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No systemic corruption in VI! Premier says Governor’s statements ‘irresponsible’

-Hon Fahie calls on H.E. Jaspert to retract statement that ‘pockets of corruption’ exists in VI
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has lashed out at recent statements made by outgoing Governor, H.E Augustus J.U. Jaspert, that in the Virgin Islands (VI), there are pockets of corruption facilitating crime. Photo: GIS/File
Darren Davis, left, and Leston Davis at the Magistrate's Court in John's Hole on November 10, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
Darren Davis, left, and Leston Davis at the Magistrate's Court in John's Hole on November 10, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
Meanwhile, at least one local journalist has since broken their silence over the alleged restrictive nature of the joint press conference and an unwillingness to be forthcoming with information. Photo: Facebook/File
Meanwhile, at least one local journalist has since broken their silence over the alleged restrictive nature of the joint press conference and an unwillingness to be forthcoming with information. Photo: Facebook/File
 Radio host and social commentator Skelton-Cline has since accused the Governor and Police Commissioner of trying to paint a narrative with an ulterior motive. The man of the cloth said he believes the ultimate motive is to take control of VI's borders. Photo: VINO/File
Radio host and social commentator Skelton-Cline has since accused the Governor and Police Commissioner of trying to paint a narrative with an ulterior motive. The man of the cloth said he believes the ultimate motive is to take control of VI's borders. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has lashed out at recent statements made by outgoing Governor, H.E. Augustus J.U. Jaspert, that in the Virgin Islands (VI), there are pockets of corruption facilitating crime.

The Governor’s statements came during a Tuesday, November 10, 2020, joint press conference with Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews following VI's historic $250M 2,353 kilos cocaine bust on Friday, November 6, 2020.

So far, brothers Liston Davis, 40, a resident on Tortola and Mr Darren Davis, 41, also a resident on Tortola and a serving RVIPF officer, have been remanded to prison and implicated in the crime.

The Governor said that in his view and that of law enforcement, the seizure shows strong evidence of serious organized crime in the VI.

“The investigation is at an early stage but regrettably as you heard the involvement of a police officer indicates that there may be pockets of corruption facilitating this kind of illicit activity,” Governor Jaspert said while gloating over the drug bust.

Message about how law enforcement performed lost – Premier Fahie

Now according to the Premier Fahie in his 2021 Budget Speech of November 12, 2020, while the centre of focus for any announcement of that nature should have been the capability of local law enforcement to make such a historic find, that was not the case in the joint press conference, rather there was focus on corruption.

“This latest bust does not show that our system is corrupt, but rather it shows that our system and our officers stand up for what is right.”

Hon Fahie continued, “So I am calling all those with hidden agendas who are in covert ways trying many different strategies, and using vulnerable opportunities to prevent the Virgin Islands from truly achieving the mandate given by the United Nations in Article 73 of the UN Charter for former colonies to become self-governing, to go and erase the irresponsible labelling of the BVI’s system and our people as corrupt.”

Statements irresponsible – Premier

Calling the statements irresponsible, the Premier further said it must be retracted.

He said the statements are a well-calculated attempt to stain the good name of the many hardworking law-abiding citizens, the local law enforcement agencies and the VI economy. 

“The irresponsible statement made will not deter your Government from investing in the advancement of our people in all aspects of local law enforcement.”

“So, once again, I am calling on all those who have called the Virgin Islands corrupt to take it out of the atmosphere and share the real truth with the local media, the international media, the United Kingdom Media and even the Twitter media,” Hon Fahie said. 

The Premier underscored that the real truth is that the VI people working together, have shown that they will leave no stone unturned and that there are no 'sacred cows' when it comes to deterring criminal activities.

Hidden agenda & ulterior motives- Claude O. Skelton-Cline  

Meanwhile, at least one local journalist has since broken their silence over the alleged restrictive nature of the joint press conference and an unwillingness to be forthcoming with information.

JTV television reporter, Cathy O. Richards, speaking on a November 11, 2020, episode of The Big Story with guest Claude O. Skelton-Cline, said journalists at the press conference were not allowed to dig deep and ask many questions, "For me, you could have come out and made his [Governor Jaspert] statement and done with that,” she said.

Radio host and social commentator Skelton-Cline has since accused the Governor and Police Commissioner of trying to paint a narrative, with an ulterior motive.

The man of the cloth said he believes the ultimate motive is to take control of VI's borders. 

