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Public & Press last to see CoI report 'Not Right'- Speaker Willock

- Speaker noted that the Premier & the Leader of the Opposition should have been given a copy same time as unelected Governor
In a scathing but diplomatic letter obtained by our news centre, Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) Hon Julian Willock (left) chided Governor John J. Rankin, CMG (right) on his distribution timeframe for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report. Photo: GIS/File
UK national Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom, the lone Commissioner of the Inquiry in the Virgin Islands, handed over his Report to the Governor on April 4, 2022. Photo: Daily Mail/File
UK national Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom, the lone Commissioner of the Inquiry in the Virgin Islands, handed over his Report to the Governor on April 4, 2022. Photo: Daily Mail/File
Many have said ex governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert left the VI with a bogus CoI, where he coordinated and collaborated with the British press to undermine the VI, based on rumours and gossip against the VIP government. Photo: VINO/File
Many have said ex governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert left the VI with a bogus CoI, where he coordinated and collaborated with the British press to undermine the VI, based on rumours and gossip against the VIP government. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a scathing but diplomatic letter obtained by our news centre, Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) Hon Julian Willock chided Governor John J. Rankin, CMG on his distribution timeframe for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report.

The letter dated, April 22, 2022, referred to Governor Rankin’s press statement of April 21, 2022, in which the appointed UK Senior public officer laid out a timetable for the Report's distribution.

The Speaker noted that it was his “measured view” that both the Premier, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) “should have been given a copy at the same time the CoI report was received by the Governor”.

Speaker & Attorney General snubbed?  

Hon Willock, who has been out of the public space for almost three months since leading a high powered delegation of HoA Members to the UK’s Parliament, noted in the letter that he had paid keen interest in the Governor’s recent statement and noted that His Excellency, “has not stated whether a copy of the Report will also be shared with the Speaker of the HoA who is head of the legislature, as per the constitution.”  

The Speaker also called on the Governor to share the CoI Report with the Judicial branch as it, according to Hon Willock, “plays a pivotal role in good governance by administering justice and safeguarding our constitution.”

He further reminded the Governor that there are three co-equal branches of Government; Legislative, Executive and Judicial and called upon Mr Rankin to respect this fundamental principle, if he is truly committed to the practice of “good governance.”

Timetable is wrong! Why are press & public last?

While the Hon Speaker stated that he respected the Governor’s remit and power under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1880, he “strongly disagreed with the distribution timetable, as it sets out for the public and press to have sight of the report last.”

He reminded the Governor that the people of the UK and the international community learned about the CoI “before the House of Assembly and the residents of the Virgin Islands” and this was wrong.

The Speaker called on the Governor to “right that wrong” in the distribution of this report. Hon Willock also blasted the Governor “for presupposing that only the local politicians or the UK Ministers have an interest in the report”. The Speaker noted that the notion is wrong “as residents, civil society, captains of industry and other professionals who were called to give evidence before the Commission have an equal interest in the report and they cannot be left for last,” according to the Governors’ distribution timetable.

Revenge from a former racist Governor?

An invited comment to the Office of the Governor about the Speaker’s letter went unanswered up to publication time.

A majority of residents and the vocal class believe that disgraced former Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’, who many labeled as a racist, called the CoI as revenge for local push back to his violation of the VI Constitution.

