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Unity Gov't denies cancelling contract with Thomas family
A statement released today September 14, 2022, has advised the public that negotiations are currently ongoing and as such the Government looks forward to those negotiations in good faith between all parties while not engaging in any protracted public debate on issues, which are likely to arise during the negotiations.
“Indeed, Government considers that to do so, at this stage, may well be counter-productive or prejudicial. This notwithstanding, following the statements to the press by the Thomas family, Government considers it necessary to publicly respond in an effort to bring clarity to certain matters, for the record,” the statement added.
Contract was cancelled - Elaine M. Thomas-Griffith
In a bombshell disclosure published yesterday, September 14, 2022, Elaine M. Thomas-Griffith, the daughter of the late Ellis Thomas, told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the Unity Government ‘unilaterally’ made the decision to cancel the contract.
The meeting allegedly involved Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) members of the Attorney General’s chambers, and other representatives of government, whose involvement and portfolio involve crown lands.
According to Thomas-Griffith, the family expected the meeting would be to discuss issues involving the lease between the family and the Government of the Virgin Islands for the use of Ellis Thomas Downs track.
“When we arrived for that meeting, literally at the inception of the meeting, it was announced to us that our contract was being cancelled on the premise of a technicality, a unilateral statement with no advanced notice to us. I am not at liberty to get into the specific details of the alleged technicality but, suffice it to say, that the pronouncement was made to our family with no warning on the eve of what would be another race day, that the contract was cancelled,” Thomas-Griffith said.
No cancellation of meeting - Gov't
The Government; however, has responded with a different version of events, first stating that the meeting with the Thomas family took place on September 8, 2022 where the main purpose was to discuss a rent review.
“Unfortunately, shortly after the meeting commenced, the Honourable Premier and other Ministers present had to excuse themselves due to certain developments concerning the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Members of the Attorney General’s Chambers and officers in the Ministry responsible for Crown Lands continued the meeting”.
The statement added that at the meeting, the Government representatives did not ‘cancel’ the lease with the Thomas family.
“Rather, fundamental legal issues were raised and ultimately, the Thomas family indicated that they would not allow further use of their property. The family stated this to be a non-negotiable position, and the Government accepted. Accordingly, the Government issued a public notice on the evening of 8 September 2022, advising the public not to use the property in question until further notice,” the statement said.
Law will handle threats of violence - Gov't
The Government in its statement further said the inconvenience to the public is deeply regretted and that it remains committed to using its best endeavours to achieve a speedy resolution of all issues; however, any resolution must be fair to all parties involved and in the public’s interest.
The Unity Government further that having been informed of threats against the Thomas family, it condemns in the strongest terms, any threats of violence made against the family and expects that any such threats will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.
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18 Responses to “Unity Gov't denies cancelling contract with Thomas family”
Sowande is full of sh**. You left locals in a meeting because the Queen died? Really? Not to sound heartless but what the hell could any Minister here do about her death that they all had to leave the meeting? Its best to be quiet than come with this half baked bullsh**.
( HOPEFULLY NOT ) we already got FIONA in OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
When coming to the white man slowanda ready to give away the country but when coming to his people he ready to kill them and lie about it
The man is wicked but Carmer is a bi**h it comes full circle