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Gov Jaspert ‘directs’ Judge to consider holding CoI in private

- comes as Premier Andrew A. Fahie has requested that the proceedings be live-streamed for transparency
According to the Instrument of Appointment of the Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom, right, as the Judge of the Commission of Inquiry, gazette on January 20, 2021, Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, left, has told the Judge he may allow for information to be given to the Inquiry in confidence. Photo: VINO/The Telegraph
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), on January 19, 2021, called for a live broadcast of the Commission of Inquiry, announced by outgoing embattled Governor, Augustus J.U. Jaspert. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), on January 19, 2021, called for a live broadcast of the Commission of Inquiry, announced by outgoing embattled Governor, Augustus J.U. Jaspert. Photo: VINO/File
A section of the Instrument of Appointment of the Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom as the Judge of the Commission of Inquiry. Photo: eservices.gov.vg
A section of the Instrument of Appointment of the Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom as the Judge of the Commission of Inquiry. Photo: eservices.gov.vg
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following a statement from Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in which he mentioned that he had written to controversial Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert for the Commission of Inquiry into governance to be live-streamed for transparency, it has been revealed that Governor Jaspert is in fact not in favour of a public hearing.

In fact, the outgoing Governor, who has allegedly continually tried to bully and frustrate the duly democratically elected Government of the Virgin Islands, has suggested to the appointed CoI Judge from the United Kingdom to consider holding meetings in private.

According to the Instrument of Appointment of the Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom as the Judge of the Commission of Inquiry, gazette on January 20, 2021, Governor Jaspert has told the Judge he may allow for information to be given to the Inquiry in confidence.

“AND I FURTHER DIRECT THAT the meetings of the Commission may be held in private whenever you the said RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR GARY HICKINBOTTOM considers it appropriate to do so and THAT, to the extent permitted by law, and so far as it is consistent with the public welfare in achieving the objectives of the Inquiry, you may allow for information to be given to the Inquiry in confidence,” a section of the Instrument of Appointment stated.

Section 9 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1880 provides for the Commissioner to make rules for the conduct and management of the Inquiry and many are now wondering if the Governor is already trying to interfere in the work of the Commission by making certain suggestions to the Judge.

Broadcast the CoI live – Premier

Premier Fahie had said it is his considered view and that of the VI Government that the Commission of Inquiry called by the Governor, even as he exits the VI in a matter of days, should be open to the public and broadcast live, including on the internet, given the international interest that exists in this matter.

In calling for a full media broadcast, Hon Fahie said it is common practice in many jurisdictions for hearings in Commissions of Inquiry to be broadcast live as it aids the public in having accurate information and in seeing that the Inquiry is conducted in a transparent manner with no secrets or hidden agendas.

He said Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1880 as amended, already provides that unless there is any contrary direction, inquiries should be public.

“Section 9 of the Act provides for the Commissioner to make rules for the conduct and management of the Inquiry. So, if there is any doubt about live broadcasts, Section 9 should clear this up,” the Premier underscored.

Hon Fahie argued that the VI is heavily dependent on international business and that the success of various industries rides on the territory’s repetition; a reputation that was severed when the Governor made allegations of corruption existing in the territory and in the government's use of public funds.

41 Responses to “Gov Jaspert ‘directs’ Judge to consider holding CoI in private”

  • Rick (20/01/2021, 12:39) Like (22) Dislike (71) Reply
    Mr Jaspert what's your agenda? Sounds fishy please be truthful to the people
    • yea right ha (20/01/2021, 13:06) Like (21) Dislike (5) Reply
      sounds fishy this damn paper keeps saying VIP is democratically elected. There is no democracy here in the BVI lol
    • Funny name (21/01/2021, 02:46) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hickinbottom. What kind of name is this, sounds funny to me.
  • asking for a friend (20/01/2021, 12:53) Like (11) Dislike (33) Reply

    what the rac**t governor has to hide?

  • Really (20/01/2021, 13:12) Like (75) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why the hell would you make an investigation of this magnitude public, this can lead to public pressure of witnesses etc.. do your Lil investigation then publish the result in a report. The investigation into BVI airway was not public until it was released in the form of a report at the conclusion of the investigation. What we want here is the truth. not Fahie's truth or Jaspert's truth but "the" truth.
  • NO Cultural Equity (20/01/2021, 13:14) Like (9) Dislike (25) Reply
    How many years has he in these VILands, now he decides to after he is schedule to depart.

    There have been talks of independence which I support, but only if there are means by which THE PEOPLE can hold the govt completely accountable.

