BVI News

Allegations reported by governor are reckless, damaging — Premier

Premier Fahie

Premier Andrew Fahie has labelled the recent allegations made public by Governor Augustus Jaspert as both damaging and reckless and has jumped to the defense of his government’s spending following claims suggesting a lack of transparency.

The Premier’s response came only hours after Governor Jaspert’s statement on Thursday, as he said the allegations could have serious implications to the territory’s reputation, locally, regionally and internationally.

“It is unfortunate that Governor Jaspert has chosen to make these damaging and reckless statements when, by his own admission, the veracity of these allegations has not been established by him or any investigative body,” Premier Fahie stated.

He added: “I am very concerned that the manner in which the Governor has chosen to make his ambiguous pronouncements — with broad statements and withholding even the most basic of details — assaults not just the integrity of all members of your elected government, but that of our honest, hardworking public officers who operate the machinery of our public service – and in particular those public officers whose roles include accounting and finance.”

Comprehensive response not possible at this time

Premier Fahie said the Governor’s statements warranted a comprehensive response but due the ambiguity of what was stated, he said such a response is not possible at this time.

“The Governor’s deliberate withholding of the details of his allegations – even the most basic of details – makes it impossible for any of the persons he has tainted to defend themselves and their reputations in the public domain. Without knowing what the allegations are, no one can provide a detailed response to wipe the mud that has been thrown on them. In the least, this kind of conduct is contrary to natural justice,” Fahie argued.

High level of accountability during tenure

The leader of government business said his administration’s expenditure of funds received from various institutions since taking office in February 2019, has undergone a thorough accountable process.

He made specific reference to how government spent the $40 million grant which the BVI Social Security Board (SSB) gave to his administration to response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As members of the public, you would recall that the funds for the economic stimulus programme were granted to the people of the Virgin Islands by the BVI Social Security Board (SSB) when the UK Government refused to provide COVID-19 grants for social support to Virgin Islanders. These funds were provided by the SSB based on a signed agreement that mandates how the money can and cannot be spent, and checks and balances that were approved by the Directors of the SSB to ensure that there is accountability for these funds,” Fahie said.

“With respect to funds from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) which is being applied to construction projects, in order to secure the release of funds, the CDB had to give approval to our procurement methodologies and processes. We remain accountable to the CDB, as we are to the House of Assembly, for how these funds are spent and how value for money is achieved,” he added.

Premier Fahie further said he believes the supporting evidence to his response is enough to deem the governor’s comments as having no merit.

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68 Comments

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  1. Big facts! says:

    The allegations are truthful though.

    Like 88
    Dislike 5
    • SMDH says:

      The Premier should welcome integrity legislation.

      We all should.

      The integrity of our public service and our territory should not be up for grabs.

      Like 46
    • Albion says:

      If you have to argue with people that your government is fully transparent – then it isn’t.

    • We says:

      Love You Premier, keep up the good fight for freedom!!!!!!!

      • What? says:

        What fight for freedom are you fighting?
        Why is his job to fight for freedom. I thought I vote for him to run the country as best he can. You tell me he’s a revolutionary fighting a freedom war!
        An I never knew.

  2. Reply says:

    The Premier wears me thin. Not everyday I can keep up with his drama. I do not understand:

    a) His motivation in this drama
    b) His apparent beef with the Governor, and
    b) His end goal here.

    I personally do not think this public spat with the Governor serves the Premier nor the BVI well.

    If the Governor in his leadership capacity is of the opinion that there is a lack of transparency in the government, why is the Premier getting all bent out of shape? What does he have to hide?

    I find the entire thing quite ironic because this same Premier leveled similar charges against the previous NDP government.

    He charged they were not being transparent and even stated they were the most corrupt government. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, he get’s all twisted.

    There is a saying that when you dig a hole for someone, dig one for yourself. The Premier has fallen into his own hole.

    The same words he states towards his government could have be used against him when he accused the NDP of being corrupt.

    Turn around is fair play.