45 Responses to “No systemic corruption in VI! Premier says Governor’s statements ‘irresponsible’”

  • hmm (14/11/2020, 13:49) Like (72) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes there is Premier. From the heads come right down. We have far long been ignoring the corruption within the various gov department. The governor is only speaking from what he have seen. Don think for one sec he is wasn’t watching and observing these dirty plays.
    • Struupes (14/11/2020, 16:03) Like (62) Dislike (1) Reply
      Like the premier don’t know.......struuppes...stop playing mind games. We all know there is pockets of corruption. Stop harassing the governor meson.
      • best (15/11/2020, 11:56) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
        Best governor EVER. Why does Fahie want to take the BVI independent when no one wants that? The best of both worlds! What do these politicians want to do that they don’t want England to see?
  • sir (14/11/2020, 13:54) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    You are not out of the woods yet. Speak carefully.
  • Really (14/11/2020, 14:05) Like (67) Dislike (1) Reply
    Borders have been closed since March

    Ports have been open

    How did more than 2478kg of cocaine arrive? Remeber the other 125kg where do you think that came from and why 1 was not charged...

    Police Customs & Ports must of been involved and why did you not allow the Royal Navy to patrol the border? Why do we not have a radar system protecting all our waterways after all these years????
    • wise up (14/11/2020, 21:27) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      Love these questions,why did u not want the navy for free all this time and pay $$$$ per day this didn’t make sense
  • WEW (14/11/2020, 14:05) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply

    Radio host and social commentator Skelton-Cline has since accused the Governor and Police Commissioner of being w****. A BIG problem for Claude

  • pat (14/11/2020, 14:17) Like (6) Dislike (79) Reply
    Premier is right governor is no good
  • Tell us (14/11/2020, 14:22) Like (8) Dislike (58) Reply
    Let the Governor produce what he knows,,, the evidence he has or quit the assertions,,,,,,, Vague talk is not enough and can be seen as irresponsible,,,, I do believe he has something but is it enough to create this dark cloud ,,, Tell us,,,, Let us be the Judge. Until then I have to agree with the Hon Premier
    • @ tell us (14/11/2020, 16:07) Like (3) Dislike (56) Reply
      This governor is bad news he need to go very fast he not for the people
    • robocop (14/11/2020, 23:17) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is 2.5 tonnes of cocaine via two local police officers not evidence enough? and thats without considering how that much cocaine made it onto these shores in the first place
  • Incompetent Governor (14/11/2020, 14:24) Like (7) Dislike (81) Reply
    Gus is incompetent & completely tone deaf. Throwing stones from his own corrupt glass house!

    How many belongers does he employ or are there all white non-belongers??? And only black servants there???? In his White House which is owned by us the people of VI NOT HIM??!

    He is a disgrace & only thinks of himself and his reputation, hurling this big PR stunt as his contract is terminated & he finally leaves our shores, good riddance!!!

    He wants to create drama & problems for us and our reputation JUST as we’re opening up our borders for tourism again!!!

    It is clear he has NO RESPECT for us & our hardworking honest people.

    He just keeps adding insult to injury every single time!!!!

    Can’t wait for a competent replacement for him ASAP!

    And his sidekick sycophant Mick.

    Just leave already & THEN time waste & take as many selfies as you like FAR FAR FAR AWAY FROM US AS POSSIBLE!!!

    NEITHER OF YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.

    GO AND GET OFF OUR NECKS!!!!
  • Stop It (14/11/2020, 15:43) Like (56) Dislike (3) Reply
    Andrew even the blind can see the BVI is full of corruption. Stop while you are ahead. Time longer than twine.
  • former leader of the opposition (14/11/2020, 15:58) Like (10) Dislike (19) Reply
    "the NDP is the most corrupt government"
    • best (15/11/2020, 12:02) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      The NDP ain’t no better. That’s why we need a governor to oversee. As soon as dem get in power the corruption starts. Thank God there is someone over them to watch them!
  • Cop and Gov (14/11/2020, 16:06) Like (8) Dislike (24) Reply
    Too many racist in this place in top positions
  • asking for a friend (14/11/2020, 16:08) Like (2) Dislike (35) Reply
    Who is going to investigate the governor and police chief before they go?
    • @ asking for a friend (14/11/2020, 17:17) Like (1) Dislike (19) Reply
      Same questions I keep asking that must be addressed fast
  • u (14/11/2020, 16:10) Like (39) Dislike (0) Reply
    The governor is right no one needs glasses to see what's going on croupshion can't done
  • K (14/11/2020, 16:15) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Curruption yes police officer who there to protect break Columbia record
  • P (14/11/2020, 18:27) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Government have all right to rotate employees but sense d year was one d same set of people working there in coustom that know how to move no wander thay don't want no one but there own ( bird of feather flock together
  • Rigth (14/11/2020, 19:24) Like (1) Dislike (22) Reply
    Who going to investigate the the White House and the gaurd....it too obvious that two strange pale man strangers head to head playing politics and there position are not ...investigate also the where there came from ...from slavery to this there both got nothing nice at all of good intentions for the bvi....it hurt them to see black people living so wealthy and prosperous among them self unlike there average in the uk ..oh we to rich for uk to assist in humanitarian help. Hmmmm
  • tretretrete (14/11/2020, 19:27) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    Way them dirty mouth there like to open up wen thing is going bad for us as a country I ain't hearing them on the budget 2021 set of wicked racist evil of humanity
  • Ice Man (14/11/2020, 19:28) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    How the container get there with out no customer officer there to see it fully unload????
  • god is watching (14/11/2020, 19:50) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can't believe Premier Andrew Fahie is saying that No systemic corruption in VI! I am dumbfounded! I am in shock! This is not the first time that the Police have been suspected of high corruption. This drug bust has been said to be the highest in the history of the British Virgin Islands! It has been reported by the officers investigating this bust that when they approached the Davis' residence, persons unknown person fled into the bushes! This thing is big! Only God knows who else is involved! Maybe some of the brightest faces who we hold in high esteem. I don't trust those police officers at all, they are no good, some of them. How is it they were able to get all those drugs into the Territory? Something stinks to the highest level. This thing needs to be burst wide open!

