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Gov’t welcomes ‘Factual & Transparent’ CoI into Governance – Premier Fahie

-calls on outgoing Gov Jaspert to update public on ESHS Wall, TPP & BVI Airways investigative reports
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has today, January 18, 2021, responded to controversial outgoing Governor, Augustus J.U. Jaspert, following the Governor’s release of a lengthy public missive, announcing a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the governance practices of the Fahie administration. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier noted that the announcement of the CoI comes even as Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has procrastinated on the way forward regarding several high-level reports and scandals under the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier noted that the announcement of the CoI comes even as Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has procrastinated on the way forward regarding several high-level reports and scandals under the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File
Meanwhile, the Governor's lacklustre approach to major investigative reports was brought to fore when he allegedly caused the Auditor General’s special report on the BVI Airways deal to miss the deadline as required by law, for that report to be laid before the House of Assembly. Photo: Team of Reporters
Meanwhile, the Governor's lacklustre approach to major investigative reports was brought to fore when he allegedly caused the Auditor General’s special report on the BVI Airways deal to miss the deadline as required by law, for that report to be laid before the House of Assembly. Photo: Team of Reporters
It remains unclear how fast a CoI into the Fahie administration will commence, given the Governor Jaspert's slothfulness in updating on the TPP Scandal, Myron V. Walwyn’s ESHS Wall project and the BVI Airways deal and associated missing $7.2M funds, even as a new Governor, John J. Rankin will replace him. Photo: Internet Source
It remains unclear how fast a CoI into the Fahie administration will commence, given the Governor Jaspert's slothfulness in updating on the TPP Scandal, Myron V. Walwyn’s ESHS Wall project and the BVI Airways deal and associated missing $7.2M funds, even as a new Governor, John J. Rankin will replace him. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has responded to controversial outgoing Governor, Augustus J.U. Jaspert, following the Governor’s release of a lengthy public missive, announcing a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into governance in the Virgin Islands.

Governor ignored calls for updates on NDP scandals – Premier 

The Premier noted that the announcement of the CoI comes even as Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has procrastinated on the way forward regarding several high-level reports and scandals under the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) Government.

Those reports include the $40M cost overrun Tortola Pier Park Project (TPP), the $7.2M botched BVI Airways deal and missing funds and the $1.6M Elmore Stoutt High School Wall (ESHS) project that was labelled corrupt by the Auditor General.

The Premier suggested that while the Governor has ignored calls to indicate the next steps forward regarding those investigations, the Fahie Administration will welcome the newly announced CoI on the premise that investigations will be based on facts and not rumours, and that it must allow due process.

“Starting in March 2019, weeks after taking office, this Government Administration under the leadership of Premier Andrew A. Fahie made and continues to make inquiries of Governor Augustus Jaspert concerning the steps to be taken in an effort to clear the names of accused persons in relation to any of the three major investigations that were conducted by the Public Accounts Committee, the Auditor General, and/or the Police,” Premier Fahie noted.

Meanwhile, he said the Commission of Inquiry Act (Cap. 237 Section 2) specifies that the governor is within his right to call for a CoI, “It shall be lawful for the Governor whenever he shall deem it advisable, to issue a commission appointing one or more commissioners, and authorizing such commissioners, or any quorum of them therein mentioned, to inquire into the conduct or management of any department of the public service in the Territory or of any public officer of the Territory, or of any parish or district, or into any matter in which an inquiry would, in the opinion of the Governor, be for the public welfare. Each such commission shall specify the subject of inquiry...”

With regards to the CoI, Premier Fahie went on to say, “The Act directs that any inquiry shall be specific. If there exist other specific concerns which have not been examined by the Public Accounts Committee, the Auditor General, or the Police, this should be clearly stated, and due process allowed.”

CoI based on facts & not rumours – Premier

While the Governor has long been accused of hurling accusations and basing public statements on pure rumours while preaching the opposite, the Premier has indicated that any CoI into his administration must differ from that approach.

“As stated on numerous occasions by the Governor, a Commission of Inquiry would only be conducted based on facts and not rumours and unfounded allegations,” the Premier went on to say.

