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‘Disrespectful Hon. Walwyn’- Governor Jaspert & Premier Smith

Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture and His Excellency Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert. Photo: VINO/GIS
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL). Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL). Photo: VINO/File
Corruption? ‘Contractors paid in full, without completion of Wall works.’ Photo: Team of Reporters
Corruption? ‘Contractors paid in full, without completion of Wall works.’ Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI: After crossing the former Governor, John S. Duncan OBE on a number of matters, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) is again in hot water.

This time, however, he is now in trouble with the current United Kingdom appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’.

New predicament

Mr Walwyn’s new predicament stems from his media release of an investigation into his $1.6M small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School. The Minister commissioned the wall just before the 2015 General Elections and the Auditor General (AG) has detailed a tale of corruption including gross violations of the law plus a general disregard for Cabinet and even the Ministry of Finance. 

The investigation details how contractors were paid in full while work was incomplete, breach of the Public Financial Management Act as well as no value for money among other red flag issues.

Mr Walwyn had chosen all the contractors for the wall according to the AG’s special report and may have violated the Trade License and Social Security laws of the Territory. While the former Governor requested the audit, a chance was not given to the current Governor to follow long-established protocols, where he makes the report public after it goes to Cabinet, then to the House of Assembly according to the radio statement given by Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL).

Report given out a violation

Instead, Walwyn held a hastily arranged press conference a few weeks ago bashing the Auditor General Ms Sonia M. Webster, a local, and handing out the report to the media, fearing it would have been leaked. In other words, the embattled Minister and Co-Leader of Government tried to get out ahead of the story, however, it violated protocol.

In an Email from Governor Jespert to Premier Smith, the Governor expressed his displeasure over what the Minister did.  In turn, Dr Smith in an unannounced broadcast on a local radio station stated that he does not support the Minister’s actions and demanded an apology. 

In turn, Mr Walwyn gave what many described as a half-baked apology to the Premier saying, “If the Premier thinks my actions were wrong then I trust him enough to make an apology,” however, he never addressed his disrespect to His Excellency, the Governor. It is unclear what will be the other move by Governor Jespert who is on leave for a few days.

In closing his radio statement, Premier Smith warned his Minister that his action should “not be repeated in the future”, and stated “should any legal action arise from this matter, I expect it to be deal with by the courts.” Many legal and political pundits see this as a loaded statement. 

27 Responses to “‘Disrespectful Hon. Walwyn’- Governor Jaspert & Premier Smith”

  • chad (23/10/2018, 12:15) Like (33) Dislike (7) Reply
    Myron has disgraced Elmore Stoutt name.
  • my my my (23/10/2018, 12:17) Like (57) Dislike (8) Reply
    The former FS went to jail for less than this over a wall that had value for money so we the street is watching this one closely to see if bald head will get away with this illegal act in every respect.
  • Bald Head (23/10/2018, 12:18) Like (37) Dislike (11) Reply
    Dam thief!!!
  • Harry J. (23/10/2018, 12:18) Like (41) Dislike (12) Reply
    I think this was a mistake on the Minister’s part. It shows a level of disrespect for the Premier as well as the Governor. I believe it makes the Minister look desperate at a time when the majority of voters has turned away from the NDP. I think his release of the report in that way is nothing short of a self inflicted wound which could be the straw. That broke the camel back. No dispespect intended to the Minister, I am keeping it real.
  • tretretrete (23/10/2018, 12:20) Like (57) Dislike (11) Reply
    Myron the DICTATOR is at it again. Myron the DIVIDER is at it again. Myron the BULLY is at it again.
  • To the Governor (23/10/2018, 12:22) Like (50) Dislike (11) Reply
    Governor get up and go do your job. This is corruption at its best and needs to be dealt with and by law only the Governor have the power to do anything about this on behalf of the people. GOVERNOR GET UP & GO DO YOUR JOB!!!
  • People (23/10/2018, 12:24) Like (31) Dislike (21) Reply
    All this Minister of Education had to do to sweep under the rug his wrong doings is a public apology? No wonder serious crime has increased in the BVI. No good example to follow.
  • Come on (23/10/2018, 12:27) Like (55) Dislike (12) Reply
    Myron needs to be removed right away as a Minister sitting in Cabinet. If he continues to be a Minister then it is a clear indication that justice is for everyone else except Myron and the NDP.
  • One word (23/10/2018, 12:27) Like (65) Dislike (7) Reply
    CORRUPTION!!!
  • Yes W (23/10/2018, 12:29) Like (92) Dislike (10) Reply
    Your actions were wrong. You have to stop trying to be on top everytime, even when you are wrong. Humble yourself and do the right things by showing some level of remorse for how you bash the AG office who primary responsibility is to present the “receipts” from the facts, not your fiction.

    Do you know the difference between a narcissist, a psychopath, and a sociopath? Well, allow me to briefly explain: a psychopath is born with no feelings of empathy; a sociopath shows empathy based on the standards nurtured by society; but a narcissist knows that he/she is wrong, but argues their position as right anyway. Humble yourself man.

