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Public officers ‘have every right’ to approach Commission directly- CoI Secretary

- as CoI makes known that Gov’t has committed to putting mechanisms in place to assist Inquiry
Commissioner Gary R. Hickinbottom, left, and Secretary to the Inquiry, Mr Steven Chandler, right. The Commissioner was sworn in on January 22, 2021, and began his work from that date. Photo: VINO/File
The Commission encourages anyone who would like to submit information relating to the Inquiry to do so as soon as possible via the secure website portal (www.bvi.public-inquiry.uk). Photo: VINO
The Commission encourages anyone who would like to submit information relating to the Inquiry to do so as soon as possible via the secure website portal (www.bvi.public-inquiry.uk). Photo: VINO
The method which controversial former governor Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert used to announce the Commission of Inquiry, which included keeping the local government in the dark about his intentions while colluding with the UK press, has raised question about the real motive behind his decision. Photo: VINO/File
The method which controversial former governor Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert used to announce the Commission of Inquiry, which included keeping the local government in the dark about his intentions while colluding with the UK press, has raised question about the real motive behind his decision. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Commission of Inquiry called by controversial former Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert to look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty may have taken place amongst public, elected and statutory officials in recent years in the [British] Virgin Islands is making an appeal to anyone who would like to submit information relating to the Inquiry to do so as soon as possible via the various channels in place.

Further, Secretary to the Commission Mr Steven Chandler has said the Commissioner, Gary R. Hickinbottom, has been informed and welcomes that it is a policy of the Government of the Virgin Islands that all ministries, departments, statutory bodies and Government-owned entities provide appropriate and timely cooperation with the Inquiry.

Mr Chandler, in a press statement today, February 15, 2021, said the Commissioner also understands that the Attorney General, Dawn J. Smith, assisted by Withers Solicitors, will coordinate the implementation of that policy.

Public officers can still approach Commission directly

According to the press statement, the Commissioner wants to reassure the population of the VI, and its public officers in particular, that whatever mechanisms government adopts to assist the Commission there is nothing to prevent those in public office who have concerns from coming forward directly to the Commission.

“They have every right to do so, and if they do their information and input into the Inquiry will be kept strictly confidential.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner, according to the statement, is extremely grateful for the information that has been shared to date, and for the “constructive engagement” he received during his visit to the Islands in January/February; and for the information “which continues to flow in.”

Further info needed

The next stage of the Inquiry, expected to last several months, will involve seeking further information and documentation predominantly from public officials, including elected and statutory officials.

The Commission encourages anyone who would like to submit information relating to the Inquiry to do so as soon as possible via the secure website portal (www.bvi.public-inquiry.uk). As well as the website portal, the Commission has provided a number of different and secure ways for individuals to share information with the Inquiry Team, including a dedicated email address, a WhatsApp phone number for messages or audio/video calls, and a UK postal address – all detailed on the website.

“All information will be received and held in strict confidence,” the Commission assured.

The Commission of Inquiry (“the Commission”) was announced on January 18, 2021 by Mr Jaspert, mere days after he exited the Virgin Islands.

Questionable motive

The method which Mr Jaspert used, which included keeping the local government in the dark about his intentions while colluding with the UK press, has raised questions about the real motive for the CoI.

It is also a known fact that Mr Jaspert shared a strained relationship with the new Government led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), who has pushed for Virgin Islanders to take up top posts in the territory while championing the call for more autonomy for the territory. This has included limiting the powers of the Governor.

The Commissioner was sworn in on January 22, 2021, and began his work from that date.

11 Responses to “Public officers ‘have every right’ to approach Commission directly- CoI Secretary”

  • Xxx (15/02/2021, 15:30) Like (6) Dislike (43) Reply
    a circus made up by a racist former governor
  • tretretrete (15/02/2021, 16:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    That wen u divide the people....u turn them into lices and leeches...
  • u mad (15/02/2021, 16:04) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    U all will never get no one lock up or chain in your web of deceitfulness of colonization ...we stop asking for wat ours we taken shit ...
  • josiah'sbay (15/02/2021, 21:23) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    People of the VI do not incriminate ourselves. Give the UK nothing and send them packing. After they are gone we will have our own Commission of Inquiry.
    • the rock (16/02/2021, 06:35) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      Trust me the UK will close the constitution immediately, this process is just a show, they dont need anyone to come forward!, all I could say is God have mercy on theee beautiful virgin islands!
  • the rock (16/02/2021, 06:36) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    You all really think this judge can be fair, no.he cant, I'm taking bets!
  • Eyes On The Prize (16/02/2021, 08:38) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    How does it help us by not coperating? My brothers and sisters think about our children and grandchildren. I support transperancy.
    If there is nothing to hide we take a victory lap
    And if there are problems we fixed and move forward.
    One way or another this can only make us a better ppl.
    • @Eyes On The Prize (18/02/2021, 12:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are no brother or sister of mines! You are a 21st Century House Slave! So you go and serve them up their dinner and let them spit in Your face!
  • vex (16/02/2021, 10:39) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    A set of uncle Toms and house slaves carrying news but we will call them traitors out
  • wake up (19/02/2021, 20:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ladies and Gentlemen, if you all don’t know your history you are bound to repeat it. Remember when the Mayflower sailed into America. The Indians helped them to survive the harsh winter. What did they do afterwards, they slaughtered them and the reminder were placed on reservations. Then, they went to South Africa with the guise of preaching the gospel. What did they do? they slaughtered them too and took the best of the land. Look how much black people are killed in the US yearly. It is always justified. So much of them have been hanged or given life sentence for crimes they did not commit.
    This have been going on for centuries. The police always lie about fearing for their lives. There was an old song which went as follows: pray for the black man he only struggles and then fall.in the eyes of those colonizers, we have it too good here. The sincerest and believable lies are told by these devils. Play with them and see what will happen to our little BVI.






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