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Governor purchases new top of the line SUV Range Rover for over $90K plus

- Money came directly from taxpayers with no help from UK; VI taxpayers also maintain upkeep of Government House & pays staff to provide services to Governor
In the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic when the average resident is without a job, can’t pay for higher education and some are still going to bed hungry, the unelected UK appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has landed himself a brand new, fully loaded, Range Rover. Photo: Team of Reporters
The new Range Rover has cost taxpayers some $90,000.00 plus, with no help from the United Kingdom. Photo: Team of Reporters
The new Range Rover has cost taxpayers some $90,000.00 plus, with no help from the United Kingdom. Photo: Team of Reporters
Virgin Islands' taxpayers maintain the upkeep of Government House and pay staff to provide services to the Governor. Photo: VINO/File
Virgin Islands' taxpayers maintain the upkeep of Government House and pay staff to provide services to the Governor. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, when the average resident is without a job, can’t pay for higher education and some are still going to bed hungry, the unelected UK-appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert has landed himself a brand new, fully loaded, Range Rover.

It has cost taxpayers some $90,000.00 plus, with no help from the United Kingdom. The post of Governor, like the Premier’s and the Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA), comes with a vehicle and a driver.

Other public officers also drive Government vehicles negotiated via their employment, as well as some Ministers of Government. 

Poor judgment by Governor?

Critics of Mr Jaspert; however, have said it was poor judgement to allow such a huge amount of money to be spent on a vehicle at this time when the country is ‘hurting’ and there have been little or no help from the United Kingdom.

It also confirms that the office of the unelected governor is now more a liability to the Territory than an asset, having had to go to the Consolidated Fund to make this purchase. Many sources close to the situation said “it was so bad that they had to move money around to make this purchase possible for a vehicle in these hard times.”

It should be noted that VI taxpayers also maintain the upkeep of Government House and pay staff to provide services to the Governor.

The controversial governor’s popularity has hit rock bottom following the election in 2019 of a new government. Under the former National Democratic Party (NDP) regime, he was running the country. Governor Jaspert has reportedly told many persons that he “will not be sidelined” and now holds many press conferences like an elected official.

Governor above the law?

The senior UK public officer has been under fire for alleged violation of the constitution, thinking he is above the law, his selective attention to good governance and turning a blind eye to some issues under his portfolio.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), a subject under his remit, has been under scrutiny for using excessive force on civilians, and public internal spats within the ranks; however, the Governor has not addressed any of these vexing issues but found time to issue a statement on a cartoon, an action many said trivilised his office.

Symbol of colonialism?

Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, a radio commentator, has been educating the public about the Governor’s role and that his office signifies that the Virgin Islands has been and continues to be colonised by the British.

When a call was made to the governor today, July 17, 2020, about his lavish spending on a vehicle, we were told that he is on a ‘Staycation’ and could not be reached.

Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), the veteran legislator, brought a motion to the HoA in late May, 2020, to reprimand Mr Jaspert for his violation of the Audit Act, having submitted the report on the NDP Government’s Financing of BVI Airways a month late to the HoA.

Speaker of the HoA, Hon Julian Willock has also publicly sparred with the Governor over his attempts to interfere with the legislative branch.

95 Responses to “Governor purchases new top of the line SUV Range Rover for over $90K plus”

  • Nice (17/07/2020, 15:10) Like (161) Dislike (20) Reply
    Well deserved for being the first out spoken governor
    • Nooooo (17/07/2020, 15:30) Like (27) Dislike (114) Reply
      We did not vote for him how dare him use our money to by a 90k
    • unacceptable (17/07/2020, 15:33) Like (44) Dislike (43) Reply
      The country economy down fell and for him to purchase a 90k vehicle in this time is just unacceptable
      • To unacceptable (17/07/2020, 18:10) Like (63) Dislike (45) Reply
        I am with you. This governor needs to be looked into. He needs to go.
        • HMMM (18/07/2020, 06:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          When you past government did it you people had nothing bad to say.
        • Really Now (18/07/2020, 07:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          The only person who need to be looked into is the post office gun threats. Fix government injustice againt government postal workers before you talk.
        • Uknown Factz (20/07/2020, 10:42) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
          These comments are disgusting. Yall ain had ntn to say when he came here...selfless. When he got a Basic Kia from Intl. Motors, it got trashed from the flood and the man still wanted it. Had it cleaned n took it. When lower government officials up and down in foriegn cars...When he would attend every official meeting and stay till the very end. Help pack up cheers etc. Social with anyone in any class. The one time a simple man decides to step out the norm just once. Y'all nasty wicked ppl have everything to say smh. If yall were smart, honest, and responsible enough then he wouldn't have been here in the first place. Now when da next storm pass y'all going run cry to him smh. "Take it easy Jasper, don't mind da talk". Best Governor And Premier to ever pass through!!!
    • Terry (17/07/2020, 15:34) Like (33) Dislike (48) Reply

