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My decisions are not intended to be popular- Gov Duncan

- said invoking of reserved power was not instructed by London
Governor of the Virgin Islands John S. Duncan OBE is unapologetic about his recent move to invoke his constitutional right and instruct the Government of the day to disburse $1.88M for arms of government which fall under his purview. Photo: VINO/File
From left: Critics of the Governor include Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro Caines, former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Claude O. Skelton Cline and Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull. Photo: VINO/File
From left: Critics of the Governor include Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro Caines, former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Claude O. Skelton Cline and Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Governor of the Virgin Islands John S. Duncan OBE has said he is in no way mindful of those who criticise his recent move to invoke his constitutional right and instruct the Government of the day to disburse $1.88M for arms of government which fall under his purview.

At yet another hurriedly called press conference on Friday March 24, 2017 Governor Duncan told reporters,” I will take decisions on the basis of properly evaluated evidence and that I would not hesitate even if those decisions were unpopular…and that is exactly what I am doing,” when asked how he would respond to critics of his actions.

“I am here to take judgments and decisions which in my view are on the basis of evidence and advice from a wide variety of people. They are not intended to be popular, they may be popular but that’s not what I am here for, I am not here to make popular decisions, I am here to make the right decision as far as I can judge it to be,” added Governor Duncan.

He was also prompt to note the many persons who have complimented his move.

Critics of the Governor's decision to invoke his reserved power include Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines, Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline.

Not my duty to inform FCO

Governor Duncan also made it clear it was not his duty to inform the FCO or any other body prior to making his decision to use his constitutional power. “The section 103 is a Governor’s decision, it’s not a decision which comes from London but of course I have informed London of my decision and my intentions to take that decision.”

He, however, reminded that Premier Smith’s Administration was aware of his intended move. “As I explained in my last press conference there has been regular discussion at NSC, there has been regular discussion in cabinet including on the budget itself, before the budget was approved by cabinet, and there has been regular correspondence between myself and the Premier.”

Governor Duncan confirmed also that he did indeed let Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) know that he would have exercised his reserved power enshrined in the Virgin Islands Constitution Order of 2007.

While noting that his recent warrant is not a secret document, Governor Duncan said he has no intentions of having it gazetted.

34 Responses to “My decisions are not intended to be popular- Gov Duncan”

  • ABOUT (27/03/2017, 11:58) Like (49) Dislike (2) Reply
    darn time!! for too long we've had governors come and go, a bunch of sitting ducks drinking mojitos and allowing whichever government of the day do whatever they please with the public purse. Now we finally have a governor with balls, yes, grande cojones, and government officials heads are doing 360 like a boggle heads? Crime escalating and police need help. Community mouth shut like duck tape on it. Mannnnnnnn....
    Bout time SOMEBODY stand up for SOMETHING around here! I for one am thrilled, overjoyed, pleased as punch even. Keep it up Gov!!!
    • Local Brother (27/03/2017, 13:28) Like (13) Dislike (43) Reply
      House slave you are. Under no circumstances should this be rejoiced. There is nothing positive in this governor or what he has done. But like a typical Uncle Tom, you are too short sighted to see this.
      • joe (27/03/2017, 14:30) Like (5) Dislike (20) Reply
        Agree with you 100%. There seems to be lots of people rejoicing over the Governor's decision. While I understand he felt it was necessary given the police and other law enforcement agencies need for additional funding this situation is serious and could possibly lead to other similar decisions including having someone from the UK come into to take over the Treasury similar like they did in Turks. Be careful what you wish for people, Be very careful what you wish for.
        • Madness (27/03/2017, 21:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          When the UK took over Turks do remember that some members of the administration at the time was fleecing the country and noone internal was doing anything. What would you propose should have been done. The BVI does not have the luxury in this current economy to be pu$$yfooting with financial moves or else we are going to be in serious trouble. Although your argument has merit the fact is the BVI is NOT independent and until such a time that changes the UK has the final say.
          • Josiah's Baqy (28/03/2017, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            I propose that we grow up and put our own house in order. Colonial power are only concern with their issues. Only when their achive interest are satisfied you may on occasion be left with collateral benefits. I think we need to reconsider Granted Aid. At the time we stepped away from it may have been a good thing but now it's a poor business decision. What is the UK bringing to the equation just dominance and control. You have to pay some cost to be the boss and they have been skating on their obligations. Don't forget reparation, they owe us. They built their empire on the backs of conquered and enslaved people. We need to stop begging them and demand what we are owed.
      • @Local Brother (27/03/2017, 15:19) Like (54) Dislike (3) Reply
        You who live in glass house should be the last to throw stones. I am the house slave of your pappy. Pull your eyes up in your head and keep them from being close to the ground that is where your vision lies. Short sighted my foot. You miss your white envelope them? they only last for a time. local brother my @$$
      • NOTAGAIN (27/03/2017, 19:29) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
        Yes, Local Brother, you understand what time it is. "ABOUT" don't know what the Governor's actions are about. Look who he gave money to -- people that looks just like him. Our schools need money too. Why wasn't he so concerned about our children's education? Our roads need fixing; our sewerage need to stop run. Mr. Governor, you didn't see that as urgent also? Stop the hey diddle diddle with your cat on the fiddle, we will not jump over your moon. This is high-handedness and trying to flex muscles and exhibit that subtle behaviour. We see the testing of the times, but not for very long, meh boi. We refuse to be slaves in our forefathers lands a second time around -- Never, Never, No, Never Again, Lizabeth.
        • @NOTAGAIN (28/03/2017, 14:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          you are as ignorant as the local brother. the royal virgin islands police force is not made up of only people that look like the governor but people of your own skin color also. It is people like you why the BVI is in the mess its in today. You prefer to leave the police force in need where the thieves and murderers roam the streets terrorizing the citizens. perhaps ya'll have a VESTED INTEREST in allowing things to go on like they are???????? set of fools.
      • Concerned (28/03/2017, 09:17) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        Dear About,

