‘I appreciate [Premier Wheatley’s] willingness to do what’s right’- Hon Fraser
It was during the continuation of the 8th Sitting of the 1st Session of the 5th House of Assembly (HoA) today, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, that Premier Wheatley, who is responsible for Ecclesiastical Affairs, proceeded to move a motion under Government Business for the Bill entitled, ‘Roman Catholic Bishop of St John’s Incorporation and Vesting (Amendment) Act, 2023’ to be read a second time.
Opposition questions relevance of Bill under Government Business
Dr Wheatley said the purpose of the bill was to effect the name change of the vesting act, as well as to make general amendments as a result of the change.
Hon Fraser then questioned why it was not a Private Member’s Bill and what it had to do with Government’s Business. Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton and Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) also supported Hon Fraser.
After a short recess, Speaker Hon Corine N. George-Massicote said, based on the concerns raised by the Members of the Opposition and after reviewing Standing Orders 88, she believed the procedure under the Standing Order should be followed in respect to the Bill. She then called on the Premier to move a motion.
Dr Wheatley withdraws Bill, thanks Hon Fraser
Dr Wheatley said he read Standing Order 88, before moving a motion to withdraw the bill. He then commented that he was withdrawing the motion on the grounds that on referring to Standing Order 88, which refers to Private Bills, it would seem that would apply to this particular circumstance.
He said in times past Ministers have brought bills for BVI Red Cross and other organisations and they were never challenged but he is grateful to Hon Fraser for raising the issue.
“He is showing off on us with his knowledge and even though he waited until the last minute, the last minute, to bring this information to us I’m still extremely grateful to him for bringing this matter to the attention of the House.
“In these times of his very illustrious political career he has committed himself to building the institution, so I will certainly recognise that he is doing a good job with that, in ensuring that the procedures of the House are being properly followed, even if they were not followed properly in the past,” Premier Wheatley commented with a smile on his face.
‘I appreciate his willingness to do what’s right’- Hon Fraser to Premier
After the motion was passed, Hon Fraser said he wanted to thank the Premier for his comments but he also wanted to make sure that Premier Wheatley “understands that I appreciate his willingness to do what’s right.
“Anyone who is listening or looking at us could see that it is a House of Assembly of 13 Members and the Government obviously has the majority and he [Premier] could have opted to move ahead,” Hon Fraser commented.
The HoA sitting is continuing at its chambers in Road Town, Tortola.
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16 Responses to “‘I appreciate [Premier Wheatley’s] willingness to do what’s right’- Hon Fraser”
Hear lies?
Hypocrisy
- allowed barge contracts
- allowed CSC contracts
- allowed farmer and fisher folks grants (to non farmers and fishers)
- allowed Covid grants (to family and friends)
- has not distanced himself from Fahie.
Clearly he does not know what the “right thing” is.
What does that make him?