Gus strikes back! Announces Commission of Inquiry aimed @ elected Gov't
Governor Jaspert's move to launch a CoI comes even after Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) recently reiterated his Government's commitment to having the Integrity in Public Life Act 2020, brought to the House of Assembly in 2021.
In December 2020, Premier Fahie had said his administration remained serious about ensuring that the Integrity in Public Life Act and the Code of Conduct are put in place as well as all the necessary foundations to support the legislation.
The Premier had then reiterated this government's intention as recent as January 12, 2021.
Today, January 18, 2021; however, Governor Jaspert, who had angered sections of the Virgin Islands over what many deemed as insensitive and even racist statements over reparations and preserving names of landmarks in honour of perpetrators of chattel slavery, announced in a press release that he has issued a Commission of Inquiry over unfounded allegations of corruption and discrimination in the public service.
Commission of Inquiry
"You will recall that in early December, I spoke openly with the public about the growing number of concerns and allegations relating to the standards of governance in BVI. These concerns were put to me by individuals across the community - including senior business leaders, public officers, community groups, media and others. Cumulatively, they paint a worrisome picture.
"In the past months, the community has had many open and honest conversations about this. For the first time, many have felt confident to raise their voice. This is an important conversation for us to have, albeit difficult as those who speak up are too often silenced. However, we must continue to do so in order to protect the values of our Constitution and democracy in BVI."
According to Mr Jaspert, who it is alleged had refused to undergo a 14-day quarantine after returning from the United Kingdom over a week ago, he has been speaking with his colleagues in the Governor’s Group, including the Deputy Governor, the Auditor General, the Police Commissioner, the Registrar of Interests and others and they share responsibility for ensuring good governance and "are concerned by what we have seen in our roles and the allegations put to us."
Concerns & Allegations
The Governor then sought to set out his "concerns and allegations", which he said date back a number of years.
"First, there are wide concerns over the lack of transparency when it comes to spending public funds, particularly those relating to COVID-19 economic stimulus support.
"Second, there are wide concerns over the possible mismanagement of some public projects. Successive audit reports have set out practices of political interference, inflated pricing and conflicts of interest. These may have cost the public purse millions of dollars in recent years, with no sign of improvement.
"Third, and linked to the previous points, there are concerns over the lack of transparency relating to Government contracts. Key concerns include a lack of fair and open competition, conflicts of interest and a lack of value for money. We need to know how individuals are getting work so we can ensure equal opportunities for all.
"Fourth, there are allegations of some political interference occurring in some statutory bodies. A number of officers from our bodies have come to me with concerns about individuals being replaced by political allies and officers being coerced into circumventing protocols and taking improper practices."
Alleged attempts of interference in criminal justice system
According to the Governor, there are similar allegations relating to the public service and serious allegations of attempts of interference in the criminal justice system.
He said there are also "wide concerns" about intimidation taking place across our society, public services and the media with many describing ‘a growing culture of fear’ in the VI.
Organised crime claim
"In addition to these allegations, there is growing evidence of serious organised crime infiltrating BVI. This was made clear in November, when 2,300 kilos of cocaine, with a street value of at least $250 million, was smuggled through our borders.
Mr Jaspert said while the issues are just allegations, they cannot be ignored and "I must fulfil my Constitutional role to support the people and to uphold the peace, order and good governance of the Virgin Islands."
Robust & impartial intervention
The Governor claimed that local institutions responsible for good governance feel hindered and unable to act without the laws and frameworks of Good Governance in place.
According to him, the state of governance in the VI requires robust and impartial intervention now.
"Therefore, I have decided to issue a Commission of Inquiry, in accordance with BVI’s Commissions of Inquiry Act. A Commission of Inquiry is a body that can look impartially into matters of public concern. The Commission will look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty in relation to officials - elected, statutory or public - may have taken place in recent years. If so, it will consider the conditions which allowed this to take place and make independent recommendations for improvement."
