Elections observers' recommendations should be heeded – Gov Duncan
He made the statement yesterday afternoon, June 10, 2015 at the official swearing in ceremony of the Premier and the Ministers of Government on the lawns of the Central Administration Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
Fanning the Flames
“I also note from the mission’s report that many members of the public voiced concerns about the campaign having too much inflammatory and defamatory rhetoric rather than positive discussions of the major political issues.”
Quoting the report, he said that voters also expressed concerns about, “Online coverage of the campaign being used to incite and fan the flames of the electorates…and I am sure that all political parties and editors of local media will take heed,” said Governor Duncan.
Other territories ahead of the VI
He said he was particularly pleased in noting the elections observers reporting that the elections of the Virgin Islands was genuine, vibrant and competitive and the elections met the key international standards. “This is as it should be,” said the Governor as he also congratulated all the candidates, who contested the elections, for standing up before the public to set out their vision for the future and seek the support of the electorate.
“Their commitment to a democratic process is worthy of applause and I hope that they would continue to engage in a wider political process,” he added.
Governor Duncan also noted that the time for backroom and opaque decisions are a thing of the past but said, “Particularly in this 21st century age, with social and online media, and a number of territories are now ahead of us in this agenda.”
Congratulations
He did not fail to recognise and congratulate Honourable Julian Fraser, RA and Honourable Andrew A. Fahie on their return to office as he said he looks forward to continue working with both the Government and the Opposition as he stressed that the task of government is one of partnership.
Governor Duncan, in offering his congratulations to the people of the territory for renewing the proud heritage of the community and democracy by turning out in large numbers on polling day, said “It should be a pride to our community that no matter how much our views may differ, our democracy allows everyone to express their views freely and without fear.”
“If this elections has been passionate and hard fought, it has also been peaceful and fair. The mantle of Government has now been passed to the Honourable Premier Dr Orlando Smith, OBE and to this his team and I offer my own sincere congratulations to Dr Smith and his team for this significant victory at the polls,” said Governor Duncan.
Supervisor of Elections Juliette Penn and her team of elections officers also came in for congratulations.
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15 Responses to “Elections observers' recommendations should be heeded – Gov Duncan”
As they say- "take what you like and leave the rest".
A description of the word Opaque is as follows: "Not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight".
For the governor to make that statement, it appears he is finally aware and convinced of those activities taking place under his watch.
Given the contents of Overseas Election Observers "Preliminary Report", he knows that the final Report to be released in August is not going to be something he cannot be proud of.
The "Action Man" humbling demeanor and the governor's Suspicious look says at him says a lot...(a picture is worth a 1,000 words). He darn well knows that there's has been conflict of interest, and deals "under and on top of the table" during the NDPS governance during the past 3.5 years.
The "Overseas Observers Mission" will highlight quite a few things, and it appears that he is aware that it will prove that he has been less than an effective governor. I am sure the report will reach the desk of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He darn well knows that the Auditor General"s report was one of substance, as well as that of the PAC. Had the Commission Of Inquiry been allowed, it is questionable whether the NDP would be in office today.
Myron should not have been allowed to get away with his $100,000 catering deal with the HOA, when Keith Flax had to vacate the office of the Speaker, only because he was renting a section of his building to the Tourist board; something that is still happening.
My suspicion is that Governor Duncan is a bit concerned that those things have happened under his watch and he cannot be happy about.
To mention about the "Backroom and Opaque Deals", he must be convinced that it has been happening. Why would he even mention it?
Instead, he would have been happy to talk about "his government's record of Accountability and Transparency". But he couldn't.