Deputy Governor shuts down rumours of public sector cuts
Deputy Governor David Archer Jr has moved to shut down rumours of possible public sector cuts reportedly set to happen soon.
As Deputy Governor, Archer has responsibility for ensuring efficiency and enhanced service delivery of the public sector.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio show recently, Archer was asked to say whether rumours of possible public sector cuts were true. In response, Archer said, “right now there is absolutely no credibility to that.”
Instead of cutting jobs, the Deputy Governor said the government is instead focused on providing new technology for public officers to work with and developing the current public workers who are in the system.
“We believe through technology we can create better experiences for persons who are doing business with the public service. But we also believe with the bodies that we have — 2,600 of them — there is room for all of them to contribute in new jobs and new ways so the idea is never to just cut,” Archer explained.
He continued: “The idea is never to just aimlessly cut. Anyone who’s made that decision — whether it’s a fortune 500 company — they quickly realise they have to scramble to rehire people.”
Online system to rate public service implemented
Despite no plan to cut the public service, Archer said his office is ‘tougher” on civil servants and is seeking to hold them accountable for the services they deliver to the public. He said that’s why the government recently launched a customer service virtual mailbox for persons to submit feedback based on services they receive from public officers.
“You may have seen a billboard or heard of https://rateus.gov.vg . And that is just us saying for public service officers who do well, we want persons to commend them – we’re going to commend them. But it’s also saying if you’re not doing well you’re going to be held accountable,” Archer explained.
While the public will have a chance to submit feedback, Archer said his office has put mechanisms in place to protect workers and “weed out” feedback not submitted in good faith.
“Before, complaints and feedback went straight to the government departments. Now, these complaints and commendations come centrally and I see all of them. If it’s a department head, I’ll call that person up and ask ‘would you like to come to my office’ or ‘would you like me to come to yours? Would you like to have this discussion over coffee?’ If it’s an employee, we’ll do the same thing and allow that person to bring their side to the story,” Archer explained.
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Is he the minister of finance now? He is out of order with such foolish declarations
The BVI needs to stop presenting itself as impervious to downsizing. Cuts must be made in the public sector because it is overly bloated, out of date, and inefficient. In light of the current global situation, we must cease being naive. We can’t survive if we don’t look for affordable ways to run our business properly and effectively. Stop giving people false hope in the face of the inevitable.
The Deputy Governors office is directly responsible for Gov Staff. Probably should have look that up before typing, huh?
The BVI Civil Service is far too big. It needs to be reduced to about 1/3 of its current size, and the employees need to work hard and stop surfing the internet.
so my tax is paying for 2600 government workers future pensions and you wonder why the country is broke!
is a real player , really cool , charming smile ☺ no noise and just flowing smoothly with the flow , got to hand it to you bro , when I grow up I want to be just like you * slick * ?
DONT MIND HE!
that responce was really neat ( deputy ?
Another force move by the Governor and the UK while they stay in the back with their hands clean.
Since when the country broke
@ Laura
True but it must be done orderly and with empathy. Attrition and reassignment is a good way to start.
The Government is more broke than the average car suspension driving on these BVI roads
Question to Mr. Archer. How many persons have you and Dir. of HR sent packing without hearing the other person’s side of the story in the past?
Be sure your sins will find you out. Just remember they follow your children as far as the 3rd and 4th generation.
It is easy for many to say the Public Service is bloated. It is not anymore. What is needed is for managers to really lead, develop and train, and address the bad behaviors that still exist. The DG needs to share the comparison of the service numbers in 2016 vs today and which depts get the lion share of everything and which ones suffering for lack of all resources.
driving all over Tortola these days with civil service employees and families inside their new vehicle. Seem like the 2600 civil servants each have a new vehicle now.
So your sins follow you less far than needed to qualify for Belongership, according to Miss Parsons?!
Good English!!!