda I don’t uusually blog but I keep up with what’s happening in and around my community. I supported your campaign and I voted for you, but you just ended your political career as far ad me and my family is concerned. I know you, and you are a very discerning person. Why you will follow Andrew Fahie down this rabbit hole is beyond me. You have lost my support. Adios.
Where is the committee to look into the major issues in Education with Schools etc.?
They will get a surprise…