43 Responses to “Public & Press last to see CoI report 'Not Right'- Speaker Willock”

  • Windy (25/04/2022, 14:09) Like (6) Dislike (21) Reply
    The esteemed in them tank
    • god save us (26/04/2022, 07:54) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
      I am just sick of this foolishness with this Governor hiding the col report. We thank God for the voice of reason from the Speaker
  • 911 (25/04/2022, 14:16) Like (13) Dislike (54) Reply
    Say one say two at least mr Willock is fighting for we the people
  • Racist dude (25/04/2022, 14:17) Like (10) Dislike (51) Reply
    Look at the wicked Gus
  • Ask them please (25/04/2022, 14:22) Like (8) Dislike (30) Reply
    I agree with the speaker why they hiding the report and who they will represent in London?
  • lodger (25/04/2022, 14:30) Like (51) Dislike (5) Reply
    When was the former governor “disgraced” please?
  • Tuchi (25/04/2022, 14:51) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Prepare yourself JW that if the cake is small you are there and if it is big you will also dance at that party
  • Thank you Jaspert (25/04/2022, 14:52) Like (70) Dislike (10) Reply
    Please provide actual evidence that the former governor was a racist beyond saying reparations wouldn’t be forthcoming? Conveying a factual message does not make you a racist. This rhetoric makes no sense.
    • @ thank you jaspert (25/04/2022, 16:00) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
      Ask Andrew Fahie and the cabinet of course he was and still usca big racist
  • Man-of-The-Cloth (25/04/2022, 14:54) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Are we truly equals? Or better yet, what makes us equal?
  • See (25/04/2022, 14:59) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The way it should be
  • TurtleDove (25/04/2022, 15:00) Like (19) Dislike (20) Reply
    Why do we have a governor in 2022?
    • @TurtleDove (26/04/2022, 06:40) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      As we are a British Overseas Territory, we have a Governor. This post provides the link with the UK and much needed it is too. Have you forgotten post Irma and the aid and support provided by the UK. Our present government take whilst the UK give. Until we can be accountable, honest and not criminal with the public purse, we cannot entertain the idea and process of independence..
      • @@Turtledove (26/04/2022, 09:55) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        @@Turtledove, there is a clear difference between being a link and absolutely control. The Governor is here to represent the crown, not the BVI people. He is here to rule, not represent and govern. Where else in the world today other than in British OTs do governors not elected to represent the interest of the people he/she represent. Rankin is little more experienced and subtle with his moves than Jaspert who was more swashbuckling and in your face, wearing his attitude and air of superiority on sleeve. No though he was a racist or at least the racists think he is. Keep an eye on Rankin, for still water runs deep. They all sing from the same sheet of music. Ok let the arrows fly.
  • Just saying (25/04/2022, 15:11) Like (13) Dislike (37) Reply
    Elected or not the man is a fighter for the people
  • UKM (25/04/2022, 15:26) Like (49) Dislike (12) Reply
    Julian Willock You are nothing the governor handles this how he wants. Who are you to say what's wrong and what's is right.
  • HMMM (25/04/2022, 15:36) Like (13) Dislike (34) Reply
    Hon. Willock is correct of course the Speaker must be including for a copy. One may not like the holder of the post, but one must always respect the POST. And our Speaker has carried the post very well! When I see him in the House it is as if Speaker was made for him!
    • @Big Richard (25/04/2022, 16:08) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
      The problem with that theory is the Speaker is an appointed post by the Premier. He/she is not elected and is really a politicial appointment. So if speaker should see it, why shouldnt the DPP or AG or a consultant like skelton-cline etc etc see the report first? Clearly they shouldn't; so, the speaker also carries no authority to see this report.

      Before the idiots jump on me, yes I know the Governor is also a politically appointed post, but it was his position that commissioned the report so he obviously gets to see it first.

      I also agree that the public must see the report in full and without redactions (who else is wondering whether Fahie is being given the oppportunity to save some face by requesting redactions?)
      • josiah'sbay (26/04/2022, 09:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        @Big Richard: I don't understand the bickering concerning this report as to who shall see it. The report is here it's completed it concern the people and government of the VI; they should see it period! What purpose do it serve holding it up?
  • Tell you one thing (25/04/2022, 15:44) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    A whole lot of people is having sleepless nights. This is beyond paranoid state. They go to England, they will be walking into the lions den.
  • Concerned (25/04/2022, 16:04) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sir, you are the speaker of the House, not an elected official. This is not a matter you should be publicly airing. Remain true to your position in the House.
  • WHO'S ZE BOZZ (25/04/2022, 16:12) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    WELL THE PEOPLE WOULD REALLY LOVE TO KNOW / HIS EXCELLENCY WIGO THE ESTEEMED ONE 2 AND 3 SEEMS , , TO BE IN CHARGE AND IF THATS THE CASE , THEN THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE REST OF THOSE WANNABE MINISTERS ( SWITCH PLACES WITH THE BIG guy ) AND SHOW HIM HOW ITS DONE
  • My one change, My interest.. (25/04/2022, 16:17) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    I hope the COI fix the status process,. U all don't know the kind of oppression, and victimisation some people applying for status are going through...I'm talking about residents and belongers,, Those status that the Premier is incharge of where is Cronies are 4kn up good people for personal reasons..Naturalization don't have those issues. The white man is much fairer to black people than our own black people .Black people in power only need black people in times like this, like VIP now they back against the wall, for their convenience..
  • Stealth (25/04/2022, 16:47) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    Concur with Speaker Willock that CoI findings and recommendations should have been shared with Government and Opposition at the same time as the Governor. At a minimum, it should have been shared with Government simultaneously with the Governor. Another blogger, E. Leonard in a detail orchestration of the theory of case under an another commentary on the this site suggested that the CoI findings and recommendations with the Government for comment before being submitted to the Governor. Check out the blog for your self.

