Governor still receiving reports of political victimisation
There are indications that incidents of political intimidation and victimisation continue to be reported to the Governor’s Office.
Back in 2020, when Augustus Jaspert was still governor of the BVI, he revealed that his office had started investigating reports of intimidation and victimisation in the public sector when former Premier Andrew Fahie was leading the territory.
Based on exclusive information BVI News received from the Governor’s Office, reports of intimidation and victimisation continue to be made under the Dr Natalio Wheatley administration.
A spokesperson from the Governor’s Office told our news centre that “people say they feel unable to safely raise matters elsewhere and fear further retaliation on themselves or their families.”
Whistleblowers still terrified of backlash
Our news centre asked what actions are taken to address these complaints. In response, the spokesperson said efforts are often thwarted as people fear they will face further backlash if perpetrators are confronted.
“The Governor’s Office takes actions on these reports where it can but the concern over confidentiality can make this a difficult process. That is why the Governor continues to push, among other things, for the rapid establishment of an Integrity Commission under revised Integrity in Public Life legislation which enables people to raise concerns over possible corruption, along with the Whistleblower Act, which will enable the public and civil servants to raise these sorts of concerns anonymously,” the spokesperson explained.
Despite the Governor’s push for independent bodies such as the Integrity Commission that are supposed to be a bulwark against state abuse, many residents feel such entities will end up becoming ‘toothless’ like similar public bodies that currently exist.
Continuous efforts to improve
But the spokesperson for the Governor’s Office told our news centre that the Governor is continually looking to improve systems of governance which help to squeeze out corruption and wrongdoing.
And in their statement to our news centre, the public was reminded that more persons in power could still be brought to justice as some criminal investigations resulting from the COI are ongoing
“Over the last few months independent reviewers have made recommendations to improve BVI’s governance and the reviews have been tabled in the House of Assembly for discussion. The public can see these for themselves and the need now is to move speedily towards implementation. A number of COI commissioned criminal investigations are still ongoing, which can further help bring to justice those who have abused positions of power,” the spokesperson stated.
Known allegations of political victimisation
Under the Andrew-Fahie administration, it was alleged that outspoken political commentator and media personality Cindy Rosan was unfairly fired from the BVI Tourist Board.
More recently, Tola Radio’s talk show host Dameon Percvial — who is known for criticising elected leaders — has stated that he, too, has been unable to land government contracts as a private vendor because some elected leaders have told government agencies to refrain from hiring him.
Reports of political victimisation surface in the BVI from time to time. However, the public moves on after a few days and elected leaders always deny that they abuse power and blacklist people who criticise them.
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Adults Have to understand YOU cannot eat your cake and still have it ——Gonsalves said “ comrad you either with me OR against me
I am no fan of the VIP but where is the proof of this. I do not trust the UK one bit. They have their own agenda.
This governor is soft! VERY
There must be balance. Who gets to look into victimization by the Governorand UK? This partnership seems to be one sided to say the least.
in the number of of BVI politicians and public servant positions will also reduce these intimidation & victimisation reports.
It was bad under the NDP its worse under the VIP
There is a need for cleansing in the BVI public service from top down, bottom up! Some public officers operate as if the Government agencies belong to them personally! Lots of favoritism, cronyism, incompetence, unfair labelling etc. in the current public service and political atmosphere, it definitely needs to stop. The most competent officers and individuals are victimized, removed from the service or blocked from entering the service while some individuals are allowed to continue with their wickedness and evilness.
As a nation we need to repent of our sins and transgressions or else it will only get worse!
These things still happening with Lorna chook up in the corner?
… Dameon Percival has no skills that he can sell to the Government or that the Government want. He needs to look for a job in the private sector – maybe one of the big hotels needs somebody to collect garbage.
This country is a waste. Best thing is for the UK to run it. Black people are pathetic and making me look bad as a black person. Just pathetic.
You have publicly described yourself, mind, historical and intellect acumen. What a pity in the 21st.
Huge list of infractions and nothing done moan about it. None of the grant money paid to cronies chased up or prosecutions. Whats the point of a Governor just to run up tens of millions of expensive reports, struppes
Man just stfu! Cindy is the biggest proof! followed by Damien!
The BVI has been, since, if not before the abolishion of servitude, a very caste oriented society. That mentality goes, way, way back upon generation upon generation.
Therefore, it manifesting itself in this particular form is not surprising given its firmly established roots.
Victimization, oppression and others are of the sad realities of us as Black, African West Indians/Virgin Islanders.
It is a beast of cruelty, tyranny, mal-treatment, suppression, brutality and injustice.
It is a disease that we must finally bring to the forefront, in media, and individual discussions.
It is only by honest inter-relational discussions that we may finally begin to establish the roots of getting rid of that horrific mental/psychological disease out of our DNA…
Finally, there is also a generation, unfortunately, which must first die out, even as new teachings and practices are being formed…
The crimes against a human’s humanity that was committed at an educational institution in VG and by officials of the department of education must never again be sanctioned, allowed or happen without swift and internal consequences….
There is still investigation needed because person’s who are on top position feel and behaving like it’s their personal job, talking to people like dog.INVESTIGATE GOVERNOR
No surprise here at all…. It will never end even with a deep cleansing.. It is too deeply rooted in the BVI upper echelons.
Governor still receiving reports of political victimisation
People need to come forward and speak up! This is totally unethical and unacceptable in any organization especially the Public Service. See, one like me only bend my lips for so much. Yes you need your job, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit there and be barked after and treated inhumanely. That is what the compliance office is t here for. Any retaliation or continued management bullying and embarrassment that continues to stress and cause you discomfort go seek a Labor Tribune Lawyer. I don’t give a hoot BVIslander or Expatriate respect is given where respect is due. And if the Top wants to play games, the employees should know how to out play and beat them at it. If they giving n you poor review as to not giving you an increment, make them prove it. Don’t just settle for less if you know you are working up and beyond expectations. Some of these Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries and Senior Administration Officers need to reasses themselves before entering the building. Pull up on me and we both going through that door. And ain’t no revolving door if the situation reach thus far. Bunch of ignorance with these people as if they could block a person’s intellect.
Don’t forget Jackie
Our hearts need to change. We treat our own people like how slave masters did. Christ & History should be the example on how to treat each other. We are not ready for any kind of Indepence. Anyone who thinks that the UK is blowing smoke are likely the ones who are abusing.
The beating will continue until our HEARTS change.
Where should I begin; you say talk-up, well I have done that and all that took place was no justice, salary and position remain unchanged after (24yrs) of employment. recently when from a grade 6 down to a grade 3, after relying on the deputy governor to fix things.
Professionals you say.
MCW needs a total clean out. Most in there are corrupt.
It might be messed up, but I don’t know anywhere where it make sense to think that you going to offend people then still want to depend on contracts or salary them to survive.