-
by pltm
(PLTM) - It was suggested that former Governor John Duncan has fully briefed soon to be sworn in Governor, Augustus Jaspert, and that the new UK Representative is coming fully informed and aware of the realities of the Territory, and the current public expectations of his office.
During the Speak Out BVI radio Program, President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Dr. Natalio 'Sowande' Wheatley reflected on Mr. Duncan’s time in office, and stated that the former Governor was “slow” in dealing with certain matters.
The VIP President explained that some of the difficulties for all Governors of the Territory is the intricate balance between the wishes of the public, and the wants of politicians. He noted that the Governor’s role is defined in the Constitution, but said that the public often has greater expectations.
“We have our politicians, they have particular objectives and generally the politicians want more power, want more autonomy -- they want power from the Governor.”
On the other hand, he said that the people also have expectations. “You have the people who having experienced some problems and issues with how politicians have been governing the Territory for the last 20 or more so years, have some concerns about giving politicians more power, more autonomy.”
Dr. Wheatley explained, “Many persons actually look to the Governor for help in some of these instances as it pertains to balancing the power of the politicians...in terms of some of the weaknesses in how we are governed. And people don’t always get assistance from the Governor in those instances.”
In drawing reference to Mr. Duncan’s tenure, the VIP President said that the previous Governor was presented with the dynamics of balancing the wishes of the people and the politicians.
“We speak to many Governors that come here, and it’s the same for John Duncan; we wanted him to look at a few issues early on. I believe he was a little slow in looking at some of those issues…because I believe he was afraid of being labeled a colonial Governor, but we are a colony. You can call it Territory all you want, we are a colony, and as long as you have these responsibilities and you’re not fulfilling these responsibilities, you’re really handicapping the people of the BVI,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
He however noted that Governor Duncan at the latter stage of his tenure acted on some of the wishes of the people of the Territory.
“In my opinion, he was slow with some of those issues. Later in his tenure I believe he came around to what a lot of persons were seeing. He came, he saw, and after some time he realized--- oh this what is happening, and I think at that point he really put his foot down. And I don’t think that the people were displeased that he put his foot down for the same reasons we have been speaking about.”
However, the VIP President opined that history may not repeat itself as the new Governor is coming more prepared and informed.
“I don’t think we can expect the next Governor to be so slow in coming to those types of realizations because of what Governor Duncan would have discussed with him, and with the whole FCO,” Dr. Wheatley said.
The Virgin Islands is preparing to welcome the new Governor to the Territory on Monday, August 21.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
