‘I read the online news!’ – Governor John S. Duncan
He said that while there are challenges, there are areas which the Territory has gotten right, such as its democracy and its strong media.
“You might have heard me saying that since coming to the Virgin Islands I have been very impressed with the vibrant democracy and an Opposition that holds Government to account. And the fourth estate, the media, who are active and equally demand accountability of elected representatives and a very vibrant social sector,” Governor Duncan said in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online on Thursday November 20, 2014.
“If you want a community to be healthy in its democracy I think that these things are all important aspects,” he said.
“Of course I have only been here three months. I was appointed a year ago and I have been working from London with the previous Governor. So he had brought me up to speed on a lot of the issues before I got here. So things like the cruise [pier] issue, the airport issue I knew a lot about those before I got here,” he said.
“But what you can’t know is the people. So obviously for the first three months I am still learning, listening to people and getting their perspective and there are many different perspectives as they are people,” he said.
“But overall I have been very very impressed by the way this community has its own democracy that works, has its own working fourth estate, it may be uncomfortable but that’s the nature of a democracy,” he said. “And obviously I watch the online press. So when 18 people like or dislike something that is only 18 people out of the entire population of 30,000. But nonetheless it is important to listen to what people are saying,” he said.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) Government continues to undermine press freedom with its passage of a Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act which seeks to censure and intimidate media houses and put journalists in jail.
Governor not appointed
“There is a misconception that people are appointed to be the Governor. You are not appointed to be Governor. You have to apply like any other job. It’s a very ferocious competition and I was urged to go to other places where my background might be useful in solving some of their problems but I was very keen to come here and everything I have seen in the last three months has reinforced that that was the right choice,” he said.
“And it is a four-year job. I get the feeling that there is a misunderstanding that it is a three year job plus an extension. When you have these jobs that are quite demanding you have the option to leave after three years. So it is not an extension it is an option to leave. So I fully intend to do my four years here,” he said.
He said that he wants to continue to get to know the Virgin Islands people and for this reason he is making the rounds in social and service organisations with customary honorary membership.
“I am very keen to be part of the voluntary sector to work to help the people. I think this is very vibrant in this country…we have got the Rotary, we have got the Lions and also we’ve got some informal groupings which are also engaged in helping people,” he said.
“I am keen to get out and talk to the ordinary people and see what people’s concerns are. I’ve also been to the Sister Islands,” he said.
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20 Responses to “‘I read the online news!’ – Governor John S. Duncan”
take a look at the names of the landowners at wickhams cay near where the pier project is taking place: it'd make ken bates himself blush
thank you.
LOL Expats should know BVI values BVINEWS ARTICLE– Governor!!! this article, why do you not join hands with the government and send all the expats home, EXPATS should not even be a word to describe our Caribbean brothers and sisters. I wonder if the bvi have an influx of uk nationals, how would that be, i wonder if they will work in bobbies, and one mart, and do constructions and all the work that is being done by the "expats". i wonder if they will pay those exorbitant house rents doing the same jobs that afforded them the luxury of about $5.50 an hour.
No victimization seen since my arrival – Governor BVINEWS article!!!!!!
governor, wake up, maybe you need some coffee, step into reality, analyse the BVI before you make such statement. People will look at you with shock and Awe!!! especially the victims, Mr. Governor why don't you set up the opportunity for people to meet with you one and one to voice their concerns, Do this as a different thing for the people, make history in the BVI, Good history, you believe in democracy, at least give them a listening ears.
No partiality – New governor says he grew up in Africa BVINEWS article!!!! what growing up in Africa has to do with anything Governor??????? the fact that u made such a statement shows that you have some form of resentment in your mind, to your surprise the bvi is a black society. DO you think a person who is racist will say i am racist!!!!! it funny how the article speak of partiality, but there is not need for your impartiality, the Government already in full practice of it against its people so no need.
Businesses Doing Well With Substantial Markups - Governor; Raises Questions About STT Shopping!!!!!
There need to be a research to see if the governor had any business franchises in the UK, or if he did study economics, before the the governor say, SUBSTANTIAL MARK UPS IN THE BVI WILL BE REVIEWED TO ESTABLISH WHAT IS THE REASON OF THE HIGH COST OF GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE BVI WITH AN INTENTION TO REVIEW WHERE POSSIBLE, he is saying people, the business people are doing good, but he did not say i wonder how people survive on $4.00 an hour in this country where basic necessities like food are so expensive.
THIS GOVERNOR NEED A REALITY CHECK!!!!!!!! a real one!!!
Things to talk
I am glad you read the comments. what you read reflects 1,666 times more than 18. Black people are by nature suspicious of the White man because of their previous record in the way they treat Black people so working in Africa or Europe makes no difference.
Now, if you truly want to make a difference, Rotary and Lions Club are for the privilege few. I implore you to go out in the society and meet the Common man, woman, boy and girl in places like Scatliffe Alley, the Sunday Morning Well in town and West End, the boys and youths on the block who has the stories to tell, the poor homes in the Communities where people are paying high rents with few amenities the expatriates who work over time and have to wait months before they are paid or get none at all. The minium wages where they have o slave from dusk to dawn and are afaid to talk. The young girls who are sexual abuse to get money to pay their rents as they are getting 4.00 per hour, the skyrocketing food prices with no price control. Also the rude public service / customr service you get when people look at you and feel you come from a different island. The unprofessional conduct of teachers on the job to students and parents. The disregard for people in authority who may not come form tortola. The little respect you are shown if you appear to be more learned in certain areas if you happen to be an expt. The underlying deep seated hate that exist between locals and expt. even though you become one through intermarriage. Walk out of your box meet the ordinary man. They are the masses and you make your mark from there.
and a serious imbecile!
There is a common misperception that Governors are simply selected by the FCO HR Department or FCO Ministers. If this may have happened in the past it is no longer the case. A person who wishes to be governor has to demonstrate at interview that they have the required skills and experience compared to other candidates. The result in practical terms is that of the 6 Governors in the Caribbean and Atlantic Overseas Territories 3 come from the FCO while the others come from different branches of the UK public service. This was the point I was trying to make.
In my inaugural address I set out how a governor has to represent a broad community of interests, both in the UK and the BVI. Unless an Overseas Territory choses to become independent, a citizen of the Overseas Territories cannot apply to be governor. This would change the nature of the post which would strictly speaking become that of Governor General as exists in a number of Commonwealth countries today.
I hope this clears up any confusion. I have taken good note of the other views expressed in reaction to this article.