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by pltm
(PLTM) - From the day Governor Gus Jaspert arrived in the Territory, back in August of last year, the circumstances in the BVI were not normal, with a series of natural disasters, including floods and hurricanes Irma and Maria. However, months later, and the United Kingdom’s (UK) Representative said that it is time now for the BVI to get down to business, including having all the outstanding financial audits completed. “Unfortunately, we all know that Irma impacted progress, but I hope that as we enter 2018, not only can we rebuild the BVI better, but also get back down to business in all areas, for the good of the Territory,” he told BVI Platinum News last week. Former Governor, Mr. John Duncan prior to his departure had raised red flags over the issue of transparency and accountability on the part of the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration. Along with the UK government, Duncan had called for the many years of financial statements to be completed and laid before the House of Assembly. Additionally, weeks before his departure, Duncan requested of the Auditor General (AG) conduct an audit into the $1M spent to build a wall surrounding the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS). When asked about the audits and $1M wall, Governor Jaspert said, “As I have made clear since arriving in BVI, I support the institutions of good governance and transparency. So yes, I am keen that outstanding audits should be completed as soon as possible.” When he took office on August 22, Governor Jaspert had promised that when good governance is not being practiced, his office will intervene in the interest of the people. "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 had stated. Many residents and members of the Opposition have in the past accused the NDP of mishandling the Territory's finances, and lack of transparency and accountability. Mr. Duncan, in his final interview as Governor, told BVI Platinum News that one of his disappointments is that the BVI has not been able to make progress with transparency.
There have been calls for Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith to relinquish the Finance portfolio and hand it to Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Minister of Health and Social Development. Recently, that call has also emanated from government members.
