Premier The Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith (left) has down played suggestions by the Member from the First District, Hon. Andrew A. Fahie that the delay in the passing of the Enhanced Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act in the House of Assembly (HOA) was because there were differences among Cabinet members. Photos: GIS

Member for the First District Hon. Andrew A. Fahie had stated on October 9, 2012 in the House of Assembly that he was of the impression that the Bill was only now before the House because there appeared to be differences among members of Cabinet over the contents of the Bill.

Hon. Fahie had also expressed concern about the possible implications for the Territory since the deadline of August 2012 given by the United Kingdom for the passing of the Act in the HOA and the assenting of the Act by the Governor had passed and that the House was put in recess in August as well when the Act should have been passed.

But even before that delays in getting the bill to the House was because Cabinet had not fully agreed to the Bill, Hon. Fahie stated.

"It leaves me to safely conclude that probably a civil war inside the current administration cause this Territory to lose credibility with the UK seeing that once again we missed a deadline that we agreed upon Madam Speaker."

But Premier Smith, speaking in the House of Assembly today October 11, 2012 said the suggestion that Government was “a little bit late in the deadline because there were differences in the cabinet is far from the truth”.

“Madam Speaker when you are dealing with a matter like this which would affect this country for years down the road which would make sure that the country’s finance is being looked at properly you cannot rush in it. You have to take your time...,” Premier Smith stated.

He also said his colleagues and himself took their time and looked at the document properly and gave credit to his Financial Secretary and his colleagues and the Attorney General and his staff “because it was a lot of work on their part”.

He said putting the House in recess was necessary even though it was one of the reasons why the Act was not yet passed.

The Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act 2012 was passed this afternoon, October 11, 2012 in the House of Assembly.