In an impromptu public address on Thursday, Premier Fahie said he had to set the record straight regarding their relationship because of what was being circulated.

He said: “I wish to make it abundantly clear that your Premier is not in any fight with the governor or the United Kingdom or anyone. As in all matters, people will not be in complete agreement with each other.”

“This happens occasionally and is routine in the governance process whether it is between the Premier and ministers, the Premier and the governor, the government and the governor, or the government and Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition,” he added

I am disappointed!

Premier Fahie also expressed his disappointment in a number of elected officials who he said have been contributing to the rumours.

The Premier did not single out any one person but said their objective seems to be aimed at “trying to make life difficult” for the government and by extension residents during this COVID-19 era.

“I also must state that I am disappointed that some members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition are making deliberate efforts to fan these flames of misinformation, misstatements and mischief during this time of COVID-19,” he added.

Disagreements and not fights!

Fahie also said it is normal for officials to have disagreements on respective topics from time to time, but these disagreements are never characterised as ‘fights’.

“Why then are persons going out of their way to paint similar disagreements between the governor and the Premier as fight? Why are they trying to create fear, uncertainty and panic in the minds of the public?” Fahie asked.

“For the record, as Premier, I have a good relationship with the Cabinet members of the territory which includes the governor, the Cabinet secretary, the Attorney General and all my ministers. For the record and by extension I also have a very good relationship with all of the members of the House of Assembly,” he further said.

Not healthy

The Premier’s statements stem from his recent remarks that directly opposed Governor Jaspert’s proposal for the United Kingdom military to help with border control in the territory.

Following the Premier’s statement, members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition raised the issue during a press conference on Wednesday.

“It is unsustainable for the government and the governor to fight … I think that this thing that is going on between the governor and the Premier is real, it’s not supposed to happen,” Third District Representative Julian Fraser stated.

He added: “I don’t know why we have these little fights, and I am glad that the constitution is up for review because a lot of these things need to be put to rest.”

Also addressing the matter, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said the public disagreement between both officials was “concerning”.

“This in itself is not healthy … COVID-19 is a global pandemic and as a territory we need global partners and we need to have our two key leaders the governor and the Premier,” he stated.