    In response to his corruption accusations in the past towards the NDP government, let’s use the Premiers own words in response to his accusations then:

    “I am very concerned that the manner in which Andrew Fahie as Opposition Leader has chosen to make ambiguous pronouncements — with broad statements and withholding even the most basic of details — assaults not just the integrity of all members of (our) elected government, but that of our honest, hardworking public officers who operate the machinery of our public service – and in particular those public officers whose roles include accounting and finance.”

    Again, when you dig a whole for someone else, be sure to dig one for yourself.

    Like 107
    Dislike 4
    • SB says:

      Rule #1……NEVER EXPLAIN CHIT TO WHITE PEOPLE.

      Like 8
      Dislike 69
    • Bible says:

      Proverbs 26: 27 – the one who digs a pit will fall into it…

      Like 49
      Dislike 2
    • Bigger Picture says:

      I am concerned that the people of the BVI including you don’t see the big picture here.

      The governor is trying to paint the picture portraying the ENTIRE BVI as a territory without integrity.

      Mr. Fahie sees it for what it is but bloggers like yourself don’t seem to see that.

      The governor’s agenda is to attack the integrity of the BVI government and the systems they have in place. Thus allowing the UK to be able to come in and take control using the guise of the lack of integrity in the BVI.

      All Hon. Fahie is doing here is not allowing the governor to pull the wool over everybody’s eyes like he was able to do to you and other bloggers posting similar sentiments as yours!

      Continue to fight for the integrity of the BVI Mr. Fahe, people who could see the façade that the governor is trying push are with you brother Fahie.

      Like 3
      Dislike 45
      • Reply says:

        I see the big picture alright. Clearly not the one you are seeing. In my view this is about government transparency and nothing else.

        The kind of transparency that can be used as a means of holding public officials accountable and fight corruption. The kind of transparency whereby the government’s decisions are open to the press and to the public for discussion, and the kind of transparency whereby its budget can be likewise reviewed by anyone.

        Anything else relative to the governor’s motive centered on slavery, white vs black, and suspicions of a U.K. take over are just IMO distractions to the real issue here.

        Now, lets get something straight. I am in no ones pockets including the governors’. Im a free thinking person who analyzes news reports and what’s s happening on the ground and draw my own conclusions.

        Like 37
        Dislike 2
        • Oh boy says:

          These Government House bloggers working overtime.

          The big picture is that it is obvious this Governor is pissed off and he and all of us know how that came about so he’s in attack mode. His total demeanor from the past years has changed. He is even trying to look like he’s working now. Finally he’s giving national security some attention in his final days.

          The reality is though absolutely nothing he’s doing now is genuine nor truly about the BVI and it’s people.

          He’s kinda behaving and looking erratic as well. Gonna let the street look into that to see what’s really going on – Word to the wise – the BVI street knows it all. Hope no secrets being kept.

          Like 2
          Dislike 23
          • Reply says:

            My demeanor would have changed too if people accused me erroneously of being a racist because I answered a question posed to me in a manner some did not like.

            I will definitely look at such people differently and deal with them more seriously knowing what they are capable of.

            Everything we do in life has consequences good or bad. Every action has a reaction. Don’t start fires and then turn around and hide your hands with the matches as if you are innocent.

            Like 11
            Dislike 2
          • @Reply says:

            AMEN!!!!!!!!!

            Like 5
            Dislike 1
      • @Bigger Picture says:

        No, the Governor is not trying to do what you imply or is implying. WHO THE CAP OF GUILT FITS LET THEM WEAR IT WELL. THE CAP OF GUILT IS TO SMALL FOR MY HEAD SIZE AND DOES NOT IMPLY TO MYSELF. SO WHAT IS THAT TELLING YOU MR. BIGGER PICTURE. I WILL ALWAYS BE ON THE GOVERNOR’s SIDE FOR TRYING TO BRING HONESTY AND DECENCY TO THIS PLACE. I LIVE HERE AND I SEE AND LIVE THE INJUSTICE AND UNFAIRNESS THAT IS DISHED OUT VIA VICTIMIZATION AND UNFAIRNESS IN THIS SO CALLED FAKE BIBLE ISLAND BELT.

