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by pltm
(PLTM) - Premier and Finance Minister Hon. Andrew Fahie has shut down the notion that a snap election maybe called.
“I want to let the people of the Virgin Islands to know that we have no intention of doing any snap election,” he said during the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) radio programme last evening, September 21.
The Premier described the claims as malicious.
“I am totally flabbergasted that persons would be working along with others to bring on the notion of some snap election. As Premier of the Territory I do not know anything about snap election. I know that there are those who will work overtime to see if they can remove me as Premier or remove this government from office, but if that’s not God’s will, I don’t envy their task,” he stated.
The First District Representative said individuals who are part of spreading the rumour are wasting their time.
“But I am not saying that I will be here forever, that’s the people’s choice but at the same time I know there are those who are working maliciously along those lines. If they want to waste their time, that’s up to them to be masters of mischief,” he stated.
The Finance Minister said, “we have a lot of work to do for the people of the Virgin Islands and we are going to get it done. And we want to make sure that you the people of the Virgin Islands benefit from this.”
General Election is constitutionally due in 2023.
At a recent public meeting, Opposition Leader Hon. Marlon Penn outlined plans that he would undertake if he is to be made Premier in the event of a snap election.
“I have been ready,” he said in response to questions on whether he would be prepared to take up the mantle of the highest political post of premiership at a community meeting held at the Willard Wheatley Primary School on September 9.
He added, “this community has prepared me. I have been in every role – I have been a backbencher, I have been a junior minister, I have been a minister, the leader of the Opposition now – but most of all, I have been a citizen of this community. I have seen how this community has been built from the ground up by the blood, sweat and tears of the people of this community, and I believe that for us to move forward, the people have to be the first in the process of moving this country forward.”
He was also asked what his plans would be in the first 100 days in office as Premier.
“We have to get the economy back up and running; that has to be the number one priority. For the last 18 months, we have been in a tailspin; we have been sputtering, and to do that, we need a clear economic plan going forward.”
The Opposition Leader also pointed out that the issue of getting unemployment under control was another area he would focus on.
He said the territory has lost its way as politicians once elected believes they have all the answers.
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