The BVI Beacon
Commission of Inquiry given access to register of interests
Though the commissioner leading the United Kingdomâs corruption inquiry has the powers of a High Court judge when it comes to summoning witnesses and obtaining documents, Attorney General Dawn Smith …
Attorney General Dawn Smith introduced the Register of Interests (Amendment) Act, 2021 in the House of Assembly last Thursday. The law will allow the commission of inquiry to examine records of HOA membersâ financial interests to fulfil its mission to investigate potential corruption in the territory. The bill passed with no dissenting votes. (Screenshot: HOA)
Though the commissioner leading the United Kingdomâs corruption inquiry has the powers of a High Court judge when it comes to summoning witnesses and obtaining documents, Attorney General Dawn Smith said she hopes a bill passed last week in the House of Assembly will help make sure he doesnât need to use those powers.
The BVI Beacon
HOA debates disaster bill, passes other laws
In recent months, Virgin Islands leaders have placed focus on the role of self-determination in the territoryâs future development as they plan a review of the 2007 Constitution. The House …
Proposed new legislation would help the territory respond to disasters like
Hurricane Irma, which destroyed Cane Garden Bay (above) and most of the rest of the territory. (File photo: CONOR KING DEVITT)
In recent months, Virgin Islands leaders have placed focus on the role of self-determination in the territoryâs future development as they plan a review of the 2007 Constitution. The House of Assembly explored more detailed implications of independence on issues such as disaster preparedness during this weekâs sitting.
Premier’s Office shouldn’t take on disaster management now Fraser
Third District Representative Julian Fraser has cautioned Premier Andrew Fahie against moving the Disaster Management portfolio from the Office of the Governor to the Office of the Premier.
During the January 5 sitting of the House of Assembly, elected leaders debated the Disaster Management Bill, which proposes to shift the power of control from the governor to the territory’s Premier and his government during times of disaster.
While admitting that he fully supports moving disaster management to local elected leaders, Fraser said Premier Fahie presently has too many responsibilities and runs the risk of overwhelming himself if he were to take control of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI - Moonlight Bandit had horse racing fans jumping for joy as it trotted to victory in the feature race of the Boxing Day Races, held at Ellis Thomas Downs on Sunday, December 27, 2020.
“I tell them I’m going to beat them this time,” says Dion Stevens, owner of the champion horse.
He said he believes the ongoing pandemic assisted his horse in winning.
He explained, “The horse itself is different. Through the pandemic, he got a good rest, and I am dealing with him different myself.”
Moonlight Bandit raced against One Way To Fame from Mission House Racing Stables in the third race, dubbed, The Hon. Julian Fraser Classic.
Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency David D. Archer Jr. has given assent to the 2021 National Budget which is to the tune of $402,123,046. Photo: GIS/Facebook ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency David D. Archer Jr has given assent to the 2021 National Budget which is to the tune of $402,123,046.
The budget was passed on December 14, 2020, following a day-long debate in the House of Assembly (HoA), which according to Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said was “committed to God for assent.”
The confirmation for the assent of the 2021 Budget was given via the Official Gazette issued today, December 24, 2020, which states that the budget will come into effect on January 1, 2021.