Beautiful Virgin Islands

Monday, Aug 04, 2025

Time to ‘turn a new page’ on multiple bill readings in one sitting– Hon Fraser

Time to ‘turn a new page’ on multiple bill readings in one sitting– Hon Fraser

Senior Legislator in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has blasted legislators and Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) for what he referred to as the rushing of bills in the House, with often three readings on one day.

Hon Fraser was at the time speaking at the Continuation of the Eighth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on November 24, 2022, at the Financial Services Resource Centre, Jones building, in Pasea Estate, Tortola.

“This first, second and third reading thing, I trust that the Premier has really and truly seriously re-considered the practice,” he told the House during the debates of the Insolvency Amendment Act 2022.

Hon Fraser added that there is no rational expectation to call a sitting and pass a bill the same day. He added that even though the current premier has met the system that way, it is one that should change.

According to the legislator, bills require meaningful discussions and that cannot happen once a bill is rushed, especially bills like the one that was being debated.


In previous House of Assembly sitting of October 18, 2022, the Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) had warned against last-minute emergency bills coming to the House of Assembly (HoA).


No more rushed bulls - Hon Fraser

The senior legislator noted that for bills like the Liquor Licensing Act, there are consultations; however, there is none for a bill relating to financial services.

He further questioned whether the House thinks people could only relate to bottles more than finances.

In a House of Assembly sitting on October 18, 2022, the Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) warned against last-minute emergency bills coming to the HoA.

She said while more persons might have recommendations for the bill, those recommendations cannot be taken if the bill is rushed. The bill in that case had emanated from the Deputy Governor's Office.

Deputy Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith (AL) also called for advanced screenings of bills ahead of time so that legislators can understand them more ahead of them reaching the House.

"I don't like it, and we have to change the way things are being done in this house," he added.

Deputy Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith (AL) also called for advanced screenings of bills ahead of time so that legislators can understand them more ahead of them reaching the House.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Pilots Call for Mental Health Support Without Stigma
All Five Trapped Miners Found Dead After El Teniente Mine Collapse
Ong Beng Seng Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case Linked to Former Singapore Transport Minister
BP’s Largest Oil and Gas Find in 25 Years Uncovered Offshore Brazil
Italy Fines Shein One Million Euros for Misleading Sustainability Claims
JPMorgan and Coinbase Unveil Partnership to Let Chase Cardholders Buy Crypto Directly
Declassified Annex Links Soros‑Affiliated Officials and Clinton Campaign to ‘Russiagate’ Narrative
UK's Online Safety Law: A Front for Censorship
Nationwide Protests Erupt in Brazil Demanding Presidential Resignation
Parents Abandon Child at Barcelona Airport Over Passport Issue
Mystery Surrounds Death of Brazilian Woman with iPhones Glued to Her Body
Bus Driver Discovers Toddler Hidden in Suitcase in New Zealand
Switzerland Celebrates 734 Years of Independence Amid Global Changes
U.S. Opens Official Investigation into Former Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith
Leaked audio of Canada's new PM Mark Carney admitting the truth about the Net Zero agenda: "We're gonna make a lot of money off of this."
China Enforces Comprehensive Ban on Cryptocurrency Activities
Absolutely 100% Realistic EVO Series Doll by EXDOLL (Chinese Company) used mainly for carnal purposes
World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab: "In this new world, we must accept... total transparency. You have to get used to it. You have to behave accordingly. But if you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't be afraid."
Meet Mufti Hamid Patel, head of Office for Standards in Education in Pakistan
George Soros tells the World Economic Forum: "President Trump is a con man and the ultimate narcissist, who wants the world to revolve around him."
Hamas are STARVING the hostages.
Decline in Tourism in Majorca Amidst Ongoing Anti-Tourism Protests
British Tourist Dies Following Hair Transplant in Turkey, Police Investigate
Poland Begins Excavation at Dziemiany After New Clue to World War II‑Era Nazi Treasure
WhatsApp Users Targeted in New Scam Involving Account Takeovers
Trump Threatens Canada with Tariffs Over Palestinian State Recognition
Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines After Threats from Former Russian President Medvedev
Trump Sues Murdoch in “Heavyweight Bout”: Lawsuit Over Alleged Epstein Letter Sets Stage for Courtroom Showdown
Germany Enters Fiscal Crisis as Cabinet Approves €174 Billion in New Debt
Trump Administration Finalizes Broad Tariff Increases on Global Trade Partners
J.K. Rowling Limits Public Engagements Citing Safety Fears
JD.com Launches €2.2 Billion Bid for German Electronics Retailer Ceconomy
Azerbaijan Proceeds with Plan to Legalise Casinos on Artificial Islands
Former Judge Charged After Drunk Driving Crash Kills Comedian in Brazil
Jeff Bezos hasn’t paid a dollar in taxes for decades. He makes billions and pays $0 in taxes, LEGALLY
China Increases Use of Exit Bans Amid Rising U.S. Tensions
IMF Upgrades Global Growth Forecast as Weaker Dollar Supports Outlook
Procter & Gamble to Raise U.S. Prices to Offset One‑Billion‑Dollar Tariff Cost
House Republicans Move to Defund OECD Over Global Tax Dispute
Botswana Seeks Controlling Stake in De Beers as Anglo American Prepares Exit
Trump Administration Proposes Repeal of Obama‑Era Endangerment Finding, Dismantling Regulatory Basis for CO₂ Emissions Limits
France Opens Criminal Investigation into X Over Algorithm Manipulation Allegations
A family has been arrested in the UK for displaying the British flag
Mel Gibson refuses to work with Robert De Niro, saying, "Keep that woke clown away from me."
Trump Steamrolls EU in Landmark Trade Win: US–EU Trade Deal Imposes 15% Tariff on European Imports
ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman says people share personal info with ChatGPT but don’t know chats can be used as court evidence in legal cases.
The British propaganda channel BBC News lies again.
Deputy attorney general's second day of meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell has concluded
Controversial March in Switzerland Features Men Dressed in Nazi Uniforms
Politics is a good business: Barack Obama’s Reported Net Worth Growth, 1990–2025
×