Acting roles in public service come under scrutiny
Concerns about the long-running use of acting appointments in the public service came into focus on the Talking Points radio programme, where hosts Damion Grange and Violet Gaul highlighted community frustration over temporary roles that stretch on for months or even years.
Grange described the issue as the proverbial elephant in the room.
“We do have a number of BVIslanders who are qualified… that are serving in acting roles across sectors, and as a community we are refusing to appoint them,” he argued. “These people been acting till they probably have Emmy Awards by now.”
He noted that keeping individuals in acting positions for long periods creates uncertainty and affects confidence in leadership. “If you have somebody in a role and they have been acting for a year or more and you have not removed them from the role, then it says one of two things. They are effective or you are not doing your job well,” he stated.
Gaul raised similar concerns, pointing out that many public officers continue to act without clarity on when or whether they will be confirmed. She said the practice places workers in difficult positions and undermines proper succession planning. “We need to look at who we have in-house and give an opportunity to the people that we have inside the house,” she insisted.
Their discussion adds to the intensifying public debate over the decision by Governor Daniel Pruce to revert Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner of Police and replace her with an external appointee.
Grange questioned why individuals already serving at senior levels were not being considered for temporary leadership while the search for a permanent commissioner continues. “You have somebody already in the position as acting… and you’re removing this individual to recommend for somebody else to come in the acting role. That, I found problematic,” he explained.
Gaul noted that questions also remain about other local senior officers who could have possibly been asked to fill the gap left after Vanterpool was reverted to her previous post.
The hosts stressed that the issue extends beyond the police force, affecting multiple sectors of the public service. They called for a more consistent approach that values internal talent and strengthens confidence in the system. Grange said the territory must be “balanced,” arguing that if residents expect fair treatment from external authorities, such as the governor, then local decision-makers must also treat public servants fairly.
Gaul agreed, stating that acting roles should not replace permanent appointments. “There are ways and ways you can do these things,” she urged, calling for proper processes and clearer communication with the public.
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The local expects Fair treatment from external authorities yet knowing such will never be granted.
As, it is a well-known fact that external authorities such as the European influence with its history of historic discrimination against African descendant people, and its practice of power and resources hoarding and entitlement, will never allow its current practitioners to release any semblance of power into the hands of local entities.
On the contrary, they will seek to commandeer even more, eventually, such as taking over Customs and Immigration, as were highlighted earlier.
Once again, the local people must begin to eventuate a complete takeover of their own affairs.
Good! The sooner the better! Anything to replace the corrupt bunch we have here – yes I said it. Sick of them all, bring in somebody, don’t care where from, just bring honesty and clean up the mess. Police, customs, everything!
“Acting”. Pay check for free. No work required
I dont think anybody giving acting positions again.
It seems you will be forced by politicians to appoint the person Acting permanently whether they are suitable or not and whether you want to or not.
Best not have people in Acting positions and not take the risk of being pushed around by political bullies.
For five years, a local from Anegada successfully served as the acting principal. However, the authorities later appointed someone from Trinidad, and now they are considering an individual from Guyana for the position, while the local has been returned to her previous role. Positions like this should prioritize qualified locals, who have already demonstrated their capability and commitment to the community. Imagine acting for 5 years and the position is given to someone else . This is my country and the chaos that happens . She was good for acting five years but not good enough to be given the position . Expats now in those positions locals once held.
Don’t forget all the acting that takes place in the H.O.A.