Jennifer Potter-Questelles In as Ports Chairwoman! Lettsome Out!
It’s Deputy Chairperson of the Board, Jennifer Potter-Questelles, was approved by Cabinet to become the new Chairwoman.
Mrs Potter-Questelles currently is a public officer in the post of Deputy Managing Director, Corporate Services at the Financial Services Commission.
According to our newsroom’s senior National Democratic Party (NDP) source, Mrs Potter-Questelles was the second choice after former Permanent Secretary Clyde Lettsome declined the offer at the last minute, citing unresolved issues with the Ports, including its former Managing Director Claude O. Skelton-Cline.
The new Board Chairwoman will officially replace J. Edward De Castro who had no interest in continuing when his three year tenure expired September 2015. There continues to be speculation as to why Mr De Castro opted out.
Financial scandal over project
The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has been rocked by scandal over its muti-million dollars Cruise Pier Development Project. Two reports, one from the former Auditor General Mrs Sonia M. Webster and the other by the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee chaired by former Leader of the Opposition Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, had put the project into question.
The two reports on the Ports Development Project unearthed corruption, conflict of interest, disregard for the laws of the Virgin Islands, unfair practices, undue influence in favour of one developer, disregard for the established tendering process and that no one was looking out for the interest of the people and taxpayers of the Virgin Islands, putting the people at a disadvantage.
Recently, a former Project Manager Mr Huge E. Darley confirmed the two reports and even told our newsroom that he felt sorry for tax payers when he heard the cost of the project which the public was told will cost $45 million, however, the Communications and Works Minister Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) told the Parliament the price tag is a whopping $82.9 million.
The project for $45 million was scaled back and this was confirmed by the Town and Country Planning Department. To date the project is still incomplete despite the 135% plus cost overrun.
One of Mrs Potter-Questelles’ first duties will be to recruit a new Managing Director as, according to our NDP source, the matter of returning Mr Skelton-Cline to the Ports is “not going to happen.”
New Board Members all NDPs?
Meanwhile, the NDP has stacked the Ports Board with their supporters. Three new members were added, including Head of the NDP Youth Arm Kevin S. Fahie, pro-NDP publication BVI Beacon Founder Linnell Abbott-Smith and Attorney Helene Lewis.
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22 Responses to “Jennifer Potter-Questelles In as Ports Chairwoman! Lettsome Out!”
Meanwhile, the NDP has stacked the Ports Board with their supporters. Three new members were added, including Head of the NDP Youth Arm Kevin S. Fahie, pro-NDP publication BVI Beacon Founder Linnell Abbott-Smith and Attorney Helene Lewis.
Who did he expect to be on the board? Raja, Bobby, Shaka, Zoe and Curry? lol
Good luck.
Meanwhile, the NDP has stacked the Ports Board with their supporters. Three new members were added, including Head of the NDP Youth Arm Kevin S. Fahie, pro-NDP publication BVI Beacon Founder Linnell Abbott-Smith and Attorney Helene Lewis.
SMH...LMAO!!!! Childish!
Hmmmmm....