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VI taxpayers to foot Governor's $44K CoI legal bill

- Contract still to be vetted & payments processed, according to Premier Dr the Hon Wheatley
Local taxpayers will have to foot a huge legal bill incurred by Current UK-appointed Governor, H.E John J. Rankin CMG, when he appeared before the Commission of Inquiry on November 24, 2022. Photo: Facebook
Senior legislator and Opposition Leader, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) in questions to the House said he notice that the Governor, both past and present were called as witnesses. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Senior legislator and Opposition Leader, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) in questions to the House said he notice that the Governor, both past and present were called as witnesses. Photo: HoA/Youtube
While the Premier, Dr the Hon Wheatley said he does not perceive it to be his role to discern whose interest the Governor was serving, he said that conclusion will be drawn by the other legislators. Photo: HoA/Youtube
While the Premier, Dr the Hon Wheatley said he does not perceive it to be his role to discern whose interest the Governor was serving, he said that conclusion will be drawn by the other legislators. Photo: HoA/Youtube
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI– Local taxpayers will have to foot a huge legal bill incurred by current United Kingdom (UK) appointed Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, when he appeared before the Commission of Inquiry on November 24, 2021.

This is according to Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in questions answered during the May 26, 2022, 3rd Sitting of the 4th Session of the 4th House of Assembly at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola.

Senior legislator and Opposition leader, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) in questions to the House said he noticed that the Governor, both past and present, were called as witnesses.

The legislator said he remains struck by the logic of the appearance and needs answers to a few questions.

Senior Legislator Hon Fraiser raised question 

“Madam Speaker, could the Premier and Minister of Finance please tell this Honourable House how was he able to discern: a) Whose interest was the Governor serving, given that he represents the UK while in the Territory?, b) Who paid for his legal fees? And c) How were they paid?”

While the Premier, Dr Wheatley said he does not perceive it to be his role to discern whose interest the Governor was serving, he said the conclusion will be drawn by the other legislators.

“I will leave the Member and others to come to their own conclusions about that. I believe that the Governor would have provided answers to the question raised based on his knowledge and experience. In the respective matters raised,” he added. 

The Premier revealed; however, that when the Governor appeared before the CoI and faced questions posed by Sir C. Geoffrey Cox on behalf of the Attorney General, in those circumstances, the Attorney General did not legally represent him.  

“Instead, private legal representation was provided in consultation with the Attorney General, with the cost to be met by the Government of the Virgin Islands.”

VI to pay up for UK Governor 

As such, according to the Premier, the cost incurred was $44,220 for taxpayers to foot after the contract is vetted ahead of payments being processed.

Meanwhile, a Special Select Committee appointed by the House of Assembly (HoA) to examine whether former Speaker Julian Willock should be indemnified of court costs has concluded that the HoA should not be held responsible for the fees incurred when the then Speaker and his Deputy filed an injunction against three Commission of Inquiry (CoI) lawyers who were deemed to be working illegally in the Virgin Islands.

47 Responses to “VI taxpayers to foot Governor's $44K CoI legal bill”

  • Run them (27/05/2022, 13:23) Like (23) Dislike (32) Reply

    Y'all keep lying in bed with these wicked w**** people and expecting the best. They can't change its their DNA

    • double standard (27/05/2022, 18:50) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      I am not paying Julian bill and the UK needs to pay the Governors bill.
      • Agree (28/05/2022, 14:25) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        I’m British and I agree - the U.K. should pay for its governor. Not the people of the BVI
  • Interesting!! (27/05/2022, 13:33) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    No mention of the $8 million plus spent by the Government. There are still further costs incurred by Silk which have yet to be paid.
    • @ Intreating!! (28/05/2022, 07:32) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      It is our money which we are spending the British have done nothing for this British Overseas Territory since 1975 since we as an overseas territory was removed from grant in aid: the eight million none of which was contributed by Buckingham Palace: be it good money or bad money the residents made it therefore being spent

      The uk only want to come back because of the money globally speaking London is one of the corrupt places under the sun and in 2022 some of we still fanning the flames of this racist country were the color of your skin determines how you are treated and where you should stand in line

