‘Confrontational relationship with Premier did not prompt COI’
While claiming he was subjected to false or misleading assertions from Premier Andrew Fahie, former governor Augustus Jaspert has said this did not prompt the Commission of Inquiry (COI).
Jaspert made that claim directly in response to criticisms that Premier Fahie made at a previous hearing before the COI. Among other things, the Premier described the former governor as abusive.
In the statement read out by COI attorney Bilal Rawat yesterday, Jaspert said: “I have a read the assertions put forward by the Premier regarding my conduct. I do not agree with these assertions and they do not correspond with my recollection of events.”
Jaspert said he was clear about his commitment to working in partnership with the elected government, having served with two administrations.
The former governor noted, too, that he has held a deep respect for the constitution and the role of elected members in the House of Assembly.
“I was, in the latter half of my time in office during the current administration, subjected to many assertions by the current Premier which I believe were misrepresentations,” Jaspert said.
He told the COI that despite being the subject of many unnecessarily confrontational assertions in writing and in public statements, this did not change his approach of a continued commitment to partnership and to operate professionally and with respect for the constitution and elected members at all times.
“Regardless of any real or perceived challenges in the relationship, I should make clear, this had no bearing on my decision to call a Commission of Inquiry,” Jaspert said.
The former governor issued an order start the COI 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.
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I do not believe the former Governor. Clling the CoI to investigate ‘corruption and serious dishonesty’ when he did not have (or at least did not present to the COI) any evidence of any corruption or any dishonesty can only be explained by knowing that he called it out of spite. The BVI Govt had complained at length about his behaviour, and having initially extended his contact for 12 months, he was recalled to the UK 8 months early. The current Governor was pulled from Bermuda in order to take over. Jaspert went back to the UK delighted at the trouble he had caused Andrew, but the COI has not found any evidence of corruption or dishonesty despite the Commissioner bullying at every stage. He know looks a fool. What a disaster for Gus whose career will be blighted for ever more.
Many of you felt entitled because your umbilical cord was cut on BVI soil, and ran these islands like the wild west. But, when the LAW stepped in, many of you knew your dirty ways would come to a hault. This LAW become a huge threat to your cr¡m¡n@l empire, but to the honest citizens, the LAW is a chance of hope that these beautiful islands can be cleansed from it’s dirty leader$h¡p
How do you know they found no evidence. The report is not out yet. Not all details were disclosed in public. Bide your time.
@HUH! – Jaspert is a disgrace, Who laughs last has the best laugh.
“I have a read the assertions put forward by the Premier regarding my conduct. I do not agree with these assertions and they do not correspond with my recollection of events.”
We all remember. If you dont we do.
He say she say but the whole territory was watching the drama. From the conversation about slavery place names & announcing the COI on Martin Luther King Jr day to the premier not even bothering to iron his clothes when seeing you off.
We remember it all but dont expect you to say any different.
Yall don’t give 2 f@#£s about Martin Luther King Jr. Only choosing to do so to suit your agenda LOL
Gus owes the BVI an apology.
S T F U!!!
The now Premier is the one that went to the Governors (Duncan/Jaspert) claiming that NDP was the most corrupt Government in BVI history and asked for COI in multiple areas. When asked to formally back up his claims years later, he could not. The COI is here now and he is crying and playing victim. Little boys have no call in big man games!
him going around and round /which other leader had so much controversy with any governor?? (power has gorne to their head / he better take out that overdrive
IF U UP UNDER THE MAN REAR END , AND HE LET GO A FART , ITS NOT HIS FAULT , BUT AS A GENTLEMAN ,( EXCUSE ME ) SHOULD BE ENOUGH ?
But word on the street is that Claude Skelton Cline might have something to do with it??
Gus they say you couldn’t handle Claude’s mouth…like he was too hot for you to handle.