No more kissing of babies! Governor Duncan attacks NDP Gov't
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”
NO RESPECT FOR LEADER shame again on Orlando for being disrespected by a junior Minister….Who is the captain remains in question
I want to see if under the next governor if this lack of good governance will be honored even with an incoming VIP
'Let's start with the election payout situation.'
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.
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.