Local News
BVI Premier Seeks Removal of Opposition No-Confidence Motion Over Procedural Errors
British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley has requested the removal of an opposition no-confidence motion from the House of Assembly’s Order Paper, citing procedural inaccuracies in its submission.
The motion, which seeks the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly and calls for new elections, has created a tense atmosphere in the proceedings on September 3.
The Leader of the Opposition, Ronnie Skelton, is barred from introducing the motion, which criticises Premier Wheatley and Finance Minister for a series of alleged failures.
The opposition accuses the Virgin Islands Party (VIP)-led government, in power since April 2023, of worsening the economic outlook, diminishing quality of life, and eroding public trust.
Key points in the motion include Wheatley’s recent admission of a $20 million underestimation in public officials’ salaries, which could strain public resources.
It also criticises the Premier for failing to deliver an economic plan or a tourism strategy, and for mismanaging government assets like the Prospect Reef Hotel and the British Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024.
Other grievances include excessive international travel spending, underfunding of crucial sectors such as education and agriculture, and concerns about the Premier’s handling of infrastructure and public safety.
Further complaints involve the Premier’s unilateral decisions on decolonisation discussions with the UN and acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, which the opposition argues have eroded public trust and accountability.
Residents are closely monitoring today’s House of Assembly proceedings, which are expected to have significant implications.
Local News
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Health
Health Minister Calls for BVI Health Services Authority Chairman’s Resignation
A significant shift occurred within the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board when Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley requested the resignation of Chairman Ron Potter.
The reasons for this request remain unclear, and it has not yet been confirmed whether Potter has complied. Potter, who was appointed Chairman in 2023, succeeded Moleto A. Smith, a U.S. Virgin Islands resident who was also reportedly compelled to step down.
The Cabinet’s decision to remove Smith and appoint Potter was formalised in a document from the Cabinet’s meeting on March 8, 2023. At that meeting, the Cabinet decided to appoint Potter, a former Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation, to lead the BVIHSA Board for a three-year term, pending approval by the House of Assembly.
Smith’s removal, which took place before the end of his contract set to expire in July 2024, was not fully explained. The Cabinet cited Schedule 1, Section 3(1) of the BVI Health Services Authority Act 2004 as the basis for Smith’s removal. This provision allows the Minister of Health to remove a board member if they have been absent from three consecutive meetings without consent, become disqualified, unable to fulfil their duties, or breached their appointment conditions.
Further details about the potential changes at the BVIHSA remain undisclosed, and no official statement has been issued regarding the matter.
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