    Hon, Fahie, it's no sense trying to pretend that we are so innocent here in the BVI because corruption stinks to the highest and it needs to be cleaned up! Stop blaming the governor because he came here meet the corruption and he will soon depart and leave it. We had two murders back to back in October. We have many unsolved murders; the blood of many cry out from the ground. Thank God for the prayers of the Saints keeping us from the wrath of God.
  • wow (14/11/2020, 20:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

    Tell me how the C***** head can protect our borders and his mouth so loose. His whole proposal done circulating all over. All the would be criminals done got a copy. They were better off finding a white head cause he way too unprofessional and loose.

  • Rubber Duck (15/11/2020, 05:13) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    People feeling a little hot under the collar?
  • Norris Turnbull (15/11/2020, 06:14) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Andrew Alturo FAHIE..............Please. Give it a rest.
  • Intelligence (15/11/2020, 07:21) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are they failing to remember the outgoing governor's training and background, and his past post before becoming governor of VI?
    Have we been this daft all along?
  • Expat (15/11/2020, 09:53) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    So how come that container have so much illegal drugs?? Don't they check them at the port?? You see money missing from the pillow case and yet you say there is no corruption.
  • old (15/11/2020, 13:42) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    As long as people dealing with illegal drugs. And drugs money guns and killing..to me that corruption..This is how so much people loose their life.And it getting worse. It needs to fix. And the time is now.
  • Forward ever Backward never (15/11/2020, 14:32) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only brain dead people will say that there is no corruption in the British Virgin Islands. I am not brain dead, Foy are you?
  • Watchers (15/11/2020, 18:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All that talk and the law enforcement won't even get a raise in salary.
  • Who the Cap Fit (15/11/2020, 18:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Governor throw him corn and who conscions heavy tek offense
  • first word go to court (15/11/2020, 19:08) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE DONT HAVE TO LISTEN TO NO REPEATED BROADCASTS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THE GOVERNOR
  • Why They Hate Reggae (15/11/2020, 19:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Listen to Mighty Diamond-Bodyguard and Steel Pulse-Bodyguard.
  • Hmm (15/11/2020, 21:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Water and sewerage is corrupt too and whoever ministey the falls under is corrupt too. Imagine they cutting people water in this crises. Many people are not working since March, if they owed the ministry have to give them time to pay. You cannot cut the water from a home that have school children. This is corruption in the highest.
  • Toney B (15/11/2020, 21:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    God help us in the bvi.It’s hard time for people.government try to help but the money done, to much bill to pay .And they still cutting water my god.
  • hmm (16/11/2020, 15:40) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Governor throw rice on the ground and now the yard fowl come to eat it.

    We all know he speaks the truth
  • from buckingham palace (17/11/2020, 20:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    AH YOU TOOO DAAAM HYPOVRITE;LIKE IS FIRST TIME AH YOU HEAR SOME BODY SAY BVI CORRUPT. BVI IS CORRUPT,AH YOU TOO DAAM HYPOCRITE.
  • Hmmm... (19/11/2020, 08:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The more things change, the more they stay the same... Too much money being made... British Police will come here, they look under beds and in closets. They put somebody in jail and leave... then the rats comeback out to play. Same old same old.


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