He said Governor Jaspert in the past has stated to Cabinet Members, that to ensure due process, all government institutions established to ensure accountability, transparency and good governance would be allowed to function and produce their reports.

“It is only after these stages of the process are completed and investigations deemed inconclusive would the way be paved for a Commission of Inquiry. This has always been the process followed because it is the only process that allows for good governance to function in a manner that keeps the tenants of democracy sacred.” 

It remains unclear how fast a CoI into the Fahie administration will commence, given the Governor Jaspert's slothfulness in updating on the TPP Scandal, the ESHS Wall project and the BVI Airways deal and associated missing $7.2M funds, even as a new Governor, John J. Rankin will replace him. 

Governor showed lacklustre approach to investigative reports

Meanwhile, Governor Jaspert's lacklustre approach to major investigative reports was brought to the fore when he allegedly caused the Auditor General’s special report on the BVI Airways deal to miss the deadline as required by law, for that report to be laid before the House of Assembly.

"With the focus rightly on our response to COVID-19 this report has understandably taken a while to reach the point of being laid, but I am pleased that the report has now been laid before and discussed by the House of Assembly," Mr Jaspert said in an excuse released on June 9, 2020.

"The Auditor-General submitted her final Special Report to me on 7th February 2020. I subsequently sought to discharge my duties fully in line with the timescales set out in Section 20 of the Audit Act in referring the report to Cabinet on 23rd April with the intention of it being brought to the House by 7 May," he said. 

With the report eventually reaching the House on Thursday, May 28, 2020, legislators, including Premier Fahie, said the April 23, 2020 referral of the report to the Cabinet was not enough time to properly vet the document and call a sitting of the House with the required 10 days notice.

Related: See article on Governor's statement here

49 Responses to “Gov’t welcomes ‘Factual & Transparent’ CoI into Governance – Premier Fahie”

  • My girl (18/01/2021, 18:29) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ricuslious back and forth, when will this madness end?
  • trrefdrfds (18/01/2021, 18:32) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    We are looking forward to the truth sir.
  • lol (18/01/2021, 18:36) Like (24) Dislike (11) Reply
    Join coming for all the VIP crooks, time will tell.
    • Crazy girl (18/01/2021, 22:18) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Cindy second day will come saw her post as she will get her face because she hates her people
  • kkk (18/01/2021, 18:38) Like (9) Dislike (71) Reply
    A racist will always be a racist Gus is a big child
  • help me (18/01/2021, 18:55) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    the former governor fully well known what happened under his term in office this is way the current governor was sent to bvi with his law enforcement back ground lets all hope a conversation comes up as to why no crime was solved under Matthews: how much money was given to the old police from to uk and still no current report on unsolved crimes under is pal from United Kingdom: good governance is for one and all in this territory
    • @help me (18/01/2021, 20:19) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
      STOP THE LIES WILL YOU? NO CRIMES WAS SOLVED UNDER MATTHEWS? DID HE NOT SOLVED THE SMITHS GIRL MURDER? HE COULD HAVE SOLVED PLENTY MORE CRIMES IF YOU PEOPLE THAT KNOWS WHO THE KILLERS ARE WOULD HAVE OPENED YOUR MOUTHS AND SAY SOMETHING. THAT IS ALL OF YOU FAULTS THAT IS TALKING ABOUT MATTHEWS. LAY THE BLAME WHERE THE BLAME LIES.
      • Hmm (18/01/2021, 21:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        The man accused could be innocent that is why there is a court process. Innocent until proven guilty.
      • @@ help me (19/01/2021, 08:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        print about those reckless bike riders and the lack of highway patrol in the community. police department hold responsible for enforcement of laws in this uk territory print on that
  • one eye (18/01/2021, 19:02) Like (16) Dislike (53) Reply
    The investigation is against both vip and ndp so you see jespert wants us to be afraid of independence

    Very sad day please do not let the racist and white supremacy win this one
  • Mehson (18/01/2021, 19:17) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    VINO always digging up your dirt, I forget about the late report Mehson
  • Nah (18/01/2021, 20:00) Like (10) Dislike (27) Reply
    I remember saying this.
    1. Governor will paint bvi as corrupt. To set a precedence for the belief that bvi has no integrity. Then push the agenda for uk to step in and take control...