      I hope the damn cor888 came with the vehicle he did this with our money in these difficult time

      • vi (17/07/2020, 18:17) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
        Terry you lucky that's the best thing the Gov even done bout our money that's the BEST of you all it's
        my money too fool
    • @ nice (17/07/2020, 16:13) Like (20) Dislike (27) Reply
      Hope he is not a racist
    • 2% (17/07/2020, 17:28) Like (39) Dislike (5) Reply
      Just a point: he will not be the only Governor being driven around in it. His successors will be driving in it too. Should last at least 10 years and about 4 governors. The purchase cost will be $9k per year!
    • TO NICE (17/07/2020, 23:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are not foolish. We know he is pressing like plenty times.
    • waste of money (18/07/2020, 13:05) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
      Why does he need a big fancy car?
  • Wellsah (17/07/2020, 15:11) Like (64) Dislike (4) Reply
    Here comes claude Skelton-Cline soon with his long paragraph
    • lol (18/07/2020, 12:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is absolutely true lol... A book on how he needs to go.
      • Hmm (18/07/2020, 13:49) Like (2) Dislike (16) Reply
        I was a 100% supporter of Augustus, till this horrific insult. Send him home, now, we in the BVI are eating dirt and air and he needs a 90K Range Rover to drive maybe 2 miles a day. Huge insult to the suffering BVIlanders. He needs to go, yesterday.



  • Karen (17/07/2020, 15:13) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    Well well here we go now they going have a march about him now..
    • yess (17/07/2020, 15:22) Like (78) Dislike (9) Reply
      He deserves it he’s actually one of the governors we had that actually spoken and defended himself.
    • @ Karen (17/07/2020, 15:28) Like (61) Dislike (75) Reply
      People just jealous of him especially Claude Skelton who wants to have an entanglement with the Governor and the position the Governor holds that’s why he want independence
  • Lord Max (17/07/2020, 15:14) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
    oh man.... Jaspy Boy they bout to start treating you like the island people them lol
  • Damn (17/07/2020, 15:14) Like (6) Dislike (27) Reply

    A local police need to be driving that.

