AG Baba F. Aziz out by 2020; Hon Fahie says VIslander should hold post
The Premier was at the time speaking at the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Second Session of The Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), today December 13, 2019, when he thanked the AG for his work over the years on behalf of the People of the Virgin Islands.
“I know most likely this will be the AG’s last budget with us, cause I know that his contract ends in February. But I want to thank him from the NDP [National Democratic Party] Government to our Government, for the service that he has rendered to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Hon Fahie said.
BVIslander can hold Post – Premier Fahie
The Premier continued, “and we want to make sure that… once it’s the end, that he has held the fort for us, because we know the constitution allows for a BVIslander to hold the post… and he has served the post tremendously well."
Effective February 10, 2015, Mr Aziz, a native of Ghana, was appointed to the post of Attorney General in the Attorney General's Chambers under the then NDP government, according to the Government Information Service (GIS). Amongst his various roles, he served as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Government as established by the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
He also served in an advisory role as a member of Cabinet, the National Security Council, the House of Assembly and the prerogative of Mercy Committee as well as being responsible for managing the administration and activities of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“So once that is the case Mr Speaker, we want to thank him in his office and whoever comes also for what they have done… In the spirit of all of this, we have done a lot of work but yet a lot more work to do,” Hon Fahie told the House.
However, even as the Premier moved to thank the AG, his role during the latter parts of the past Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith led NDP administration did not come without criticisms.
AG came under fire for role in NDP
Political commentators and pundits have long accused Mr Aziz of overseeing the NDP’s lack of transparency, accountability and good governance in relation to the management of the territory and its resources during his tenure.
‘Hard Talk’ radio commentator, Julio S. Henry, remarked in an edition of his show, “I firmly believe at all cost, whatever it takes, the current government now, VIP should figure out how to get rid of this Attorney General that we have,” relating to the role he played under the NDP.
Mr Aziz had responded in a previous HoA sitting that his role was only to advice the Government on legal matters and was not involved in certain decision making of government or government spending.
Mr Aziz succeeded Dr Christopher P. Malcolm who was appointed Attorney General from January 2012 to December 2014.
Mr Aziz holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from The American University in Washington, D.C., a professional certificate of law from the Ghana School of Law and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ghana.
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34 Responses to “AG Baba F. Aziz out by 2020; Hon Fahie says VIslander should hold post”
That’s why you’re not in a position to hire nor fire.
Whatever the Premier said, is lawful and Constitutional.
Let us read the Constitution [THE SUPREME LAW of the Virgin Islands.
Section 58 (1) of the V.I Constitution Order 2007 states [" There shall be an Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, whose office shall be a public office and who shall be appointed in accordance with section 95"].
Let us go to section 95 (6) of the V.I Constitution.
Sub-section (6) of 95 states [" No person shall be appointed to the office of Attorney General unless he or she BELONGS TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, unless in the opinion of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, there is no such (belonger-person) who is suitably qualified and able and willing to be so appointed"].
So, if there is a qualified person who belongs to the Virgin Islanders, willing and able to do the job, the Constitution provides for that appointment in sub-section (6) of 95.
The Premier is Constitutionally correct.
There are persons who belong to the Virgin Islands, who are qualified.
One love BVI.
This is a good move by the Hon. Premier as he tries to empower our people to serve this territory. It is about time that we the people strive to build this territory and take pride in doing so. The late Hon. Ralph O'Neal demonstrated his love and dedication for this country and it is about time that more citizens be given the opportunity to do so.
@ ok Igwe, how many times will you renew a contract for a person? Check the office he holds, the place in a mess, no difference with the office of the DPP as well. The man is not in control of his office, one former AG does all in his power to protect the NDP, he is still here in a very high Position, the AG was heading down the same road. Mr. KLF entered into a contract with government without declaring it. He had to resign as speaker. MVW entered into a contract with government without declaring it. This AG went out on a limb to protect him. Why should this government who it is crystal clear he is against keeps him as there AG. We have some brilliant young BVI attorney’s who can ably fill this position.
Are we suggesting that the Premier should not look out for belongers and virgin islanders?
The premier call for a belonger to be appointed.This premier have shown that he has good intentions for nonbelongers residing in the bvi for 20 years and more.clearly he supports expats in the bvi.
Citizenship ceremony on the rise since Mr. Fahie take over, a tradition of daddy ralphy.
A whiteman Governor come from the UK,in bvi
A whiteman Commissioner of police come from the UK in bvi
What is so wrong if the premier ask for a BVI attorney General?