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'Insensitive' Governor to hold press conference with CoI Commissioner

- Press conference to be held @ Arbitration Centre on Friday, January 22, 2021
The British Judge handpicked by outgoing Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, left, to head the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Governance in the Virgin Islands, Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom, will be introduced to the media at a press conference called by Governor Jaspert tomorrow, Friday, January 22, 2021. Photo: VINO/Gov Office/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, who it is alleged has been antagonistic towards the elected Government of Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in photo, announced the CoI on Monday, January 18, 2021. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, who it is alleged has been antagonistic towards the elected Government of Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in photo, announced the CoI on Monday, January 18, 2021. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert's perceived insensitivity to descendants of slaves has again come into question with him choosing Martin Luther King Jr Day to announce he had issued a Commission of Inquiry into Governance, throwing the Virgin Islands into a highly negative light on the international scene. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert's perceived insensitivity to descendants of slaves has again come into question with him choosing Martin Luther King Jr Day to announce he had issued a Commission of Inquiry into Governance, throwing the Virgin Islands into a highly negative light on the international scene. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The British Judge handpicked by outgoing Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert to head the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Governance in the Virgin Islands will be introduced to the media at a press conference called by Governor Jaspert tomorrow, Friday, January 22, 2021.

According to a correspondence from the Governor’s Office, the Governor will officially hand over the Inquiry to The Right Honourable Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom at the media briefing scheduled for the ‘Tortola Room’ of the Arbitration Centre, Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola, at 12:00pm.

Governor Jaspert, who it is alleged has been antagonistic towards the elected Government of Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced the CoI on Monday, January 18, 2021.

He had also disclosed that he had named Mr Hickinbottom to lead the Commission of Inquiry. 

According to a press statement from the Governor’s Office today, January 21, 2021, Sir Gary will look into whether there is information that corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty in relation to officials - elected, statutory or public - may have taken place in recent years. If so, the Commission will consider the conditions which allowed this to take place and make independent recommendations for improvement.

Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom 

Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Sir Gary served as a Lord Justice of Appeal, one of the most senior judges in the UK and brings to the Commission more than 45 years of experience in the law, the Governor’s Office stated.

During his twenty years as a judge, Sir Gary heard the full range of civil and criminal cases and supervised public law challenges in both the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. Prior to becoming a judge his legal experience as a solicitor and as a partner in a London law firm included both commercial cases and pro bono and human rights work on Caribbean death row cases. Sir Gary regularly speaks at diversity conferences and seminars, particularly on issues relating to diversity within the legal profession and the judiciary. He was appointed a Privy Counsellor to HM The Queen in 2017. 

The Governor’s Office said the decision to appoint Sir Gary to lead the Inquiry was based on his judicial experience, qualifications and effectiveness “so the best possible outcomes for the people of BVI can be guaranteed.”

Questionable & insensitive action by Governor

Many Virgin Islanders have stated while they are aware that corruption may exist in the Vi just as in any other country, including the UK, the move to issue a CoI is highly “questionable” especially since it is no secret the Governor has been at loggerheads with the elected Government.

The controversial Governor was already heavily critcised late last year for what many deemed as insensitive remarks on reparations for slavery and for stating that the VI should preserve the names of landmarks named after perpetrators of chattel slavery, brutality and crimes against humanity.

His perceived insensitivity to descendants of slaves has again come into question with him choosing Martin Luther King Jr Day to announce he had issued a Commission of Inquiry into Governance, throwing the VI into a highly negative light on the international scene.

30 Responses to “'Insensitive' Governor to hold press conference with CoI Commissioner”

  • okay (21/01/2021, 17:37) Like (14) Dislike (39) Reply
    i have no issues with this inquiry but i do not believe he will be impartial. When a person is handpicked it is becasue you expect a certain outcome. My only question is why onky now? Why didnt he do this whe the present Government requested it? I did not believe in self determination but if the Government can show me how it can work, then i will certainly vote towards it.
  • whattt (21/01/2021, 17:52) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is interesting
  • trrefdrfds (21/01/2021, 17:54) Like (44) Dislike (4) Reply
    Dr Plane Smith
    Wall V walwyn
    Pier Park Vanterpool

    There’s more but y’all 3 in specific should be shaking in y’all seat right now. Pop the popcorn this is a show to watch!!
    • @Truth (22/01/2021, 09:21) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      lol lol lol lol lol lol this comment had me rolling....but i agree
    • Rubber Duck (22/01/2021, 10:05) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      Orlando Smith is as honest a politician as you could ever meet. But ultimately I think he might suffer for the actions of his underlings, some of whom are a long way from honest. A shame but as Truman had written on his desk “The buck stops here “
  • Rubber Duck (21/01/2021, 17:54) Like (39) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those whose hands have not been in the cookie jar have nothing to fear.

    Those who paid for the cookie jar have everything to gain.
  • Honestly (21/01/2021, 17:55) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    Vip shouldn’t be so worried unless they have something to hide but the old NDP whewww Chille y’all in for a rude awakening
  • hmm (21/01/2021, 17:59) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    We want Mika Barry she have all the melee
  • sooo (21/01/2021, 18:32) Like (18) Dislike (34) Reply
    Why he need to hand over? The man has been appointed and let him do what he has to do.

    Why the need fora press conference but he don’t want to
    hold the inquiry in public?

    The Governor behaving really bias and improper.

    The people of the BVI will not forget your media campaign Governor especially with how you ensure the U.K. press printed this thing as if persons already convicted.

