Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Governor tried to 'urge' HoA to meet & table BVIA report - Speaker

-Hon Julian Willock accuse H.E Augustus J. U. Jaspert of interference with legislative branch
According to HoA Speaker, Hon Julian Willock, Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert in efforts to meet the statutory deadline for the laying of the Auditor General prepared BVI Airways report to the House, has been accused of interfering with the legislative branch. Photo: GIS/VINO/File
According to the Virgin Islands Audit Act 2003, Section 20, 'The Auditor General may at any time prepare and submit a special report. submit a special report to the Governor if he is satisfied that there is a matter that should be brought to the attention of the Governor.' Photo: Internet Source
According to the Virgin Islands Audit Act 2003, Section 20, 'The Auditor General may at any time prepare and submit a special report. submit a special report to the Governor if he is satisfied that there is a matter that should be brought to the attention of the Governor.' Photo: Internet Source
According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in an April 30, 2020, statement, 'Assuming that May 7 was a scheduled day for the meeting of the HOA – which it was not, it would mean that the Notice for the Sitting would have to be dispatched by the Clerk of the House no later than April 27,' even as Standing Orders of the HOA stipulates that a minimum of 10 days notice. Photo: GIS/File
According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in an April 30, 2020, statement, 'Assuming that May 7 was a scheduled day for the meeting of the HOA – which it was not, it would mean that the Notice for the Sitting would have to be dispatched by the Clerk of the House no later than April 27,' even as Standing Orders of the HOA stipulates that a minimum of 10 days notice. Photo: GIS/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert in efforts to meet the statutory deadline for the laying of the Auditor General prepared BVI Airways report to the House of Assembly (HoA), has been accused of interfering with the legislative branch.

According to House Speaker, Hon Julian Willock in the opening announcements of today's May 28, 2020, Eighth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly, the Governor had written Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) to get the House to meet so that the report can be tabled. 

"In correspondence to the Premier dated 24th April 2020, the Governor sort to 'strongly urge' the House of Assembly to meet on 7th May 2020, in order for the statutory time period of three months is complied with," the Speaker said. 

Hon Willock continued, "That I believe was an overreach as an interference in the legislative branch, and I, therefore, place on record my humble view on this matter."

Governor held report for 10 weeks  

According to the Virgin Islands Audit Act 2003, Section 20, "The Auditor General may at any time prepare and submit a special report. submit a special report to the Governor if he is satisfied that there is a matter that should be brought to the attention of the Governor."

Subsection 2 notes, "The Governor shall, within three months of the receipt of the special report, cause the report to be laid before the Legislative Council."

The Governor in a statement said his office received the report on February 7, therefore the Statutory deadline for the report to come before the HOA should have been May 7, 2020. 

Governor acted outside of powers?

Speaker Willock's new revelation means that the Governor tried to influence the HoA to meet, so that he can meet the statutory deadline as outlined in the Audit Act after holding on to the report for almost three months. 

According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in an April 30, 2020, statement, "Assuming that May 7 was a scheduled day for the meeting of the HOA – which it was not, it would mean that the Notice for the Sitting would have to be dispatched by the Clerk of the House no later than April 27," even as Standing Orders of the HOA stipulates that a minimum of 10 days notice. 

The Premier also said that he was forced to write to both the UK Minister for Overseas Territories, Baroness Elizabeth G. Sugg and to the Governor over the matter.

Governor Jaspert has long been accused of interfering in the domestic affairs of the local government and not crediting their efforts in office. 

18 Responses to “Governor tried to 'urge' HoA to meet & table BVIA report - Speaker”

  • My girl (28/05/2020, 12:56) Like (3) Dislike (20) Reply
    Here we go again with this Governor, seems like he delivered the report last minute and tried to rush the process.
    • Bwahaha (28/05/2020, 13:40) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      That pic got me in tears LMAO!!
    • Correct (28/05/2020, 19:51) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      That is exactly what happened. And then he want to issue letter to the Premier and everybody accusing them of misinformation and "factual errors". The Speaker and the Premier can possibly collude... but no way in hell you will get Fraser and Mitch to join up with them in no conspiracy. Therefore there is NO conspiracy and no pre-plan. This is all natural. The Governor crossed the Premier, the Opposition (2 parties at least) and the Speaker.
  • eyes (28/05/2020, 13:11) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now the thing starts look out for the backlash from the Governor before the week finish .Mr speaker you in trouble hear what he going and tell you.
  • Outlaw (28/05/2020, 13:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well the governor might be right here because as far as I am concerned and to the best of my knowledge there is no legislative council here. There is a house of Assembly. The new constitution was brought into force here in 2007 and 13 years later we cannot bring our laws here in line with the constitution. Something is wrong and there are numerous other legislations that needs to be brought in line with the constitution
  • ccc (28/05/2020, 15:00) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    keep bring respect to the HoA Mr. Willock
  • I smell a rat (28/05/2020, 16:12) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    This was all planned. Mr. Financial and Mr. Fr.... rehearsed this in advance. There needs to be an end to this. And, maybe this will finally do it. Good job boys....Shhh your secret is never safe in the BVI. Rat place.
  • lol (28/05/2020, 16:40) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why he dont stop wearing that stupid looking wig or dye it or something?
  • storm (28/05/2020, 17:07) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    We have the best speaker ever
    • eyes (28/05/2020, 18:57) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Storm o second that Mr willock has grown and have become well verse with the Constitution and proper functioning of the house of assembly they made a great pick when they choose you at first I was skeptical about you but after listening to you at every setting you have changed my opinion towards you keep up the good work.
  • kinda (28/05/2020, 18:08) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The wig kinda looks like Donald Trump comb over.
  • foxy (28/05/2020, 19:18) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes he needs a new wig
  • @@@ (28/05/2020, 22:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ Bwahaha which one of the Photo are you referring 2
  • @@@ (28/05/2020, 22:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only in the house of FREEDOM (HoA)you can say what you want and NO ONE can TOUCH YOU.!!!!!!
  • pat (31/05/2020, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Walk good Mr. W>>>>> we got your back ALL WAYS



Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.