    And as i said the governor trying to roll it out that agenda now.

    Guess which governor came to the bvi? The same one that was sent to the turks and caicos islands when the uk decided to take control of those islands.

    i been said this cause bvi people letting the governor pull the wool over their eyes.

    Nope Jas.... not everybody in the bvi going to fall for this plot...

    We deciding how the bvi will be run... thats why we have election every 4 years.. so our own people could make decisions on our future. Our own people going to make decisions not an outside entity with no skin in the game who is just passng through.
    • These 'alternative facts' you using to plead your case... (18/01/2021, 21:57) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Guess which governor came to the bvi? The same one that was sent to the turks and caicos islands when the uk decided to take control of those islands."

      That is a lie.

      The Governor of the Turks and Caicos in 2009 when direct rule was imposed was Gordon Wetherell (sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8202339.stm, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Wetherell)
      The Governor-designate for the BVI is John Rankin (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rankin_(diplomat))

      It is 2021. It is the information age. Use the SAME internet you are using to spout lies to do research and try to support your argument with truth and facts next time.
  • fight (18/01/2021, 20:26) Like (44) Dislike (4) Reply
    Fahie, you are picking a fight you will never win. Wind it in.
  • lol (18/01/2021, 20:48) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    we want a factual investigation. once we provide the facts
  • Chiil (18/01/2021, 21:10) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr Premier,the tail cannot wag the dog.
  • Concern citizen (18/01/2021, 21:16) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Troublesome times are here filling men hearts with fear.
    • Spit in the Sky (18/01/2021, 22:15) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      VIP did some good and some really bad mad decisions like banning all person from BVI Who is not BVILANDERS,. I was off Island and that was the big talk show BVI in a negative light and sending back health workers who already land at beef Island for minor mistakes,, that could have easily resolved without the public even knowing, but The Government came across to the world as heartless bullies,,, those stories left bitter taste in the mouth of the international community,,,, Including britain ,, This BVI government need a lesson in conflict resolution,, relationship building,. Diplomacy,,, , They need that messenger, that voice of reason and compassion,,,, because they often come across as bullies and masters of the people,,,
  • factual you say (18/01/2021, 21:31) Like (10) Dislike (16) Reply
    this man already has his report that is due in 6 months, already written. Andrew get your people together and get a plan in place to combat whatsoever they have planned. they have an agenda. UK people are highly racist. they do not like to see black folks successful and are still of the impression that they are better than black folks. that is a fact as I have experienced it for years. With this man, you are playing chess. try to stay ahead of the game. Even if you have to hire a spy to see what his plan for you is, do it. they want to get uk officials into these government jobs. just watch
    • Comment (18/01/2021, 23:12) Like (3) Dislike (21) Reply
      Independence first! Premier we are with you... tell us what you want us to do to help. Democracy wins! God Wins!
  • Cookie Jar (18/01/2021, 21:44) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Cookie jar get too hot to handle
    • @ cookie Jar (19/01/2021, 08:04) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply

      Jespert wants to make the BVI into a South Africa with his rac**t actions

  • trrefdrfds (18/01/2021, 22:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only one person can’t change this. You see the man that walk away, unless he return everything will collapse I mean everything. Word of advice.
  • Rubber Duck (18/01/2021, 22:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Squirm baby squirm. South American pals will melt away.
  • pat (18/01/2021, 22:19) Like (2) Dislike (24) Reply
    Fahie we stand with you the governor is evil and needs to be investigated for crimes against the people of the bvi
  • Outsider (18/01/2021, 22:30) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hallelujah! Well done Governor.

