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VI stuck with Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert for additional year!

United Kingdom appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands, Augustus J. U. Jaspert, has been granted an extension for 1 year in the post, according to reports reaching our newsroom. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert is quickly falling out of favour with the political class and there are reports of tension and heated exchanges between the United Kingdom senior civil servant and the democratically elected Government headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert is quickly falling out of favour with the political class and there are reports of tension and heated exchanges between the United Kingdom senior civil servant and the democratically elected Government headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File
Even the former ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) government headed by then Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith had accused Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert of ‘over-reach’ and ‘getting into areas where he does not have the constitutional authority to do so.’ Photo: VINO/File
Even the former ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) government headed by then Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith had accused Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert of ‘over-reach’ and ‘getting into areas where he does not have the constitutional authority to do so.’ Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- He was hailed by a minority in the British press as a hero following the two killer hurricanes of 2017, weeks after he had arrived as the United Kingdom appointed Governor of the British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands.

It was at a time when the then ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) government headed by former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith and his administration could not be found.

Out of order?

Fast forward two years and the goodwill Mr Jaspert enjoyed has evaporated, as both the NDP and now Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government  are accusing  Governor Jaspert of “over-reach” and “getting into areas where he does not have the constitutional authority to do so.”  

As a result he has become very unpopular with the political class and there are reports of tension and heated exchanges between the UK senior civil servant and the democratically elected Government headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

Appointed not elected

Governor Jaspert, who ranks as a civil servant in the United Kingdom, has powers under the Virgin Islands constitution, including reserve powers, where he can take over the country. He was not elected but appointed to his post but some say he wants to “wield more power than the elected officials” in a democratic society.

Another year

His tenure was to end in 2020; however, sources in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office told our newsroom, the Governor has requested and was granted a 1 year extension and will now leave in 2021.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Governor's Office for a comment were not successful.

34 Responses to “VI stuck with Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert for additional year!”

  • I’m afraid (03/07/2019, 18:34) Like (44) Dislike (8) Reply
    He failed to lock up the m n m boys
    • wize up (03/07/2019, 19:58) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ I’m afraid: fret not thyself because 2 down one more to go: 1.commissioner got his adjustment: 2. the governor got his adjustment:3. lets await and see when the DPP will get her adjustment
  • wize up (03/07/2019, 18:43) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    jump high or jump low; there is nothing none of we can do about it......lets see how this one pans out: do you think the extra year is to resolve pier park issues or the wall issue:
  • resident (03/07/2019, 20:50) Like (86) Dislike (146) Reply
    I’m not sure what anyone has against him - he was more present than most after Irma. He seems to be doing ok to me. He’s always seen chatting to people and seems approachable.
    • Another resident (05/07/2019, 17:44) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Spot on! Here and visible before and after the wind was blowing, NOT off island. This writer seems to be editorializing.
  • ccc (03/07/2019, 20:53) Like (52) Dislike (27) Reply
    Hope the premier is fighting that
  • Ling (03/07/2019, 22:25) Like (74) Dislike (93) Reply
    This is the most down to earth Governor yet. He is cool and look out for the civil servant. After the hurricanes of 2017 he was the only one we say in the West. Respect Mr Gaspert
  • Wrong (03/07/2019, 22:38) Like (78) Dislike (80) Reply

    Governor Jaspert has been a consummate diplomat and has kept his tongue even when he probably SHOULD have spoken up. We would happy to have him for as long as he chooses to stay.

  • YAWN (03/07/2019, 22:39) Like (31) Dislike (8) Reply
    What a pathetic story.
    • @ yawn (04/07/2019, 06:56) Like (33) Dislike (35) Reply
      I love this article vino you deserve an award

      The truth still hurts, but it’s powerful!! no one elect him and he is illegal by frustrating the new government in areas where he has no legal standing

      Injustice anywhere is just wrong!!! we thank vino
      • @@yawn (05/07/2019, 17:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        The article is opinion, nothing based on facts, and only the rumour that the Governor's tenure has been extended.
  • Quiet Warrior (04/07/2019, 02:50) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Pursuing attractive employment opportunities in Caribbean tropical paradises, ie, VI, TCI, Anguilla......etc is increasingly popular among UK residents. There is a working network in the OTs where UK residents move from OT to OT. Clearly the VI is great place to work, for most UK residents invariably want to extend their tour of duty. In the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria, the sitting government was slow to respond; some may say it didn’t know what to do and was missing in action (MIA). Its slow response created a void that the Governor jump in to fill, increasing his stature. If the Governor is emboldened to wade into areas that are reserved for the local government, it is their fault; it is local government fault. Nonetheless, at the next constitutional review, the Governor reserve power must be trimmed; reserve power should be only for extreme emergencies. The ready-fire-aim approach of government is not helping matters.
    • lodger (04/07/2019, 08:49) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      And you dont think two category five hurricanes were extreme emergencies.. please give your examples.
  • Lb (04/07/2019, 03:14) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    What the Hades is the "political class"?