      Can you just imagine the white cops running around road town a predominantly black community
    • Yes (31/05/2022, 15:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That’s why the former premier was trying to get some money to help pay the government bills
  • @interesting. (27/05/2022, 13:38) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    Exactly, this figure is nothing compared to the $8 million the government racked up.
  • Pull up (27/05/2022, 13:49) Like (16) Dislike (12) Reply
    Fraser is the only member of government that speaks up on certain issues: the tax money can pay for mr white’s expenses but mr black from road town it’s a no no
  • Come on man (27/05/2022, 13:54) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
    We're paying the governor bills but the esteem has to pay his?
  • and they better answer he (27/05/2022, 13:56) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    God bless we got Fraser to pepper them taisl with questions
  • My girl (27/05/2022, 14:05) Like (23) Dislike (23) Reply
    So they paid the governor own but the speaker must pay his? A set of evil one sided snakes
    • to Jack (27/05/2022, 16:56) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      Know what you are trying to say, but please stop insulting the snakes. Snakes are decent.
    • Secret Bear (27/05/2022, 17:22) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
      The governor was compelled to testify. He didn’t rack up his legal bills filing an illegal, unapproved, doomed lawsuit against the COI. That’s the difference.
  • Silent Majority (27/05/2022, 14:15) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    Governor we expect results for our 44k. Why so quiet?
    • @silent majority (27/05/2022, 18:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The silent majority has no idea what is going on. Absolutely not a clue.
  • Let’s see (27/05/2022, 14:51) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    let’s see if Cindy, Kishma and Pico will organize a match for added street credit.
    • @ Let’s see (27/05/2022, 15:52) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
      you will grow to realize then understand that we can only beat up on our own

      When it comes to other class of our society every man mouth shut

      Cindy and those on that same train will not go on that FM station and chat about why our tax pays for the governor from the UK expenses but the little black boy from Hog City can not have such a privilege

      hear this or go back and play the time because it was never discussed on that FM station back then

      during the covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown of our economy the governor from the United Kingdom went shopping for a new Range Rover but some of our own people got money look big talk shows

      As around and find out the cost spent on that vehicle for the governor well over fifty thousand dollars at a time when our country was in lockdown
  • Sambo (27/05/2022, 14:58) Like (15) Dislike (18) Reply

    WTF! This is nuts! This is crusading! The UK needs to be shame of itself; it is a brazen in your face exercise of unilateral action and you can’t do a thing about. It is a Might is Right colonialism philosophy. Let’s look at the logic. Controversial and r...t UK-appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert going out the door after a shorten tour handpicked Sir Gary Hickinbottom to conduct a commission of inquiry on BVI governing practices. The current UK-appointed Governor who was in only in the territory for a microsecond was called to testify, representing the UK and an integral part of the commission of inquiry. Here is a news flash. The UK-appointed is not on site to represent the BVI people. He is on site to represent the UK interest. I dare someone to provide the facts to counter my assertion. So the UK-appointed Governor commissioned a commission of inquiry and now the BVI people are being forced to pay a $44K for Governor John Rankin’s appearance before the commission of inquiry. Is the reverse true here or it is a one way street. For example, if the BVI government were to file issues with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to redress some issues of concern to it, will the UK government foot the bill? By the way, there is no daylight between UK-appointed- Governors and the Foreign and Commonwealth. It is a clear that the decision/ outcome, ie, suspend the constitution, of the commission of inquiry was determine before hand. An objective perusal of the commission of inquiry would conclude that the drastic recommendation to suspend the constitution among other recommendations was made on subjective opinions and vague non-concrete phrases, not objective facts. The commission of inquiry was a Kangroo Court and a cabal. I will get many dislikes by Sambos and others for my brash, truthful and candid comments but I don’t give a rat’s @#$ or a flying %^.... Who bex, bex.

