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Premier blasts Governor for ‘reckless’ statements on ‘purely allegations’

- Hon Andrew A. Fahie said Governor’s vague statements damaging to reputation of VI
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has blasted Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert for ‘reckless’ and unsubstantiated statements on alleged irregularities in the public service. Photo: Facebook/File
Having already angered a section of the Virgin Islands population for what many described as insensitive, insulting and derogatory remarks about reparations for the cruel acts of slavery and the preservation of names of landmarks in the Territory, Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert shockingly used his monthly ‘Catch up with the Media’ yesterday, December 3, 2020, to air rumours of alleged irregularities with public projects and funds as well as the COVID-19 stimulus grant. Photo: Facebook
Having already angered a section of the Virgin Islands population for what many described as insensitive, insulting and derogatory remarks about reparations for the cruel acts of slavery and the preservation of names of landmarks in the Territory, Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert shockingly used his monthly ‘Catch up with the Media’ yesterday, December 3, 2020, to air rumours of alleged irregularities with public projects and funds as well as the COVID-19 stimulus grant. Photo: Facebook
Controversial outgoing Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has claimed many people are concerned about transparency when it comes to public projects and funds. Photo: VINO/File
Controversial outgoing Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has claimed many people are concerned about transparency when it comes to public projects and funds. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Controversial outgoing unelected Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert is again making the headlines for careless and insensitive public utterances.

Having already angered a section of the Virgin Islands population for what many described as insensitive, insulting and derogatory remarks about reparations for the cruel acts of slavery and the preservation of names of landmarks in the Territory, the UK national shockingly used his monthly ‘Catch up with the Media’ yesterday, December 3, 2020, to air rumours of alleged irregularities with public projects and funds as well as the COVID-19 stimulus grant.

His reckless statements have triggered a response from Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), who said the statements by the Governor warrant a comprehensive response from Government as it has implications on the local, regional and international reputation of the [British] Virgin Islands and how all Virgin Islanders are viewed by persons looking on.

Unsubstantiated claims by Gov Jaspert

Governor claimed that recently he had a number of concerns and allegations put to him by the community. “I will not go into the specific details of these as they are purely allegations, but I will broadly speak to the areas they touch on. I do so – after much deliberation - because I want to be transparent and open about these things and to find out more about what we may be facing.”

According to the Governor, many people are concerned about transparency when it comes to public projects and funds. He said the Auditor General has written numerous reports detailing the common problems in this area - tender waivers, interference, contract-splitting and inflated prices being a few examples.

“As you know, investigations are underway on some matters which I cannot comment on. The recommendations from those audit reports have not always been actioned and this raises concerns that our systems remain vulnerable.

Mr Jaspert claimed that he knows many people are troubled by these alleged reports, “particularly in relation to Government contracts and the recent stimulus funds.”

These concerns, he continued, are “exacerbated by the fact that details of Government spending are not always readily available to the public and our institutions of good governance. Many have asked whether the Territory’s governance is operating with the level of integrity and fairness that it should and this question warrants some consideration.”

The outgoing Governor, who many claim is antagonistic towards the elected Government and continues to surprise the public with his frequent media presence and controversial statements, claimed that he, along with the Deputy Governor, continues to speak with local institutions about the said challenges can be addressed.

“The Auditor General, the Commissioner of the Police, the Complaints Commissioner, the Financial Investigations Agency and the Registrar of Interests have already been doing important work into specific areas of concern and we are discussing what more can be done.

“One thing we can be sure of is that robust, holistic and impartial investigation is required to reassure the people of BVI. Regrettably, our local institutions have told us that they may be hindered in carrying this out, without the legislation and frameworks in place to give them the mandate to do so. We will continue to assess what needs to be done as we find out more,” the Governor stated.

Damaging & reckless statements- Premier Fahie

In a statement yesterday, December 3, 2020, Premier Fahie said he was alerted to some broad, vague and sweeping allegations made by Governor Jaspert at his press conference.

The Premier added that it is unfortunate that Governor Jaspert has chosen to make these damaging and reckless statements when, by his own admission, the veracity of these allegations has not been established by him or any investigative body.

“I am very concerned that the manner in which the Governor has chosen to make his ambiguous pronouncements, with broad statements and withholding even the most basic of details, assaults not just the integrity of all Members of your elected Government, but that of our honest, hardworking public officers who operate the machinery of our public service – and in particular those public officers whose roles include accounting and finance.

Premier Fahie lamented “it is sad that this is the goodbye gift that Governor chooses to leave the people of the BVI with after they have showed him BVILOVE for the last four years.”

He continued that the Governor’s deliberate withholding of the details of his allegations – even the most basic of details – makes it impossible for any of the persons he has tainted to defend themselves and their reputations in the public domain.

