“Deliberate delays” by elected leaders also triggered Commission of Inquiry
Outgoing governor Augustus Jaspert has signalled that the push for legislative reform has faced “deliberate delays” from elected leaders and this is one of the reasons he had to order a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the BVI government.
Another reason — according to Governor Jaspert — is because local institutions have not been able to access the information needed to carry out investigations into matters relating to lack of transparency and good governance in the territory.
“We have also pushed for legislative reform, which has faced what I can only conclude are deliberate delays. Furthermore, local institutions have sought to conduct their own inquiries, but have been prevented from accessing the information required to do so,” Governor Jaspert said.
He continued: “It has become increasingly clear that this is not enough. Our local institutions responsible for good governance feel hindered and unable to act without the laws and frameworks in place.”
Amid recent reports that his office has received a litany of complaints regarding lack of transparency in government, Governor Jaspert rocked the territory on Monday, when he announced his decision to issue a COI to investigate some actions made by BVI administrations in previous years.
The governor said he’ll be hosting a press conference later this week to set out more details about the COI. He will host the conference with the the Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom — the judge appointed to lead the inquiry.
Following the Governor’s announcement, Premier Andrew Fahie issued a statement saying despite previous promises by Governor Jaspert, he has issued a COI without following due process.
“As stated on numerous occasions by the Governor, a Commission of Inquiry would only be conducted based on facts and not rumours and unfounded allegations,” Premier Fahie said in the statement.
He also said until further details become available, the Government of the Virgin Islands will reserve all other comments relating to this matter.
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ITS ABOUT TIME. AND I AGREE WITH WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS DOING. WISH IT WAS DONE A LONG TIME AGO. OUR LEADERS HAVE ONLY CARED ABOUT THEIR POCKETS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TO LONG. AND AS FOR ANDREW. HE CAME INTO POWER WITH A VENGEANCE TOWARDS THE GOVERNOR. NOW THIS IS WHAT HE GETS. JUST BE HUMBLE AND DO YOUR JOB. BUT NO. YOU HAD TO SHOW YOURSELF.
Look at this house slave mentality in full effect. Shame on you!
The Guv is refusing to sign legislation that the Assembly has passed. Seems that the delay, at least in that case, rests with Jonah. Pot calling kettle black!
they refused to second the motion to reprimand the governor for his late and delayed report. Only one person stood to say no governor that is wrong to delay this report.
If they knew then what they know now how would that have played out.
It is to be expected… it is difficult to remove mental slavery, but there are much more of us than there are of them, who believes in democracy. Idiots, these people wouldn’t give us a dollar to buy a paper bag, without tons of red-tape and they support them. Why? Because they believe that no one but the white man deserves to have anything substantial. But they have woven their own web, and they will soon see it…as they watched their UK nation fall before their very eyes… famine will come followed by death. Almost all their supporters will return home, they will leave their pets and their segregated society, schools and estates, as they did once before.
Clearly you are one of the people benefitting from the cronyism and corruption. I look forward to the day when everyone can progress in the BVI regardless of last name, political affiliation, colour or gender.
The more you protest and use slave name analogies, the more I can see you for what you are.
Mad Max, you are a hopeless hater, Why?
I hate corruption and cronyism. Nothing hopeless about that evidently.
Yes, see us, and see us well for what we are… emancipated from mental slavery!
YOU DESERVE A NICE KISS ON THE CHEEK. I AM WITH YOU 100%. THEY ARE GETTING JUST WHAT THEY DESERVE AND MORE. THIS GOVERNMENT THOUGHT THAT THE PEOPLE WAS FOOLS. NO MATTER HOW MUCH OF A ***** YOU THINK YOU ARE, THERE IS SOMEONE THERE TO PUT THE ***** IN PLACE.THANK YOU GOVERNOR.
You all will get just what you deserve!
Let’s get some reform on apartheid matters in the BVI and O.Ts European community as well, let’s investigate their segregated schools, where they only allow 10 token black children to attend, because they ensure that the tuition prices are too expensive for others. Let’s investigate their real-estate segregation system. Their employment practices of greater pay for their people, and the governor’s strong tides to this separatist society. Let’s bring it all out there for the UN and the world to see.
This is a personal attack by the Governor.
You are clueless and the politicians are using your ignorance to take your money
Clueless? No we are finally waking up from mental slavery slumber! Thank God!!!
U still sleeping
You all are just upset that we have finally woke up.
… and I am ready to get out in the streets. Who is more corrupt than European governments? No doubt corruption is a worldwide issue but this former governor seems to have an underline racist agenda. What is his true motivation for all this? He cannot help us financially, him nor his UK, they refused too. This has always been their behavior from slavery. Then during the recent storms they handed a little assistance to us ‘ long deserved’ but not barely enough, after all we have given them throughout these years to increase their nations wealth and now they feel that they are entitled to run things. Well it’s not happening. And all their racist supporters will understand what democracy truly means. It’s time for Independence as stated by the premier!
What would Dr king have to say about the evident racia transgresssions of the uropean against the African to day? He would say, they killed me because i was trying to change them.