    When you’re wrong, take responsibility for your actions and ask forgiveness. Ask Miss P for advice if you must, she been through a similar situation at one time and because she took responsibility for her actions- she was overwhelmingly forgiven by the public.

  • he (23/10/2018, 12:32) Like (53) Dislike (14) Reply
    Funnyman has to stop being a bulla, sorry bully.
  • BRAD BOYNES (23/10/2018, 14:49) Like (42) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ok. What are the consequences for violating the protocols? A reprimand is not enough. Can't play doll house with this.
  • chad (23/10/2018, 17:26) Like (55) Dislike (18) Reply
    If y’all want Andrew Fahie win thumbs up

    If y’all want Myron win thumbs down
  • Feel n Sad (23/10/2018, 18:18) Like (23) Dislike (16) Reply
    Myron sorry for you.. Seems like the hate is too much for you to over come.. Never read this much hate about the Port $40 millions and the Airplane 7 millions. I am one of the few that believe those contractors Con U..When I look at it I see where Salaries ate the amount and that person who was paid to be responsible for project inspection who signed off on those payments can't be blameless.. I don't know how to defend you when you jump ahead with a solo news conference on the investigation report.. U should have stayed humble quiet and do your work your defence behind the scene. Ain't looking good for you.. Seems like Doc is going to dismiss you.. Hmmm. Feel n sad.. Sad for you.. Be quiet.. Stand still. Know that he who sits on the throne is greater. Let him fight your Battle
  • Fee Advice.. (23/10/2018, 18:35) Like (16) Dislike (28) Reply
    Continue doing your Job... Next election u go solo. Independent. Take your case to the people like the soldier you are.. Resign from NDP..Free yourself. Fight your own battle... Seems like Doc want to Fire you... If you survive.. Right now consider your hands in the Lions mouth...
  • VIlander (23/10/2018, 18:41) Like (42) Dislike (13) Reply
    That guy can't be a premier he is a disgrace to that party and what would happen when he is left in charge. He failed and destroyed his political career just like others have before him
  • Comment (23/10/2018, 22:02) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ok Gov.!
  • New voice (24/10/2018, 00:40) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    All I have to say it god do not sleep and the ministry and all his friends god will deal with them. Next in line is Mrs. Underhill she will get her do to. God do not sleep people
  • Eagle Eye (24/10/2018, 05:08) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    I refuse to comment on Myron when Dr smith through away 7.5 million and the governor keeping quiet about it.
  • Hmmmmm (24/10/2018, 08:00) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    You refuse to comment but you still post something. Don’t worry, Auditor checking everything out. Polishing the Balsum Ghut Bracelets, #onebalsumghut
  • 3 Scores and 10 (24/10/2018, 09:26) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    When I read about the engagement of 70 contractors for the ESHS wall, I honestly thought it was a typo. This is outrageous. My poor country..
  • Political Observer (PO) (24/10/2018, 09:52) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply

    Wat ah ting! Haste make waste. In the world of tennis, the MEC’s performance would be viewed as an unenforced error. The MEC is a lawyer and knows the import of adhering to laws; he knows that violating laws come with consequences; he knows that adhering to laws is the bedrock of good order and discipline and the rule of law in the community. Following laws is a healthy societal norm. This same principle applies to government policies, processes and procedures. All the MEC had to do was follow the procurement procedures. Instead, he went rogue.

    Now, the MEC is working overtime to rationalize his actions. He is raging and hopping mad that the Auditor General didn’t include his reasons for not abiding with the procurement procedures in her report. Apparently, he doesn’t give a rat’s *** about the procedures; it is ALL about his agenda. Rules are for other people. The Auditor General’s job was to determine if the procurement procedures were followed or not followed. The Auditor General should not give a rat’s ass why one didn’t follow procedures. That is a problem for the person, his/her boss, the agency and the people. In this case, it is the Premier, Premier……etc; Doc must stand up and take responsibility. And he did by publicly rebuking the MEC. The usual best management practice is to rebuke in private and praise in public. What happened here and why?

    Moreover, this is not the MEC’s finest hour; he violated long standing protocol, dissed the Premier, cohorts, Governor and the people. It was about self. The MEC is vying to lead the territory. A leader must lead by personal example, take blame when things go off the rail and share top performance. It is challenging for a leader to get followers to adhere to protocol(s) when he/she looks at them with disdain. This is a teachable moment.

  • 2018 (24/10/2018, 11:41) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Apparently this Minister has a history of not following protocols and procedures hummmmmmm
  • Ajic (26/10/2018, 19:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    JAIL! JAIL! JAIL! Walwyn needs to go to jail. They sent Allen Wheatley to jail for less.
  • Gosukamudda (27/10/2018, 17:10) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Keep off Myron latta them did worst an ain't in jail


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