“Without knowing what the allegations are, no one can provide a detailed response to wipe the mud that has been thrown on them. In the least, this kind of conduct is contrary to natural justice.”

Checks & Balances in place

Regarding the concerns expressed by Governor Jaspert to the recent economic stimulus, which was made possible by Government, in collaboration with the public and private sector, to help the Virgin Islands people to cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Premier Fahie said there were stringent systems put in place for accountability.

“As members of the public, you would recall that the funds for the economic stimulus programme were granted to the people of the Virgin Islands by the BVI Social Security Board (SSB) when the UK Government refused to provide COVID-19 grants for social support to Virgin Islanders. These funds were provided by the SSB based on a signed agreement that mandates how the money can and cannot be spent, and checks and balances that were approved by the Directors of the SSB to ensure that there is accountability for these funds.”

Premier Fahie added that funds from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which is being applied to construction projects, also go through a process that ensures accountability.

“In order to secure the release of funds the CDB had to give approval to our procurement methodologies and processes. We remain accountable to the CDB, as we are to the House of Assembly, for how these funds are spent and how value for money is achieved.

“This is the level of accountability that your Government has been operating in the last 22 months,” Premier Fahie said,

Accountability & Good Governance

With respect to legislation for accountability and Good Governance, Premier Fahie said Government has already expressed its commitment to strengthening these laws in the Speech from the Throne which was delivered by Governor Jaspert himself on November 5, 2020.

He reminded that although the Speech from the Throne is read by the Governor, it is written by the VI Government and states the Legislative Agenda of the VI Government.

“Your Government’s Legislative Agenda for the upcoming year includes bringing forward the Integrity in Public Life Bill, Witness Anonymity legislation, the amending the Criminal Conduct Act to make provisions for unexplained wealth which derives from corruption and criminal activity, and several pieces of legislation to strengthen our justice system.”

Premier Fahie said for the Governor to cast aspersions on Government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in public affairs is unfounded. “To accuse your Government and our public officers of operating in any dishonest way with the handling of public contracts or the COVID-19 economic stimulus programme is without merit.”

Clarity is necessary from Governor- Premier

The Leader of Government Business emphasised that the Governor’s allegations were “broad, vague, ambiguous” and without even the most basic of details.

“Governor Jaspert has admitted that the truthfulness or substance of these allegations has not been established by him or any investigative body. Until he provides details of his allegations, it is impossible for anyone to know what he is accusing them of and how they can repair their reputation.”

Premier Fahie concluded that until Governor Jaspert provides these details, there is insufficient information to provide the public with a more comprehensive response.

“However, once the allegations are made clear, your Government will be happy to provide a comprehensive reply. I hope His Excellency will provide the necessary clarity before his earlier-than-expected departure from the Territory in January 2021.”

27 Responses to “Premier blasts Governor for ‘reckless’ statements on ‘purely allegations’”

  • results (04/12/2020, 11:26) Like (47) Dislike (76) Reply
    Like if you’re on the premier side

    Dislike if you’re on the Governor side
    • Results? (04/12/2020, 11:34) Like (26) Dislike (59) Reply
      Anyone on the Governor's side is a House Slave
      • Sigh (04/12/2020, 11:57) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        Don't be calling Marlon that!
      • @Results? (04/12/2020, 15:43) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
        You are one of the biggest house slave of 2020. All is missing is your white gloves, apron and serving tray. YES SIR MY HUMBLE BLACK MASTER, HOW CAN I LICK YOUR A** and the bottom of your shoes today.MY HUMBLE BLACK MASTER SHALL I SERVE YOUR WATERMELON AND FRIED CHICKEN ON THE VERANDA?
    • hiugtuiz (04/12/2020, 21:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  • disappointed (04/12/2020, 11:33) Like (14) Dislike (30) Reply
    Very disappointed that the Governor would run with rumours to the media. This seems a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of the BVI. Not surprised, showing his true colours as he packs his bags to leave, so to hell with BVI reputation. The last Governor also made claims of corruption when he was half way out the door. Its wicked and cowardly.
  • Citizen (04/12/2020, 11:55) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Premier i think you should leave the governor alone he soon going keep your mouth shut and look at what is going on he is probaly lenghting out what th next governor is gping to deal with leave him keep a low profilr even though you may not like it a still tounge keep a wise head.
    • 2020 (04/12/2020, 13:02) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      A still tongue keeps a wise head.

