Local News
BVI Awaits Governor’s Response to EZ Shipping’s Complaint Over Press Conference Statements
Residents of the British Virgin Islands are anticipating Governor John Rankin’s response to a complaint filed by local businessman Clyde Chalwell with the United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Office pertaining to statements made during a press conference in March.
Less than two months before his departure in December from the position of governor, Rankin found himself the subject of an official complaint filed by the owner of EZ Shipping through Stokoe Partnership Solicitors.
In the October 13 letter to the United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Office James Cleverly, Chalwell’s legal team highlighted two troubling statements made by Rankin when questioned by the media about the territory’s Covid-19 security measures during a March 3.
“I leave others to speculate as to why the former Premier might have been so opposed to what was the deployment of the more effective method for deterring activity in the waters,” the Governor said regarding the former Premier Andrew Fahie choosing EZ Shipping over the UK Navy ship to secure the territory’s waters.
Chalwell’s legal firm highlighted that “this statement is a deliberate attempt to insinuate misconduct on behalf of our client” given the fact that former Premier Fahie had been arrested by United States federal agents and charged with money laundering and drug trafficking.
The company was paid $1.2 million by the government, and according to Chalwell attorneys, the EZ Shipping report had been sent to the DPP and Police “to assess whether any offences were committed according to the contracts.
Additionally, on the effectiveness of the barges provided by EZ Shipping as a security defence, the Governor Rankin said: “I was frankly immediately unconvinced as to their effectiveness.”
“This comment amounts to the Governor giving evidence of his opinion in a press conference when the subject matter he opines has been referred to the relevant authorities for investigation into potential civil recovery proceedings and/or criminal; prosecution,” highlights Chalwell’s legal firm.
The attorneys stressed that “this comment was entirely inappropriate and represented the Governor descending into the arena when it was not his place to do so.”
Following the publication of the letter’s contents by the local press this week, Governor Rankin has refrained from providing an official comment on the allegations.
Concluding his term as the territory’s Governor, which began in January 2021, the seasoned diplomat plans to retire from diplomatic service in December.
He has spent his tenure diligently supervising the government’s implementation of the recommendations arising from the Commission of Inquiry, initiated in January 2021 by former Governor Gus Jaspert.
On April 4, 2022, Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom submitted his comprehensive 946-page findings from the CoI, revealing instances of corruption in government, abuse of office, and other serious dishonesty within public office in recent years.
Following the arrest and subsequent resignation of Premier Fahie, party and independent politicians united to form a coalition government, preventing the UK from suspending the BVI’s constitution for two years.
This arrangement also provided residents with the opportunity to rebuild their trust in the government before the 2023 general elections, leading to the reappointment of Natalio Whealtkey as premier.
Rankin will be succeeded as the Governor by Daniel Pruce, who will assume the position in January 2024.
ADVERTISEMENT
Local News
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Local News
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
Local News
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
-
Crime/Police5 days ago
Two Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Shots Fired Near ESHS: Man Injured, High School Goes Into Lockdown
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
K’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
-
Local News5 days ago
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Tortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar
-
Local News2 weeks ago
TAG and CIBC Caribbean Host Second Annual Season of Giving Sales Event
-
Local News21 hours ago
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status