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We need Premier Smith to live up to ‘Gov’t in sunshine’ pledge- Gov John S. Duncan

- still sees no need to call CoI on Ports Project despite barrage of allegations
While refusing to order a Commission of Inquiry into the controversial Ports Development Project despite a host of allegations of corruption, Governor John S. Duncan OBE (right) has called for more transparency from the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
Speaking on the JTV Channel 55 show Spotlight with host Cromwell Smith aka Edju En ka on Tuesday January 12, 2016, Governor of the Virgin Islands John S. Duncan OBE said he has been continuously calling for more transparency from Government and said the public must also make demands of their representatives to achieve this. Photo: VINO
Speaking on the JTV Channel 55 show Spotlight with host Cromwell Smith aka Edju En ka on Tuesday January 12, 2016, Governor of the Virgin Islands John S. Duncan OBE said he has been continuously calling for more transparency from Government and said the public must also make demands of their representatives to achieve this. Photo: VINO
Already rejecting the call for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Cruise Pier Expansion Project, there have been fresh calls from the public for a CoI into the landside development of the Ports Development Project, especially following the allegations of corruption from Developer Hugh E. Darley who had provided drawings for the landside development project. The Governor, however, again seems to have no interest in launching a CoI. Photo: VINO/File
Already rejecting the call for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Cruise Pier Expansion Project, there have been fresh calls from the public for a CoI into the landside development of the Ports Development Project, especially following the allegations of corruption from Developer Hugh E. Darley who had provided drawings for the landside development project. The Governor, however, again seems to have no interest in launching a CoI. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While refusing to order a Commission of Inquiry into the controversial Ports Development Project despite a host of allegations of corruption, Governor John S. Duncan OBE has called for more transparency from the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith.

Speaking on the JTV Channel 55 show Spotlight with host Cromwell Smith aka Edju En ka on Tuesday January 12, 2016, Governor Duncan said he has been continuously calling for more transparency from Government and said the public must also make demands of their representatives to achieve this.

‘We need Register of Members Interest’

“We need to have more transparency and I have been saying this now for some time and I hope that we are going to get some results in the next month or so, both from the House of Assembly, we need that Register of Members Interest properly set down. We need to properly select a committee, it was procedural that actually caused the problem and we do need the Premier to live up to his Government in the sunshine pledge. And I am looking forward to congratulating him on doing that,” Governor Duncan said.

The UK appointed Governor, who said his role was more than just a ceremonial one and that he takes his job as Governor very seriously, said he expects the register of Members Interest to be done in the next month or so.

Cabinet transparency

The NDP government has been labeled as one of the most corrupt and secretive governments in the history of the Virgin Islands by First District Representative and Senior Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member Hon Andrew A. Fahie.

One of the basis for his allegations, was that Government continues to keep the Opposition and by extension the public in the dark on many of its policies and projects, often only revealing when they are considered ‘done deals’.

According to Governor Duncan, there is need for Cabinet transparency.

“We have discussed it, some models, and we hope that a final decision will be made during the first quarter. The Premier has assured me that he will be doing that.”

Mr Duncan added that the VI needs to get ahead of the curve where Cabinet transparency is concerned as it is behind Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands where that is concerned. “Other overseas territories manage this and we should be able to manage this as well. I hope we will get there within the next six months.”

‘I still have the power to call CoI’

Already rejecting the call for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Cruise Pier Expansion Project, there have been fresh calls from the public for a CoI into the landside development of the Ports Development Project, especially following the allegations of corruption from Developer Hugh E. Darley who had provided drawings for the landside development.

The Governor, however, again seems to have no interest in launching a CoI.

“The Commission of Inquiry, I still have the power to do that if I chose to do so, but it is my view that the Governor should not be some kind of class act policeman. Let the elected representatives and the other organs of democracy, such as the Public Accounts Committee, such as the [House of] Assembly, such as the media, take their responsibilities for calling the Government into account and asking questions.”

Referring to the Cruise Pier Expansion Project, Governor Duncan said he brought in an independent consultant while Premier Smith brought in the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the findings were reported.

“That there was no evidence of the allegations of corruption and we had thoroughly investigated them. We brought our independent people to look at it. There was evidence that our structures and process needed tightening and needed improvement. They were out of date, and sometimes politicians had gotten a little bit carried away with their enthusiasm and a bit frustrated with the way some of the procedures were rather bureaucratic and heavy and that had led to some issues that led to the whole issue of the Auditor General asking to do an audit.”

