This is according to a post-Cabinet report on its September 18 meeting.

The report said, “Cabinet decided to waive the tender process — to take effect from April 2019 — to provide legal services in the case BVIHCV2019/0087 Mark Vanterpool versus Julian Willock.”

The report further said, “Cabinet agreed that the Government of the Virgin Islands enter into a contract with Veritas Law to provide legal consultation and representation with respect to the case in the amount not to exceed $274,625.20 and that the Minister of Finance seeks from the House of Assembly the required funding to effect the outstanding payment and that it be reflected in the next Schedule of Additional Provision to be introduced in the House.”

The seventh sitting of the first session of the fourth House is scheduled for October 17.

More than $130k paid already

On August 1, Premier Fahie told the House that the legal fees incurred up to that date were $270,526.90.

He said: “The amount billed to date is $270,526.90. The amount paid [so far] is $130,525.20.”