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Freedom of Information Bill will not make ‘a difference’ - Hon Julian Fraser RA

- but agrees it should be brought to HoA
Senior legislator and Member of the Opposition, Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) is not optimistic there is a great need for a Freedom of Information Bill in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
The call for a Freedom of Information Bill was made during many Speeches from the Throne. Photo: Internet Source
The call for a Freedom of Information Bill was made during many Speeches from the Throne. Photo: Internet Source
During a press conference on November 1, 2019, Governor Augustus J.U Jaspert said the people of the territory should hold their Representatives' feet to the fire if they desire the constantly talked about Freedom of Information Bill. Photo: VINO/File
During a press conference on November 1, 2019, Governor Augustus J.U Jaspert said the people of the territory should hold their Representatives' feet to the fire if they desire the constantly talked about Freedom of Information Bill. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Senior legislator and Member of the Opposition, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3) has hinted that the lack of a Freedom of Information Bill is not affecting the flow of critical information by the powers that be in the Virgin Islands.

"I have a serious issue with this Freedom of Information Act that people are asking for … is it just something that is being asked for just for the sake of asking?" Hon Fraser asked while responding to questions during a press conference called by the Opposition at the Office of the House of Assembly (HoA) on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

"Do we have an issue with getting information? I am not convinced that it (Bill) is going to make a difference. I don't think that there is information out there that people needs and they cannot get. Everything is published in the gazette. I don't think you are going to get any more information with this Act," he reasoned.

The senior legislator; however, made it clear that he was not opposing the Bill.

He said: "But, I agree that it should be introduced and passed, and I am sure that it is coming."

Constantly talked about Bill yet to come

Whnever the Bill is passed in the House of Assembly, members of the media and the public will be privy to public records. There will also be the establishment of a Freedom of Information Unit to facilitate the public's request for information.

The intentions of introducing a Freedom of Information Bill were made in many Speeches from the Throne delivered by the sitting Governor as well as previous Governors.

During a press conference on November 1, 2019, Governor Augustus J.U Jaspert said the people of the territory should hold their Representatives' feet to the fire if they desire the constantly talked about Freedom of Information Bill to be tabled in the House of Assembly.

5 Responses to “Freedom of Information Bill will not make ‘a difference’ - Hon Julian Fraser RA”

  • Fan the Flame (14/11/2019, 08:36) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Senior legislator by way of years but do he act as a senior legislator, I say no. This man have a problem with everything including himself. Remember he had a problem with CCTV place around town but he never had issues with placing traffic lights at the round-a-bout.
    • in frasers defence (14/11/2019, 09:08) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
      Why wont you talk about the other traffic lights that worked to perfection. He installed them all but you're making it sound like those around the round a bout were the only ones he installed. By the way, he tried to solve the traffic woes and failed, tell me what the others did ??? TALK ABOUT THE GOODIES THAT HE BROUGHT TO THE COUNTRY SUCH AS CELLPHONE OPTIONS AND BETTER RATES.....24/7 WATER SUPPLY AT A CHEAPER RATE AND SO ON AND SO ON
      • Fan the Flame (14/11/2019, 09:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        In Fraser’s defense, you seems to forget man, those other traffic lights were the same ones that were removed from the roundabout and used elsewhere. Better what options and rate, where do you really live. “Better Rates?”
        • HMMM (14/11/2019, 15:24) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
          Stop telling lies...All those places had lights at the same time...Before frazer liberated the telecom industry we all had no other choices and we had to pay for incoming calls...Now thanks to him we all (including you) have more than 1 cellphone and even our kids have
  • Fan the Flame (15/11/2019, 05:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @strupes, you need to check your facts before you try to brand someone a liar. The only traffic lights we had around here at the time Was those at treasure isle. After the public outcry about those that Fraser caused to be place at the Roundabout, he was forced to removed them and they were stock somewhere in storage. Fraser was told to apologize to the people and he refused to do so, the late RT O’Neal had to apologize at the time and he commented that, “it is very difficult to deal with stubborn people.” Some time after a decision was made to erect those same lights at the Administration Drive and up Pasea estate by old Clarence Thomas. The remainder was left in storage and don’t ask me where they are now, maybe Irma went with them.


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