Dr Smith said Jaspert asked him about corruption before becoming VI Governor
Speaking on an episode of Talking Points on ZBVI 780AM on February 6, 2023, Dr Smith added that even before becoming Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert had asked him about alleged corruption in the VI.
“The last governor, I met him before he came here and the first question he asked me is 'What about this corruption the BVI?'
“I was taken aback because I didn’t know of any corruption, I was not aware of any corruption in the party… which I was a part of, which I was the leader,” he added.
UK saw fire where there was smoke - Dr Smith
Dr Smith added that the British Government saw the VI as a case that where there is smoke there is fire and hence the CoI came.
He also pointed to the rocky relationship between the then Governor Jaspert and the then government led by ex-Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) as another reason why the CoI came about.
Dr Smith; however, added that during his tenure and under the system of Government in the VI, to prevent instances like a CoI there were ample opportunities for discourse between the Governor and elected government.
He said the Governor and Premier would have a meeting every Thursday, in addition to the Governor sitting in Cabinet.
“That is something that should have been happening more often, if this is the position… here’s an opportunity for discussion,” he added.
Jaspert called CoI
The CoI was called by Mr Jaspert and announced to the VI government and public days before Mr Jaspert exited the Virgin Islands.
CoI Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom was also hand-picked by Mr Jaspert, which led many to question the undemocratic process the CoI was established and executed.
The CoI failed to unearth corruption but did reveal there was a need for reform for better accountability, transparency, and fairness.
Mr Hickinbottom subsequently recommended, among other things, a suspension of the VI constitution and imposition of direct rule by the UK.
This recommendation was rejected by the Virgin Islands people, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, CARICOM, USVI Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr and the United Nations.
Although suspending the constitution has been held back, there is an Order in Council in the UK Parliament that can be activated to impose direct rule if the Virgin Islands fails to implement recommendations made by a one-man commissioner.
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40 Responses to “Dr Smith said Jaspert asked him about corruption before becoming VI Governor”
They found no corruption. They may have suspected corruption, which has led to investigations. A court will decide if there was indeed corruption. Fahie's arrest and the Speaker matter (allegations and no charge) had nothing to do with the CoI...don't mix it up. Thanks
He lit the fire. And continued to fan the flames. Imagine that.
Fast forward decades later, developing, money flowing, highly sought after paradise where the Uber wealthy run to vacay, they see the dollar signs and want this place back to themselves.
Talking about corruption. Where on earth isn’t there bad and good? Far worse happens in other British Overseas Territories, go and harass them.
They want to get us out of here for their people to flock the islands, buy out all our beautiful hillside, beachfront and mountaintop properties so they can come and live in our paradise after they eradicate us. I see the plot.
The ex-police commissioner, who spoke horribly on the BVI and it’s locals, choosing to purchase a property and retire here after all was said and done was the first sign to me of what was to come and I was correct.
Developing where??? Money flowing where exactly? Into pockets that already overflowing? Is our own people right here that walking all over us!!! Ain’t sh** sweet about this place. Cut the crap.
If the UK wanted to “take over” so badly they would’ve done that immediately right after flandrew pull that bs! This is the BRITISH Virgin Islands the UK don’t got to fight up with a soul for this place.
If they come and take over do you think you will be spared? That you won’t be discriminated against? I’m sure you are black. They won’t say oh look it’s the coon that commented under the VINO article in defense of the whites. You’ll be treated just like the rest of us, if not worse…
I want to make it abundantly clear that she CANNOT contest the General Election because she was not born here. Naturalization is not a birth right.
Where was D4 rep born?
If one don't admit that their car or truck tire has a deflated tire, does that means that the tire is not deflated?
In order to more this country forward in the right direction, we should admit that corrupted practices was and still is a continuing practice in a number of areas.
Honesty is still the best policy. True confession, and repentance are righteous principles needed prior to the experience of good governance in the BVI.
"Time To Reset."
Time to put our "House Of Assemble" in order.
Why the hell he had the Governor sitting in Cabinet? He started this sh**.