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Cabinet ministers get orientation sessions

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley. (GIS Photo)

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has reported that some recently elected members of his government have been going through orientation sessions.

“Our ministerial team is ready to serve the people of the Virgin Islands… An orientation session for members of Cabinet was conducted to ensure everyone has a clear understanding of what is required and what is expected of them,” Dr Wheatley stated during a recent press briefing.

The Premier’s disclosure suggests that there has been a departure from the practice of previous governing administrations. Previously, lawmakers indicated that there was little done to properly train new legislators about their roles and responsibilities.

This was brought out over the duration of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), and particularly during hearings which dealt with the Register of Interests (ROI) Act, where it was revealed that most elected officials had not declared their assets as required by law.

The Register of Interest Act, in essence, is a record kept of the financial interests of legislators. Its purpose is to give them the mechanism to publicly declare any private interests which may conflict or may be perceived to conflict with their public duties.

Many lawmakers stated that they were unaware of the requirement to disclose their assets. Some admitted to ignoring reminders by the Registrar of Interests about the need for compliance with the law, several months and even years in some instances, after they had been sworn into office.

In the meantime, Premier Wheatley reported that Permanent Secretaries were in the process of being briefed on their assignments in their respective ministries and also on ongoing initiatives which are taking place within the ministries.

According to the Premier: “They will soon initiate the process of converting the Virgin Islands Party manifesto which has been mapped to the National Sustainable Development Plan.”

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12 Comments

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  1. MORE CONFLICTING STORIES says:

    WE WANT TO SEE WHAT THE LADY IN THE CORNER DECLEARED BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW WHERE HER INTEREST LIES

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
  2. Rubber Duck says:

    Anyone think the register is up to date?

    No way to check of course because the crooks want it hidden from view.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  3. maytay says:

    I too is anxious to see what Lorna declares

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  4. Styles. says:

    Not sure if anyone in the BVI is capable of delivering such training to ministers. Especially not government people and especially not people related to Natalio.

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  5. Nattie says:

    For centuries parties have been using their manifestos to work plans and or policies so do not make it sound like it is a brand new idea. Do and say something with substance

  6. Expats power says:

    We will support those who support and respect us. We will make a statement with our wallets. Every penny less you make off the backs of the expats you shall miss. To the mrs Wrights of this world, who disrespect our people I am calling out our people to rise up and demand respect with our monies. … We will make you pay, we will make all bvi businesses pay who do not respect our contribution to this nation. Respect is due mrs wrong, we are demanding an apology from you. What you said will not be forgotten, we will keep it in the forefront. The house in the east on the hill that was always in a sad state, hoping that all the expats soon will leave it for born hay. Not you only miss wrong but any local who dare insult our intelligent. Take note of how many not born here we now have in the hoa. When you disrespect one expat you disrespect all. The Hon deputy speaker is an expat.. The Hon premier wife is an expat. EXPAT POWER.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  7. Mrs Wrong says:

    All ah ayo could cart ayo island behind from hay for my part

  8. Really says:

    You Mr. Wheathley want to serve think about 7d people suffering in your district serve that. Your Wife sitting doing nothing she needs to come out in the 7d for the ladies – what happen she can’t speak? first ladies is to look out for the ladies …

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  9. well sah says:

    The blind leading the blind

  10. Aunty Susan says:

    Start with a** and elbow.

  11. jason says:

    hope the radio station help because the gentleman help put them on the map

  12. Gazette says:

    She declared before elections in the gazette

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