        I agree with you. When you have a small country like this with the escalating crimes whether solved or unsolved what do you think is going to happen! Tourism is in danger!!! when they stop coming what are we going to do. We have nothing to offer, no gold, petroleum, waterfalls, hot springs yaddy yaddy ya. The next step is to pay the whole judicial system and police officers a good salary so they can take care of their families and stop working two and three jobs to make their bill payments. Then hold them accountable for doing their jobs to the best of their ability. Then and only then crime will be the least of our worry... I support his decision it is now for the money to be used wisely to effect a positive change
    • tretretrete (27/03/2017, 15:53) Like (2) Dislike (17) Reply
      the Governor should be seen and not heard. this Governor is way too involved in local politics and we should not just roll over and calmly accept his interference in our affairs.
      • what (27/03/2017, 21:39) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
        This man is being paid to do a job. What do you mean by he should be "seen and not heard". The man is the governor for God sake! I'll just pretend as if I never read that statement.
        • @wHAT (28/03/2017, 11:43) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
          The Governor is not paid to intervene in local affairs. Open your open and look at the bigger picture. Just when the BVI is seriously speaking about self determination and decreasing the powers of the Queen, the Governor goes and utilizes this draconian provision in the constitution to set us back in our attempts to focus on self determination. Unlike you I won't continue to pretend.
  • Well (27/03/2017, 12:02) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Many might have their personal opinions on any governor that comes to the BVI to represent the people of the BVI,but he seems to have good intentions. The PS's who are in position are the ones to make sure the ministers look good,by doing their work in a professional manner. One duty the PS's seem not to be doing well is follow up,and feed back to the ministers.
  • missing in action (27/03/2017, 12:08) Like (10) Dislike (12) Reply
    Where is ronnie, myron, kedric and mark???? Only claude, fraser and mitch defending Doc...Andrew and sowonde looking to score political points
  • Ya me born (27/03/2017, 12:10) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    "My decisions are not intended to be popular"Comes across as someone who's taken charge.
  • GOV (27/03/2017, 12:21) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    did you hear one of NDP Cronies want to go Nuclear on your decision. Wat-a-wuk! There you have it; an NDP Crony suing and defending his party at the same time. You can't make this stuff up even if you wanted too. This type of scenario can only be taught at NDP Politricks University. Be careful gov.
  • Field Slave (27/03/2017, 13:27) Like (8) Dislike (22) Reply
    You are not supposed to be making decisions period!
  • Mr Governor help the children (27/03/2017, 13:53) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    Enough is enough. Lord. It's been too much. They want to kill we... I don't hear must feel. Mr Governor you have more to do. Help the children That born here and have to go immigration for time. In their country of birth. Wow. OMG. Governor only you can help them. Please..
    • VI and Proud (27/03/2017, 14:50) Like (15) Dislike (11) Reply
      Why is it you all come here and born your children here then complain that they can't get this and they can't get that. You asking the governor to help you with something that is a U.K. Policy not Virgin Islands. You come here to improve your livelihood. This is not America. I'm so sick and tired of it. Go to Turks, Anguilla, monsterrat etc and see if it any different from here. Bunch of ungrateful people.
      • My girl (28/03/2017, 04:33) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        @VI and Proud: 100 percent in agreement. If every child born here to parents who have no ties to the BVI were given citizenship or BVI status at birth we would be over ran before we know it. I will never support it. The US Congress will look at birth right citizenship very soon and might very well decide to abolish it. It will be bad for the BVI.