      • @ Bigger Picture says:

        Wow. Now there’s a combination of words you don’t often see in the same sentence , “integrity of the BVI government”.

  3. With Respect says:

    How dare you tell the teacher Johnny bullied you. You maybe upset and hurt but ypur feelings have no merit and how dare ypu make allegTions. No one gets bullied in my school and how dare you tell tales.

    Like 14
    Dislike 2
  4. Be that as it may... says:

    ‘Premier Fahie further said he believes the supporting evidence to his response is enough to deem the governor’s comments as having no merit.’

    Given that the Premier also apparently said:

    ‘“The Governor’s deliberate withholding of the details of his allegations – even the most basic of details – makes it impossible for any of the persons he has tainted to defend themselves and their reputations in the public domain. Without knowing what the allegations are, no one can provide a detailed response to wipe the mud that has been thrown on them. In the least, this kind of conduct is contrary to natural justice,” Fahie argued.’

    Either the comments the Governor made are vague and as such cannot be responded to, or the Premier’s response to such vague statements is adequate to put the matter to rest.

    Either or. NOT both.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  5. PT9 says:

    The people of the BVI need to come together and get rid of Premier Andrew Fahie or England needs to take the helm for a while. The Premier is too b**lheaded for this job.

    Like 44
    Dislike 8
  6. Clearly says:

    The Governor just trying to get us divided.

    Like 6
    Dislike 58
    • EU Citizen says:

      Why would he want to divide honest people?
      I think he wants to clean up as much as possible before he leaves.
      If the corruption goes all the way to the top attacking it is not how you start your term.
      It’s how you end it. And catching 2.3 ton cocaine is a pretty good beginning of the end.

      Like 59
      Dislike 4
      • WTH says:

        If you cant vote stay off the political comments. That goes to the majority of you commentators.

        The British put people in places high low and unseen. They’ve articles on the BBC about it, James Bond was inspired by it, old news. This governor is seemingly mischievous, and adversarial.

        The governor has job, his orders, what ever. He is the queens representative.

        Work with the government to get matters & concerns in order. These are officials WE the people elected.

        As one entity, one government under the queen, we should have never seen them fighting in public.

        Respect for the democratic process, the people of the VI, the tourism sector and the financial services is being eroded by hearsay and in fighting.

        Its a disappointment & from my perspective a lack of responsible governing, interpersonal skills, leadership & teamwork at the least…

        If he is going to speak publicly then he needs to speak first to his team before going public.

        This firing back and forth is ridiculously unnecessary. Someone must take responsibility for public relations.

        Like 3
        Dislike 22
  7. Pettiville says:

    The Premier is too petty for a grown man. He has to respond to every single thing. After carrying l***g news to the same governor all these years on the NDP, the same thing turn around on him.

    Like 40
    Dislike 3
    • Petty you say says:

      He’s right. The representative of England giving a press release on rumors? Who does that? Now that’s petty and desperate.

      The blind ones can’t see what’s going on but those of with sense can.

      These are the same rumours he’s going to send to England tarnishing our reputation.

      A true investigation will show what he the Governor is up to and it’s neither for the benefit of the people nor the country. Before you people blog you need to do your homework. This Governor shady bad!!!!!

      Like 2
      Dislike 6
  8. My take says:

    Whatever is in place to hold a Government accountable should also be in place to hold a Governor accountable. This is the modern times and not slavery days.

    Like 7
    Dislike 36
  9. Corruption says:

    Corruption works best when it’s not questioned, BVI does a pretty good damn job at that, always using the race card as there go-to when questioned, it’s tiring and frankly inaccurate, belongers get UK passports, no one but belongers gets a BVI passport, who is the racist?

    Like 36
    Dislike 7
    • @Corruption says:

      i have seen this comment so many times and no one answered, so let me in a small way try to answer since the intellectuals are ignoring it.

      We were once enslaved and then slavery was abolished. We were left to our own volition and we worked hard and pulled ourselves up by the boot straps. We fished and planted and survived through perseverance. As Virgin Islanders, the majority are hardworking people who work hard for an honest day pay and build our houses because we own our land. We pay the bank hefty mortgage amounts every month and then hopefully before we retire, our properties are ours free and clear.

