Top gov’t officials’ link to criminal gangs helped prompt COI — Jaspert

In a shocking revelation, former governor, Augustus Jaspert, said high-level government officials have allegedly been linked to drug dealers and criminal gangs in the BVI.

Governor Jaspert made the disclosure during a hearing before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) yesterday, October 20, noting that it helped to prompt his calls for the ongoing inquiry.

“Most concerning [was] also allegations of links to organised criminality and to those involved in the cocaine trafficking trade as well, including allegedly, amongst those in the highest holders of office,” the former Governor told the Commission.

Jaspert, who did not disclose any names, was at the time being asked the reasons that prompted him to call for the COI.

According to the former Governor, the COI’s origin came largely as a result of the cumulative concerns that were being presented to him about good governance, several of which were covered in some of the audit reports that were given as evidence before the Commission.

Jaspert said his concerns were not based on one single report such as the failed BVI Airways project or the controversial Elmore Stoutt High School wall.

One of the most difficult decisions

The notion of a Commission of Inquiry, he added, had also been put to his predecessor, Governor John Duncan.