“Finally, as you all know, as I previously stated, I was due to leave here at the end of this year. However, I will now be staying on into January until the new Governor, Mr John Rankin, is sworn in,” the unelected Governor and United Kingdom national stated during his ‘Catch up with the Media’ on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

The Governor claimed his delayed departure will allow him to continue to support the Public Service and the Deputy Governor “who are doing tremendous” work to support the Territory at this time.

“It will allow a smooth handover to my successor, in case of any disruptions caused by travel and quarantine. And it will allow me to consider the concerns put to me, in consultation with BVI institutions.”

Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert's bizarre and antagonistic actions have drawn the ire of Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie , who labelled the Governor’s recent public utterances as 'reckless'.

‘Reckless’ Governor

The Governor shockingly brought a number of unsubstantiated allegations of irregularities in the public service, which he himself has admitted are “purely allegations”.

Why the Governor would bring unproven claims to the public, knowing the reputational damage possible to the Virgin Islands, including internationally, is bizarre.

His actions have drawn the ire of Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), who labelled the Governor’s public utterances as “reckless”.

Speaking on his extra time in the VI, Governor Jaspert, said: “We hope that during this period, we can have open and honest conversations about what we need to do to build better governance in BVI. The vast, vast majority of people in BVI are honest and want the best for this Territory. I hope that all voices will be heard and respected.”

Mr Jaspert, who has become unpopular for saying that the Virgin Islands should not expect any reparations for the evil acts of slavery and has defended the keep of names of landmarks named after perpetrators of slavery, torture, murder, rape, plunder and genocide, came to the Virgin Islands in 2017 and had requested an extension for an additional year.

The UK appointed Governor was also accused of interfering with the legislative branch earlier this year when he tried to dictate to the House of Assembly (HoA) to meet so he would not miss the deadline for the laying of the BVI Airways Report in the HoA.

Veteran legislator Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) subsequently brought a motion to the HoA seeking to have the Governor reprimanded for the delay of the report; however, the motion was defeated.

According to the United Kingdom Government, Mr John J. Rankin, CMG, who is currently serving as Governor of Bermuda, will replace Mr Jaspert, who exits the VI this year-end.