  • Smith (17/07/2020, 15:15) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why not when our 7.2 million dollar plane was sold
  • Woooiiiii (17/07/2020, 15:18) Like (23) Dislike (16) Reply
    Thing to tell d king.... Jesus help us in this place. Look at the timing of this purchase....... Just Wow.....
  • Proper ting (17/07/2020, 15:19) Like (70) Dislike (58) Reply
    It's a beautiful Range Rover....I think it's fitting for OUR Governor!! Carry On Then! Cheerio!
    • child (17/07/2020, 15:25) Like (37) Dislike (20) Reply
      I don’t understand what’s so hard in just getting a normal vehicle all that money spending just for the police officer from down the island who driving to mask it up
    • @ proper ting (17/07/2020, 15:29) Like (39) Dislike (26) Reply
      He needed a damn susuki wasting our taxpayers dollars
      • Proper ting ah say (17/07/2020, 23:02) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        It’s an ideal ride for Gus....how can we boast as being the elite of the Caribbean and place our senior statesman in a Japanese spec transport? The Range Rover speaks volume and represents British class and pride. Visiting diplomats can be escorted in posh yet dependable transportation. Walk the walk and talk the talk!!
        • Whaat (18/07/2020, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
          What visiting diplomats, Hahaha, what visitors, period? Bruhahahaha no one is coming till, waaaay after Disgustus is long gone.
  • GG (17/07/2020, 15:34) Like (60) Dislike (19) Reply
    ok .and if HON fahie had when and buy this in this time of what going the whole BVI you would of hear but if ok for the Governor to buy it YOU HEAR WITH OUT THE UK HELP SO BVI IS OUR TAXPAYER MONEY BUY IT SO YOU SEE WHAT SKETON -CLINE KEEP ON SAYING BVI OPEN YOUR ALL EYE
  • Why??? (17/07/2020, 15:35) Like (27) Dislike (37) Reply
    When you have a post/ position or job specification it comes with certain perks! Please STOP chastising individuals for their package deals as it relates to their field of work! So tired of the small minded mentally! If anyone of you fulfill anyone of these hierarchy positions you would want ALL the perks that comes with it! & it would be hell to pay if at anytime your package deal was tampered with!...
    • bvi (17/07/2020, 20:41) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      @why.???: Don’t waste your energy dear. Most of the time it’s uneducated individuals that make he foolish comments. As the saying goes “ Empty barrels always make the most noise” I remember they said the same thing when the Premier higher private security guards and purchased the official vehicle he is using. Damn if you do damn if you don’t.
  • izbrisati tudi to (17/07/2020, 15:49) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    Shame on you!!!
  • lol (17/07/2020, 15:49) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Good going Gov, you will be the talk around town with this posh ride. Anyways, I will be looking a lift now and again since my tax money help purchase it. I will be the one with thumbs up passing Government house.
  • Eagle Eye (17/07/2020, 15:58) Like (38) Dislike (51) Reply
    I see everyday alot of public servants driving around in expensive vehicles so why not the governor.
  • Nice (17/07/2020, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you Mr governor thay got another CD island people get a reast unless that play both
  • DOUBLE STANDARDS (17/07/2020, 16:15) Like (8) Dislike (24) Reply
    You think a local politician could have gotten away with this rape of the treasury hell no just because he is white
    • standard (17/07/2020, 18:42) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      How much did the Cadillac Escalade for Dr Smith cost????
    • av3 (17/07/2020, 20:07) Like (17) Dislike (40) Reply
      The politicians have been raping the treasury for years, the peer park, the hospital, the aircraft, the wall, the list goes on and on and on
  • We in trouble (17/07/2020, 16:20) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    Inspite all the suffering..... Them and their cronies keeping the borders closed. They living good.. They dont care..They are blaming Corona or using it as an excuse to conttol and oppress the people...
  • Too Many! (17/07/2020, 16:33) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Far, far too many Rovers are cruising the highways and byways of Tortola with government plates on them! While I think the Governor and the Premier both ought to have suitable rides befitting their office, what's up with the rest!?!
    Free gas, free insurance, free tyres and upkeep, AND the just have to have a free $85,000 car of their choice? WRONG. That needs to change!
    Each of those Rovers, and there are lots of them, is worth 3 Vitaras!
    • LCS (18/07/2020, 08:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      And you can add the upkeep of these vehicles, which is astronomically high from the dealer. They charge an arm n a leg for parts n service.. Overpriced parts, like $700.00 quote for 2005 Freelander key sensor replacement that needed to come from Germany. Is an English car! Government Officials should be more reasonable.with their spending. Like if it was coming out of their own pockets.
  • Ghost (17/07/2020, 16:41) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    I understand that he’s the Governor and it comes with perks but really.!!! In a time such as this when our economy is so unstable he’s going to satisfy himself with a vehicle with a cost of this magnitude??..and what is up with all of these Premiers and Governors buying these expensive cars.. Dr. Smith did it to!..it is the timing for me that I have Great issue with.. C’mon Governor.. does it matter to you at all the state of our country or all you care about is your personal gains even in the face of this pandemic...Shame on you!!!.. then again perhaps you just don’t care.. Smh..Just Shameful...
  • White supremacy (17/07/2020, 17:14) Like (49) Dislike (9) Reply
    I admire how the governor and his people are blogging all day I can see right through it
  • trrefdrfds (17/07/2020, 17:18) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    hahahazzz...at a time when the UK refuses to give us any financial assistance (and i'm not talking about borrowing any money).

