Governor’s Group waived 6 of 10 tender processes over two yrs
Former Governor, Augustus Jaspert, has conceded that his office had also waived tender processes in order to have projects executed.
Appearing before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recently, Jaspert said there were instances where he felt that waiving the tender process was necessary.
“Would you accept that during your time as governor, the governor’s group did engage in contracts where the need for tender was waived?” COI attorney Bilal Rawat asked the former governor.
“I’m afraid I don’t have the details to hand, but yes, there were times where there was a need for exceptional circumstances where those were waived,” Jaspert responded.
He further told the Commission this happened on ‘rare’ occasions. But findings from the COI showed that out of 10 contracts awarded by the Governor’s Group between 2019 and 2021, six were by waiver for tender.
This suggested there may have been a similar frequency to the waivers done by government.
On previous occasions, Jaspert had expressed concern about the government’s practice of using tender waivers. Suggesting abuse of that power, he said elected members of the governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration used waivers to some considerable degree.
As for instances where he used waivers, Jaspert said they were often related to the public service.
I changed the practice
Meanwhile, Jaspert told the Commission he made changes to the way other processes were approached. He said these changes were done to increase transparency and accountability within the Governor’s Group.
The former governor cited the appointment of the Chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC) as one of the instances where this was accomplished.
“I did change the practice for where there was an appointment by the Governor. I had the full remit around it to try to encourage a more open process,” Jaspert said.
In this instance, an advertisement was prepared for the role, Jaspert said.
He told the Commission that there were other posts, including key commissioner posts, where this principle was applied.
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The former governor and the VIP were waiving more contracts than flags….LOL
like the French at the start of any war
So when a locally elected government sees the need to do it = abuse of power
But when non elected official did it = it was more efficient & transparent
Okay we’ve seen these things before.
Sadly, this happens when a system exist where persons are deemed to be above the law. It’s unfortunate that many accept and succumb to the ‘do as I say but not as I do’ philosophy.
Unfortunately, this breeds public sector corruption in addition contempt for authority.
No one should be above the law. All controls, protocols and policies should be applicable to everyone. Once a system of overriding, circumventing and exempting exist by virtue of political or administrative authority, corruption will continue.
Well ladies and gentlemen here we have it. The former Governor is the pot that called the kettle black.
Jaspert had no conflicts of interest, unlike the “administration”. And interestingly, this commentator now seems to approve of the COI..
Devils they all are.
The last governor needs to TELL THE FACTS