    The bottomline is that the Governor is delegated absolute control over the BVI. He is accountable to the FCO but in essence he is accountable to no one; he is accountable to himself. Is this democracy. The Governor /UK has the hammer and is on the loose for any and every nail in the BVI to pound with the help of the Sambos. The Sambos should get a commendation for their collaboration.

    Disagree with Speaker that there 3 co-equal branches of government; there are only two, for the Legislative and Executive are one and same. There is no daylight between them.
  • Common Sense (25/04/2022, 17:06) Like (30) Dislike (4) Reply
    You do not share all evidence with a suspect before he is arrested
    • @common sense (25/04/2022, 18:01) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      You are so correct. The actions of the Governor is much like the courts: the defendant should have access to certain information, etc prior to court proceedings. This material of course will be accessible to them via The Crown/prosecutors. They have the liberty now to over certain evidence before trial...that is their right. It is now for us to see who the passive audience and the jurors will be in this whole debacle. Either the UK will serve as Judge and jurors, whilst we the people sit as passive observers. And then there is the factor of whether we, the people will serve as Judge and jurors come 2023.

      What the Governor did was right and fair...let us see how and where the chips fall come June 2022.
    • @common sense (25/04/2022, 19:10) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      @Common Sense, who are the suspect(s)? Are you just speculating, have concrete information or just bring malicious? Why in the Governor’s timeline, the Government on the list to get the CoI? Will portions of CoI be redacted? Speaker Willock get rid of that colonial era head get up.
  • ... (25/04/2022, 18:57) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Good letter Mr Speaker you are courageous
  • facts (25/04/2022, 19:07) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    One person the coi report does not affect is julian willock so I conclude he is the only one left standing with balls to challenge the governor and the UK

    Very excellent letter, for sure you will be the people's Speaker for life
  • FIRE (25/04/2022, 21:09) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    What they should tell the governor is keep it for yourself, noyone wants to see it.
  • E. Leonard (25/04/2022, 22:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Frederick Douglass, Black reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman, on 03 August 1857, delivered a West India Emancipation speech at Canandaigna, NY. Most of the speech focused on the British efforts towards emancipation and the crucial role of West Indian slaves played in their own freedom struggle. A key line from Douglass’ speech: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

    Virgin Islanders have had a long history of struggle for freedom, liberty, etc. In 1901, the Virgin Islands (VI) Legislature was suspended. The Great March of 24 November 1949 led by Theodolph Faulkner was instrumental in its being reinstated in 1950. In 1968, Noel Lloyd and Positive Action Movement led agitation and protest resulted in the epic give away of Wickhams Cay and 4/5 of Anegada to Batehill being returned to the people of the VI. And in 1890, Christopher Fleming led
    Villagers from Long Look to the town square and acting governor’s office to protest rising discontent, injustice and the opportunity to thrive, prosper and pursue self-determination. He and 11 other villagers were arrested and sent to Antigua to stand trial where all but one (1) were convicted and sentenced to jail time.

    Moreover, when and to whom the CoI is distributed is a crucial and important issue. But equally important is the VI’s progression towards self-determination, ie, independence, freedom association or integration, controlling its destiny. However, the progress towards self-determination is in limbo, threatening perhaps a return to the pathogen of colonialism. If Virgin Islanders want the joy of liberty, freedom,and the right to pursue self-determination, they must peacefully continue the struggle. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Further, no one or activity with power and control typically voluntarily relinquishes it; it has to be wrestled away. The UK has the power in the supposed partnership.


