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No more kissing of babies! Governor Duncan attacks NDP Gov't

- said UK would be willing to consider Independence for VI but certain issues need to be resolved first
Governor John S. Duncan OBE, right, publicly dealt the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), left, some heavy blows yesterday, February 13, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), who shares the responsibility for Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut, was put in an uncomfortable position yesterday, February 13, 2017 when Governor John S Duncan OBE blasted the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and the situation at HMP, including a leaking roof that has still not been fixed. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), who shares the responsibility for Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut, was put in an uncomfortable position yesterday, February 13, 2017 when Governor John S Duncan OBE blasted the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and the situation at HMP, including a leaking roof that has still not been fixed. Photo: VINO/File
Governor John S. Duncan OBE used the occasion of the launch of the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence Educational and Vocational Programme for inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison on February 13, 2017 to express his disappointment with the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File
Governor John S. Duncan OBE used the occasion of the launch of the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence Educational and Vocational Programme for inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison on February 13, 2017 to express his disappointment with the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government. Photo: VINO/File
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI – The National Democratic Party (NDP) Government did not see it coming and neither did many in the Virgin Islands but Governor John S. Duncan OBE, who has long been accused of being lenient on Government and has failed to act while it continues to violate the Virgin Islands Constitution, especially where the management of the Territory’s finances are concerned, publicly dealt the Government of the day some heavy blows yesterday, February 13, 2017.

In the presence of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) and other elected NPD representatives, Governor Duncan at the launch of the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence Educational and Vocational Programme for inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison, held no words back when he said the government of the day is very lacklustre in its priorities, especially when it comes to allocating monies and putting measures in place for the free flow of information in the Virgin Islands (UK).

His address on February 13, 2017 went above the heads of its target audience as he seemingly gave the impression that his presence to speak at the event was not necessary but was allegedly a ‘ceremony pumping’ move. However, his agenda was clear as his comments were seemingly a public show of his non-favour of the government’s attention on dialogues about independence while many areas that would constitute good governance are neglected.

No gesture politics

Governor Duncan told those gathered that when Honourable Walwyn spoke to him, inviting him to speak at the ceremony, he made it clear he needed clarity as to what he was supposed to say. “I did say to him what is it you wish me to say? As you know very well, the Governor does not do gesture politics. The days of tipping hats and Governors kissing babies are well and truly over," said Governor Duncan.

Continuing his surprise remarks, Governor Duncan continued, "If you want to see what they look like, you can go to the Government Museum, but don’t expect this Governor to engage in that. However, he convinced me it was a useful task to come up here and I agreed."

UK willing to consider Independence for VI but…

Addressing the issue of independence, an agenda that the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government has been pushing, Governor Duncan said it can be achieved by the Government of the day but it would need to resolve several issues first.

"If the government wishes to move towards independence and I have heard some people say in the political circle, or just to the Bermuda model, there are several issues to be resolved. I am sure that the United Kingdom (UK) would be very willing to consider independence and certainly willing to consider Constitutional Review, but they, like I, will be asking for certain things to be done," Governor Duncan stated, adding that a number of legislation needs to be pushed, including the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, Whistle Blower Act, and the need for the establishment of the Human Rights Council.

‘We spend more money on expatriate legal services’

Also present was Speaker of the House Ms Ingrid A. Moses, who also got a direct piece of the Governor’s tongue. "Madame Speaker, we have had it three times brought to the House of Assembly and still not passed. This needs to be rectified. We are about to have a review of our human rights obligations this year. The Assembly needs to take action," he said of the delay in establishing the Human Rights Council.

Turning to the judicial system, Governor Duncan posited that the VI seems not to care too much to be spending money on its judicial systems; the Commercial Court as opposed to the spending on the Arbitration Court, leaving the Magistrate’s Court as the scape goat.

"We have had to move the Registry staff of the High Court into new premises because their premises were not fit for purpose….It could be said that we spend more money on expatriate legal services than we do for our own legal people. I know that the Premier and Cabinet are keen to address that."

On December 9, 2016 this news site first and accurately reported that staff of the High Court Registry were forced to wear face masks to protect their health because of falling debris and mold in the Old Administration Building on Main Street in Road Town.