Sir Gary Hickinbottom the CoI Judge
Mr Jaspert said the CoI will be an entirely independent process led by a senior impartial judge coming from outside of the Territory, the Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom. This, he said, will help the Commission reach fair unbiased conclusions under local law. Furthermore, according to the Governor, the Judge will have powers under the Commission of Inquiry Ordinance to collect evidence and summon witnesses in a way that local institutions cannot.
The Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom, Mr Jaspert said, brings with him more than 45 years of judicial experience, including 20 years as a judge. Most recently he worked as a Lord Justice of Appeal in the UK and also served as a Supreme Court Judge in the Falkland Islands and worked on a number of Caribbean legal cases throughout his career.
Mr Jaspert said later this week he will be hosting a press conference with Judge Hickinbottom to set out more details.
"I will also be speaking to Public Officers with the Deputy Governor. We know that values of integrity, transparency and dedication run deep in the Public Service and that officers will continue to operate at the highest standards in support of BVI."
CoI has full support of John J. Rankin, CMG- Jaspert
Governor Jaspert said he hopes the Premier, Ministers and all Elected Members can and will fully support the CoI.
"I am acting in full accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act passed by Honourable Members of the House of Assembly in support of the public whom we all serve. It also has the full support of my successor."
Further, Governor Jaspert said he knows some people will oppose the Commission. "To those people I ask, why do you oppose getting to the truth? If you are honest – which I know, the vast, vast majority of people in BVI are – you have no reason to oppose it. It is a chance to clear names and end the allegations of corruption which threaten to plague our community."
He added that he believes issuing this Commission is the right decision and I hope in future will be seen as a positive moment for the VI.
"It will enable BVI to carve a clear path to better governance and greater self-determination. We want BVI to remain one of the safest places in the Caribbean, underpinned by an effective public service, strong rule of law and internationally successful industries. Through this Commission, we can take stock of where we are and give the people the power to say where we go next. It is inspired by the people and will deliver for the people and is one of the greatest levers under local law designed to ensure public welfare."
Governor Jaspert even dared to end his statement with a quote by the late Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt.
"I will close by drawing on one of the great Hamilton Lavity Stoutt’s favourite quotes. It says, 'where there is no vision, the people perish.' So I ask the people of BVI, what is your vision for our beautiful Virgin Islands?"
Premier's prediction?
Premier Fahie, during the January 5, 2021 sitting of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA), had stated that the forces opposing his unconventional government have been planning continuously to smear his government and thwart their efforts.
Further, he had warned that the UK has a history of trying to dismantle a government they do not like by painting them as corrupt.
Notably, the Virgin Islands Party Government, along with the Opposition, has been singing a chorus of independence and has accused the UK of trying to hinder the territory from achieving it, while at the same time neglecting its needs.
Ironically, H. Lavity Stoutt, whom the Governor quoted, was one of the founders of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), which has traditionally pushed for more autonomy and opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
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90 Responses to “Gus strikes back! Announces Commission of Inquiry aimed @ elected Gov't”
S**t just get real..I hope it doesn't backfire..190 million let's see where it gone..lol.
It’s not nice being little in the playground but that’s life. Stop believing this Disney crap about being able to have what you want if you only try. It’s fake. Adults understand that.
gus gone desperate clutcing at straws trying to get back at this government. He no match for the bronx bomber. unfounded allegations...just a couple rumor spreaders who against this government filling him with nonsense in his ears. what they don't know is they not getting any pardon from augustus trump when the sh*t hits the fan
this aint gus this is england. Gus aint going do nothing without england knowing so stop there. Bronx bummer cant fight the queen. England also going after ndp too so aint no discrimination....sh*t hit the fan.
Now one is done. Andrew them has not done shit on the level NDP did. How can the person who over the Public Service that includes the Police call the county corrupt when it's under your watch..
The Police got more corrupt under Matthew and Gus if you ask me. Then he want talk about interference in the legal system and such is so broken and corrupted. People waiting on trials for years, being arrested and convicted with out evidence... There were a case of 3 young men being arrested and changed for burglary. (Wheatley (Penz) Gurshard (Lil Pear) and Harris (Smosh).