For most African Americans, to day is a sacred day.
It is a sacred because one human being was gunned down for advocatig civility, peace and love among the races. Since his martedom, the world has regressed into the open hatred, abuse and violence against people of African descent around the world, but especially in the USA, South America and Europs.
He graduated from high school at the age of 15, received his bacholers at 19, his master’s at 22, and his doctrine at 26. Yet, he still was treated as a criminal (Thug) No matter how far you go in life, as a BLACK MAN, they will always see you as an ANIMAL, a THUG, a MONKEY. Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today is Tuesday , tune into ZBVI @ 5: pm for C S C the SPOKE MAN.
I have never heard that expression to describe the Overspend.
Is he a man feeling the pressure of an enquiry into Govt contracts for no value?
As a BVIlander (of African descent) I would like to thank Governor Jaspert for his unwavering dedication and service to our country. You had the courage and love of my people to try to make right all the wrongs of our cowardly and heartless political leaders. We hope that this COI will give us a good start where all BVIlanders have equal opportunities and are treated fairly. We wish the best for your and your family, and know that wherever you go, they are lucky to have you. Thank you!!
Very well said!
Nice tribute so well deserved.
ANOTHER BLACK CITIZEN OF THE BVI ALSO THANK YOU AND WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE VERY BEST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE BVI.
You are white! What Africa person in the 21st century would still be preaching this ‘great white hope message’? You and your thumbs up bloggers are not fooling anyone.
I hope Hickinbottom is not living near simply de******s
How can he be fair in the process when he return to the BVI with the governor and already programmed.
He can’t be fair, they have chosen their corrupt judges, to judge our nation. What wise person calls on their oppressor to judge them? When their nation is by far worse. This is called colonialism People. I hope you all see this now, that we are still colonialized in the 21st century and to persons who have not financially sustained us from the time of slavery, but have always tried to keep us oppressed.
Don’t worry, unlike the Gov here, everything they find will be put out in the open. Remember Turks and Caicos?
I hope to goodness they investigate some department heads who are treating their workers bad and using their power to abuse and violate some people in the public rights. This might I am right mentality has to stop. They feel they can do what they want and nobody dear not say anything.
I sympathize with you. He who feels it knows it.
What you wrote is a chronic practice in our country. It has been with us for decades.
Every person who is being victimized and abused by anyone, but especially those who have a position over others, and are using that position of authority to abuse others should and must be exposed.
They must be reported to media and other institutions. Such practices must be made public. Such practices must be rooted out of our culture. None should have to make a living to care for family under the abuse of power, evil and hatred. For to long people keep this violation of human rights and being to themselves and suffer tremendously silently.
Treating workers, colleagues, grown women and men, professionals to ordinary workers bad is a national pandemic that must be addressed publicly.
It needs immediate public attention and scrutiny brought to it. It is a form of domestic on the job terrorism. It causes illness, depression, financial hardships and others in its victims, and cost in sick leave, unduly stresses the medical system and cost.
People, managers, principals, department heads who use their power to abuse and deliberately violate peoples’ human and other rights must be brought to accountability.
In our society, words matter and so do actions. The on the job abuse of people must end. There are sufficient elected officials who should bring some attention to this known grave practice in our community and culture.
For too long hundreds of thousands of people are abused, from the daily stress to egregious practices such as denying one the actual increments, salary earned, promotion etc.
Some have great big smiles that hides the evil within their hearts and minds. Their souls, like a really, really bad dream will live in eternal horror one day.
People wake up, these bloggers have an agenda. Every Government department heads throughout the world does this stuff, we don’t need foreigners to fix the issue, our people can fix it ourselves. Stop taking handouts from colonizers… who just want their people to try to take over your country and our jobs.
So why hasnt it been fixed years ago?
Ask the UK the same question and also ask why haven’t they fixed their corrupt government throughout the years?
This is a good time to bring the records out.
On workers and managers
the abuse of African Virgin Islanders by the imperialist continues. Sad, really sad indeed.
Couldn’t say it better! Thank you!
Abuse how?
Because they looking into complains of corruption they received?
Yuz one of them who hides your family member after they gun down sumbody, aint it?
and especially the UK, its overseas representatives and most UK citizens need to fix the relationship with African Virgin Islanders, the greater Caribbean and diaspora and Africa by exorcising its colonial past and ongoing anti Black, racial/human perspectives and mentality.
Yeah right….while we’ve seen Ras Tifarai, Patrice Lamumba and Mandela- we have also seen Amin, Shekau and Mugabe. This is an opportunity for us to clear the path to a righteous future and independence.
We have seen and lived, suffered, been massacred and died at the hands of Europeans such as King Leopold, the South African arparthied regime, the KKK, Hitler, most White run governments and more. So, what is your snake point?
I agree. Major organize crime going on. This does not look good for the BVI. …https://www.yahoo.com/news/british-virgin-islands-inquiry-launched-214507184.html
Save your link, I can show you hundreds more links from the UK on the same subject… but relating to the UK.