      Now UK Passports were offered to BVI Belongers and many of us took advantage as we can travel to the U.S. without needing a Visa. But if it is racist not to offer BVI passports to UK citizen well that is very sad indeed. We are a very small Territory in the Caribbean Sea, a little dot on the map that you can barely see. Our Financial Services bring people to our shores from all over the world and we welcome them and work hard for the owners of the Trust Companies and law firms alike, and the disparity in salaries and allowances for us and others are indicative of what would happen if there are equal rights.

      How can there be reciprocity in this? How can it be expected? All that we have will be lost as our little peaceful Territory would be overrun in a short space of time probably by many who do not mean us well. Peace and tranquility will be no more. Not enough land space for that decision. It is called self preservation.

      Like 3
      Dislike 6
  10. Copied says:

    This comment was copied from an article that i read but i had to post it because it fits into what is going on in the bvi. If our slice of paradise is to remain safe,everyone must be encouraged to stand for right over wrong good over evil,transparency over corruption and meritocracy over nepotism for fair play and good governance. Mr premier everything the governor said is the truth. The statutory bodies that you and your inexperience team appointed are going to cost you . You might have another shot but i can guarantee you that you are going to lose some cabinet members. The people of the bvi almost reach to the point of coming out on the streets to speak their minds of what is taking place. The good people of the bvi have enough in less than two yrs under your watch mr premier. The managers and heads of departments are trying to hold on because they have mortgages to pay and children to support. We have had enough mr premier. The governor knows what is taking place because he is the only man we can go to without fear of victimization. You have cabinet members that board members control. This is a fact.look at your deputy he is as like a fish on land . Your statutory bodies is what is going to be your demise.

    Like 26
    Dislike 2
  11. Karma says:

    The same mischief of king l**r has come back to haunt him. When Premier Fahie was in the opposition he spent his time carry tales to the governor on Dr. Smith’s government. Now look here! When you are digging a hole for someone you should dig two.

    Like 25
    Dislike 1
    • @KARMA says:

      1000000% Correct. He was the news carrier/ mischief maker that was carrying news on the former ADMINISTRATION TO THE THEN GOVERNOR ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE NDP CAMP. HE WAS THE MAIN ONE SAYING THE NDP GOVERNMENT WAS FULL OF CORRUPTION. NOW YOU SEE HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE KARMA SCRATCHING DOWN YOUR BACK MR. PREMIER? IT DOSEN’T FEEL GOOD RIGHT? LMAO. WHAT A MAN SOW, A MAN SHALL REAP.

      Like 21
      Dislike 1
      • YESSSSSSSS says:

        He was the main news carrier snitching out NDP WHEN THEY WERE IN GOVERNMENT TO THE THEN SITTING GOVERNOR. I HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY ARE GOING TO DO A DONALD TRUMP
        ON FOY NEXT ELECTION.EVEN IF THEY DO NOT CARE FOR WHATEVER PARTY THAT IS RUNNING AGAINST VIP. THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE THEIR VOTE TO THE OTHER PARTY TO ASSURE FOY IS BOOTED OUT OF OFFICE.

        Like 13
        Dislike 1
        • Yep says:

          That is what I have been hearing. Voters including myself is going to vote for the other Political Party running against VIP to assure VIP does not get another term in office. I MEAN, WHO IS THE LESS OF BOTH EVILS.

          Like 6
          Dislike 1
      • How sweet it is says:

        Yes he was the one WHEN HE WAS OPPOSITION RUNNING TO THE THEN GOVERNOR INFORMING ON NDP. HE WAS THE ONE PUSHING THE THEN GOVERNOR TO GO AFTER NDP FOR CORRUPTION IN THEIR ADMINISTRATION.

        Like 4
        Dislike 1
  12. Dear Mr. Premier says:

    As a citizen of this Country, THE GOVERNOR IS SPEAKING THE TRUTH. There is a lot of victimization and bullying tactics going on from people right in your ADMINISTRATION or the PAID POSSEE TO BULLY AND VICTIMIZED PEOPLE IF THEY SPEAK OUT. I HAD NO IDEA WE WERE LIVING IN NORTH KOREA.

