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Controversial VI CoI moves into stage two

-will now collect documentation from public officials, including elected & statutory officials
VI CoI Commissioner Gary R. Hickinbottom, left, and Press Secretary Mr Steven Chandler, right. Photo: VINO/File
Chandler’s latest update comes as regional body, CARICOM has flagged concerns with the way the COI was established in a secretive manner without consultations with the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) duly elected government. Photo: Internet Source
Chandler’s latest update comes as regional body, CARICOM has flagged concerns with the way the COI was established in a secretive manner without consultations with the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) duly elected government. Photo: Internet Source
Press secretary Steven Chandler said the Commission will continue to make requests over the coming weeks to enable it to fulfil its “Terms of Reference,” terms that the Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has since described as extremely broad, with some calling it a fishing expedition. Photo: VINO/File
Press secretary Steven Chandler said the Commission will continue to make requests over the coming weeks to enable it to fulfil its “Terms of Reference,” terms that the Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has since described as extremely broad, with some calling it a fishing expedition. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The now controversial Virgin Islands (VI) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on unfounded allegations of corruption and discrimination in the VI public service under the Fahie administration have moved into stage two according to a February 26, 2021, press release from the CoI Press Secretary Steven Chandler.

CARICOM flags concerns

Chandler’s latest update comes as regional body, CARICOM has flagged concerns with the way the COI was established in a secretive manner without consultations with the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) duly elected government.

“Heads of Government are dismayed at the manner in which the CoI was established with no consultation, or prior communication, between the UK government and the duly-elected government of the British Virgin Islands,” CARICOM said in a statement yesterday, February 26, 2020.  

The Commission of Inquiry (“the Commission”) was announced on January 18, 2021, by embattled ex-governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert to look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty may have taken place amongst public, elected and statutory officials in recent years.

CoI will gather info from Gov’t offices

As the CoI moves into stage two under the sole CoI Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom, the new stage will involve obtaining further information and documentation predominantly from public officials, including elected and statutory officials. 

Stage one of the CoI involved gathering evidence, where as part of the process, anyone on the open internet could have submitted information through the inquiry website. 

For stage two, Chandler informed that “the Commissioner has the powers of a High Court Judge to require production of information and documents by way of summons. However, given that the BVI Government has indicated that it will fully and promptly cooperate with any requests for information/documents, the Commissioner is initially making requests for voluntary disclosure.”

Premier Fahie described Terms as too broad

He said the Commission will continue to make requests over the coming weeks to enable it to fulfil its “Terms of Reference,” terms that the Premier Fahie (R1) has since described as extremely broad, with some calling it a fishing expedition.

In the coming week, the Commissioner is also expected to release a statement on how he expects requests for information and documentation to be met. The statement will outline how the Commissioner intends to enforce the production of documents and information if requests for voluntary disclosure are not met.   

 

 

18 Responses to “Controversial VI CoI moves into stage two”

  • Rubber Duck (27/02/2021, 12:53) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    The more you protest the more guilty you sound.
    • @ rubber duck (27/02/2021, 17:39) Like (11) Dislike (17) Reply
      We must continue to protest injustice and white supremacy
    • Shawn (28/02/2021, 09:09) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      You know what's funny? How we the have become the oppressors just by bringing down our own for trying to defend theirselves. I read these comments and see how yall bashing the Govt and could just shake my head in disappointment. Tortola people always have a way of bringing down one another all the time. Its depressing.
  • robert (27/02/2021, 13:26) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    It must seem to be ccontroversial when your butt cheeks are in a hot vice.
  • OK Then (27/02/2021, 13:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gun threats from Department Head yet no justice
    • Relax (27/02/2021, 14:20) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      This government just need to relax and let the thing play out...Whatever the truth is it is,,,, We all will soon know,,,, But this onstant attack, disrespect and intemidation is not the way...
  • Tick tock (27/02/2021, 13:56) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The clock is counting down....what will the C o I find, I wonder??? Will the retired English Court of Appeal be capable of detecting any corruption, victimization or mis-application of public funds, or will it prove too difficult for him because there hasn't been any, or because any wrong doers are criminal geniuses??
  • pat (27/02/2021, 14:05) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    Set of racist oppressors
  • @tick took (27/02/2021, 14:34) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Think there will just make up a story...like usually as their are liers
  • See (27/02/2021, 14:57) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Unfounded allegations .... wow everybody is running scared
  • coal pit (27/02/2021, 16:10) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    some saying this and some that but should we sit back be railroaded by london again??? our folks slaved for this country after which uk let us for dead, the fore fathers survived now uk back because of money, name 3 projects the uk have done for bvi after 1834 yes they give bvi HM prison. Thank u England for the covid vaccine such is simply a repayment for cutting the sugar cane and picking cotton back then...just a political favor
  • cnn (27/02/2021, 17:44) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    This is just wrong in the year 2021 that we could have this nasty racist former governor doing this shit
  • think outside the box (27/02/2021, 18:45) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our infrastructure or the lack thereof over the years, points to corruption. If monies was being put to proper use, our infrastructure wouldn’t be the way it is.

    This isn’t just about the current VIP administration as many are making it out to be. There are many unknown factors @ play & the noise in the back of the room where “leaders” are saying how the process should be, makes it seem as if it’s about them.

    Let the CoI run its course....
  • Eagle Eye (27/02/2021, 18:53) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Black people get ready to go back to Africa. We will not get good treatment out of these races people who have a history of traveling and stealing from other races
  • west (27/02/2021, 19:37) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope they can investigate the missing bigamerican style fire truck. That truck was in working condition. If not the body, where is the engine!!
  • Two pears in a pot (28/02/2021, 03:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Investigators need to look at Gus and mike
  • from buckingham palace (28/02/2021, 08:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have nothing to hide as the ordinary citizens.those who were accused of Pier Park overrun as read in 2016 etc should be worried about what the commission will discover.the coi is not contraversiaĺ..


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