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3 NDP Gov't legislators defy leader in HoA

- on vote on Motion to borrow money from CDB
December 20th, 2017 | Tags:
National Democratic Party (NDP) Backbencher, Fifth District Representative Hon Deloris Christopher, centre, voted against the Motion to borrow over $65M from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in the House of Assembly today, December 20, 2017. Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotions, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), right, and Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines, left, both abstained, which can be considered as a vote against the motion. Photo: VINO/File
Members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) continue to defy their leader Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL). Photo: VINO/File
Members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) continue to defy their leader Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL). Photo: VINO/File
Two Government members, Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL), left, and Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, right, were absent at the time of the vote for the Motion to seek a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, which can be considered as a vote against the Motion. Photo: VINO/File
Two Government members, Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL), left, and Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, right, were absent at the time of the vote for the Motion to seek a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, which can be considered as a vote against the Motion. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- More disunity among the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government was on display in the House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands today, December 20, 2017, with Backbenchers defying their leader Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) by voting against the Motion to borrow monies from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The embattled NDP Government is seeking to borrow some sixty five million, two hundred and ninety one thousand dollars ($65,291,000), according to them "for the purpose of rehabilitation and assisting the Territory in recovering from the impact of Hurricane Irma while reducing risks associated with high winds and flood hazards and to support the population in re-establishing sustainable livelihood."

However, the Government failed to get the support of all of its members after the Motion was taken to a vote during the continuation of the Twelfth Sitting of the Second Session of the Third HoA.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Smith, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and one Backbencher, Ninth District Representative Hon Hubert R. O'Neal, voted for the Motion but Fifth District Representative Hon Deloris Christopher voted against it.

Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotions, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines both abstained. This can be considered as a vote against the motion.

Two Government members, Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL) and Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull were absent at the time of the vote.

The two Opposition Members, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Julian Fraser RA (R3) voted against the motion, which went in favour of the NDP Government 6-3, with 2 Members abstaining and 2 absent.

The division of votes was requested by Opposition Leader Hon Fahie.

The defying of the leader Dr Smith comes on the heels of Hon Turnbull stating in the House of Assembly on December 13, 2017 that he believed Dr Smith, his boss, should be replaced as Finance Minister by Hon Skelton, who served in the post from 2003-2007.

It is a view that has been shared by several other members of the NDP, including its spokesperson Eileene L. Parsons OBE and former Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Board, Bishop John I. Cline. The clergyman Cline, was however, forced to resign from the post by Dr Smith following his public agreement with Ms Parsons.

More details to follow.

17 Responses to “3 NDP Gov't legislators defy leader in HoA”

  • "NDP" The Movie (20/12/2017, 19:17) Like (21) Dislike (8) Reply
    Well we all know Mark and Myron would vote for anything the Premier request for they know they getting piece of the cheese but honestly I would like to know how bowtie feeling right now. Still want to leave sir? What the Premier really need to do is get back our money he simply gave away from up and down begging. Our 7.2mil could go a long way but instead it gone far away. Such a smart a$$
    • Reply (20/12/2017, 20:32) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
      we need that $1.6M wasted on that high school wall. Look at the reports, 2 ministries over spend Education and Communications should I say more?
  • Socrates (20/12/2017, 19:31) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    Is something rotten in the state of Denmark? Is there a chink in the armour of NDP leadership? Does it appear that other team members have no fear of the Premier? Is Doc losing unity of command? Are members openly defying the Premier? Are some members airing their lack of confidence in and respect for the Premier? Will the Premier discipline these rogue members? Does he have the choice not too? Does Doc need to breakout the big stick and c.....k some heads (not literally)? Will not taking action demonstrate weakness? Does Doc need to show stronger leadership? Do we need strong leadership now more than ever? Does Doc need to shed the physcian hat for the political hat? Is he not in the political arena now?
    • voter (22/12/2017, 08:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      They don't need to be disciplined for doing what they think is best for the country. I applaud them for having the guts to do what they did. It is about time that we get some independent thinkers in the house who would be willing to do what is right and not simply go along with everything despite what their consciences tell them.
  • voter (20/12/2017, 19:33) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Too much confusion in THIS ndp GANG
  • foxy (20/12/2017, 19:51) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    trouble in the bull pen
  • the void (20/12/2017, 19:56) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Embattled? How embattled is a government that can vote a $65,291,000 loan that will put our grandchildren in debt with no hint of a recovery strategy? All they say is gobbeldygook. Why that specific amount? What's it for? If they don't tell US, the people, what their plans are - then who holds them accountable?
  • wize up (20/12/2017, 20:33) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Big deal not your are a member of a party simply means you have to agree with all agendas this happens all over the world: just recently Fahie brought a vote of no confidence again NDP however his sidekick did not even study him as a matter of fact during the motion partner was somewhere on the beach because he was not even in House of Assembly: disagrmeny among party member happens in big America much less little bvi: the dam territory have to much debt right now and I am sorry for who wins that 2019 elections(may God be with us)......the headline of the article and the results are so different: political garbage !!!!!

