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Governor's Office looking to procure new $80K Lexus

- said existing Range Rover too expensive to maintain
The Office of the Queen's representative, His Excellency Mr Augusts J. U. Jaspert (inset) has its eyes set on two new luxury vehicles to replace their 'ageing' vehicle. Photo: Internet Source/Twitter
According to the 2020 report on the deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) released on Thursday, December 19, 2019, the proposed procurement is one of two new initiatives under the officer of the Governor. Photo: SFC 2020 Report
According to the 2020 report on the deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) released on Thursday, December 19, 2019, the proposed procurement is one of two new initiatives under the officer of the Governor. Photo: SFC 2020 Report
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Even as the Territory is still in talks with the United Kingdom (UK) over the Loan Guarantee to secure funding for hurricane recovery and development, the Office of the Queen's representative, His Excellency Mr Augusts J. U. Jaspert, has its eyes set on two new luxury vehicles.

This is according to the 2020 report on the deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) released on Thursday, December 19, 2019, which noted that the proposed procurement is one of two new initiatives under the Office of the Governor. 

Range Rover giving problems - Ag. ExPrivSec

According to the report, the Acting Executive Private Secretary (Ag. ExPrivSec) Mrs Nolma Chalwell, "requested to have the 2011 Range Rover replaced given the vehicle’s age and the expensive cost to maintain the vehicle."

The report continues by saying that with locally sourced quotations, "the office is looking at 2019 Lexus priced at $80,000.00 and a 2019 Audi priced at $66,000.00."

It is unclear which auto dealer will supply the vehicles if and when the request is approved; however, the 2019 Lexus is listed as a high-end luxury vehicle from the premium Japanese car brand.

Renovation of Gov't House Museum 

The second initiative was for $13,500.00 to purchase event supplies when hosting events in the Governor’s Reception Hall.

The office also has plans to renovate the old Government House Museum, with donations made towards the repairs and some $180,000.00 in funds raised to date.

They hope to have the museum open by the end of January 2020.

44 Responses to “Governor's Office looking to procure new $80K Lexus”

  • Peaches (23/12/2019, 12:45) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see. Everybody wants a NEW RIDE...
  • Lolllll (23/12/2019, 12:47) Like (49) Dislike (5) Reply
    What a joke? No money in the Treasury, people homeless and jobless especially since 2017 and cannot afford bread and milk because of the increase in food prices but these people spending taxpayers money foolishly.

