Fraser decries loss of political power

Third District Representative Julian Fraser has expressed concerns about elected officials in the BVI losing power to statutory board members and unelected bureaucrats.

During a recent House of Assembly (HOA) sitting, Fraser highlighted how ministers seem to have less authority over statutory bodies, a significant shift from when ministers had a more direct role in decision-making.

The veteran lawmaker complained that some legislation brought to the HOA by the government was an “existential threat” to the country’s path to self-determination.

“Taking the powers from the Minister, placing them back in the hands of the Governor, claiming that they were going in the hands of the Deputy Governor, claiming that the Deputy Governor is one of us,” Fraser said. “It’s [about] where the power belongs. Ministerial government places the power in the Minister’s hand. And if you are a Minister and you can’t uphold those simple principles, then you have to question yourself.”

Fraser cited his experience with the National Parks Trust as an example. In the late 1990s, he was dismissed from the board of the Trust without clear reasons. Years later, as the Minister responsible for the National Parks, he noticed a change in how statutory boards operate, suggesting that ministers no longer have the same influence. “I don’t recognise the situation that I’m hearing about,” Fraser added.