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Time for action on good governance, accountability – Gov Jaspert to Gov't

- wants to see Public Service take the lead in transforming the Territory
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert says he hopes 2020 will be the year to prove that the Virgin Islands is going to operate in the highest levels of good governance and integrity. Photo: VINO/File
In was in August 2019 that Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, had publicly expressed his displeasure with Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, left, rejecting the recommendations of the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the appointments of Permanent Secretaries and making the appointments on his own. Photo: VINO/File
In was in August 2019 that Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, had publicly expressed his displeasure with Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, left, rejecting the recommendations of the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the appointments of Permanent Secretaries and making the appointments on his own. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- His Excellency Governor Augustus J.U Jaspert says he hopes talks of good governance and accountability are more than just buzz words of the Virgin Islands Party-led Government in 2020.

Addressing members of the media on December 17, 2019, he said this is one of his expectations for the New Year.

“I am pleased that the Government that was elected in February talked a lot about governance and accountability and reforms and raising the levels of the standards of good governance in the Territory.

"And, I hope that 2020 will be the year that will prove that the BVI is going to operate in the highest levels of good governance and integrity; bringing forward integrity in public life policies, bringing forward the ministerial code and I hope this will be part of all the systems across the Territory,” he remarked.

'We made some progress'

His Excellency also mentioned the public service transformation initiative, which has been a part of the discourse for some time now.

“We got good plans, we have made some progress, but I want 2020 also to be a year that we will see the public service take the lead in transforming the Territory and helping to show that they can operate at the highest level and a part of that is the infrastructure in the public service,” Governor Jaspert stated.

The public service transformation initiative will cover eight areas: they are the redesign of the public service, good governance, e-government, greening the public service, rebuilding security, public/private sector partnership, the alignment of the statutory agencies and improved customer service.

Governor controversially went against recommendations of PSC

It was in August 2019 that Governor Jaspert made an unpopular and unprecedented move by rejecting the recommendations of the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the appointment of Permanent Secretaries.

Apart from the public’s criticism, the move was also condemned by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) who, while acknowledging that the Governor was entitled to make his own decision regarding the Public Service under the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, in accordance with Section 92, said the Governor usurped this function entirely upon himself when he rejected the recommendation of the PSC with regard to the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries.

“While I have no problem with the Governor leaning on his own discretion, that is his prerogative; however, I see his action as an insult to self-reliance, self-determination, modern partnership, mutual respect and the democratic future of the BVI,” Hon Fahie said in a statement delivered at the continuation of the 6th Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on September 2, 2019.

The Governor’s decision, Hon Fahie had lamented, was an insult to all Virgin Islanders and “where we have come as a territory, as we reflect on our 65th anniversary of our emancipation celebrations. Again this is another instance of the empire tugging on our invisible shackles and dictating to us, and subjugates that we are not competent and capable to know what is good for us.”

The Premier had also said the Governor’s unilateral move was concerning for him, because the VI had enjoyed an admirable relationship with the United Kingdom over the years “without persons in the middle trying to deteriorate our relationship with an agenda not in the best interest of the BVI.”

17 Responses to “Time for action on good governance, accountability – Gov Jaspert to Gov't”

  • Outsider (03/01/2020, 16:39) Like (14) Dislike (10) Reply
    Yes governor, keep the heat on them or else the ship will run aground!!
  • vip heckler (03/01/2020, 18:06) Like (22) Dislike (15) Reply
    the governor cannot be taken seriously, he let the NDP rape the BVI and now talking but good governance. Boss Go take the next flight
  • Jaigon (03/01/2020, 18:32) Like (20) Dislike (19) Reply
    Governor where were you when good governance and accountability went through the door under the former administration. Now here you are want to apply all the pressure on the present administration. How pathetic.
  • Well Well (03/01/2020, 19:42) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Gov and while we on that topic what you going to do about the past bad governance?

    You are so obvious with your intentions. Look like you finally wake up from your convenient slumber. Wow!
  • Not2Sure (03/01/2020, 20:44) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
    I believe this governor acts so bias most often

    In others places people with this type of behavior in my opinion are labeled crooks
  • History (03/01/2020, 21:26) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    He need to start with the last 8 years
  • Hmm Hmm (03/01/2020, 21:49) Like (21) Dislike (17) Reply
    As much as some of you are convinced that you know ,trust me, the Governor knows more and so the UK, Talkng that he is bias and regurgitating about unsubstantiated allegations is siily and nonsensical. Neither the Gov or the UK listening to allyo because they know more and have the facts.
    Pay attention to your newly elected ,his past and his need for personal armed
    security. That is where the radar is focused.
  • Disinterested (03/01/2020, 21:58) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Wonder who the Guv flinging shade at? Indeed, good governance is needed. But constitutional reform is also needed. For example, the territory is supposedly local self governing but that is a farce. The Crown controls the Civil Service, RVIPF, Judicial System, 1/2 the jail......etc. But the interesting thing is that although it controls these functions, it does not fund; funding is provided by the VI taxpayers. The Crown reserved power to trump any decision made by the local government is outrageous. It is like you got the responsibility to act but only if I agree with what you are doing. Pure nonsense. Convene a constitutional review now.

    The policy makers make policies and the administrators, the civil service, carry them out. For the system to work, there must be strong policies that are consistently enforced. People must be held responsible and accountable. There must effective planning, organizing, directing, .......etc.
    • @ Disinterested (04/01/2020, 16:26) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I completely agree.

      When we have persons in senior positions as well as those heading offices who pass the buck or try to impede persons from being held accountable; how can the public or anyone for that matter depend on a system where most everyone protects wrongdoing or does not speak up.
  • we the people (04/01/2020, 03:39) Like (20) Dislike (13) Reply
    Independence is a must
    • @We the People (04/01/2020, 19:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      @We the people, by UN charter, the VI can pursue self-determination; independence is one of the tools in the self-determination tool box. The UK cannot stop it from pursuing independence and will gladly let it and others set sail. The BIG question is the VI ready and can afford to go independent? What is the benefit and cost? Is a few big mansions, big salaries, fragile economic pillars.....etc enough to go independence on? No. Hon Premier Fahie put it to a referendum? However, don't repeat the mistake made by former UK PM David Cameron with Brexit, setting a simple majority to leave EU. Referendum to go independent should be set at minimum of 70-80%
  • 2 should have been jailed (04/01/2020, 03:46) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    Gus lost his standing when he sat for the last 2 years of the NDP term and allow them to go scot free
  • asking for a friend (04/01/2020, 03:53) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Is this the same man who want an 80g suv while civil servants cant get their incruments?
  • Gentle reminder (04/01/2020, 08:44) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    RACISM IS STILL THE PLANET GREATEST EVIL
  • Wow. (04/01/2020, 23:56) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    We all know the BVI been running like a family business... Only that circle knows and involved in what's going on. Enjoying all the benefits... . It's the governor that failed us and have the BVI sinking. He is not doing his job


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