Governor claims he will remain neutral in VI election
Many political pundits, talk show hosts, the media and ordinary citizens have already concluded that Governor Duncan seems to allegedly favour the current National Democratic Party (NDP) Government.
His critics claim that despite all the issues raised by the Opposition, the Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the people, Governor Duncan continues to turn a blind eye.
Promised to be neutral
However, in an emailed response to this news site via his spokeswoman Maria Mays, the governor promised to be neutral in the Virgin Islands general elections.
According to Ms Mays, as a United Kingdom civil servant Governor Duncan is “obligated to excise political impartiality”. She also emailed our news room the UK civil-service code which includes guidance on political impartiality.
The governor in recent months has come under heavy criticism for not ordering a Commission of Inquiry after two reports, one from the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee and the other from the Auditor General, found that there were corruption, conflict of interest and no one looking out for the tax payers’ interest on the Ports Development Project.
One talk show host, Edmund G. Maduro, has already called for Mr Duncan to be recalled by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for what is presumed to be his lack of practice of upholding good governance, something he promised when he gave the British Overseas Territory his first speech on his swearing in.
Governor: More evidence please!
Meanwhile, governor Duncan has confirmed to our news room via Ms Mays that he received a letter from three Opposition members Hons Julian Fraser RA, (R3) Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and J Alvin Christopher (R2) over alleged violations of section 67 (3) (e) by Minster for Education and Culture Myron V. Walwyn.
The Opposition members reportedly provided the governor with evidence that two companies that Hon Walwyn has interest in, MVW International Ltd., and The Pub (2012) Ltd., took in some $100,000 in catering money without seeking permission from the House of Assembly as is required by law.
In response to the Opposition letter obtained by this news site dated May 1, 2015 Governor Duncan wrote, "I have noted your request for Honourable Myron V. Walwyn to vacate his seat in the House of Assembly. However, as you are aware, the House of Assembly has been dissolved".
The governor continued in his response, "consequently, before I am able to consider your request further, I should be grateful if you can provide me and the other addressees with the evidence that demonstrates that the Member is in violation of the mentioned sections of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007".
It remains unclear if the Opposition has provided further evidence outside of cheques, treasury statements and trade licenses in response to Governor Duncan’s letter.
It is this news site’s understanding that Governor Duncan is on leave and may be in the UK to vote in the May 7, 2015 national elections.
The controversial Education and Culture Minister, Hon Walwyn, has remained silent on the matter raised by the Opposition. It was also unearthed that his firm, Orion Law, had a direct relationship with the BVI Health Services Authority after Premier Smith lied to the public that it was indirectly via Zolfo Cooper.
25 Responses to “Governor claims he will remain neutral in VI election”
You guys now the governer allegedly is just hire to make sure ndp get back in
Government is notorious for its lax record-keeping. It often comes down to he said she said. But any good investigative reporter or assistant should be able to prove charges. BVI has long been run on insider behavior which can't be tracked. This has to change in order for transparent governance. Charges may be true, but in court of law, they have to have the paper trail. Too bad. I also think the governor is exercising "an abundance of caution", which is not helpful guidance.
The NDP done brain wash he?
he is al1@r NDP to the bone...actions speak for it self
it always amazes me because things do not workout in our favour, the level of conversation changes; Had the governor sided with the virgin islands party as it relates to the enquires in to the port project and the most resent nonsense about that law firm; the governor would been the best thing since slice bread:(some of us do not put our confidence in any governor therefore we will never loose any confidence in him).....it is so sad to see in 2015 we are still looking for that great white hope as it relates to matters of our country(we need to hold those we voted for to better standards and leave the governor out of short comings)..let the man enjoy is 4-year vacation.....just saying!!!!