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Gov Duncan Lies! Takes over $1.8M under Sec 103; added DPP to $$$ grab

- After telling the people he only was going to take $800,000 for Police, he has added more money for hiring of British QCs for DPP office, Attorney General’s Chambers & to pay for extra Magistrate
It has been revealed that the United Kingdom appointed Governor John S. Duncan OBE has taken more than $800,000 out of the Consolidated Fund. Photo: VINO/File
From left: Financial Secretary Neil M. Smith and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
From left: Financial Secretary Neil M. Smith and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews (in photo) has seen some $800,000 added to the police budget through the invoking of reserved powers by Governor John S. Duncan OBE. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews (in photo) has seen some $800,000 added to the police budget through the invoking of reserved powers by Governor John S. Duncan OBE. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a hurriedly arranged press conference on March 16, 2017 requested by the United Kingdom appointed Governor John S. Duncan OBE on the steps of the Government’s Central Administrative Complex, reporters waited in anticipation as Mr Duncan finished his National Security Council (NSC) meeting.

Journalists were alerted about 2:25 PM on March 16, 2017 for a 3:30 PM press conference the same day hosted by the Governor. When he emerged from the NSC meeting, the few reporters who made it to the site huddled around him and waited in anticipation for the Governor’s information.

He told reporters that he has just left an NSC meeting where he had advised members of the body that he has for the first time used Sec 103 of the Constitution where he will instruct that $800,000 to be taken from the Treasury to be placed in the police budget to assist in crime fighting efforts.

From $800,000 to $1.8M; Governor not to be trusted

Governor Duncan said in relation to the lack of adequate funding of the Police “after a long discussion, I informed the Premier that I am not prepared to allow the situation to continue.”  He further stated that “invoking section 103 of the Constitution, allows the Governor to authorise that expenditure…”

Well, word is that Governor Duncan has misled the people and the NSC on his real plans. He has been caught yet again being untruthful to the government, the media and the public. In an Email now being circulated on social media and all through government, he has written giving instructions for over $1.8 Million to be taken under his hands as Governor from the Consolidated Fund not only to increase the police budget, but also the Magistrate’s Court, Attorney General’s Chambers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

UK nationals eat big out of money

It appears that UK nationals will benefit greatly from the move by the governor, as some two United Kingdom Attorneys will be hired and assigned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Attorney General’s Chambers. Both UK attorneys have been identified, one being a John Black QC whose areas of specialty includes high profiled criminal cases, money laundering, corruption and business crimes.

The governor also seems, in his Email, to have a keen interest in the extradition case where an additional Magistrate was hired at $8,250.00 per month plus travel and housing. Mr Duncan, in his request, also secured funding for UK directives in the Virgin Islands which he labeled as “specialist police investigator support.”

He also complained about why the contract for the UK detectives currently here was not renewed for an additional six months, even after the NSC had agreed to the renewal.

In his request for the police budget to be supplemented, Governor Duncan is requesting some $25,000 for a dedicated internal secure Email system, police marine unit repairs of $127,000, and $69,264 for some bullet proof vests and $64,787 for additional tasers, among other things.

John Duncan’s history of being untruthful

It is unclear why the governor has changed the amount he told the public, which constitutes a lie. This is not the first time Mr Duncan has been caught lying. It was in May 2016 that he told a lie about a Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) report as it related to former Managing Director Claude O. Skelton-Cline’s contract. When the tape was played of his comments, it demonstrated that the VINO story was accurate as usual and the governor’s integrity questionable.

41 Responses to “Gov Duncan Lies! Takes over $1.8M under Sec 103; added DPP to $$$ grab”

  • reality (24/03/2017, 10:59) Like (55) Dislike (2) Reply
    Neither the Governor or the Government should be blamed for this................enough if enough!!! its those fools out there playing gangsters, carrying firearms, shooting and killing each other and creating havoc in our small society!!! Yes my people, this is the result of those selfish, misguided, uneducated fools among us. Its those same so called gangsters who are steering us into a police state where the criminal justice system is slowly taking over......more cops, bigger prison population, more judges, harsher punishment, etc, wait and see the results in a few years to come!!! Does the US criminal justice system ring a bell??????
  • hot seat (24/03/2017, 11:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Oh no!
  • DON Q (24/03/2017, 11:10) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
    I had it we want both Duncan and Smith gone by Monday just like the FS
    • A Boogie wit da Hoodie (24/03/2017, 13:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You need to be RAPPING and stop blogging we have albums to sell.
    • paint it red (24/03/2017, 16:13) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      dream on...never gonna happen. At the end of the day government after government has don't nothing to ease the burden of the cost of living in the VI for we the consumers, the general public always suffer, so governor you do what you have to do for us..
  • M & M (24/03/2017, 11:12) Like (44) Dislike (3) Reply
    ok he bringing in QCs to lock up them NDPs finally he doing his job
  • VG Realist (24/03/2017, 11:12) Like (37) Dislike (1) Reply

    So what if monies were allocated to other entities. I rather the additional million dollars went to those entities instead of this NDP Government taking that money and robbing us blind! All these people coming out the woodwork taking piss but failed to remember we are a BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY! You guys continue to talk down HMQ, the rope is given to hang yourselves. As a BVIslander, I'm so ashamed that we as a Territory come to this. Sh*t man!