    What is the Governor motives, are they really as he explained, I find it troubling that outsiders have such power to influence a country. Taxation without representation in a different form.
    • @ above (20/01/2021, 14:55) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
      PLEASE tell me what tax (or anything else!) you or anyone in the BVI pays to the UK.

      The UK came in with millions of dollars in disaster relief after Irma and now more millions in financial aid due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

      And you want independence? Where else will you get these handouts from? Smh.
      • Millions? (20/01/2021, 20:16) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
        The money used for Covid expenses was local money not the U.K. taxpayers money.

        Oh and Irma good U.K. bad U.K. they sent unnecessary body bags, food fit for birds and soldiers.

        Then used it as an excuse to place upon the territory a huge loan for recovery years after the hurricane.
      • Millions? (20/01/2021, 20:22) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
        Oh and the food was really not fit for human consumption certainly not for the elderly. people cooked one pot, threw it away and didn’t use the rest.

      • Millions? (20/01/2021, 20:51) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
        Also while the soldiers were sent to keep people safe. The soldiers made me feel less safe in my own neighborhood. This place is as safe as it gets that is why people before Covid were catching rides at night with strangers 2am in the morning without incident. In a community where you know your neighbors add in a militarized element, and it’s a new danger. Maybe they will shoot the dog or hold you up in your own driveway with guns at night. People didn’t linger around to find out.

        This would have been more appropriate, more police and strategic positioning in each community. This they need to look into currently with waiting cruisers and catch the bikers at a moments notice when they start skylarking and endangering motorist.
        • @ millions (21/01/2021, 10:07) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
          People weren't "lingering about" because there was a mandatory curfew. And please don't tell me the place was safe - there was mass looting every day / night which the military put an end to. Then you have the escaped prisoners which they helped to round up... the community projects, providing building supplies and temporary shelters, the list continues. Wow your memory has gone fast!

          Regarding the food, there's no surprise that people from here could COMPLAIN about FREE food (and I'm a Belonger!). You expecting f%$&king McDonalds??? Don't like it, don't eat it. The fact that you complain about free handouts shows the entitlement.

          Once again - please answer my question on what you offer to the UK in return? I'm guessing the answer is a big fat Zero.
  • think (20/01/2021, 13:52) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    the governor ask for transparency... now the premiere is asking for complete transparency he wants to pull the cloth over transparency of the investigation noooooo no sah. you cant have it both ways

    Live stream. the Commission of Inquiry. That's in the best interest of the BVI.

    I have a question, why do we have to use a judge of the governors ultimate choosing from the UK?

    There is no way that judge can be un biased in this investigation.
  • Dictator (20/01/2021, 13:57) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    campaign of intimidation begun already
  • lodger (20/01/2021, 14:55) Like (46) Dislike (10) Reply
    Public hearings will mean witnesses reluctant to testify for fear of recrimination by their peers, enemies, or bosses. That is why it has to be an outside investigation. Again, you have nothing to fear if you have done no wrong and can justify your actions.
    • @lodger (21/01/2021, 14:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please this is a small country, hiding witnesses is extremely difficult in any investigation. This is not the UK.
  • wow (20/01/2021, 15:25) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    If the VIP had written asking for this to be private most of you would be saying “you see you see; look dem wah go private! No Governor make it public blablabla. Now is the opposite and you people have proven most of you just full of hatred.
  • musa (20/01/2021, 16:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    if our local leaders did the crime then the pass governor did not did their job
  • Surgeon general warning (20/01/2021, 16:18) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    Those arrive here by plane or boat, in particular those with soft complexion are described as investors

    Those whose navel-string is buried here,
    in particular those with rugged complexion are described as drug traffickers

  • ... (20/01/2021, 16:27) Like (7) Dislike (14) Reply
    some one will need to investigate the governor and police commissioner
  • Violation (20/01/2021, 16:37) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    Does not look good that a person call an investigation and hand pick who he want to head the investigation. This investigation is going to be bias any fool can see that.



    • Exactly (21/01/2021, 10:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No way this investigation can be un biased
    • @violation (21/01/2021, 16:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well what are you going to do. About it?
      When your parents investigate your behaviour di/ did you have a say as to who should por shouldn't be the head of the inquiry?
      Go have a c seat,look,listen and behave yourself,do as you are told.
  • Xxx (20/01/2021, 16:53) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    When Uk finish their trump up investigatio a lot of us who do not want independence will be begging for it.. It is becoming clearer that this is a plan to get rid of our local Government and put Jasper and his Uk friends in charge. The world is moving away from that coloniaization and no way are we going back there. You people think it is bad now wait and see the plan play out.
    • Well (21/01/2021, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You in that by yourself. I am looking forward to no more humiliation by reading the horrific unsubstantiated personal attacks a gain't Gov Jaspert by our elected.
  • Criminal Proceedings (20/01/2021, 17:36) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    This COI will no doubt result in recommendations that some individuals are charged with criminal offences. Having the COI in public could prejudice such criminal proceedings.
  • Cap 237 CoI (20/01/2021, 18:04) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/content/cap-237-commissions-inquiry-act