    This is Jeopardy||

    Can anyone tell me the last time the UK gave the Virgin Islands money?
    • East Side (17/07/2020, 19:30) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Do u all pay taxes in the uk ?Why would the uk give assistance to u all ?
  • See (17/07/2020, 17:30) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    I understand the perks but it is bad optics at a time like this . The car is WAAAAYYY overprised and overrated .
  • Really (17/07/2020, 17:34) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    This iant his second vehicle
  • pat (17/07/2020, 17:44) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    In the uk he has to take the tube set of oppressors
  • jah know (17/07/2020, 18:12) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wait, how do we know it is a Government money bought or his personal money bought vehicle??? Why y'all talking bout tax payers money
  • bvi (17/07/2020, 18:28) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what’s wrong with that all the rest ministers have big rides
  • House owner (17/07/2020, 19:29) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let the crown pay what ever they want to pay for. What about the premiers car and his security?
  • speak out (17/07/2020, 19:37) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Everything with "HER MAJESTY" name on it should be finance by the UK including the prison and postal service.
    this is time for REPARATIONS AND APOLGY FROM THE UK BUT YET WE FINDING OURSELVES STILL FINANCE THE QUEENS SUBJECT
  • House owner (17/07/2020, 19:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    If not open the border for for tourists, but open it for people owning a. House and payed tox to buy it topeare it for hurricane season. It is not fair to take take the tax and then do not allow the people to come her
  • Liat 521 (17/07/2020, 20:00) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply

    I remember how they jumped on the speaker and premier over their vechicle but on here saying a w**** m** deserve it SET OF HOUSE N*****

