Gov’t deflects, ignores allegations instead of addressing them — Penn
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has said the Andrew Fahie administration continues to ignore the serious allegations being brought against the VIP government, and instead uses “diversionary tactics” to deflect the claims.
Penn made the comments in a recent statement where he addressed Monday’s announcement from Governor Augustus Jaspert about a Commission of Inquiry.
He said: “What we have learnt so far from the governor’s announcement is that among the various allegations, there is a strong allegation of lack of transparency with the stimulus spending and government contracts, mismanagement of public funds, conflicts of interests, political interference in statutory organisations, the public service and the criminal system,” Penn stated.
“It is regrettable that the current administration (under whose tenure the Commission is being called) has not recognised this simple fact. Rather, even where there appears to be very profound issues and concerns, they continue to engage in diversionary tactics and deflect when confronted with the allegations set out by his Excellency,” Penn added.
Government must realise the implications
The Opposition legislator also said the government should realise the extent of the allegations and should move swiftly to correct the various deficiencies in the BVI’s system.
He said such a measure is necessary as the instigation of a Commission of Inquiry of this nature is materially significant for the territory.
“Not only might it raise troubling questions for our governing institutions, it might equally threaten the notable progress and large strides we have made in developing our democracy and strengthening our institutions and our governance,” Penn stated.
He continued: “Our very existence and our successes have been built on our strong principles of fairness, honesty, integrity, hard work, and faith. Indeed, the essence of who we are and what our forefathers taught us to be are in fact the same principles which underscore our commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency.”
Penn further said he believes the questioning of the BVI’s core values through the Commission of Inquiry should cause for serious introspection and reassessment the territory’s position moving forward.
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You miss the part where the governor said the commission of inquiry covers the pass NDP administration with the BVI Airways money, high school wall and the Pier Park. How convenient you miss that point.
Show me where the Governor said that.
You should behave. You know the governor did not say that. Stop deflecting like Andy.
The Governor never said that, if you all would learn to read and comprehend. The news outlets in the UK are the ones that brought up NDP projects as example of alleged corruption and if you pay attention those projects were already investigated with two of them still pending. The real investigation here is the stimulus money and other things being done by this Government and you can run but can’t hide from that fact.
You do no wrong you don’t have problems. Who do the crime do the time .case closed..
Marlon it look like you hit ya head ya nuh… seems like you feel that dogging out VIP going help the NDP gain power.
It wont only person who going gain power out of this is the UK.
The judge was brought in from the UK. They news sites from the UK propagating a corrupt BVI.
The outcome of this Commissions of Inquiry is already planned. Whether there is evidence or not. Dont be foolish!
BVI People be smarter that i implore you look at the bigger picture.
When NDP was in, Fahie who was opposition leader at the time couldn’t keep from down at the governor house. Don’t let us spill the beans.
This ain’t about NDP or VIP sir/madam.
This is about BVI! Forget the politricks lets protect the BVI and the people living here from colonial rule that the UK have planned.
Well stated
Can you explain what the bigger picture is? What is the purpose of this CoI?