    Like 37
    Dislike 3
  13. SMH says:

    Yes plenty narrow minded and onesided people working in some Public Offices. This type of nonchalant practices needs to cease.

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  14. This guy says:

    He always acts guilty whenever anything is questionable. The term “doth protest much” comes to mind. What is he covering up? If all the books are good let them check and prove them wrong. You giving pushback just screams involvement smh.

    Like 29
    Dislike 2
  15. Trump says:

    Look at BVI Donald Trump! You should not believe a word coming from his mouth.

    Like 19
    Dislike 3
  16. No problem mon says:

    Just show us a certified audit

    Like 21
  17. Ausar says:

    My advice to the Premier:

    Let the governor investigate!

    It’s about time, unless you too, are A PART OF THOSE, who’ve gotten their wealth by i*****l means!

    Like 28
    Dislike 1
  18. Dodgy says:

    But who it is this premier trying protect? Do your job governor. I support you when it comes to matters of national security.

    Like 31
    Dislike 1
  19. Rubber Duck says:

    How about starting by telling us what his pal and s**ophant SC does for the $15,000 a month he gets.

    Like 24
  20. Dman says:

    The truth sometimes hurts.

    Like 16
  21. Oh Boy says:

    Tired of this d**n man child just like trump

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  22. Haha says:

    “It is unfortunate that Governor Jaspert has chosen to make these damaging and reckless statements when, by his own admission, the veracity of these allegations has not been established by him or any investigative body,” Lol the Governor sounds like Donald J Trump. There was widespread voter fraud but when asked to show proof he can’t show anything.

    Like 6
    Dislike 11
  23. Diaspora 3D/360 says:

    This is gutter politics. It was reckless, unprofessional and indiscipline for Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, the crown representative and de facto head of state, to be a story to the press based on unsubstantiated information and rumors. This unsubstantiated information can harm the reputation of the VI. This is not diplomatic behaviour. And hopefully, it is not the level of behaviour that will be condoned by the UK government and the Crown, unless they full throatily support the despicable and unprofessional behaviour. If the UK government and the Crown don’t condone the behaviour, they should reprimand the Governor and recall him soonest. The Governor needs to put or shut up. Is the Governor exhibiting Trumpion behaviour by making a gallant attempt to screw things up before he jet off to his cold flat in England? Silence is golden and silence by the UK will speak volumes as to their approval of the behaviour. Is this behaviour a precursor of expectations for the John Rankin the incoming governor?

    Like 4
    Dislike 13
  24. Lmb says:

    Reckless and damaging yes! But 100% true!

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
  25. Bye FahieLicia! says:

    VIP be gone.

    Like 10
    Dislike 3
    • Comment says:

      VIP? You can’t remove the majority of the voting population. The VIP Party was elected and the governor was appointed. Something that I see will be removed in future years to come. Should only European nations have elected officials, should only Europeans be corrupted? Are every race on this God given earth ‘your step child’ your Cinderellas? Thankfully, almost all of the bloggers on here can not vote, and have no electoral power in these lands.

      Like 2
      Dislike 1
  26. Anyone says:

    Anyone disagreed with what the governor says is sucking off the nipples of the government and because of this they afraid to speak the truth. Heads of departments are not allowed to do their jobs in and effective manner. The pot is about to boil over and some people are going to get burnt. Mr premier the heads of departments are not telling lies. We have enough.

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
    • @ Anyone says:

      At some point in ones life you get to the point of ITS A WRAP, we have had enough. This Premier, to much DRAMA AND HISSY FITS WHEN THINGS DON’T GO HIS WAY. SOOOOOO DANM SICK OF HIM!!!!!!!!. LOOK AT MEEEE RIDING AROUND WITH ARMED BODYGUARDSSSSSS, I AM YOUR RULERRRRR, YOU SEE MY MOTORCADE, DROP TO YOUR KNEESSSSSS AND BOW DOWNNNNNNNN. LMFAO.

