Missing in House Meetings, BVI law requires By-Election soon

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#BVI, August 4, 2022 – The British Virgin Islands will soon have a by-election to contest embattled former premier Andrew Fahie seat in the House of Assembly(HOA). Fahie will likely lose his seat in the coming weeks as the speaker of the house confirmed she will not be granting the ex-premier anymore leave to miss sittings of the House according to local media. 

Fahie is forbidden from leaving Miami while he awaits his court appearance on drug charges after being arrested along with fellow countrywoman, Olenvine Maynard in a DEA operation.

No member of the HOA is allowed to miss three consecutive meetings without leave from the speaker of the house in the BVI.  Once the time expires a by election will be triggered

Fahie has plead “not guilty” to the drug charges against him and remains in Miami at the home of his two daughters who along with his wife have had to surrender their passports.

The BVI narrowly avoided a partial constitutional suspension earlier this year after a UK led Commission of Inquiry found widespread instances of corruption in the government.

Dr Natalio D. Wheatley continues as Acting Premier of the British Virgin Islands.