It is now the hope of the Governor that the NDP Government would be soon publishing the CDB report on the Cruise Pier Expansion Project as he has done his part in trying to bring about transparency.

He said both the experts brought in to see whether there was evidence of corruption on the Cruise Prier Project had said that a Procurement Law is needed to protect the interest of the territory and to see that contracts are fairly awarded.

“I can’t order the Government to do this but I will be continuing to ask for that to be done,” Governor Duncan stated.

37 Responses to “We need Premier Smith to live up to ‘Gov’t in sunshine’ pledge- Gov John S. Duncan”

  • wize up (13/01/2016, 11:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    so who is going to investigate the allegations about the for head of police.
    • cop (13/01/2016, 13:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @wize up basic comprehension..the topic is not about the "head of police".
    • Come on (14/01/2016, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      From the blogging it seems lots are distraught but what are we going TO DO? Petitions and or protests can be done. Will anyone commit to making their voices heard? Not in this place. Me. Wheatley took a brave stand on NHI and provided solutions as well. He was heavily criticized. Why when you do you are still "foolish" in people's eyes? These people were voted in, they need to know they were not born with that right. They are here to best serve the country and their constituents not to be dictators.
  • qc (13/01/2016, 11:13) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with Edmund this man needs to GO!
    • VOW (13/01/2016, 12:09) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why we have a governor here since he do not care of what is going on in this place and why we had and election since the NDP doing what they want and then coming to the public they cannot fool people forever one day people will wake up and rebel.
    • wize up (13/01/2016, 12:23) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
      @ QC; why you and maduro dont book his flight: feel how you want but big man here until and if he wants he will simply request an additional year( to go fishing or sailing )
  • two cents (13/01/2016, 11:16) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    I was so applauded with the interview John Duncan seems like the spokesman for the NDP government and care little about the people or good governance. All I was doing was SMH thought-out the interview…He drink the cool aid now we have no confidence in you governor end of story
  • tretretrete (13/01/2016, 11:22) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Governor in the interview was hinting that no corruption on the dickside of the project but the landside there are alot of unanswered questions. However the whole project needs a full investigation.
  • Why (13/01/2016, 11:26) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is the Governor allowing the Premier Smith to investigate his own government? That makes no sense. Allegations cannot be investigated by the persons or government being accused.
  • wize up (13/01/2016, 11:55) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    remember these folks are all social friends: old folks say that birds of feather flock together
  • cay (13/01/2016, 12:13) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have zero faith in his excellency the governor
  • dog (13/01/2016, 12:18) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    -"...calling for more transparency from Government and said the public must also make demands of their representatives to achieve this." That is what the public is TRYING to DO!
    How is Government going to investigate itself? The cover-up is part of the alleged corruption OF the government. The Governor has the power. The governor is not the "policeman" but the "impartial" facilitator to make SURE nothing is amiss. Lawyers and paper trail will take care of allegations.
    The Governor is not making those decisions. He is leveling the playing field legally and it would go a long way to his credibility as a UK rep. He is doing NOTHING to hold the perpetrators accountable because they are GOVERNMENT. He is going along to get along.
    Shame on his (lack of) commitment to transparency. If nothing wrong then sobeit. They will find that out. But give the Attorney General the chance to investigate. Let the laws work!
  • i from here (13/01/2016, 12:22) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Maybe that was the case back then Governor but the allegations against Mark and Claudia by this white dude are HEAVY and do need looking into!

    Premier Smith I got to admit you are starting to look like a puppet!

    Mark and Claudia will be the DEATH of NDP just like Fahie and Fraser was for VIP!
    • @i from here (13/01/2016, 13:21) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      You mean Mark, Claude & Myron going to be the death of the NDP & the country like how Ralph killed the VIP not Fraser nor Fahie so get your facts straight.
    • @ i from here (13/01/2016, 13:24) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      Keep off claude tis myrun and mark will be the death of the NDP TAKE IT FROM ME
  • B Savage (13/01/2016, 12:32) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply

    Can't you see the cozy relationship The premier and Sir Duncan has? You think any kickbacks going on with out something for the Edomite masters? You all best wake da $%^ up before your birth right is sold for less than 30 pieces of silver.