  • pat (24/03/2017, 11:18) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well the cartoon is correct more licks for Dr. Smith well saw
  • hands in the cookie jar (24/03/2017, 11:26) Like (14) Dislike (27) Reply
    So this man is doing what he wants with taxpayers money? Why he didn't request the money from the UK government to pay their nationals?
  • i agree with the governor (24/03/2017, 11:30) Like (55) Dislike (3) Reply
    A non flying non belonger airline was given 7 million dollars without any fuss nor fight
  • Yes (24/03/2017, 11:31) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
    since inez gone this man gone rogue/viral
  • BVIslander (24/03/2017, 11:33) Like (52) Dislike (3) Reply
    Truth be told. The Governor did what he felt was necessary. The Government failed miserably over the many years past to provide adequate resources to the judiciary as well as to law enforcement agencies while finding money to pay for contracts to enrich their friends and supporters. Law enforcement is expensive. If you fail to provide the necessary funding the result will be poor services offered by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
  • What lie! (24/03/2017, 11:35) Like (63) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don't see any lie here. As far as I am concerned, everything stated here is for the betterment and protection of the members of the police force and the people of this community. Based on what I have just read, every cent is being accounted for. The reason the governor's move is being depicted as a lie is because, people don't wait and do proper research before bringing things to the public. This whole political this is being portrayed as a game and as far as I see, we have slot of egotistic people, trying to be heroes and playing with the welfare of the people in the striving community.
    Although the additional funds were not mention on the other matters, the fact is and I am sure it would have been revealed in due course, because everything that happens in the government is public information. I don't see anything to say that we the people were mislead about in my opinion. Leaders I am sending a message to you all. We the people of the BVI are trying our best to live in peace and unity and we intrusted our lives and welfare with people who we think would be able to stand out in the front line for us, to keep our nation growing strong. Everyday I wake up, I see more things happening that brings questions to mind on the future of our nation. We are all grown people and all educated on different level. Please stop the fight and war in this little nation. My point is that if the people who put people in power continues to war amongst themselves, then this pattern will continue to trickle down into the body, which is evident. The war must stop or else we will be lift with dark clouds over our heads. All of this drama in the nation's head is bringing fear to the people and this is why so many things are getting out of control. Please stop the fighting and look at new behavioral strategies for the way forward. Please, please, please.
  • An Elder (24/03/2017, 11:59) Like (55) Dislike (2) Reply

    The “Plantation Effect” all over again. An oppressive government made up of its own kind, paying no attention to its people, making decisions without the consensus of the people, and now, being chastised for its behaviour.

    This is exactly how it feels when the wrong shoe size is placed on the other foot. It feels painful after a while, doesn’t it?

    The Government must do some serious introspection and honestly work with the people to map out a way forward. If we are truly serious about Self-Determination, we need to know what that would look like and begin to prepare towards that vision.

    First, how would we feed ourselves?

    How would we strengthen our economic pillars and develop others for diversification sustainability?

    Who are we going to align and partner with based on our S.W.O.T (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for mutually beneficial objectives?

    How do we protect ourselves incase of threats?

    What fiat currency do we intend to establish as our means of exchange and trade?

    Unfortunately, however, in my humble opinion, I do not see how our current government can even begin to lead this charge. They are losing support, daily, as a consequence of how they perform/conduct the people’s business.

    Above are just a few inquiring questions that come to mind. Until such time, we had better understand our position and realize that we are still, up to this very day, dependent people on the plantation; and as such, we had better tread lightly and prepare for our children’s future-TOGETHER.

    And that starts with choosing True Servant Leaders to conduct our business.

    I have presented my case on behalf of my children and grandchildren. Signing off.

  • (24/03/2017, 12:10) Like (29) Dislike (5) Reply
    Blasphemy!!! Governor do your Job!!
  • The UK is Coming! (24/03/2017, 12:23) Like (15) Dislike (42) Reply
    The white men taking over slowly but surely! SMH
  • wow (24/03/2017, 12:29) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    blame ndp for creating the conditions that made this governor feel that he could do this sort of thing
  • facts man (24/03/2017, 12:43) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    The ndp with myron and mark have left us with direct rule
  • Pandemonium (24/03/2017, 12:49) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look like them bring in the clean up crew for not only the criminals with guns but also those with suite n tie.
  • wize up (24/03/2017, 12:54) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    it got worse to get.....
  • THE ACCOUNTANT (24/03/2017, 12:56) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are we crying over the action taken by the Governor? Are we ignorant of all that is taking place within the two parties ? The leader of the one party is fast asleep and the two members of the other party are at war. The question is, who is minding the store and the Territory's finances. Until we are able to get our act together, some one has to take control. The Governor probably took too long to apply corrective measures but better late than never. No one who does not have a chip on his or her shoulder can say that the Governor's decision was unwarranted. There is no need to comment on Cromwell and John Cline's comments. They both have a well known history.
    My advice to the Governor is, the legacy which you will leave behind will long be remembered, be careful.


