A Motion of No Confidence was made in the House of Assembly to have the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie removed from the post of Premier and Minister of Finance today May 5 

At the Second Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly Acting Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley made a Motion which reads: 
 

“WHEREAS the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie was appointed Premier, having been recommended by the majority of the elected members of the House of Assembly after the 2019 general election, in accordance with section 52(1)(a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007; 

WHEREAS the Premier, the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, has been arrested and charged with money laundering and conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States of America; 

WHEREAS the arrest and charge of the Premier, the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, has brought the integrity and sanctity of the role of the Premier into public and international disrepute and demonstrates a lack of character and suitability to operate in a public leadership role and manage the affairs of this Government; 

WHEREAS these charges, the ongoing investigations and trial will undermine the international confidence and reputation of these Virgin Islands; 

WHEREAS the Premier, the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has not stepped down as Premier and remains in custody outside the Virgin Islands and unavailable to perform his functions and lead the Government; 

AND WHEREAS the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007 section 53(1) provides that: 

“(1)          If a motion on the Order Paper that the House of Assembly should declare a lack of confidence in the Government of the Virgin Islands receives in the House the affirmative votes of a majority of all the elected members of the House, the Governor shall, by instrument under public seal, revoke the appointment of the Premier: …”; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands that it does declare a lack of confidence in the Government lead by the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.” 

After contributions were made by all Members present in the House, including the Deputy Speaker and Territorial At-Large Member Honourable Neville E. Smith, a division of votes was requested resulting in ten (10) Ayes and 1 absent. The Deputy Speaker did not vote as he was presiding over the House.

In his closing remarks, Dr. the Honourable Wheatley said, “We are resolved to move past this unfortunate chapter, turn the page and start a new chapter. It’s a new day in the Virgin Islands and this is a very important step.” 

Honourable Wheatley thanked all Members for their support and the sacrifices made in order to move forward past these difficult times.