    Please read. The enquiry does not have to be public. The newspaper needs to do its research.
  • world news (20/01/2021, 20:48) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    This news flash just in; the UK is making strides to reclaim the former bird sanctuary namely the British Virgin Islands as most of you will recall back then(1800s) it was sugar-cane however it now co-cane(2000s)and the British wants her cut to stimulate their unstable economy in this COVID 19 times...

    have you ever asked yourself where did all the cocaine went following the seizure

    have you ever asked yourself where did all the cash money went following the seizure

    When dope and money is seized the governor and the commissioner tells some people what they want them to hear

    The Bird Sanctuary is under investigation by Greater Britain and the beat goes on
  • Oh boyyy (20/01/2021, 21:30) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Mr white man can u please leave our country? Did the UK had transparency wen y'all was rape n kill n us BLACK PEOPLE. HOW DID Y'ALL GET RICH?
    • Beware (21/01/2021, 16:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is his country. You don't have a country.The UK ,his country owns your country and has given you permission to be under his laws rules and regulations.
      • from buckingham palace (21/01/2021, 22:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        BEWARE is correct.BVI Landers have not yet accept the V.I is known as B-v-i= BRITISH-virgin islands=islands belonging to the United Kingdom.And the Governor is the head of State and Her Majesty the Queen,is the Monarchy of the UK and of the BVI.What is so difficult about that Sovereignty?
  • Norris Turnbull (20/01/2021, 21:30) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Call it what it is. Jasper playing DUTTY.
  • Observer (20/01/2021, 21:57) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    We had an election and the people voted for a government. Now those NDP supporters run and gone complaining to Jasper. Like Inez , Smith, ballhead, Marlon, some rich white friends.
    Jasper now have information on the BVI all over the world. People it is a plan of the UK to take control of the BVI all because Premier Fahie is standing up to them.
    • Styler (21/01/2021, 08:53) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      I quite agreed with you these are the main forces Like Inez , Smith, ballhead, Marlon, some rich white friends.
  • guy hill (21/01/2021, 06:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Accusations and allegations are not proof of guilt!!
  • Yes (21/01/2021, 07:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We put ourselves there due to unfair treatment throughout the Government officials, allowing their people to invade others' privacy and abuse their power as department heads. Don't forget about the carelessness of higher heads.
    • @ yes (21/01/2021, 12:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you know the thing: the protocols for effective Financial management came into effect in back in 2007 and that document was handed down because of questionable governance of your tax money(2007) our own people went HMP: One will recall some ran to government house and had Hon Fraser removed as Opposition Leader some how we could not have resolved that matter without an input from outside influence(poor political leadership)Those we voted into political office continue standing during sittings of the house of assembly and speak such bad thing about each other(live on radio and Facebook).....the issue on the table is Good Governance and as a person born in this territory political leadership have to become much better. It is hard to accept after all the groundwork done by Fonseca, Faulkner; Noel; DeCastro where our people stands in i2021 in this place due to the outlandish conduct of a handful: the borders have to be secured so i trust the UK deals with this matter because all manner contraband(dope/smuggling) moving around BVI territory because the sea water open to such conduct thereafter BVI territory gets the bad name. the governor need to investigate why he have done nothing in the 6 years to correct such security matter because that is under his portfolio......stop running to government house and sit with your brothers and sisters and come up with solutions; here we as a developing territory right back under the fist of united kingdom

  • GG (21/01/2021, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    What kind of name is Hickinbottom. Anybody know
    • shhh (21/01/2021, 15:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      You vexation because he was not your massa and branded you with his name.
      What is your name? Pathetic query when you don't even know your name or whence you came.
  • Concern Citizen (21/01/2021, 10:10) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    BREAKING NEWS!!

    I haven’t vetted what’s on my mind for a long time on the affairs of my home country. Mostly because to this day I am proud of the effort our government is making with this pandemic to help our people. However, I would still observe with an eagle eye when I am not playing with my children or producing music other than work, work, work.

    This COI right here by Mr. Gus, I have to say is no surprise but I am ready to give up the UK
  • from buckingham palace (21/01/2021, 22:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are you so afraid of the C.O.I.
    The Premier wanted to hear the UK,well UK is here.


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