Many of the ruling National Democratic Party critics had claimed this was another example of the poor financial state the Dr D. Orlando Smith’s Administration has left the country in and it’s affecting the working conditions of civil servants since there is no money to maintain government rented offices.

Governor Duncan was also not impressed that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) budget has been cut by 46% since 2012 and, as it relates to the Prison, he didn’t forget to mention the roof that has been leaking for years.

Hon Walwyn tries to save face

Hon Walwyn’s facial expression and obvious tone of voice clearly spoke to his displeasure of the Governor’s remarks as he retorted, "Governor, thank you for being here. You know we share the responsibility for the prison, hence, your invitation."

"You can look at a glass half empty or half full. I choose to look at it half full. We are a new democracy,” he added as he said, “I think we have made a number of significant strides as a people, successive governments of this Territory. There are things, yes, we have to get done. In time, they will get done."

Further trying to hit back at the Governor, Hon Walwyn said, "Two and a half years that you have been here, I am sure you can also say that a number of very significant things have been done in this country to move the agenda forward for good governance."

On the other hand Premier Smith, who had the opportunity to hit back hard at the governor, shied away from counterpunching.

41 Responses to “No more kissing of babies! Governor Duncan attacks NDP Gov't”

  • chad (14/02/2017, 10:12) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    he actually lit them up
  • 1-800-BE-ALERT (14/02/2017, 10:16) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Finally HE the Governor in er we corner.
  • ccc (14/02/2017, 10:21) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Still not one of them going jail
  • Thanks (14/02/2017, 10:32) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    thank you Governor... now we need the trial to send the guilty ones to jail
    • Lilly (14/02/2017, 12:06) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      In order to send someone to jail, there must be proof of wrong-doing.
  • W*F (14/02/2017, 10:33) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    IMPEACH NDP Government.
  • Xxx (14/02/2017, 11:18) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was going to suggest that the cartoon add some ZZZZZZ on the governor but no more he has woken up
  • M & M (14/02/2017, 11:24) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    good going governor next is jail time
    • --------------------- (14/02/2017, 13:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      conflict of interest and lack of accountability is not the end of this story by any means. I hope the PAC will lean hard on the investigation
  • Hog Plum (14/02/2017, 11:28) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    It shows again that Myron has no respect absolutely for his Leader Dr. Smith. The premier did not take the bait and reply to the Governor but Myron acted like he is the so called Premier and answering the governor.

    NO RESPECT FOR LEADER shame again on Orlando for being disrespected by a junior Minister….Who is the captain remains in question
    • @ hog Plum (14/02/2017, 13:43) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is the problem when we (well, not *me*) elect someone who shoots from the hip in running a Ministry. Myron supporters love it, but it can cause a lot of critical mistakes.
  • dog the real one (14/02/2017, 12:16) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    IF HE DOES NOT WAIT TO KISS BABYIES HE CAN ALWAYS KISS RINGS
    • tretretrete (14/02/2017, 13:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      We've already seen this movie. This current government got away with the Ports project, the 1 M wall the conflict of interest, not declaring their new found wealth!

      I want to see if under the next governor if this lack of good governance will be honored even with an incoming VIP
    • dog (14/02/2017, 23:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      the real one? really? where have you been as I have been posting for years!
  • Belonger With A Broader Perspective (14/02/2017, 12:20) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! Someone is finally speaking the truth. NDP have a lot of good people supporting them but they're not holding up their end of the deal. This is no good. Going independent. A lot of other Caribbean countries have gone independent and that's the best thing they could say about it. They still depend on larger countries financially. With the UK you at least have accesss to have a life there and support financially for the territory. Depart from the UK and things will be worse than they already are. It's unfortunate that NDP can't take the territory where it needs to be. No system is perfect but NDP needs to be regulated. Too many bad decisions are made by NDP going unpunished allowing the general population to suffer.
    • Agreed (16/02/2017, 20:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ...Too many bad decisions are made by NDP going unpunished allowing the general population to suffer.