    Anyone who takes a drive on the territory’s roads would have to know that corruption is rife here.
    We boast some of the most potholed roads in the Caribbean despite being one of the wealthiest islands...
    Virgin Islands deserves better than this.
  • Premier... (18/01/2021, 23:15) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    As my grandmother says...Don’t look right, don’t look left, look straight ahead! Jesus got this!
  • One word (18/01/2021, 23:16) Like (3) Dislike (19) Reply
    Independence!
  • D7 (19/01/2021, 01:12) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Unfortunately this is just the start of what is to come. The UK has been taking note of all that was being posted and said all over the place. We are claiming that there is no corruption in the BVI but now the Gov. is calling for this enquiry, we are asking why he did not look into the high school wall, Pier Park and the 7.2 million dollars airline saga. Isn't this a suggestion that there is in fact a suggestion of corruption in the territory and that suggesting is coming from our own lips? Does it matter if it was done under the former Government? Do notice who we start to throw each other under the bus? I say this though, if there in nothing to hide we should not worry. I would advise though that the best defense against any accusation is to remain silent knowing that what we say could be use against us. Let the other side prove their case by proving the evidence.
  • Thank you Lord (19/01/2021, 01:56) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    GUS Dont forget the courts, DPP office ,the lawyers and the RVIPF!!!!!! They ALL have been playing DIRTY for YEARS APON YEARS disrespectin the laws bendin laws for their friends and family and taking bribes LOCK THEM ALL UP SEND THEM TO THE SAME JAIL THEY KEEP SENDIN INNOCENT PEOPLE TO YEARS NOW PLEASE
  • investigate (19/01/2021, 04:18) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
    Investigate the drunken white women running the show at the governors office.

    One even made headline news for drunk driving yet NOT fired.

    You talking about corruption, investigate there.

    We want to know why no belongers get the local jobs there, why only white drunk women.

    One even wrote a book on our dime. Obviously no work to do there, just getting paid to write her own book!
  • Well Well (19/01/2021, 04:41) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    It seems like the Governor do not want to leave. So now the call from his camp is for Andrew to step down and Jasper to be in charge of Government while the investigation is going on. This is crazy.
    • crazy (19/01/2021, 08:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      That is crazy. The paragons of democracy are failing and falling perhaps showing their true colors
    • Well (19/01/2021, 09:40) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply

      You think the VIP motorcade was the largest ever? Let’s see this rac**t man try to? We will be outside his home protesting for months and months like the Black Lives Matter Movement. This will become a Movement of Global proportion!

      • WHAT!!! (19/01/2021, 10:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        “Well” get real we live on a small island nothing done here will be “of Global proportion “
  • ReX FeRal (19/01/2021, 06:47) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    I do not fear Jaspert, Rankin, Fahie, Wheatley, AGSmith, M.penn, old COP, New COP. All need to be placed in a Pork Barrel and roll out to sea.
  • ... (19/01/2021, 08:03) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    I warn you people that we were up against a white supremacy and Ku Klux Klan another Trump who is drunken with power and want to take over the BVI.

    He loves himself and not the people. He is very vindictive and knows there is no corruption under the VIP
  • Just Curious (19/01/2021, 08:07) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    There will be a lot of people who will leave the BVI before the Commission of Inquiry starts and will return whennhe probe is concluded. The inquiry will unearth alot if things that we know about, but this time the evidence will show and thise perpetrators of these acts will be named. Some will be forced to give evidence and others will be sent to prison. I can foresee the BVI losing their democratic rights into an elected government temporarily and the UK will step in take charge. Check what happened in the TCI and you will see the same thing is going to happen here. When the inquiry unearth just a small percentage of alleged corruption, be prepare to see the Governor totally in charge of the BVI until they decide to call for a fresh election at a time they believe is right for them.
  • The TRUTH (19/01/2021, 10:03) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Dear UK,
    we will not let you take us over.
    • Ummm (19/01/2021, 10:59) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      We are already a colony of the UK.
      They have no need to take over something that is already there...

      think!
  • Know this (19/01/2021, 10:04) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is no way both VIP and NDP will not be charged with their foolish spending ways. Two sets of millions of dollars on one hospital yet the top floor still not completed.
  • Yes I (19/01/2021, 11:18) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is all the fuss about. If you heart and hands clean you have nothing to worry about. There is nothing better than when an innocent is innocent, why, because he knows the evidence will set him free. Noise does make, when ting happening. No one has been found guilty. Let just wait on the results and stop saying and commenting non sense.
  • Rubber Duck (19/01/2021, 12:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Turkey applauds Xmas
  • wake up (19/01/2021, 14:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do my prophet no harm. TURKEYS.
  • ghfhghf (19/01/2021, 21:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply


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