Premier Fahie made the declarations today, January 28, 2022, in response to questions from the media on possible outcomes of the CoI and the final report pending, in addition to its implications on the constitutionally due elections in 2023.

Premier Fahie said while there will always be room for improvement within his government, “I’m not worried about the future of this country with anyone’s plans for this country, once it’s not aligned with God's plans for this country."

However, he said if the CoI report makes recommendation for the improvement of Government systems based on the aspirations of the people of the VI and not having the people do things outside of their aspirations, he said the government will work on improvements.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said the Final CoI Report will also not influence early elections in the Virgin Islands.

Gov’t willing to work on areas – Premier Fahie

“Once the report comes out on that point well then we will work on those areas, but at the same time too, I don’t want to preempt the outcome of the inquiry,” he said in noting that he would rather wait for the report.

Hon Fahie said while the report will not influence early elections, "We going to call the election when the time is right based on the atmosphere of the territory.. we are not going to be calling an election based on the report,” he said.

“Before the report comes out there will be no elections. When the report comes out we will be analyse the report, we will also look at the recommendations and it may not come out like people think, it might come out in a different way we have to wait and see,” the Premier added.

Meanwhile, as part of his question and answer with the Press, Premier Fahie said there is only one person talking about elections.

Leader of the Opposition Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, who has been the only politician speaking about elections, has said he is ready to be Premier if a snap election is held.

Hon Penn starts talk on elections

While Hon Fahie called no names, the only politician who started conversations on the elections within the last few months was Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), who claimed on a radio show that if there was a snap election, he will be ready.

It remains unclear also if Hon Penn has secured the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party (NDP).

According to sources within the party, there has been no election by the delegates to make him Chairman.

It also remains unclear whether Hon Penn has a slate of 13 candidates for the elections constitutionally due by June 2023.