    What is the problem driving in an ordinary car for less than half that cost?
    • Gage (23/12/2019, 13:00) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Exactly!!!
    • Hmm (24/12/2019, 08:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Especially on these bad roads.
    • wow (24/12/2019, 09:17) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      UK pays for HE's vehicles, not local Government!
      • Nice (24/12/2019, 12:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        If the U.K. was paying for it there would be no need to have it deliberated as a part of our budget.
    • Give it a rest . (24/12/2019, 12:45) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      The Governor has not had a perfect vehicle since he came. That vehicle was inherited from the last two Governors before him and it been a while now since he has been using another department's vehicle. so give the arguments. He deserve a new vehicle.
  • BS! (23/12/2019, 13:49) Like (26) Dislike (8) Reply
    Why is the Governor's office not procuring electric vehicles and reducing their carbon footprint?
  • perfect (23/12/2019, 13:51) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Perfect cars for the Tortola terrain and all the speed bumps.
  • Nice (23/12/2019, 14:05) Like (42) Dislike (9) Reply
    Good on you Gov! You deserve it. Don’t mind the noise about people homeless etc. our people problem is simply they don’t put Priorities as head of the tables. A lot of people will find that money to buy or support the next LIT to be in thing but can’t find money to buy ice and water Shield. A tons of just have bad spending habits than hate when other people gets upper hand. Do ya thing Governor you've earned It.
  • JackieO (23/12/2019, 14:08) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    Please tell me that this is a fake news!!!
  • lol (23/12/2019, 14:28) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Will they come from the monies confiscated or that forcefully taken by the last governor??????
  • hms (23/12/2019, 14:29) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    That car looks a lot like james bond own
  • hold up (23/12/2019, 14:31) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    But wait, the BVI has to pay for that?
  • Well Sah (23/12/2019, 14:32) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    He joined the feast too? Wow!
    • @ Well Sah (23/12/2019, 18:35) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      I support the governor, premier and speaker having a government vehicle, it comes with the post!!!
  • my 2 cents (23/12/2019, 14:50) Like (7) Dislike (20) Reply
    This is a waste of tax payers money only the premier and speaker deserves a gv
  • Rover mania (23/12/2019, 15:02) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Given the number of "high-end luxury" Range Rovers sporting government number plates we see on the roads, why do we have a problem with this purchase?
    • Xxxx (23/12/2019, 16:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Supposedly we do not have a problem with this purchase. What we have a problem with is this high end purchase at a time many people in the country are in a poverty stricken state and the uncertainty surrounding the future prosperity of the income generating economic pillars - financial services and tourism
      • Rover mania (27/12/2019, 11:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Xxxx To purchase each of those government-plated Range Rovers we see at all hours and times and weekends costs us, the tax payers, around the same as three Suzuki Vitaras. Gov't gas, gov't insurance and a free car isn't good enough, someone has to have "high-end luxury", and gets it. What's up with that?
        I don't mind the Premier and the Governor having decent rides equal to their position. The rest of them... Why?
    • when? (23/12/2019, 17:21) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      When were these range rovers purchased - pre or post Irmaria? When were these range rovers purchased- pre or post decline in the economy? When? Is the timing really right?
  • VG Resiident (23/12/2019, 16:11) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    where is the outrage, but these cocker roaches only have criticism for when the Premier or Speaker gets a new vehicle
  • tola (23/12/2019, 17:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well well
  • Curious (23/12/2019, 21:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Won't this be financed by the British government?
  • yard fowl (23/12/2019, 21:33) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Try go by tony and buy a haval for God sake
  • Quiet Rebel (23/12/2019, 22:01) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Undoubtedly, the Governor’s Office needs reliable transportation to get around the island. If the 2011 Range Rover breaks down frequently and is costly to maintain and repair it may be time for a new vehicle. By the way, how many miles are on the vehicle? Further, does the Governor’s office needs an $80K and $66K high end luxury vehicles to perform their job better? Can the office perform at the same or higher level with a much lower price vehicle? Or it is a status thing? Is the Guv setting a good personal example. Who is paying for the vehicle the local government or the UK government? If the UK government were funding the cost, would it be spending $80K on a vehicle out in the territory? Probably not. The UK taxpayers will probably revolt. But if the VI taxpayers are paying the bill, let them pay and as Queen Marie Antoinette says let them eat cake. It is clearly an abuse of the taxpayers scarce resources and an insult of the taxpayers. Riding around in high end luxury vehicles give them a sense of superiority at the expense of the taxpayer. Government vehicles should be for official business but the privilege is abused. The vehicles are used openly for private use. Government needs a strict policy on the purchase, use......etc of government vehicles.
  • Concern BVI (23/12/2019, 23:59) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lexus is a high end vehicle to maintain too from time to time. A special expert will be needed to take of its servicing etc.
    So whats the point in changing to this very expensive vehicle. Buy something that is reasonable and affordable in the long run.


  • What a ting (24/12/2019, 07:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the road that this car will be driving on. The roads are in a deplorable condition. Why not fix the roads first and then buy all the high end cars in the world. People can’t even walk on these roads, aren’t we ashamed when tourists come to this country it’s a disgrace. I don’t think people are seeing and smelling this place it’s shameful now you talking about high end cars. I take taxis and they are afraid to take me where I’m living because the road cannot drive on. Shameless set a people.
  • Feel N Sad. (24/12/2019, 09:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everybody wants to enjoy the meat of the tax payers. Live easy off the fat of the Land.. Who is going to bring light and justice to the land... Lots of cheese. Lots of Rats. There is no Cat..... Sad..
  • pat (24/12/2019, 12:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are two high end vehicles needed?

    What will happen to the old vehicle? Will it be auctioned to recover some of the cost of the new vehicle?
  • apple pie (24/12/2019, 17:35) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    The governor is not setting a good example
  • Disinterested (24/12/2019, 19:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Any bets the old Range Rover will be auction and it lasts and function well for at least 10 years or more. Some of deeds ( poor English) people pretend to be humble but in time thru their actions the true self emerges.
  • vince (25/12/2019, 14:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You go Governor, you are young, get you your ride.
  • musa (25/12/2019, 18:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cheaper & faster to get around town with the first 600 cc
  • Hmm hmm yes (27/12/2019, 17:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do as you wish, you answer to no one in the BVI.
    Stick to jeeps.
  • yea MAN (30/12/2019, 17:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    PIMP THAT RIDE GOV. DUDE


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