Controversial Governor Jaspert departs VI Sat, January 23, 2021
Governor’s Office spokeswoman Sandie McKenzie confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online today, January 22, 2021, that Mr Jaspert will leave the territory for the last time as Governor tomorrow.
The 13th unelected Governor of the British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands arrived in the territory on August 21, 2017, and was sworn in the following day.
The senior civil servant in the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) was to leave the VI in July 2020, after his three-year appointment; however, he had requested a one-year extension and was scheduled to leave his post in August 2021.
Governor Jaspert; however, was recalled before time and was actually expected to leave the VI since December.
He; however, remained to call his now high speculative Commission of Inquiry.
Unpopular Gov Jaspert
Governor Jaspert became very controversial for his combative style and his political interference in domestic affairs and has had a rocky relationship with the democratically elected government headed by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).
He became unpopular when on September 7, 2020, a day after the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Irma devastating the VI, he told a local media outlet that the Virgin Islands should not expect any reparations for the evil acts of slavery and defended the keep of names of landmarks named after perpetrators of slavery, torture, murder, rape, plunder and genocide.
Insensitive
Many had labelled him as insensitive and had questioned whether his statements were racist.
Coincidentally, he controversially called a Commission of Inquiry into Governance on January 18, 2021, which also happened to be Martin Luther King Jr Day. The holiday is not officially observed in the VI; however, many persons recognise the day due to having lived or attended schools in the US.
Further, the Virgin Islands is a predominantly black population and many are in solidarity with the observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Interfering with legislative branch
The UK appointed Governor was also accused of interfering with the legislative branch early last year when he tried to dictate to the House of Assembly (HoA) to meet so he would not miss the deadline for the laying of the BVI Airways Report in the HoA.
Veteran legislator Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) subsequently brought a motion to the HoA seeking to have the Governor reprimanded for the delay of the report; however, the motion was defeated.
The Governor was also criticised by legislators and the public for holding up the VI Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020 and Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Act 2020, bills which are necessary for the VI to venture into the medical marijuana industry.
Meanwhile, Mr Jaspert's successor, Mr John J. Rankin, CMG, a former Governor of Bermuda, is already in the Virgin Islands.
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26 Responses to “Controversial Governor Jaspert departs VI Sat, January 23, 2021”
Wishing you and your family, success and happiness.
You did well and left the VI with promises of a new and better day.
Good riddance.
WE DON'T WANT TO SEE OR HEAR FROM U EVER AGAIN.
His house staff will be celebrating. He treated them like s****s.
One even died under his watch, remember.
Why aren’t they investigating that???!
The EU Commision is already calling to blacklist the BVI, this is want to UK wanted. People stop being distracted as to what is really happening.
A r****t has left our shores
No worries BVI has had worst done to it in the past and we still here surviving. The sun will come up in the morning.