  • Who u kidding! (20/12/2017, 21:01) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    in my opinion those that did not state a clear position, just straddling between not offending their Boss and at the same time putting on a show to get voters believing that they are taking a stand.... to me that’s a cop out! You fully well know how this thing works! Might as well you had vote to agree with the motion!

    Hon. Mitch I will admit I wasn’t a fan of yours, but you have shown great strength and courage, you have given a lot of people hope! Including me! And I am no where near being a resident in your district! But what I will say... continue to be a LEADER! You may feel like most is against but trust me, you speak for a lot of us who the Ministers of today walk on with their shinny suits and continue to be selective in who they choose to greet! The under-dogs see you... the barks maybe muzzled but our bites will be deadly... next general election... stay strong
    • the rock (24/12/2017, 08:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Happy u feel this way but I think he was out if place, the timing is not right, he will learn from this I hope!
  • JayG (20/12/2017, 22:01) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do the people of the Virgin Islands understand how a democracy works? Every HOA member has a right to disagree with another member’s proposals. It does not matter which side of the floor he or she is on. Also; this concept we hold so dear that the premier must be exalted to the point that he cannot be defied, is not democracy. That is dictatorship... tyranny if you will. We the people actually hold more power than any member of the house, premier included. Lest we forget who put them all in their respective seats. Watch the news in other democratic societies and you will see that it is unrealistic to expect all members to hold hands and skip through every political hurdle. Opposition and debate is healthy and could also be in the public’s best interest. Think about it folks...
  • Wonderwoman (20/12/2017, 22:11) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    What if we had all those millions that went over budget on the Cruise Pier, the extras on the High School Wall , the 7million plus that went to BV Airways, the millions collectively paid out on various consultation fees? We definitely would not have to be here doing so much begging and borrowing.
    Furthermore, can the government show some transparency and break down for us all the monies they have received thus far (loans, grants, donations, whatever)?

    On another note, it would have been interesting to see how Mitch would have voted had he been present!
  • 911 (20/12/2017, 22:46) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr Smith has lost the moral authority to lead the country
    • wize up (21/12/2017, 04:27) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
      @ 911: so what you doing about it: 3 month after 2 massive hurricanes and a considerable number of business up and running; I took my own eye and watch as a taxi operator was able to collect money for his tour: some of us are simply critics but brings not one words of advise or solution to the talk: at the end the you need to stop speaking bad about your country or your own people and offer up ideas because I am sure the place is so small you will them: wake up and live this you BVI: when outsiders read/hear some us the citizens one only wonder what they thinking but I under the motive of making someone look bad so we ourselves can look good but old folks say if you can't say anything good keep your mouth shut because NOT everything good to talk especially in the public especially in this current global climate
  • Welsah (21/12/2017, 02:36) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    NO LOANS .. This island will be in debt to others , and the money will be ill spent . Smith crazy or wat ?
  • Proud of my bold leaders (21/12/2017, 03:25) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very good. Be bold and do not support what you do not believe in. But when it come time for round 2 of that no confidence vote, please be bolder and vote for that motion and do not abstain. Please be present and vote. Let's get this New Year resolution going!
  • BRAD BOYNES (21/12/2017, 06:05) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    @911. You cannot control what you are not willing to confront. Orlando is a weak leader.


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