    • wize up (13/01/2016, 17:15) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ B Savage: your comment is hitting the nail right on the head(you have the crystal ball)
  • Claxton (13/01/2016, 12:36) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Glad I watched President Obama state of the union speech instead. Governor Duncan needs to refer to the foreign and commonwealth office of his next move. We the people demand that he represent UK and VI interest as he pledged to his office.
  • NOT (13/01/2016, 12:39) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply

    I second the motion why .bull sh*t the governor needs to go he cover up for NDP too much

  • Eh Guvna! (13/01/2016, 14:05) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    How can we have sunshine with this group going forward with a reduction of debating in the House?
  • Political Observer (13/01/2016, 14:12) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    "We need Premier Smith to live up to ‘Gov’t in sunshine’ pledge"-Gov John S. Duncan. To me, this said that government is not living up to the pledge. This is a serious charge. As such, action should be taken to investigate and ensure that it does operate in the sunshine, not in the dark, caverns of secretive offices. Gov Duncan was appointed to represent Her Majesty, QEII, interest in the territory and to ensure good governance in the territory. But so far he has not done an effective job. Good governance would have entailed commissioning a Commission of Inquiry(COI) to investigate the alleged wrong doings at the port project suggested by the former Auditor General, PAC and more recently Hugh Darley, former port project manager. Additionally, letting government investigate itself is not a normal best management practice. To get at the truth, independent investigators are needed. Everyone operates in self interest. Cannot put rat to mine cheese.

    Government Duncan declined to commission a COI on the port project on the eve of local election held on June 08, 2015, so as not to influence the election I suppose. Though the time should not have mattered, one can understand why. Now, though the cries are getting louder for a COI; Gov Duncan needs to do the right thing and commission a COI. A COI will get at the truth and be the basis for any needed action. Guv has to exercise due diligence; if he does not want to, perhaps, he should be relieved of his duties. He was appointed to serve and needs to serve. Professionalism needs to prevail. The Guv may not want to disrupt his tropical vacation but he has a job to do.
    • Memory (14/01/2016, 16:01) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      If I remember, the previous Gov also decided against a COI. Political observer, it is not you who dictates what the Governor should or should not do in this regrds.It is his decision There was much disrespect from VI citizens and bloggers leveled at the previous Governor. Gov Duncan I am sure was appraised and is quite aware of the history concerning demands for COI and the direspect to his predecessor. Just on principle, he has every right to ignore the noise.
  • ha (13/01/2016, 15:38) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    Two sets of investigations and no corruption found but these idiots will continue with their ignorance.
  • Bernie Sanders (13/01/2016, 15:44) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    We have no opposition they are no different so we the people will get what the duck got..P0litical Revolution is coming,people feel the Bern..
    • Yes (13/01/2016, 19:57) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      Vote None of the Above Next time around Its the only way to send a clear message
  • Citizen (13/01/2016, 16:51) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    That Governor needs to go!
    • Sheba (13/01/2016, 20:18) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yep, he needs to go and get the cat o nine tails like a good massa would.
  • SAY (13/01/2016, 18:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Corruption from top to bottom. All needs to go.
  • ?????? (13/01/2016, 19:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The governor very well know the government of the day is not transparent and not in the sun shine however he not doing ah thing about it...so he can scatter
  • Wendy (13/01/2016, 20:15) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    So you all vex with Gov Duncan because he looks like a colonial overseer but does not act like one? The same group who is vex because Darley looks like Jesus has cometh but Duncan is not impressed? Are you all the same mentally enslaved group who rants about not being independent of the UK?
    Well aren't you all some pathetic wanna be freed but not real free.
    Go way with your self hatred and hope against hope that your lives will one day matter.
  • Queen Mary (13/01/2016, 21:15) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    It is critical and a matter of urgency that each and every Church in the BVI, install and implement worship to melanin infused Dieties that are happy and nappy.
  • who put them hand in the jar? (13/01/2016, 21:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    millions and millions and millions and more!
  • ..???t (14/01/2016, 05:42) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is the governor covering these politicians ? Is he really representing the Queen? Is this good governance? What is he doing for the populace of this territory? Has he been bribed? Why is he out of the territory so often? Since he took up office here he has been out of the territory more often than the full tenure of some governors. We the people want to know what is going on. With all the corruption the governor is silent. Why?


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