Fahie ‘scolds’ opposition leader for misrepresenting the facts!
Delivering a speech to launch his re-election bid, the ‘man on a mission’ accused the National Democratic Party (NDP) of using “un-factual statements” in a misguided attempt to sway voters that the United Kingdom (UK) needs the Territory’s budget because it is spending recklessly.
“Those who know better, should do better. The UK is currently stating to all Overseas Territories (OTs) that we heard earlier – not BVI alone – that they would like to see the budgets for each Territory two months before. The perception management bureau [the NDP] is now once again trying to mislead you my people with perception management. They are trying to convince you that it’s only the BVI has to do it!” Hon. Fahie stated.
On Thursday, October 13, 2011, Dr. Smith had stated at a tent meeting in Baughers Bay that the UK Government’s request was an indication that the VIP was spending recklessly.
However, Hon. Fahie pointed out that trying to mislead “with un-factual statement to gain power are not signs of a true leader.”
“The BVI has always shined in the eyes of the UK on how we keep our finances and they know that,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, he said the NDP has spun the truth aimed at trying to convince residents that the VIP Government has eliminated the free tuition programme at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, Minister Fahie further stated.
“Again an unfactual statement made by the leader of the NDP. This is not a personal attack but you cannot allow these things to go. Those who know better should do better. Let us fight on the issues, don’t use perception management to try and cloud these issues or destroy others.
“But whenever they come on the podium they say the VIP lie... I said in Huntums Ghut when a man preaching about lying all the time, he is a liar. If a man preaches about giving out white envelopes all the time that is what he does....because a man can only tell you what he knows!” the district representative proclaimed.
Meanwhile, Premier Ralph T O’Neal Premier O'Neal told supporters that the proposal sent by the UK Government allows for his comments, but he has not done so as yet.
“We have to be careful because we do not want to get under the clinches of the British Government when it comes to money,” he stressed. Pointing to the fact that since 1977 the VI has been able to carry its own budget, the Territory’s leader added if the budget was left to the UK, they would have cut the civil servants.
Furthermore, he said he heard Dr. Smith’s comments on Dancia Penn’s statement on the issue and was shocked.
“…where he said that he was appalled. Well I am shocked at the way he went on. Yes, we are negotiating but not alone,” Hon. O’Neal explained. “It is all the islands…no negotiations have completed as yet because it has got to be discussed in London when the OTCC takes place on November 22. So how could he talk about being shocked?”
Interestingly, the Territory’s leader also revealed that Dr. Smith, who was the then Chief Minister, had signed borrowing guidelines with the UK Government which was never made public.
Upon discovering the ‘secret’ document, Hon. O’Neal took it to Cabinet where it was eventually passed in the House of Assembly.
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