      Like 11
      Dislike 2
    • @ Anyone says:

      No the BVI is no longer sucking on white supremacy nipples… this is a new day. The world is changing people, and you bloggers will now have to get onboard with the new world change of equality for every man on this God given earth or like many of your forefathers ‘find your souls in hell at the end of your days’ and history will tell of your evils…choose wisely!!!

  27. stinky says:

    Sorry to say… but this is necessary evil.
    There must be some truth in the matter if he is so upset about getting investigated.. there have been years of nepotism granting contracts to whom ever supported each elected minister. The Great Wall for example. This is not uncommon anywhere in the world but sometimes there has to be a method to make sure things do not get totally out of hand.
    Well done Gov!

    Like 10
  28. Pancake says:

    This primer is a real i***t
    He needs help
    He is a special kind of i***t in a circus

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  29. Kitchen Table Group Panel says:

    We predict that come next Election, only two members of the VIP Administration will be left standing. On the Opposition side only 2 will be left standing.

    • Hmmm says:

      Which two because we predict that all will be gone. I am Begging Ronnie Skelton, please start to work on his party no later than next year September…..

      Like 3
      Dislike 2
      • @Hmmm says:

        Here is how we predicted it. The whole VIP Administration will get voted out. ON THE OPPOSITION SIDE, ONLY FRASER WILL BE LEFT STANDING UNLESS HE CHOSE OTHER WISE. PENN, HE MIGHT HAVE OTHER PLANS, VANTERPOOL, ???????, TURNBULL, NOT THIS TIME.

    • lol says:

      Which two on each side buddy?

  30. Dear Mr. Skelton says:

    If you decide to step back INTO POLITICS, NOW IS THE TIME TO START MAKING YOUR MOVE. PRIVATE TALKS IS SAYING WHOMEVER IS UP AGAINST VIP, PEOPLE IS GOING TO GIVE THEM THE VOTES TO ASSURE VIP IS BOOTED OUT OF OFFICE.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  31. :) says:

    Comments on these news site are just like the US polls. It may appear to lean one way but when the results come out it reflects something else. Last election cycle I swear NDP would have won because of how one sided the comments appeared. Myron was well loved in the comments except on the yellow site so I was shocked when He didn’t get a seat. That goes to show that comments on these sites represent a small number of the voting public. Passionate people also tend to comment multiple times under multiple names which may give a false impression of a majority. A lot of people also vote but are not big into politics and do not make time to comment on articles. Anything can happen in politics when it comes to voting. The same term that NDP increased the payroll tax exemption and made tuition free they were voted out so doing good doesn’t guarantee a victory.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
    • News Flash says:

      Check the comments again on the yellow site and the blue one. They are pretty much all consistent.

      The VIP got to go.

      Like 1
      Dislike 1
  32. 1st district says:

    If I could see well with and without *GLASSES * 1st district is NASTY! THE SUN GOES DOWN IN THE WEST. AFTER A LONG DAY IN ROAD TOWN WITH THIS MASS WEARING, IT USE TO BE REFRESHING TO ENJOYING THE VIEW AND FRESH AIR HEADING WEST. NOW YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR EYES MORE ON THE COUNTRY ROADS DUE TO BOTH SIDES WITH OVER GROWN BUSH AS IF THE ROADS WAS NOT NARROW BEFORE. YOU ARE NOW IN CONTROL OF THE ISLAND’S PURSE AND NOTHING TANGIBLE HAS BEEN DONE TO IMPROVE WEST. YOU MOARNED AND COMPLAIN FOR 8YRS ABOUT THE OTHER SIDE NOW IT’S THE GOVERNOR. GET THE HELL OVER IT AND WORK FOR *WE*!!

  33. Scott Miller says:

    I seem to remember when F…
    If you don’t want the attention of the Overseas Territory ministry and Governor then become independent fully and stop taking their money.

  34. Truth hurts says:

    Truth hurts. Don’t worry you going be out of that seat soon enough. Next election you gone. You’re a major disappointment.

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