BVI News

Addressing the inefficiency: Gov’t to review future Speeches from Throne

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr D Orlando Smith

Citing a number of external factors as the cause for not passing a large percentage of the laws that government promises yearly, Premier Dr D Orlando Smith said his administration now plans to “review” how the Speeches from the Throne are drafted.

A Speech from the Throne is an address from the territory’s governor that outlines the government’s legislative agenda for a particular session of the House of Assembly.

The Premier noted that the laws promised in the Speeches from the Throne, so far, have been “necessary”, even if they have not yet been passed.

“Some of them (legislation) are not long, will not take a long time to pass, would not take a long time for debate and whatnot. Others may take a longer time so it’s difficult to say that we are only going to put maybe five pieces on the books for the year when, in fact, [passing a certain law] could happen in one sitting. It depends on the kind of legislation,” Dr Smith explained.

Limited resources in attorney general’s office

The Premier also said the promised pieces of legislation are not being passed in a more efficient manner because of a limited amount of resources in the Office of the Attorney General.

I have confidence in the attorney general … but I do believe that the department could be better resourced and, in fact, we’ve had that conversation just recently,” he told journalists at a press conference Monday morning.

The Premier said international factors can also affect how quickly a law is passed in the territory.

He also noted that some laws required a significant amount of consultation before they can be brought before the House of Assembly.

I share the concern about having these laws passed more efficiently, so to speak. But, when one considers law, there are many factors that have to be taken into account … There are many reasons why things may not happen as quickly as we like it to happen.”

The Freedom of Information Act and the Consumer Protection Bill are among legislation that is promised year after year. However, those laws have still not been brought before the House of Assembly.

Shares

Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

5 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. King Kunta says:

    Enough with the excuses man….Good bye, thank you for your service. Your expiration date as a politician is upon you

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
    • Vernell Fahie says:

      If Government was able to sack the useless persons and have accountability across the civil service without everyone crying murder then things would be different. We are reaping what we sow with the entitlement mentality.

      Like 9
      Dislike 1
    • Justine says:

      Where is the long past due audit?

  2. Blah blah says:

    Bringing in these ridiculously high paying attorneys who ain’t doing jack s%%% is what needs addressing. Both in DPP & AG

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  3. Irma says:

    After Irma he said our biggest problem was looting and we needed security forces.. surely he is finding out the real issues now.

Leave a Comment

Shares