The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Cabinet approved the appointments of Wayne Robinson as Vice-Chairman and Member Hymen Husein for a period of three years, while Pearl Smith and Jasen Fahie will serve for a period of two years.

Last week, the House of Assembly approved a resolution to appoint Rosemarie Flax as Chairman for a period of three years. All of the appoints took effect from November 15, 2019.

Ex-Officio Members are the BVIEC General Manager and Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office. Previously, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works served as an ex-officio member on the board.

In recent days there has been an explosive political debate over the removal of statutory board members and their replacements since the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) was elected this year. The Government has been accused of promoting nepotism, cronyism and victimization during its nine months in office.

Opposition Leader, Hon. Marlon Penn has declared, “Over the past nine months we have seen some issues that are of grave concern which threatens the democratic tenants of accountability, transparency and good governance that this unconventional administration vowed to uphold. We have a duty to uphold this vow and call out these issues where ever they arise.”

The Opposition Leader announced that based on various reports and complaints these behaviors have been taking place in various instances.

“Nepotism and cronyism is at an all-time high under this administration where former political candidates and cohorts are being placed in consultancies throughout the government and in statutory organizations. This is happening in unprecedented numbers,” Hon. Penn stated.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Andrew Fahie has refuted the claims made by the Opposition.