Gus' delayed swearing in Premier 3 times; Shouted on him- Hon Fahie tells CoI - said Augustus J. U. Jaspert tried to force him to sign UK Loan Guarantee soon after he became Premier

WICKHAM’S CAY II, Tortola, VI- Controversial Ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert told the Commission of Inquiry that he was always respectful even as he challenged the Virgin Islands (VI) elected Government in the spirit of ‘Modern Partnership’ between the United Kingdom and VI; however, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) painted a very different picture of Jaspert, one that was abusive and belittling.

During the October 20, 2021, Commission of Inquiry Hearing (CoI), Counsel to the Commissioner, Bilal M. Rawat asked Mr Jaspert whether he would accept that as a characterisation of the role of the VI Governor, that for the last 20-30 years, Governors have sat in Cabinet and done nothing.

Jaspert claimed he was always guided by Constitution

Mr Jaspert disagreed and said that while he was guided by the constitution in his duties, he has several roles. This included working alongside the Premier and Cabinet Secretary in shaping the agenda as part of the Cabinet steering group.

“The governor also, in line with the constitutional and the spirit of modern partnership, as Governor I would in Cabinet often question, challenge, support some of the decisions and deliberations that were there,” he said.

While Jaspert has never admitted that he and the Fahie administration had a rocky relationship, a day later, on October 21, 2021, Premier Fahie told the CoI hearing that the relationship with the governor was tantamount to being ‘abusive.’

Premier Fahie said that after working in the teaching profession and with several others, he was told that he was hasty but never difficult to work with.

Governor caused turbulence from Day 1- Premier Fahie

Premier Fahie said from the moment he won the 2019 elections, the turbulence with the Governor and his office started. He said his swearing-in as Premier was delayed about three times.

"I decided that this is out of hand, so I went with all my members that won the election and those who didn't and we went and I told them we are going to sit in the Governor's Office until we get sworn in..." he said.