‘My ears as Governor will always be open’-Governor Jaspert
Governor Jaspert made this statement following the Swearing-in Ceremony held at the Virgin Islands Supreme Court on August 22, 2017.
In an interview with the newly appointed governor, he stated that his priority is to work in partnership with elected government, people of the territory and all the community faith organisation and businesses.
“My sole aim is to be here to help the people of the Virgin Islands and to work together to take this territory forward,” Governor Jaspert explained.
He continued, “I will be engaged, but I will not shy away from acting where the values of fairness, security and good governance are not at the highest standards.”
The Governor, who said this is the first time for him in the Territory, told our news reporter that his first course of action is to listen to what the people in the communities have to say:
“I want to hear what people have to say and to make sure that I can speak to as many people as possible and to speak to those in position of power but also the communities as well.”
He further stated “I am conscious that my priority is to learn and listen… My ears as Governor will always be open…My goal here is to serve Her Majesty for the people of the Virgin Islands…I want to be approachable and part of the community and will listen to all views and want to support the institutions of these islands to own and tackle any challenges.”
No comment on Swearing-in controversy
Governor Jaspert’s Oath of Office came amid controversy that the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe, fought to block the new Governor from being sworn in at the House of Assembly (HoA).
When asked about the issue of him not being allowed to be sworn in at the HoA, he opted to remain silent on the matter.
Create solutions to better the territory
Meanwhile, the Governor pointed out that he knows what it takes to help create solutions to strengthen communities and businesses.
“I have learnt that prosperity, united communities and safe neighbourhoods are like a three legged stool. They are not binary choices, but are all critical parts of a flourishing society…Care for the natural environment, the right infrastructure and a reputation as a safe destination underpin thriving tourism.
“Good public services and communities that all share a stake in the future of the islands ensure people live free of the fear of crime and the vulnerable and young are supported.”
As the new Governor, who is responsible for the territory’s local police and overall security, added that he is driven to “tackling crime, the harms of illegal drugs and to ensure people feel secure in their communities.”
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17 Responses to “‘My ears as Governor will always be open’-Governor Jaspert”
Sad state of affairs, in symbolism's and in political, sociological and psychological reality.
It is demoralizing to many in recognizing how so many of our people so wish to be governed by others other than their own/themselves. It is very saddening indeed.
The political realities are what they are however. History has dealt the present hand, but a peoples right to govern itself is a God given and universal one/right, as established by the United nations in 1948, that must be pursued for better or worst.
"In a vast political reshaping of the world, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence since the creation of the United Nations."
"At present, (17?) Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain to be decolonized, home to nearly 2 million people. Thus, the process of decolonization is not complete."
"Finishing the job will require a continuing dialogue among the administering Powers, the Special Committee on Decolonization, and the peoples of the territories, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions on decolonization."
"In 1990, the General Assembly proclaimed the first International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, including a specific plan of action."
Hence,the political entity of which is an impediment to the exercise of that human and God given right should itself begin exiting itself from, by adhering to the Geneva's Human Rights Convention bylaws, being the upholders of colonialism, and grant those stated freedoms without further delay, the freedoms stipulated in said document.
Accordingly, he who does not agree with Mr. Boynes or the commentary relative to stated national, human and political truths are clearly unaware of the current psychological realities and truths affecting the Black man in the Diaspora today.
Truths that many are still uncomfortable in accepting, confronting or resolving.
Hence, we will, for sometime into our future, continue to exist under the banner of colonial and neocolonialism. Being ruled by others other than ourselves and loving it!
We will continue, and feel comfortable doing so, look to others for to govern us, as we are still a people who are brain washed into thinking that we cannot govern ourselves and be SUCCESSFUL at it.
A very sad state of affairs for a once very, very great people and race.
Head of the prison-Mr foot
Head of w&SD -Mr ankle
Head of bviec-mrs knee
Head of pwd-Mr leg
Head of festival-Mr belly
Head of c&w-Mr hand
Head of labour-Mrs eyes
Head of the premier-Mr peanis
WE SALT
REPLY
Similarly, though the territories need a shift in leaderships' paradigm relative to intellect, future course charting, political, human and cultural philosophies, anyone of our historic, political and cultural persuasions will be hung from a tree by the neck by our own people, and at the direction of the ones who wish to see and maintain the status quo, the continued mental enslavement and subjugation of our people, and the lack of political freedoms and self reliance.
It is important to understand our present intellectual position then, relative to the course of our destiny.
We, you and I and our people and race are in the gestation stage of our political and human freedom(s) stage of development.
When we share our opinions relative to the conditions of our people and nation and their human and political rights, we are planting the seeds for present conception, future growth and development.
However, we must do more to motivate our children to read, read, read the critical literature and history of our people, ancient to present. In particular, we must bring must them up to the level of reading and comprehension where they can relate to, comprehend and speak historic, political, economic, psychological and sociological concepts.
So do not expect independence from the present political reality tomorrow. Such processes will take time given the enormous political impediments in place to ensure that we remain subjugated.
Our task is to continue to speak out, as we are doing, educate our children, as they will not get such an education in public schools, as that education is designed to keep us honoring, respecting and looking up to our past bondage masters, physically and mentally of the recent past.
This week's ceremonies speak to that albatross of colonialism that still has us in a political, psychological and sociological strangle hold.
We now have access to means of spreading our ideas relative to historic truths, moral and political uprightness.
We should then continue to speak out, but most importantly, whenever we do blog, share information of historic truths and relevance. Continue to educate, agitate and motivate!
Lastly, the road to freedom is laden with obstacles of all considerations and possess many phases. Be prepared to campaign for many life times. Be prepared to face persecution, imprisonment and death. Those are tools and of the nature of the fight for freedom from those who wish not to grant what is God ordained yours.
But remain steadfast in knowing that truth and justice will prevail in the end.
To end, I cannot "comeforth" as I will be summarily be cut down by our own people, but a nice big mango would go down real nice about now. Peace up and freedom always!