    Sensationalism now passes for journalism?
  • Columbo (04/07/2019, 04:08) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    One other thing. He has the power to call in troops from the UK if needs be. Just in case heated arguments escalate.
  • Muller report (04/07/2019, 06:10) Like (29) Dislike (9) Reply
    It’s a british take over deman
  • facts (04/07/2019, 06:50) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    I must agree after the hurricanes we did not see dr smith and the gang they hide from us
  • asking for a friend (04/07/2019, 06:52) Like (34) Dislike (16) Reply
    IN 2019 why the hell do we need a governor?
    • Hmmmmmmm (04/07/2019, 09:04) Like (24) Dislike (10) Reply
      @asking for a friend:

      In 2019 why do we need the UK and the Queen? Strip yourself from their tee tee nipples then. The Governor is the Queen of England’s rep.
  • kkk (04/07/2019, 06:57) Like (25) Dislike (8) Reply
    Some of these bloggers hate Black people
  • lodger (04/07/2019, 08:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If your friend doesnt know they must have been on Mars for the last few years.
  • The TRUTH (04/07/2019, 09:05) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    I"m wondering if this has anything to do with the same sex, belonger status and financial services mandate for OTs. It amazes me to hear Wheatley at the UN saying BVI has no interest in Independence. Like it or not BVI is basically clueless...UK knows this and cannot allow such a strategically important territory to wander off into the forest. BVI this is the price you pay for killing some of your best minds. What goes around comes around.
  • Black BVI People (04/07/2019, 09:09) Like (20) Dislike (12) Reply
    Black BVI People too ungrateful. Just like the island people them say. AND I am a black BVIslander but not ungrateful because humans have limitations. Can you people really expect this Governor to do more good than he has already done and is doing? As a matter of fact he has done more than many black BVIslanders have done.

    Wake up before the well goes dry or before you throw the baby out with the bath water.
  • fco (04/07/2019, 11:47) Like (31) Dislike (10) Reply
    Governors should be seen and not heard
    • WHAT??? (30/08/2019, 12:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hello, Wake up genius, this is the 21st century. I know it is crazy we still have a governor but at least don't treat him like he's a kid in the sixties
  • Weedy (04/07/2019, 12:23) Like (11) Dislike (28) Reply
    Never have I've seen so many bring up race & slavery. BVI look at your self. Going backwards. Not pretty
    • @ weedy (04/07/2019, 13:29) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      the truth hurts
    • Hmm (04/07/2019, 16:19) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      If you don't remember the past its destined to be repeated. Slavery is in the past, says every person afraid to look at how ugly Europeans became and how they treated other races as dirt, justifying their selfish desires with their religion.




  • Xxx (04/07/2019, 21:43) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Gus better behave himself for that extra year
  • my view (05/07/2019, 05:56) Like (79) Dislike (15) Reply
    I think many of us tolans have very short memories, when our police and politicians went underground after Irma and looting was full on and a state of disaster was announced this man was the only one who continued to do his job and be on the streets reporting back. if I remember correctly he was running the country for a while. The power was handed over to him and remember he has a family too and was going through the same.
    Getting rid of the corruption has been his main priority and standing up for the people with no voice is what ive seen. Many dont understand or have even taken the time to see the good work he had done but as usual quick to comment.
    I think he has done a good job and we should be celebrating the fact he wants to stay especially with the stupidness your all talking.
    Thank you Gus for all your hard work dedication.
  • wize up (05/07/2019, 07:56) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    trying to figure out whats the drama: the first official governor came to our territory in 1972; he was governor Derick George Cudmore following this many other governors had extended stays in the British Virgin Islands(what is happening in 2019 is nothing new).....stop the noise(we gave the NDP an extra term in office.....!!!!!??!!!


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