They case where appealed after being convicted 6 years later the appeal court squash they conviction and were shocked to have learn 2 of the 3 prison sentences were completed. During judgment is was stated their wasn't enough to even warrant an arrest must less conviction..
Now where is the Justice for them especially Harris who was taken to St Lucia for 12 months and was wrongfully convicted. And they're countless other as well. This Governor is on a witch hunt. So much millions wasted under NDP no inquiry now there's one.
Just can't wait for Gus to GO
Not only gus like trump but he is a rac**t who only needs his kkk hoody
Governments in the BVI have always been a cesspool of contamination, the hurtful part is that we could not fix our problem ourselves
Keep sticking your hand in the mouth of the lion...one day you will come back with just a stump.
We also want an investigation into why no inquiry into the last government despite the same things you now mentioning happening.
Also Gov how independent is this person you selected - we want an investigation into that too.
More investigation requests to come.
All you Premier lovers this is also about the $7.2mil for a plane, $1.2mil for a wall and all the contracts that are given out to their cronies.
I'm on the outside looking in and find this to be quite childish of you to make such a move as you exit the BVI.
Seems like you have a chip on your shoulder that you will never be able to get rid of because you are leaving with a sour taste in your mouth, a storm that you created, and the fake super hero you a few had you to be dealing with the storms in the BVI. Your successor is a man of experience and though he fully supports your request, he will see for himself that the culture of the BVI is a diverse one and have no room for colonialist barking down on the people of the territory.
I see you are now creating a pattern for Governors who leaves their post unhappy imposing their will to come across as good when the intention is bad just to please yourself.
I wish you God's speed as you exit the BVI.
Rather hypocritical that he hit the Public with this on MLK JR Day
Wait though, rejoice and be exceedingly glad because the same man, Gus Jaspert, that utterly dismissed reparations for the Diaspora has mysteriously gotten high standards of transparency and all that says Righteousness by setting up an Independent Commission to probe corruption in the BVI. Good I like that.
Can you kindly acquiesce to this one thing Mr. Governor? In your probe please investigate the fact that the United Kingdom for centuries has reaped great financial rewards whilst committing atrocities worldwide in the name of their fake god, king or queens name?
Since returning from the UK, your moral code suddenly reappeared, so we the people would love to see this occur. You really have some gall to come to the Caribbean with your seemingly white supremacist ways and think that you could trample us and walk away unscathed. The God who created Heaven and Earth, whom you and your kind don't serve will come with you with a wrath beyond human comprehension for the evil that you continually do.
Your vision is no match and frankly,does not matter.
Remember we are still governed by the Queen. My people be very, very careful with your words.
-$32m in excess spending on a cruise ship pier
-$7m on a nonexistent airline.
-$55m may have been overspent on various hospital projects.
These are the figure we KNOW about. The rest have lined pockets.
-5m on the greenhouses
-1m on the traffic lights.
-25m (ish) to settle court settlement with water machine lawsuit this is not in the media but they won.
People here hate it when their corruption comes to light, well here it is. Deal with it.
Good government can always stand up to close inspections and should be held responsible for all money's spent. It is our money and our social security!
Come on Jaspervert. Allegations?
The action of the governor can be compared to the US President Trump when he is about to demit office. We should not be subjected to domination of one race by another. If the Colonial Master don't realize that there is a shift in the paradigm. No more will we subject ourselves to inferiority complex. We are a proud people and it is time for the world to recognize that we are not accepting white supremacy rule. It is time for the British to accept MASSA DAYS ARE OVER. I fully support the Hon. Premier Andrew Fahie for standing up for his people.
He quotes Lavity not knowing lavity was quoting the Bible.
If he knew the Bible and the verse he would understand the interpretation. It means where there is no revelation, the people lack restraint from evil. The Governor needs God’s word and wisdom so that the spirit of evil will not be his source.
God is love Governor, seek Him and find love before it’s too late. Seek Him while He can be found!
. In England right now, alll the contracts are given to the wives of the Tory government and their follows. It time indigenous Bvi islanders raised
up and defend our rock.