    • @Sambo (27/05/2022, 19:59) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Crusading? This has nothing to do with religion.
    • @Sambo (28/05/2022, 08:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Sambo, you are a racist, worthless piece of shit who call down your own people. You are a useless, worthless, SOB. But it seems as if you are not alone with your senseless nonsense, for others support you. How can the BVI get any better with people like you and your sick friends who are like lost sheep, going clean off the cliff. Sad day for the BVI.
  • josiah'sbay (27/05/2022, 14:58) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
    A COI ordered by the Governor to scrutinize the VT government is now expecting the VI's government and its people to pay the Governors' legal fees. Make it make sense.
    • Josiah’s bay (27/05/2022, 18:20) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Please go to school before you spread disinformation.
      • josiah'sbay (27/05/2022, 22:40) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        So, you're saying if I order an investigation on you I should expects that you should pay for it. As for school I don't see how it has help you.
  • So. (27/05/2022, 15:16) Like (19) Dislike (19) Reply
    We get Valu for money. As a matter a fact the Valu out weigh the money. Look at how much we have learnt. We never had this much idea the we were so corrupt and so much people in authority were breaking the Laws, plus All the unnecessary oppression. We have sure learnt a lot. Real value for money..
    • @So (27/05/2022, 18:03) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yeah right.. a penny wize and a pound foolish. We will continue to pay to learn what and who we are dealing with. Nice way of having the BVI tax payers at heart. This is like when black people complain of injustice by another race they tell us but look you blacks killing each other nothing wron if we kill you also.
  • @ 3rd DISTRICT (27/05/2022, 15:24) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    SO GOT BACK YOUR SEAT ☺ WONDERFUL , WHERE WAS YOUR VOICE , WHEN ALL THE TAXPAYERS MONEY WAS SQUANDERED ON BARGES/ STIMULUS HUSTLE / CSC THE CONSULTANT , AND YOUR FRIEND THE MIGHTY ESTEEMED WHO WAS PLAYING GAMES WITH
    TAXPAYERS MONEY UNTIL HE OUT PLAYED HIMSELF / HEY BRO , ???? HOW ABOUT YOUR SEA COWS BAY PROJECT ❓ ????
  • @hmmm (27/05/2022, 15:31) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does the BVI Constitution say anything in relation to matters like this? If it allows this bill to be paid by taxpayers then nothing wrong has been done. If it doesn't then someone has to be held accountable. It is quite apparent why this is an issue. "People who don't listen will feel".
    • Constitution (27/05/2022, 16:16) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      The attorney general should represent the Governor but guess she was too busy defending the ministers.. seems fair she has to find an alternative
      • @Constitution (27/05/2022, 18:14) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        Thank you to an intelligent someone who reads and understands. How does anyone comment without knowledge or education?
      • rnr (27/05/2022, 18:15) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        AG should not represent the Governor, that’s not her role and would be a massive conflict of interest.
  • @ SAMBO ???? (27/05/2022, 15:38) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    YOU SEEMS LIKE N PRO ???? , WHO WERE MAKING TRIPS TO JASPERT , (OFTEN) TO LICK HIS A*S CARRYING NEWS ON HIS OWN PEOPLE AND WENT DOWN ON HIS KNEES ( LIKE HOW HE WAS IN THE PHOTO , WHEN HE WAS PRAYING ???? ) BEGGING FOR THE SAME ( COI ) WHICH YOU HYPOCRITES SEEMS TO HAVE AMNESIA OF / GO TEK A SEAT IN THE STREET LIKE THE REST
  • asking for a friend (27/05/2022, 15:42) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    Seems like double standards to me so white is tight???
  • Serious (27/05/2022, 16:47) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    I do not know if I should laugh or cry. Look how we are being taken for Jxxk xxxxx. I cry for my people. Y'all go ahead playing with these people. Too late shall be your cry.
  • No surprises (27/05/2022, 17:22) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    This was stated at the outset,The Governor indicated that if he had to appear before the COI.he wanted a lawyer.
  • Learning is good (27/05/2022, 17:33) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was asked by the VIP government to testify. He cannot use the same lawyer as the VIP government lawyers. The VIP got him, another government public service Lawyer. Willock used a very expensive private law firm. Willock knew the proper channels without any Lawyer. This unresearched gossip, written as truth, must stop. The comments you are making, say lots about you and not the issue. Thank you
  • Greg (27/05/2022, 18:13) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    When he thought he was being slick trying to catch NDP, who called for COI? FAHIE
    Who, when the tables were then pointing to investigate himself, tried to block things? FAHIE
    All his mess is now revealed and having to pay one million to be let out of jail, who to blame? FAHIE
    NOT THE HARD-WORKING GOOD PEOPLE OF THE BVI, Just.................................................. FAHIE
  • cnn (27/05/2022, 19:41) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    I will say one thing the governor is white and the esteemed is black!!!

    You people can read and think out the rest
  • basic maths (27/05/2022, 20:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    $44,000 is less than 0.5% of the $8,000,000 sent by Fahie and co.
  • Honest BVISLANDER (28/05/2022, 08:52) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    How can we pay the bill for the Governor's who called the COI on us but can't pay for the bill for the one who brought out the illegal actions of the COI not right
  • News (28/05/2022, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    CAN BCQS DO THAT BILL OF QUANTITIES FOR THAT GOVT 8 MILLION BILL LOLZ OR LET US ASK MARTIN KENNY AND CO TO INVESTIGATE IT ALSO THE 1 MILLION DOLLA ELIVATOR
  • Tadow (28/05/2022, 20:19) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    They don't want to pay the Black man legal fees but the White man own should be paid. People emancipate yourselves from being mentally enslaved.
  • Undercover Observer (29/05/2022, 11:37) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The office of the UK-appointed governor commissioned a commission of inquiry and the sitting UK-appointed Governor John Rankin, CMG, was called by the CoI to testify and the BVI taxpayers is now paying Governor Rankin legal bills. On the other hand, former Speaker Juilian Willock has the legal fees of attorneys he hired to chalkenge CoI lawyers who were practicing law in the BVI without a license. It is a double standard.

    The UK Parliament is holding the UK-appointed governor and other staff harmless for any financial liabilities resulting from the conduct of the CoI. On the other hand, the BVI HOA is so afraid of its shadow and wants to be in good graces of the UK that it is forcing Julian Willock. The HOA needs to grow a pair of stones. Let’s assume that the former didn’t dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s, the HOA can ratify the inadvertent actions and pay his legal bills.


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