    • class mate (26/04/2022, 10:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      We, the current breed of Virgin Islanders, are not in the same league as Christopher Fleming, Theodolph Faulkner, Noel Lloyd among others. These men were courageous, sacrificing, unselfish, and put the interests of others and country first. The current breed of Virgin Islanders are concerned mostly about the “BIGS”, ie, Big House, Big Job, Big Car, Bling, and name Brand fashion. They want and wonder why things are not happening but don’t want to do the work, struggle. They/we think change happen naturally by osmosis. They/we partake in civic engagement only tangentially and superficially mostly around election and then we go into our materialism hibernation, keeping our eyes off and losing focus of the prize. Meanwhile, the folks at government house ratchet up their control and work their plan to keep us as a people, black people, in check. Additionally, while we behave like crabs in a bucket and like Uncle Toms or Aunt Tomasinas, the folks are scheming and working their plan how to keep us under control. They will treat us the same way they treated Christopher Fleming and Noel. We better awaken from our slumber, uniting and focusing on the right things. The folks are United in their efforts.
      -——————————————————————————///-/
      As a side note, hopefully they are teaching the current chiren about Fleming, Faulkner and Lloyd. We were deprived of such history back in the day.
      As a
      • RealPol (26/04/2022, 13:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Real talk. We must believe the reflection in the mirror. As the saying goes bullshit walks and money buy land. This post will not get much press but it hits hard and deep.
  • Dancing with the Stars (26/04/2022, 07:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am appalled at some of expressions that some persons on the blog pertaining to the COI document to be released to the public. What is so amazing is that it seems as though there is a lack of understanding of the role and purpose of the Governor. As such I would like to point out clearly that the Governor is the Constitutional Head of State. He is the intermediary between the Territory and the Foreign and Commonwealth office. He is answerable to Her Majesty the Queen and not to the local politicians. However, he needs to consult with the Local Political head(Premier) when making certain decisions and the appointments of the various Commissions and administrative positions.

    I have heard several remarks regarding the releasing of report of the COI and I considered them to be incomprehensible. I want to stress here that NO local politician or the Speaker of the House of Assembly or Social Commentators can instruct the governor to perform any function that is not in the best interest of Her Majesty. As long as the Union Jack is being flown over the territory, the Governor will be here to look into the interest of Her Majesty. And whether we would try to seek independence, there will be a limited presence of the Monarchy that is the Governor General. Only a Republican Status will remove ALL ties with the Monarchy.
    • Quiet Warrior (26/04/2022, 14:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Indeed, the Governor is here to represent Her Majesty, not the people of the BVI. The Governor General in the former colonies or associated states is a self -serving machination of the British to preserve some of the status it held under the British Empire, if it is ceremonial. At these countries, save for Trinidad, Guyana and Dominica, independence they were probably coerced into such holding to such a colonial link.
  • Abort abort (26/04/2022, 07:57) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    I saw the Speaker last week and had a conversation. He is one of the most humble and focus person I know. This Ranking man seems to be full of arrogance. Mr. Willock keep speaking truth to power
  • the real deal (26/04/2022, 08:00) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    THANKS FOR ADDING YOUR VOICE AND PRESTIGE TO THIS MATTER MR JULIAN. WE THE PEOPLE OF THE BVI APPRICATE YOU
  • big show (26/04/2022, 09:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I want you all to know the Esteem speaking for himself not me
  • OH , JW (26/04/2022, 12:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOVES THAT , AND SCHOOL CHIRREN EVERY JACK A*S LOVES TO HEAR THEMSELVES BRAY @ ABORT , U BOTH CAN HELP EACHOTHER APPLY YA'ALL MAKE UP
  • @ 911 (26/04/2022, 15:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WELL THE GOVERNOR WASN'T LOOKING 4 A FIGHT , WITH KONG SO HE WAS COOL CALM AND COLLECTIVE IN THE PRESANCE OF WHAT WAS SO CLOSE IN FRONT OF HIM , ITS A WONDER HE DIDN'T CRY FOR HELP
  • Fashion (26/04/2022, 19:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the wig still looks ridiculous
  • Yeah Right (28/04/2022, 17:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have every right to the see the report - so we can see it and read it.


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