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by pltm
(PLTM) - Wade Smith, Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs, has been placed on administrative leave, effective immediately according to reliable sources.
The reason for this decision is still unknown.
Smith when contacted by BVI Platinum News said he had no comment at this time.
However, over the last several weeks, a series of investigations have been launched to probe allegations of corruption that may have taken place within certain governmental departments and public development projects.
In accordance with Recommendation B40 of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report, Governor John Rankin commissioned an investigation into HM Customs.
He also stated the public officials who are in violation of any criminal code should be penalized according to the law.
In the framework to implement the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations it is stated that “Cabinet approves joint responsibility between the relevant government agencies and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for security of all ports, including airports, under the command of the Force, until security concerns are effectively addressed and new constitutional and legal arrangements have been considered”.
This joint responsibility is directly related to satisfying recommendation B40 in the CoI report where Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom proposed that allegations of corruption in the HM Customs are probed by an individual appointed by Commissioner of Police Mark Collins.
Another senior public official, Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office Mrs. Carolyn O'Neal Morton, was sent on leave earlier after the Governor announced investigations at the Premier's Office.
More details will be provided on Smith’s administrative leave as they come to hand.