  • residents (27/03/2017, 14:02) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    its about time you did something, our elected leaders have been getting away with stuff for too long
  • chad (27/03/2017, 14:22) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    THE GOVERNOR DID NOTHING ILLEGAL. ALL WITHIN HIS RIGHTS. GOVERNMENT DO YOUR JOB!!!!.
  • facts man (27/03/2017, 14:43) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look how the ndp brought shame on the bvi!
  • de silent one (27/03/2017, 16:13) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! Why are some of the bloggers are bashing the Governor for taking some aggressive, long overdue action? They are the same people in recent times complaint about him not doing his job and been calling for commission of enquiry with the abusive spending of tax payers money by this administration. Such action is just the beginning so start getting use to it. That might be the only way that money get remain in the treasury.
    • @ de silent one (27/03/2017, 20:30) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      Cause there was no need to. He was being offered some of the things he asked for the police etc. if every department had to be given everything they ask for, then the budget would have had to be 600,000,000. Why he could not be satisfied with what was offered this year and get the remaining next year? Oh, I forgot, the police commissioner is local or black..
  • Deh Lawerence (27/03/2017, 19:35) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    dEH gOVERNOR, WHY are we trusting of these people? Do we understand our past? How can we rejoice in the work of the oppressors? They have not changed. Run away from those Edomites. Send them back to the slaves of Europe. Ah set ah vampiers, trying to bring the BVI down.
  • qc (27/03/2017, 22:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We'll allow time to indicate what the findings are, but we cannot be careless, and we have to continue to safeguard what our people do with our money
  • Charley Rose (27/03/2017, 23:25) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Your Excellency, Iwould like to commend you for what you have done. Those who are BALLING are the ones who do not have any knowledge of the Constitution. Whether they like it or not, if the Premier and the other representatives were doing their work efficiently, it would not have left to the Governor to act. Instead of visiting the different islands and see what needs to be done they are busy making money and leave the country to run as a plane with auto pilot.
    Mr. Premier, you need to visit all the islands and see what the people are struggling with and try to solve the problems. Visit the schools and the various government depatrments then you will be aware ofthe short comin.
  • chad (28/03/2017, 05:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    HE HAS THE AUTHORITY AND HE USED IT. EVERY SECOND HISTORY IS MADE BECAUSE YOU WOULD DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN YOU DID A SECOND AGO. I DON'T SEE THE NEED FOR THE KIDS TO BE CHATTERING OVER THE PLACE AND THE REAL AUTHORITY IS SITTING QUIET. THE REVELATION IS THERE IS NO FINANCIAL CRISIS SO WHY ARE THEY CHOKING THE ECONOMY? POLICE HAVE TO FIGHT CRIME, THEY NEED MONEY BUT IN RETURN THE PREMIER SHOULD HAVE ASK THEM TO COME UP WITH A BETTER OPERATIONAL PLAN. THEY BUY VEHICLES SOO EXPENSIVE THAT IT HAS NO REPAIR PROGRAM. MARINE BASE IS A MESS WITH ALL THE OLD VEHICLES PILING UP. TRAINING ISSUE, LOT OF THEM ARE NOT FIT, PROCESSES ARE LACKING IN HOW TO DEAL WITH CALLS ETC... AND IT GOES ON. SO THE COMMISSIONER WANTS MONEY, HE SHOULD CALL FOR A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HIS OPERATIONS AND PROCESSES AND PUT IN FOR THE FUNDING TO SECURE STABILITY FOR THOSE PROCESSES.
  • But (28/03/2017, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Slave ownership too, was legal. Uncle Toms too became upset with the slaves when they were beaten and brutalized becaus Massa had that right. You modern day slaves are more a threat to our wellbeing than any criminal or crime.
  • 1 (28/03/2017, 19:48) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    It's a mental slavery problem.


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