      'Let's start with the election payout situation.'
  • W*F (14/02/2017, 12:21) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have always voted for the NDP but with a heavy heart I must agree with the Governor
  • wize up (14/02/2017, 12:21) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    you realize only when time coming close for these governors to leave is when them begin to talk
    • 100 (14/02/2017, 15:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Absolutely the truth. I was just saying the same thing. He burning the bridges because he leaving. He's empowered now.
    • wize inn (14/02/2017, 22:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ wize up. Welcome to TRUMP CITY. Love it or LEAVE IT. We're here to STAY!!!
  • ............ (14/02/2017, 12:25) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    As far as the leaking roof goes, I think they should leave it so. A prisoner's life should be uncomfortable as possible. That way, they'll keep their asses from up there....
  • dog (14/02/2017, 12:28) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you Governor! Now all we need are years of financial budgets and audits to know where the money is going.
    Walwyn was totally out of line in talking back with the premier there. Who is driving this bus?
    Put the airport and other expensive projects on hold until we are on firm footing.
    • Reply (14/02/2017, 20:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with other comments. We need a new election without the help of the their rich white friends
    • NOOO (17/02/2017, 11:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All some of you want to do is to bring Governments down, to bring people down, to see who can be kicked under the curb. We are one people. Let us stick together. We giving the Edomites more things to talk about us. Close your door and lick your child. Stop this House Help mentality.
  • Political Observer (PO) (14/02/2017, 12:33) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! Governor Duncan live and unhinged. It appears as if the Governor was waiting for the opportunity to vent his frustrations.

    Did the Guv try to express his frustrations in private but to no avail?

    Does not the roll out a prison programme seem like an odd place to unload on the government about independence and other issues.

    In my crystal ball, what I’m hearing the Guv say is that national priorities are misplaced and there is not effective stewardship of resources.

    The Guv has spoken; he did not sugar coat tings. Well sah, look ting!

    Ok Guv. Let's get this clear. It is not for the UK to consider giving the Vi independence if a majority of people wants. The VI is entitled to self determination, though I'm not on board as yet. True, the UK having sucked whatever it could from the VI it is willing like it did to other Anglophone countries turn loose the BVI.
  • John (14/02/2017, 12:53) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why didn't Walwyn say what has been done in the last two and a half years to move the  good governance agenda forward? Are we going to have financial audits anytime soon? Why is he so anxious for independence? We need to know.
  • cnn (14/02/2017, 13:26) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I do not want to here this governor as the NDP was allowed to kill the country and treasury without even a slap on the wrist. Double standards are alive and well in the BVI, and they always have been.
  • Flames (14/02/2017, 13:47) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Governor mash them up ,Governor dig out them yie , Governor stamp them down, Governor kick them up,lord what a children melee..
    • wize up (14/02/2017, 17:23) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ flames: you actually believe what you blog!! There is no difference between the governor and the government....some of us very old-school and not easy impressed with speeches from the podium(hot air and at the end of the day nothing will be done)...when some of them gets intrigued like Bob then I know things are going in the right path)
  • teacher john (14/02/2017, 13:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm old enough to have watched the CB Romney government fall and the two persons who were fired Al frett and Alvin Chris, I remember them well.
  • Serious (14/02/2017, 13:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    What did the Governor know, and when did he know it?
  • Enough. Shawn shut up. (14/02/2017, 14:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The governor realize the Government ain listen to the people.. I heard Shawn Rose talking nonsense on Ghadiz show. Shawn the government can't be for the people if the government ain listen to the people. Showing us nothing but total disregard... The governor had to step in. Enough is enough.
  • Online Now (14/02/2017, 15:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too late now governor
  • JACK BE STILL (14/02/2017, 20:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Frankly, it sounds like Dr. Smith handled this appropriately. He can't simply fire off like a class room bully like Myron did
  • with this man JD (14/02/2017, 20:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    My father, a retired commercial banker, would often remarkable, "Trust can take a lifetime to build, yet may be destroyed in an instant."
  • now (14/02/2017, 22:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He woke now but he waiting too long.
  • Yes (15/02/2017, 14:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP = Trump Aministration "not competent"
  • dd (15/02/2017, 20:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sure the wicked NDP will label the governor's concerns as fake news
  • concern citizen of the BVI (15/02/2017, 21:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh now that he has awoken he knows that the NDP and dem supporters are a threat to bvi peace ( not to speak of economy) .


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