  • Local (17/07/2020, 20:09) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I remember this Vehicle and another brand was in the news sometime back, the TOPIC was which one to bye .
  • Timing. (17/07/2020, 20:25) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    While I here out Of a job have my family to feed that’s what the governor taking money from the treasury to buy. What happen to a ford or Toyota. This is really master days back. We can’t see this. It’s time for us to be self determined. Governor, gets to much on the back of black tax payers. You think that’s all check his food bill you will see thing. More to come.
  • Tell us (17/07/2020, 21:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who chose the vehicle , the Gov... or the Dep.. Gov...? There is always a comity that have the final say.
  • Nice ride (17/07/2020, 22:20) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    That’s a nice car. Look forward to seeing it out on the road. Well deserved for doing such a fantastic job.
  • Slevery (18/07/2020, 00:14) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    For some of these uncle toms the governor could do no wrong
  • Rubber Duck (18/07/2020, 03:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    He doesn’t seem very unpopular based on the comments. A lot more popular than Shelton-Whine.
  • ,@ghost (18/07/2020, 06:55) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    he not the worst but the most courniving
  • Hmm hmm yes (18/07/2020, 07:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice
  • Between the lines (18/07/2020, 07:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you read between the lines, this purchase means 2 things. One, message to CSC that my ride cost as much as your contract, we can see my ride but we cannot see the results of the work you were contracted to provide. Two, message to the population that you expect UK taxpayers money to support you and we won't but I can use your taxpayers money to get a little more comfortable. Now if the UK is responsible for national security, who should be footing the bill? But some people have rightly pointed outthat we know not yet the source of the funds nor whether it is something that was approved by an inhouse committee before. I do not think it was a decision made too far back because it is only recently we learned of Jaspert staying on for another year. Interesting move and I'm sure the backlash was expected. Your ways are being learnt and your triggers have become more obvious. Get with the program people.
  • g (18/07/2020, 08:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    That one should hold u all rid on Mr governor d wall cost more
  • wellness (18/07/2020, 08:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    IF ALL THE MINISTERS AND GOVERNER DRIVES SUZUKI AND HYUNDAI . I BET WE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN BETTER ROADS. CANNOT FEEL THE TRUE EFFECT OF POTHOLES IN THESE LUX VEHICLES
  • Reality check (18/07/2020, 10:06) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looks like what a lot of the top government employees are driving! How much did the Premier's vehicle cost? Have you noticed all of the new vehicles with red tags on the roads lately? Noticed haw many government employees are still being paid for services which no one needs, like collecting the exit tax at the ports of entry/exit?
  • 2 grand (18/07/2020, 11:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    gov j you put the cart before the horse roads needed fixing before driving your whip on dem bad roads POTHOLES etc
    • imagine (18/07/2020, 14:12) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      Emperor with no clothes, and a 90K rover to go no where and he wonders why we hate him. Go home we don't want your living high while we are starving to depress us any further. Jaspy just go quietly.
  • Big Slick Willie (18/07/2020, 12:44) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I've seen a bit of this on St. Thomas too. Is this a sign of status or what? It just don't make any sense to have that much power and bulkiness on an island.
  • crazy (18/07/2020, 13:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    According to the head line, " Gov... purchases new top of the line SUV Range Rover for over $90K plus." Really , I thought it's a committee that decide what type of Vehicle he gets.
  • He take long (18/07/2020, 15:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who cares !
  • long look me come from (18/07/2020, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    I told you from day 1 this governor is bad news
  • vi (19/07/2020, 07:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    bla bla bla running up all you dam mouth, making useless noise, vehicle done bought and and all you cant do a thing about it, they own you guys, its not all you money, its the uk money, they can tell all you how to spend it, they can stop all you from spending it, they can even tell all you how and how much to borrow, so dont you all tired of making useless noise, these people own you guys, i dont know why Claude cant get that in his thick skull.
  • @vi (19/07/2020, 11:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have you ever heard of a period or full stop (.)? It is really hard to read your post, which actually makes sense, except it is one long, four line, run-on sentence.
  • whats next! (19/07/2020, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what next ?
  • joe (19/07/2020, 19:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Money money money
  • You the Man (20/07/2020, 16:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game. Pimp that Ride Gov.
  • Jah Bless (20/07/2020, 17:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm so happy our Governor got a new SUV Range Rover, cause I could remember the times the old Land Rover give so much problems nearly leaving our Governor without a vehicle to drive and our Kind hearted Premier Andrew, gave one of his vehicles to the Governor to use until the old Land Rover got fixed. So I think we should not be quick to Judge the Governor who been putting up with a old land Rover that giving so much problems and have to be fixed every second and not reliable and costing so much to fix and still not fixed. The Governor deserve to have a proper vehicle that functioning 100%. And he been hear like nearly three years using a the old Land Rover so it about time for him to get a new vehicle. When NDP was in power didn't the former premier got a new vehicle that cost just about the same amount or lil more than the vehicle the Governor got? We must remember after the Governor do his term as Governor here the vehicle will be here for another Governor to use so its not a waste of money it was something that was needed and it just happen to come at a time like this (Covid 19).
  • History repeats itself (20/07/2020, 18:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s so funny to see how black people are quick to defend the white man and go against their own race. Just like slavery times when black slaves would alert the white masters that the slaves were planning a revolt or to escape captivity betraying their own brothers and sisters. That’s exactly what is going on now. Making excuses for the Gov. when it is clearly a unwarranted purchase especially in these hardships.
  • Tired (20/07/2020, 19:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every day some people cone on the blogs and spew a lot of igjorance complaining about everything. Locals calling people fm other islands, island man, people from the other islands cussing out locals especialy when decisions have to be made for the good of the country. Now you all here blogging all these low down bad things about the Governor. People stop hating and stop being so materialistic and greedy. The Coved 19 virus is so unpreditable we do not know who is going to die soon. Everybody should be praying and asking God to forgive us for our sins instead of thinking about who getting most expensive vehicle and how much money we could make if the country is open It is just sickening.
  • Sofia (22/07/2020, 10:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have never met an island loaded with such ungrateful people. Tell me, which one of you do not like nice things?
    Which local CEO drives a Honda? As humans, when we progress it feels nice to drive a nice car, sleep in a nice bed, and eat at nice restaurants.

    Before you comment- please know I am born and bred in the BVI so, I know my people and many of us are sad, unhappy and misguided individuals.
    We had several previous government officials who did one or two things which were questionable. We have had several previous governors who were sent to govern, but did not interact nor made an impact on the island let alone accept the locals.

    For f sake, give the man a chance. Let him be human. You all don't think he too, has feelings? How can you all come and write such terrible things and feel no way? If any of the nay sayers get into any problems and he is one person that can help, please be willing to also say- you ain't want his help.

    Has this pandemic not help anyone realise how fickle life is? Here we are trying to survive in a world being crippled by a virus. People wake the hell up.

    Tortola can not continue like this. This behaviour will hinder tourism and growth. Look at the bigger picture.

    Your children and grandchildren are not impacted by his vehicle but the attitudes of our people are.

    This man has been the best governor we've had. But look beyond him and think about the future of the BVI. From my seat, things are looking grim and the last thing we need is delusional people who can not see beyond their own belly.



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