Premier of the Virgin Islands, Andrew A. Fahie just revealed that the Auditor General’s report on BVI Airways is now under full criminal investigation. The announcement was made a few minutes ago in the House of Assembly.
Premier Fahie said “We usually would have allowed a preamble (before laying a document before the House). But I cannot do any preamble on this one. I can only lay it on the table.
He mentioned that no further details can be offered at this time on the mismanagement of the highly controversial, $7 Million project that was set to offer direct flights between Miami and BVI under the predecessor Government.
“I cannot say anything further on this matter as we have been informed by the Commissioner of Police that this is now under a full criminal investigation” the Premier said.
On April 28th, 2020 it was revealed that Premier Fahie lodged a formal complaint against Governor Augustus Jaspert, accusing him of failing to bring the Auditor General’s report before the 3-month statutory required period. Based on the Premier’s letter to the UK, The Governor’s office received the report on January 27th and failed to meet deadlines to allow for fair debate in the House of Assembly.
That claim was strongly refuted by Governor Jaspert who then said “The Premier has written to the Minister for the Overseas Territories. The letter includes factual inaccuracies and the Governor has written back to the Premier to ensure a correct understanding of the facts.”
According to the Governor’s office, the Auditor General’s final report on BVI Airways was received in office on February 7th, and not January 27th as indicated in the Premier’s complaint.
Fast forward to today, the Premier Fahie said that the matter is now with the police.