  • YOLO (24/03/2017, 13:10) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    I can bet you the governor didn't make the mistake I sure he said 1.8 from the beginning and y'all put down what u think he had said to set him up
  • Wait a minute (24/03/2017, 13:11) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    nothing the governor said was a lie but all it is is that people tend to hear half a story and run with it. yes the governor took the money to better the queens police force but thats just the half. the government in the peoples eyes they theirselves needed investigating so he sent for a dpp to do just that, look into white collar crimes and corruption. and lastly if this government was in the sunshine then the governor would nat have came to this conclusion so you NDP band mules just need to cut it OUT. take the wheel gov security in this place is your ministry. sorry for those who cant manage theirs
  • Patriot (24/03/2017, 13:22) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    I LOVE THIS GOVERNOR. Keep up the good works because it looks like you are the only one looking out for the safety and security of this country. If my people wasn't so wasteful, greedy and negligent, the Governor would not have to exercise his powers
  • de silent one (24/03/2017, 13:24) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lets give jack his jacket. The police force has been under funded by the NDP Government for too long now, but the crime still happening. Inadequate vehicles, man power and some equipment to get the job done, they even allow the K-9 Unit to be obsolete for the same reason, inadequate funding. The police force is under the Governor, and I commend him for taking that bold move. The Government must do better, or he'll do it for them. Who it hurt, it hurt.
  • what a thing (24/03/2017, 13:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    It looks like Doc sent Neil on leave....The sht hit the ceiling it seems
  • tola (24/03/2017, 14:39) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well sah things to talk I know the governor would've do this I know it was coming jus like wah he did in Cayman ayo NDP theifs goin down lol bring in the Qcs yes I was waiting for this long time ago NDP doing too much s**t how o love this governor he alone care about us clean up the BVI jus like in Cayman yesah
  • Fly on the Wall (24/03/2017, 14:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    cant wait to hear what he says in his press conference
  • Queen's Secretary (24/03/2017, 15:03) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
    I swear these online news reporters schizophrenic. Mr. Governor please continue to do your job. Take all you want to help the people at least it's better than overspending 30 million o the cruise ship Pier.
  • Simply the best! (24/03/2017, 15:40) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes Governor no wonder the ndp administration worried. As I said if they had gone about their white collar crime respectively then they coulda get way but they too disrespectful and egotistic. The Goverment did this country bad true true. Ain't the Governor fault. Our own people got us in this mess. Love you Governor throw licks on they disrespectful theifing corrupt backside. Take more money if you need it to keep us safe and crime free.
  • white man (24/03/2017, 15:42) Like (3) Dislike (13) Reply
    Vino caught him lying again
  • To Commissioner, Matthew (24/03/2017, 16:12) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Whats done is done, now we await real performance from the RVIPF!
  • Plank.. (24/03/2017, 18:49) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    These people got a problem with outsiders period! Make it worst the outsider telling them what to do...Lol. I can imaging their anger.. When people accustom of doing what they want how they want with no one to answer to, no one to punish them...I expect this kind of attitude, response.. Do your job governor and ignore these vampires.
  • qc (24/03/2017, 19:54) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If anyone is serious, there are one way to fix the BVI have a general election
  • Okay now (24/03/2017, 20:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So we now see the full dumpster fire of this Governor.

    It will get worse from here.
  • oh yes (25/03/2017, 01:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

    The governor brought in those persons before he invoke the sec of the constitution. Plus now that he is clamping down on the corrupt practices everyone is complaining.

  • Reap what you sow (25/03/2017, 17:08) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Governor Duncan , please fund an anti corruption unit here to recover all the stolen money and then put that money to good use. Houses , businesses and boats bought off the back of crime , all for sale, and the perps serving time and cutting bush in orange suits .
  • So what??? (26/03/2017, 09:57) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what if the Governor allocated needed funds to primary crime fighting institutions, it was just $1.8M people. When NDP wasted an EXTRA $45M on the pier ya'll wasn't up in arms!!! Did we hear any minister chastising the severely over budget waste... They are insiders and must have heard thru the grapevine all the Darley air out. If the Gov had taken the 1.8 for repairs to the government house or some other cosmetic stuff like certain ministers, I woulda seh. But Lord, $1M gone into a prison-looking unfinished wall at the high school! Gone back? Yes NDP need to go back to see all the privilege they have now and stop shaming the hard work of those who went before them.
  • goat mouth (26/03/2017, 23:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Believing the governor It's like stepping out of a plane with the belief that you'll sprout wings by the time you hit the ground.


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