You are missing the point sir. It is not the UK that is under investigation but rather the BVI and it’s current government. When it is UK turn to be investigated I will post links about that. ?let’s stick to the topic .
You are missing the point…they should be! They are so bold as to stand in judgment of others, yet for centuries they have never been judged nor convicted of their crimes against humanity or they’re corrupt and unjust society. Let’s have the UN judge them.
They all need to step down in disgrace. They thought the people was stupid. They thought that they could throw the people a slice of moldy bread and call it a day. EVERY LAST ONE NEEDS TO PAY. THE SECRET IS OUT ON THESE BUSHMAN CROOKS THAT IS RUNNING THE COUNTRY. I HOPE THEY ARE ALL WALKING THE WALK OF SHAME AND GETTING DIRTY SIDE LOOKS.
We the people DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT WANT ANY LOCALS SITTING ON OR IN THE ROOM WHEN THE COI IS GOING ON. NO ONE FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE PRIVY TO ANYTHING THAT IS GOING ON IN THE COI ROOM.
I am a citizen too, and I don’t agree with you. I believe the UN needs to step into all of this.
Look at your house negro mentality.
So what about the deliberate delay of the ascension of medical marijuana bill that the governor has held back all now.
The bill was passed from the first quarter of 2020 and all now it has not been been ascended. We need a Commission of Inquiry on that as well PLEASE AND THANK YOU
based on the dislikes for this comment …i am convinced now that this news site is either biased itself or has biased people posting and commenting under its articles
This evil man mean he want to try to destroy the BVI so they can take over on lies.
PLEASE STOP BEING A A**KISS UP WILL YOU? THE EVIL ONES IS THE ONES THAT IS GOING UNDER INVESTIGATION BABYYYYYY.
When one reads the statement it sounds very much like the Governor is launching the COI to investigate the VIP Administration…this would be strange to me because he came at a time when there was a wide spread public outcry of alleged corruption and need to investigate the former NDP 8-year Administration…he didn’t launch a COI then when he clearly should have…now that you have the Andrew Fahie led VIP Admin actually doing their job and producing results and strengthening the arm of the people of this Territory…UK and this Governor trying to say they corruption…really Gus?! You think we that stupid…no it’s all about power and control…y’all do it to “developing” nations ALL the time. Look at Africa…always trying to de-stabilise developing nations…the things you write on your report were allegedly characteristic of NDP…VIP actually trying to help the people and a particular section of the community kicking up a stink…well investigate their motives and you will see….if Andrew is to lead effectively there are inevitably some people he have to move out the way because of their loyalty elsewhere…they just there to put a spoke in his wheel….NEVER BEFORE have we seen such tangible progress in this Territory…things finally getting done for the good of the community. Andrew is a threat to y’all because he ain’t dumb and y’all can’t control him as you like. Hope he stays in the Lord because if he truly does y’all won’t be able to topple him with this alleged witch hunt. See bvinews…I put it in for you…alleged.
Ignorance is surely bliss.
Tell me what progress has been made since the VIP has been in power?? The same shyte continues and getting more intolerable by the day. They victimize our people, the infrastructure is still crap but yet they are busy sending out smokescreens for persons like yourself (note I didn’t day y’all).
It was long overdue, this enquiry. I hope it unearths all the slime and grime. If they are clean then they have nothing to fear right?? Let the chips fall where they may.
Now these politicians will stop walking around and thumping their chests and acting like they are God. I do strongly suggest that we put certain criteria in place for persons aspiring to run for office and establish term limits!
Continue to live under a coconut shell!
How is ones loyalty to another party proven?
Why is he waiting now when he is leaving to do this. He could have stopped a lot of things if he had done this years before. He allowed too many things to fester.
This is good news and hopefully justice is served.
The blatant display of corruption has to stop. From the top to the bottom, All our institutions have been compromised and for years have been exploiting the system like one big ponzie scheme.
Our enforcement agencies which are paid to serve and protect enrich themselves leaking info and doing security and various establishments that involves illegal activities (can I say bold). Then we have the Customs the head of Department and his – – – staff. They the most of them work for drug men who boldly talk about these things on the street(police no exception).
Remember the first breach of curfews involved locals and is still happening to date. Was anything done to those individuals who can be seen in clubs making it rain. The picture is so clear a blind man can see. Everything seem to get over shadowed with all the bureaucracy and this global pandemic. The politicians are mostly involved in this mess, this man for D4 was allegedly bankrupt and now opening another Branch in the east. How much does a politician get paid? Sewerage and government projects being used to funnel dirty money…
Rentals, Trucking, Bars, Boating and a long list.
Let’s not forget now a few of these so called investors with private islands..Lets not be one sided when doing the COI. We might have a few Jeffrey Epstiens also.
Oh Gas station on the highway and anyone or anything relating to those businesses needs a check up.
The Direct flights to DR is the nest best thing since sliced bread.
Oh how could I forget THE Airport Security……I think I can conclude. Hope they look into all this no exception because thr law shouldn’t have a colour or stature attached to it…..
None shall escape Jah Judgement.