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Independent investigators hired in BVI Airways probe - Governor

- said NPD Gov't failed to adopt legal & other advice; failed to follow proper processes
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) led by Commissioner of Police, Micheal B. Matthews has enlisted the services of independent financial investigation experts to 'set the wheels in motion' for BVI Airways criminal investigation according to Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert. Photo: VINO/File/Twitter
Chief lobbyist of the BVI Airways deal and former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith along with former Financial Secretary under the Dr. Smith Administration, Neil M. Smith. Photo: VINO/File/GIS
Chief lobbyist of the BVI Airways deal and former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith along with former Financial Secretary under the Dr. Smith Administration, Neil M. Smith. Photo: VINO/File/GIS
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), 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. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), 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. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), led by Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews, has enlisted the services of independent financial investigation experts to 'set the wheels in motion' for the criminal investigation into the failed BVI Airways deal.

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”

  • What did you all expect (10/06/2020, 11:56) Like (3) Dislike (26) Reply
    this is fake just for us to believe something is happening. We need to investigate this governor trust me!!!
  • about time (10/06/2020, 12:09) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Go get them. we may never see the money again but hopefully some heads will roll.
  • BIG M (10/06/2020, 12:17) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply

    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.

    • Checking (10/06/2020, 14:13) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      and think about it....white investigators investigating white men...things that make you go hmmmmmm
    • House Keeping (10/06/2020, 18:37) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ Big M, nothing will come out of this other than paid vacation the police also need to be investigated no updates on unsolved crimes and the list goes on
  • Disinterested (10/06/2020, 12:26) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    In my opinion, the VI needs an independent investigative agency, bureau…….etc. Therefore, I’m not averse to the hiring of an independent expert(s) to investigate the agreement between BVI Airways and the VI government to provide non-stop flights between MIA and TBLIA. However, I’m a bit concern about Governor A.J. U. Aspert comment about the investigation.

    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.

    2 4
  • Concerned (10/06/2020, 12:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a waste of money. No one will ever be prosecuted. All parties are outside our jurisdiction. Could be done on Island
  • Well Sah (10/06/2020, 12:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's that, Neil Smith future mug shot? Well sah
  • LCS (10/06/2020, 12:58) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why it has taken all this time for the Governor to address this BIG ISSUE? He has failed the BVI people on this one. Money might never be recovered from BVI Airways, itself, but guilty parties should made to pay back every penny, even if they don't go to jail. They are all filthy rich. They can afford it and should pay those 7.2 mil back. If it was mistake, let there be consecuences. But, doubtful it was.
    • Duped!! (10/06/2020, 15:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      So blame the Governor for the fact that your Government at the time, was duped into handing out $7.2 million to a Ponzi scheme. I am quite sure that had he or who was present in that Office at the time had objected to the deal, it would have been headlined that the Governor was trying to stop the progress of the BVI and he should go.
  • YBM (10/06/2020, 13:36) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I still feel nobody is going to jail, you know following this story just goes to show the privilege of being a Belonger to see the old Administration gonna get away with this and probably make a public apology if so much is beyond me and $7.2 Million gone down the drain that both Non Belongers and Belonger put in on but the talk in the British Virgin “Islands” every day is to get rid of “Island” people while their own people is taking advantage of them. What a time to be alive
  • Lord have mercy (10/06/2020, 14:49) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Racist over again just to make we believe something is happening but just a conspiracy to hire more white U.K. officers smh we getting played by these two white boys
  • blame the governor (10/06/2020, 14:49) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is why we don't want a BOTC Blackman Governor,as requested by the Premier.Blood is thicker than water,and it does matter how much water you mix with blood,it will still show red somewhere.Can you imagine having a local Governor,with the surname 'SMITH' or his grand mother was a 'SMITH' that matter would stay on the Governor's desk until Covid-19 is over in the next five years,and Covid would have infected that report so bad it would die.
    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.
  • Oh No (10/06/2020, 15:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    So another massive chunk of taxpayer money just to rake through the coals. When we will stop wasting money. The Gov clearly outline failure in procedures, hardly anything to put anyone in Jail. Move on. What about the $12m spend on coronavirus PPE and hospital renovations, when are we going to see transparency on that?
  • Norris Turnbull (10/06/2020, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    We still on the plantation.
  • Challenger (10/06/2020, 17:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    do you really believe that the colour of the govenors skin will make a difference..? really. you talk white...you talk black.......
    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..
  • question (10/06/2020, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    how can you blame a governor when it is our own political leadership that gave away your tax. any fault in this matter have to rest at the feet of the National Democratic Party. as a progressive territory we need to get our house in order somehow we love someone to tell us what to do: if the right things were done there will be no need for all this bull....don't forget 2007(play the tape)
  • Buffalo (10/06/2020, 22:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another opportunity for the Brits to come in to rake in thousands of dollars and at the end of it all, no results. Ask the Gov. and the COP what was the outcome of the case with those officers who were charged for corruption, after UK officers and prosecutor came here and left with thousands no conviction of anyone. These two gentlemen has find a safe haven for their compadre to come in and make thousands, watch them good, all training in the RVIPF is UK cops, like it’s them alone can administer training and after they left with thousands, the police is no better off. Waste of tax payers dollars.


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