Controversial Ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert, left, told the Commission of Inquiry that he was always respectful even as he challenged the Virgin Islands (VI) elected Government in the spirit of ‘Modern Partnership’ between the United Kingdom and VI; however, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, painted a very different picture of Jaspert, one that was abusive and belittling. Photo: VINO/File

During the October 20, 2021, Commission of Inquiry Hearing (CoI), Augustus J. U. Jaspert said he always operated within the constitution and always had the interest of the Virgin Islands at the forefront. Photo: YouTube

During the October 20, 2021, Commission of Inquiry Hearing (CoI), Counsel to the Commissioner, Bilal M. Rawat asked Mr Jaspert whether he would accept that as a characterisation of the role of the VI Governor, that for the last 20-30 years, Governors have sat in Cabinet and done nothing.

Jaspert claimed he was always guided by Constitution 

Mr Jaspert disagreed and said that while he was guided by the constitution in his duties, he has several roles. This included working alongside the Premier and Cabinet Secretary in shaping the agenda as part of the Cabinet steering group.

“The governor also, in line with the constitutional and the spirit of modern partnership, as Governor I would in Cabinet often question, challenge, support some of the decisions and deliberations that were there,” he said.

While Jaspert has never admitted that he and the Fahie administration had a rocky relationship, a day later, on October 21, 2021, Premier Fahie told the CoI hearing that the relationship with the governor was tantamount to being ‘abusive.’

Premier Fahie said that after working in the teaching profession and with several others, he was told that he was hasty but never difficult to work with.

Governor caused turbulence from Day 1- Premier Fahie 

Premier Fahie said from the moment he won the 2019 elections, the turbulence with the Governor and his office started. He said his swearing-in as Premier was delayed about three times.

"I decided that this is out of hand, so I went with all my members that won the election and those who didn't and we went and I told them we are going to sit in the Governor's Office until we get sworn in..." he said. 

Premier Fahie said in another instance, soon after he was sworn in as Premier, the Governor summoned him to his office and asked about documents and items with the UK, including the UK Loan Guarantee.

"I told him I really can't discuss that with you now, that would be premature, give me a chance. I thought he was a little aggressive with how he responded, but I chalked that up to him having a rough day," Hon Fahie said.

Premier Fahie said the following day when he went into his office for the first time, he asked about a meeting with Permanent Secretaries or a courtesy call, and it was then the Governor shouted at him for holding a meeting with the Permanent Secretaries without first going through him.

Governor allegedly shouted on Premier 

On a phone call, Premier Fahie said, “The Governor came on shouting... telling me I have just started... I have already crossed the line by meeting with Permanent Secretaries and not going through him. I listened to him for quite a while, the old me would have answered back," Premier Fahie told the CoI.

The Premier said he told Mr Jaspert that in the tone he [Jaspert] was communicating, he could not be speaking to him. The Premier said the then Governor later calmed down and spoke about the procedure that must be followed.

"After that, he said let us meet tomorrow morning and he starting to go through different things... plus he accused me of going to the media and letting out who the ministers were without letting him know first so he could swear them in, which was not true."

Relationship with Governor was 'abusive'- Premier  

"Somebody in the meeting leaked that out and he accused me from day one of doing things that I did not do," Hon Fahie went on to say. 

The Premier concluded that the relationship with the ex Governor was one that was 'abusive'.