      Looks like his god of the universe didn't teach him that
  • And a racist too (04/12/2020, 12:11) Like (9) Dislike (25) Reply
    The governor is a big child
  • chosen (04/12/2020, 12:38) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    So why don't bad talk him like uall bad talk and look down on down island people Haha take that more to come
    • please (04/12/2020, 14:04) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      You ain’t realise it’s persons aspiring to run for next election and their cronies are the ones bad talking persons from the other islands?
  • Mr. Premier (04/12/2020, 12:56) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is going to be my last PRO BONO ADVISE TO YOU. IT IS NOT WISE TO POUR GASOLINE ON A SIMMERING VOLCANO.
  • hello (04/12/2020, 14:11) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    All the governor is saying is the usual . Black people are corrupt and incompetence. People better listen with discernment. These people are not black people friend. They want to push us back in slavery. England is facing the same kind of problems .. They are giving jobs to the wives of their palismentarians. He must Dig the moth out of his own eyes first. After over 400 years in slavery, we need freedom, freedom.
  • Horse Path (04/12/2020, 15:24) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    If you have a problem with the governors comments then you must have something to hide- simple as that.
  • Common Sense (04/12/2020, 16:13) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We should not lose sight of the fact that the Governor is basically the mouthpiece of his UK bosses, shooting the messenger won’t resolve anything.
  • TRULY DISAPPOINTED (04/12/2020, 16:15) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    According to the Governor many people are concerned about transparency when it comes to public projects and funds. Many have asked whether the territory's governance is operating with the level of integrity and fairness that it should and this question warrants some consideration. As the Governor it is his responsibility to respond to the expressed concerns of the people. Many people are also concerned about the processes of the Labor Department especially when it comes to processing employment complaints. According to the department a complaint is to be responded to in 30 days yet months and years elapse and there is no response from the department. The present mode of operation seem to be clearly about protecting the employers no matter how despicable their actions towards their employees have been. The new policy regarding the renewal of work permits is a case in point where an employee is subjected to penalties because of a delinquent employer when it comes to SS,NHI etc. These are the type of things that people are complaining about and the Governor has a right to be concerned since nobody else seem to be. Government need to level the playing field and insure justice for all. Until such time I cannot and will not sympathize with these corrupt and blatantly unjust practices. With this slapping us in the face in broad daylight how can we be sure of whats hidden in the dark. Mr. Premier get your act together this favoritism and chosen few charade will not work.
  • Richie (04/12/2020, 16:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's not be too quick to condemn we all know the temptations of money. We're also familiar with the phrase "one hand washes the other."
    A private meeting between the primere and the gov. may be beneficial in an earnest attempt to account for our money. We know that everyone wants a piece of the action no matter how its attained.
  • HUNTER (04/12/2020, 18:28) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Only a corrupt UK type system would combine the legislature and the executive.

    We need to adopt the American structure and separate the government functions, each having real power. Therefore you must bargain and make coherent arguments to get things done. Not descend into fits of anger and jibberish.
    • Rubber Duck (05/12/2020, 09:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don’t believe Hollywood that America invented democracy. The price ciplevof separation of powers was known and acted upon well before 1776
  • M (04/12/2020, 19:05) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's time enough to let by goarn be by goarn what are we teaching those young generation remember we born before technology thay born after technology thay can log on all this nonsense have to stop
  • Diaspora 3D/360 (04/12/2020, 21:57) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is gutter politics. It was reckless, unprofessional and indiscipline for Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, the crown representative and de facto head of state, to be a story to the press based on unsubstantiated information and rumors. This unsubstantiated information can harm the reputation of the VI. This is not diplomatic behaviour. And hopefully, it is not the level of behaviour that will be condoned by the UK government and the Crown, unless they full throatily support the despicable and unprofessional behaviour. If the UK government and the Crown don’t condone the behaviour, they should reprimand the Governor and recall him soonest. The Governor needs to put or shut up. Is the Governor exhibiting Trumpion behaviour by making a gallant attempt to screw things up before he jet off to his cold flat in England? Silence is golden and silence by the UK will speak volumes as to their approval of the behaviour. Is this behaviour a precursor of expectations for the John Rankin the incoming governor?
  • Dry Crix (04/12/2020, 22:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    ah fiddlesticks! What we are really concerned about as residents and citizens, is the constant sewage spillage and fumes about town and the health hazard down fish bay- you know the dust producing-lung-busting-allergy-inducing-possible-carcinogenic-forming business ironically owned by the former health minister. I mean come on. Bring real matters to the fore and stop hiding behind the governor's lapels. May my oscillating-eye-roll haunt you all. urrrrrghhhhh!
  • I believe (05/12/2020, 00:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's all part of the PLANDEMIC it's called Hot Potato. Pass it to the governor the Governor pass it back to me. Keep the people in confusion dem so silly. Gus soon gone he soon outta here he gotta make it look like he really care.
    Andrew don't back down, the Bummer don't back back. Gus on he last lap launching an attack. People think dem serious dem ain no tis ah game. Dem waan England come in but things will remain the same.
  • ReX FeRal (10/12/2020, 02:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Any public statements being made on corruption needs to be proven.


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