‘Announcement on CoI into Ports Project in a matter of weeks’-Governor Duncan
A Commission of Inquiry has been recommended by the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after its thorough investigation of the project.
History of Governor over this matter!
The Governor has faced harsh criticisms from the media, civil society, talk show hosts and the public over what appears to be his flip-flopping over this matter.
In an interview in August 2014 weeks after his arrival in the Virgin Islands, he cherry-picked a few of the smaller media houses and provided them with an exclusive interview. In that interview he promised the people that he will have a decision on whether he will call for a Commission of Inquiry into the Ports Development Project by the end of the year 2014.
In November of 2014 he granted Virgin Islands News Online an exclusive interview and again promised the same thing; however, he left a window that his decision may go over to January 2015. Governor Duncan had; however, insisted that a decision will be made “certainly by year end” referring to 2014.
In January of 2015 many media houses, including this one, went back to the Governor to ask why he did not keep his word in making a decision on the Commission of Inquiry. Instead of answering the question or advising us that he needed more time, he attacked the media accusing us of misquoting him and “providing inaccurate information on what he had said”.
What was even more insulting to the local media was that he sent out a press release through the Government Information Service (GIS) referring us to an online news site to find out what he had said.
Media response to Governor
To this the media houses went back and played the tape when he was caught saying exactly what was reported, that he promised an answer by December 2014. One media house asked if he was now a liar.
A talk show host, Edmund G. Maduro, called for him to be removed from office, and civil society started to question Governor Duncan's integrity and commitment to good governance.
Latest position from Governor
In a return call to our news room on February 11, 2015 Ms Cotton said, “I am calling you back on behalf of the Governor. We have no more news at the moment but what I can say is that the announcement will be made within a matter of weeks. We will let you know as soon as we can.” She indicated that this was the answer that Governor Duncan provided after she consulted with him following our phone call.
Two reports on Ports project make same conclusion
There have been two reports/investigations carried out on the Ports Development Project. The first was done by the Auditor General Ms Sonia M. Webster in the Auditor General Report dated January 31, 2013.
The second was by the five-member Public Accounts Committee with Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE as the Chairman.
Both reports’ conclusion were the same where they unearthed corruption, conflict of interest, disregard for the laws of the Virgin Islands, unfair practices, undue influence in favour of one developer, disregard for the established tendering process and found that no one was looking out for the interest of the people and taxpayers of the Virgin Islands, putting the people at a disadvantage.
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37 Responses to “‘Announcement on CoI into Ports Project in a matter of weeks’-Governor Duncan”
Why? This project was approved and financed properly unlike the SCBay and green house. Fraser and Fahie are the ones sh..ting, you will swallow those words soon. The cruise pier project is coming along nicely. A tender was put out and Percy Rhoden/Starky with Meridian, in partnership with IDL projects of the USA won the bid. D&B/Ports and Marina Services won the landside piling. Several contractors have been awarded projects on the buildings. Disney and Norwegian signed berthing agreements. Where is the corruption? This is all laughable.
We will be stuck with the pier project for the rest of our lives and we will not be getting the benefit.
CSC must be pi..ing himself LOL
It will not work; that dog too will not hunt this time...NDP must go and it seems like that go means go to jail!
The crass mentality of VIP and their supporters is embarrassing.
After their last term in office and leaving the BVI finances in such bad shape, it is unlikejy that the Gov would give them an opportunity to get a chance near the Treasury.
Pier Project has been executed with all requisite approvals, the BVI is again on stable ground and any attempt to stymie its progress or taint it with wishful wrongdoing will all fall flat.
It is in the best interest of London and the BVI that the Gov do what is best for progress with good governance in the BVI.
Attempts to put a crimp in the HOA by Vip, with absence or walking out or asking 100 questions first thing, is very different than what the VIP is now hoping will happen. My thoughts!!
Commission of Inquiry or D..th!!!
They appear to be intent on losing this election in a bad way.