Independent investigators hired in BVI Airways probe - Governor
This was confirmed by Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert, who noted that, based on the findings of the report, CoP Matthews requested the appointment of the investigators.
Report showed failures in several areas
According to the Governor, the report highlighted areas where the Dr D. Orlando Smith-led project, "had failed to follow proper processes, in seeking competitive options for contracts; in failing to adopt legal and other advice; in the execution of a contract, and in weaknesses in financial and project performance management systems."
He called it hugely concerning; "what also concerns me is the fact that previous audit reports have highlighted similar failures, which have also led to the loss of Government’s revenues."
"Notwithstanding, the accountability procedural measures mentioned in the Financial Management Act, its supporting regulations, the reporting processes that are in place for projects of this nature, we now need to determine how have the current systems and practices enabled this to happen?" Mr Jaspert noted.
'Fundamental system deficiencies' uncovered - Governor
The Governor also said he believes that the findings, as well as previous audit reports, show there are 'fundamental deficiencies' in the local systems, practices and procedures designed to protect public finances and ensure proper project management.
"As you would expect, the criminal investigation now needs to take its course and we must be patient in waiting for it to come to a conclusion. I will not comment further whilst it is underway."
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Cabinet will now be consulted to ensure that the systems are improved to address issues raised in the BVI Airways Report and earlier reports, the Governor detailed.
He said this will ensure that new, tighter practices are adopted to further ensure full accountability and transparency for Government funds, thus preventing irregularities like in the BVI Airways deal from ever happening again.
Premier Fahie, while a Member of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition at the time, had strongly criticised the controversial deal between the now-ousted National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and BVI Airways deal as lacking transparency and his probing questions on the subject in the House of Assembly at the time were stonewalled.
18 Responses to “Independent investigators hired in BVI Airways probe - Governor”
I don't believe anything being said or done by this governor or police Commissioner. They brought in investigators in regards to the 3 police officers and muck up the case. The same will happen to this investigation. is it just to give their friends a pay job? You bring in investigators to look into cold case and what you get out it a lot of paid out money and a vacation in the BVI.
Auditor General report completed, it was forwarded to Governor Jaspert for review. Review completed, the report was assigned to the RVIPF for investigation. As such, the Governor should not be commenting on an ongoing investigation. It was ok to inform the territory that independent experts were hired to assist with the investigation but beyond that the Guv should zip it. Further, the RVIPF has the investigation so what is the role of the Deputy Governor?
Moreover, the Guv must resist the urge and stay out of the media. He is behaving akin to a mediaphile or media w…..e. Here is a news flash; it is not sexy.
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The UK is no fool,all we tolian asking for the Governor to go,he will be replaced by another Whiteman Governor,who will represent Her Majesty,to make sure corruption don't continue in high places.We want the Governor to go because he will not stand for corruption in any form.In Government,in customs in Immigration,with all kond of underhand deal.So tell me ,you want a corrupt local Governor,or a stillheaded UK Whiteman Governor?
You know what,since everything that go wrong is Governor we criticizing,so I must say-----
Blame the Governor for all the corruption he investigating right now.Blame the governor for that too.
the problem comes when you have a bv islander as govenor or chief of police.....because of the inherant nepatism ( spellng ?) that will take place.....family is family when it all boils down to it.......we've seen it in the past.
Bring in a black govenor or black chief of police ( non BVIslander) if you really think colour is the issue here and you mark my words, they will still do their job as the should do with integrity and independance of " family " pressure.
i just hope against hope that the investivations for the " Wall" and the pier park 40 Mill. dont get forgotten about..