COI Report: Gov’t ignored guidelines for procuring private office spaces
The Commission of Inquiry (COI) report has indicated that authorities in the territory have been ignoring guidelines regarding the procurement of accommodation for government-run departments and offices.
The report zoned in on one guideline which indicates that government must not commence a lease until the property is ready for occupation. However, COI Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom found that the government has ignored this stipulation in multiple instances.
“Despite the Accommodation Guidelines emphasising the importance of not executing a lease until the premises are ready for occupation, there are several examples of significant gaps between the commencement date of the lease and the date of occupation,” the report states.
Sir Gary also indicated that the Premier’s Office also ignored the said guidelines when it leased part of Cutlass Tower for the Ministry of Finance to use following the September 2017 hurricanes. He said concerns were raised about the BVI government incurring financial obligations for some months in advance of occupation.
The report suggests problems normally arise with procurement of accommodations when the Deputy Governor’s Office (DGO) is excluded from the process, as it was regarding the lease of Cutlass Tower.
The report further stated that despite the guidelines, the procurement process can also be circumvented; as what happened with the lease for office space at the Tortola Pier Park for the Ministry of Finance.
“Whilst there were clearly strong mitigating circumstances, this lease did not go through the DGO. It was not signed by the Premier, and it does not appear to have been authorised by Cabinet. Moreover, the space was occupied for almost eight months before a written agreement was signed and the lease was somewhat belatedly vetted by the Attorney General,” the report indicated.
However, Commissioner Hickinbottom noted these are minor criticism of a system that appears relatively sound from a governance perspective. He noted there are policies and procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and oversight of the government leasing privately-owned accommodation.
The report also noted the system has continued to evolve and develop with input from across the government over the years.
“Those responsible for the leasing of property by the BVI government, notably the senior public officers, are (like many other such officers in the public service) experienced and dedicated. There is no suggestion that, stretched as they might be, difficulties are encountered as a result of a lack of capacity or capability in respect of policy formulation and implementation,” the report said.
“Though no doubt, as with any system designed to deliver good governance, improvements can be made, on the evidence I have seen, the governance in relation to BVI government leases provides a good example of how the Public Service in the BVI is capable of developing and operating a coherent system that ensures a substantial degree of transparency and effective use of public money,” it continued.
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This government is a waste of time. If Andrew didn’t get locked up no one would have done their jobs. A bush of idiots from government,police,politicians etc. Why are we paying people to do absolutely nothing. Uk is better for the running. Uk has always funded and bail out the less government. Keep spring cleaning in every department
All those lady buildings were rented at high rates
All buildings in the BVI involved in government corruption should be destroyed and the owner incarcerated. After demolition erect an 8 ft. tall white painted plywood fence around the property like the old Palm Grove Shopping Center and declare the land contaminated for the next 200 years. Think Chernobyl, Ukraine.
I agree with the incarceration and confiscation, but then lets sell off the assets at auction, and put the funds directly into roads, sewerage system and schools, with a plaque reading ‘in honor of BVI justice – ill gotten gains put to good use’
Check tourist board paying Flax for years for an empty building but still renting from Eureka. 5 years later and they still paying rent for an empty middle floor. Flax on A ir port Board 26th Sprauve and Sylvester who over tourist board. Coincidence?
lock their a**es up. now
fedup
Guidelines/laws are just for the little guy. There should be no remnants of the present government- forever. let the UK do their thing
I can’t support the Unity Government. They need to go. NDP and VIP need to be abolished.
I’m looking at this from outside. Doesn’t the Commission of Inquiry speak about former administrations as well?.
In which case I am thinking that the unity of the parties just strengthens the corruption, since both parties are apparently complicit
They rented from family and cronies
And still stopping poor people from getting a job.
Approximately how much does government pay monthly for rent for offices???? It can’t be that much can it????
After the hurricanes, from 2018 – 2019, I applied for jobs and they refused to help me. Tried again in 2021 and they knowingly didn’t even answer, but here they are doing so much nonsense while people suffer. There is a God.
I’m looking at this from outside. Doesn’t the Commission of Inquiry speak about former administrations as well?.
In which case I am thinking that the unity of the parties just strengthens the corruption, since both parties are apparently complicit
When I learn that the Hospital our modern spacious Hospital has rented the old flow building for office space with so many empty rooms at the Hospital I couldn’t believe it. OMG. This is the kind of stuff need marching against..This Corruption run deeper that anyone can comprehend and it will take a short Britain rule to get us back on track..