    You ever see the DPP hold a press conference with a Judge. Stupidness.
    • INSENSITIVE. Hmmm (22/01/2021, 07:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      That's a low blow,. Let the man do his job if you agree with him or not,,,,All of us in our jobs will do something people did not like but that didn't make it wrong,,,,Stop the unnecessary adjectives,,, Let the investigation run it course and be vindicated,,,,
  • rattie (21/01/2021, 19:41) Like (8) Dislike (35) Reply
    Racist by Gus is real
  • south africa (21/01/2021, 21:04) Like (5) Dislike (20) Reply
    when His Excellency Governor Jasper grandfather was whipping the black off of people that was acceptable: when the same governor's parents were selling humans because of race & colour that was acceptable. Look how quickly some of you forget
    • @ South Africa (22/01/2021, 15:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Meanwhile locals murdering each other and have hit men at a beckon call
  • Teacher (22/01/2021, 03:12) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    It’s funny how we are being over taken by the UK,
    School children saying that the leaving police commissioner is via for new positions as head of customs..

    • Aristocrat (22/01/2021, 09:09) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      School children lol no wonder yall look like fools in the eye of some
  • Well Sir (22/01/2021, 05:39) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    What in secret must come to light Gus u are an target
  • bat (22/01/2021, 05:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    A man does nothing fears nothing. People must think for themselves and not allow the noise to confuse them .Since when Virginislanders need a loud mouthpiece to read for them and give them the meaning of what is written?
  • Curfew (22/01/2021, 07:02) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    While yall at it get rid of this control curfew please. Its makes nosense
  • Greg (22/01/2021, 07:57) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    Hick In Bottom (AKA) Kick In our Bottom hand picked by the disgruntled ex governor........Hmmmmmmm
  • LilyAnn (22/01/2021, 08:02) Like (33) Dislike (3) Reply
    this aint the same Gov yall exhaulted after he held the country hand after Irma?? Yall got short memories and yall very insultive. Never forget the hand that guided yall !!
  • Dancing in the sunshine (22/01/2021, 08:04) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    Do not be afraid of evil doers, for God will be with you. Hon. Premier my God will be with you and you will be vindicated . This governor felt insulted that a young Premier could stand up against him and don't feel any inferiority complex. This is a Premier who is very confident and knowledgeable of politics. The former Premier had allowed other governors to manipulate him and have their own ways. This will not happen with Hon Fahie.

    Elections are won with votes in the ballot boxes and not with the assistance of Commissioner of inquires. Since the last General Election when the VIP won handsomely, many in the territory were shocked to see the result. However, if the governor thinks that he will have a change of government through the Commissioner of Inquiry, the electorates will disappoint him because if another election is call the results will be the same. I do hope that the people of this territory will not be fooled. From the remarks of the leader of the opposition after the Governor announcement of the COI, there seems to be a sudden raise of confidence in him. However, I know who has the final say and it is GOD. Wai and see.
  • Quarantine (22/01/2021, 08:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is the judge physically here already? Did he quarantine? So he came before the planned COI was announced and before his name was mentioned?
  • Essex County (22/01/2021, 10:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    One hope during the press conference governor will let you know that BVI Government Funds will pay for the investigation: The private investigator payment will be deducted from the very same ill gotten gains(dope money) that he seeks to investigate. One can only hope that the governor during this press conference informs the public that all of his private parties at government house is paid for from BVI Government Funds(same dope money) at this press conference the governor will let you know that the 90,000.00 vehicle he drives around came from bvi government funds(the same government money he now investigates) It is alleged that each officer was paid 50,000.00 to come to the this British overseas territory to investigate the long outstanding unsolved crimes most of them back in the mother-land with fist full of dollars and nothing(no press conference)
    • lodger (22/01/2021, 10:19) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      You dont know that. Governor has an entertainment allowance and most of his parties are fundraisers for the good of the country. Doesnt the premier hold parties? Dont he and members of HOA have big new rides? What was wrong with those used by the previous govt. direct your criticism in the right places. There are maybe a few hundred who need to be worried by this inquiry. The rest of us are stocking up on popcorn.
  • Sherlock Holmes (22/01/2021, 10:11) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    You didn’t notice some very big drugs busts lately, some bent cops being arrested, the corrupt politicians being called to account? You think this is coincidence?
  • Memory (22/01/2021, 10:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our memeroes are not so short that we will forget when we could not go on beaches
    We appreciatef any one who have the best inteterest of the BVI at heart but we are against colonization and are convinced that this is what this matter is about. We need to put our personal and political greviences aside and see it for what it is.
  • Itami (22/01/2021, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    So arma in arms with arms we fight against our problems
    Cause that the only way to overcome our biter struggles
    Bob Marley
  • just Because (22/01/2021, 15:04) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This statement might not be allowed, and if it does, it will be frowned upon by some who don't share my views. However, I must add my voice to the discussion. I am of the opinion that this process is needed, and has been long over due. The name calling of the governor, the cartoon drawings and the commentary on particular radio and online platforms were all focused at discrediting the governor as the Monarchy's appointed person here. The head of State. The office of Governor of late has been attacked consistently, mean while he has been compiling evidence of the dealings on many areas in the government business approach. He can't pinch a lion's tail all the time and don't expect to get bitten. Time we accept the truth that we can't police ourselves.
  • Personal (22/01/2021, 17:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sk-C and Premier kept attacking the man. That's all this is about. Respect.


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