Former governor told previous gov’t not to pay increments — Walwyn
Former governor, Augustus Jaspert, has been singled out as the reason behind the non-payment of public servants’ increments during the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) administration.
Throughout the 2023 general elections campaign, the topic of public servants’ increments and whether they will be paid has remained a key issue for many of the candidates. Blame has been lobbed back and forth between the two major parties — the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and the previous NDP government — over which was responsible for the years-long delay in payments.
But over the weekend, as parties held their final rallies and made their closing arguments, former Education Minister, Myron Walwyn — now seeking to become the NDP’s next Sixth District Representative — made a surprising revelation in stating that it was Jaspert’s decision for the NDP not to pay increments just before the 2019 elections.
Walwyn related that his party wanted to pay increments in January 2019 just ahead of the last elections, and said the then-NDP government had already calculated that the increments could be paid because the government had nearly $300 million at its disposal.
“The increments were only $11 million or so,” Walwyn stated. “When we were going to pay the increments, we were told by the governor that we shouldn’t do that now because it will look as if we’re buying votes and that’s why we didn’t pay the increments.”
Just one week before the 2019 elections, Walwyn claimed that any party taking office after winning office should be able to pay all outstanding public servants increments by March 15, but this was not done until some time later.
But VIP Chairman and Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley, reiterated that it was his party that had to pay three years of outstanding increments after entering office back in 2019.
Premier Wheatley explained that not only did his VIP government pay increments left outstanding by the previous NDP government, but his administration also moved ahead with payments for 2019 and 2020, with arrears.
Dr Wheatley announced just weeks ago that monies had been budgeted for, and that instructions were given by Cabinet for increments to be paid. The government said these payments will cover five years extending back to 2018. It further noted that some of these payments should be substantially completed by the end of June 2023.
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… And not one of them had the stones to tell us about this at the time? Just did what the Gov told you to do? Weak leadership with no interest in serving the people.
What a joke? Who MW think he fooling again?
Whether he did or he didn’t it certainly didn’t stop any of you all’s other mischief. Odd how this is singled out as if Cabinet actually luatens to the Govetnor. Or that past Governors actually did anything to stop all the bull$hit in the first place.
Would seem a large part of this story is missing!
All yo ain’t tired playing the blame game ? ?
In recent news, the payment of public servants’ increments has become a hot topic during the 2023 general elections campaign in the British Virgin Islands. As we dive deeper into this issue, it becomes apparent that using public officers’ increments as a political bargaining chip is both unfair and damaging to the morale of the hardworking public servants in the country.
Public Officers Caught in Political Crossfire:
The recent revelation by former Education Minister, Myron Walwyn, about former governor Augustus Jaspert being the reason behind the non-payment of public servants’ increments during the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, has raised concerns about the treatment of public officers. The ongoing blame game between the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and the NDP demonstrates the politicization of public officers’ increments, turning them into a tool for gaining votes and power.
The Long-Awaited Increments:
With nearly $300 million available to the government, the payment of increments should have been a straightforward process. However, the increments remained unpaid, allegedly due to concerns of “buying votes” expressed by the former governor. This delay has had a lasting impact on public servants, who have been waiting for their due compensation for years.
The VIP’s Efforts:
Since taking office in 2019, the VIP government has made strides in addressing the outstanding increments. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley claimed that his administration not only paid the increments left unpaid by the previous NDP government but also moved ahead with payments for 2019 and 2020, with arrears. While this is a step in the right direction, using increments as a political tool remains a concerning practice.
Using public officers’ increments as a political bargaining chip is both unethical and detrimental to the public service sector. Some of these individuals dedicate their lives to serving the community and should not be caught in the middle of political games. It is crucial for political parties to prioritize the well-being of public servants and their rightful compensation, regardless of electoral politics. By focusing on delivering fair and timely increments, politicians can ensure that public officers are motivated to continue their essential work for the betterment of society.
Whether you believe some deserve it or not I’m not one of them.
of this candidates increment story would be beneficial in assisting the public to believe this one sided story. Without any credible confirmation this tale by a former HOA member is just hearsay and inadmissible.
Both government did the same..so why pointing the finger?! Clowns
Maybe the million for the wall could have….nvm carry on baldy
We all know the last Governor was no good, but Walwyn is not being truthful. VIP is the only Government who paid a good portion of the long outstanding increments due to public officers from NDP time and they did not need the Governor’s permission to allocate the money. What a bogus story from Walwyn.
Sorry but I have to hear Jaspert say it himself… All ayo too lie. Only now you saying this!?
I don’t believe the governor’s portfolio of duties includes payment of government salaries, increments etc. Sounds like another excuse.
Oh shure. Blame it on a long past whitey. Always someone else’s fault
Each officer could have fight harder for what was owed
Ever hear the song title “Money for Nuthin”?
Perception management being used to sway voters! Pardna you speak out of both sides of your mouth and nothing is straight as it seems. Mark and Lorna bankroll ayo campaign and yet you and your minions up and down allegedly telling ppl Lorna got Alzheimer’s and not to vote for her – how low can you go?!?!
Power is all you guys want and spewing this nonsense on the eve of general elections shows your true spirit as you do everything to get back in HOA! No scruples or moral compass at all. Will wait and see what D6 decides.
same thing I saying, but they saying that the VIP is poppet to the UK, NOW see who was the poppets. stupes!!!!
Ask w if he pay his former workers.
Why were increments payable in the first place?
The Governor controls the Civil Servants/ Public Service. The only way to get away from this is to go independent. If the goal is to keep the people upset and angry so that they can call for UK rule they are definitely exercising their position.
If the Governor feels that the civil servants, under is governance, are not being paid reasonable pay, even if the government did not increase their pay (which they can’t do without his approval anyway), he can do it on his own. I question his agenda.
The Governor has too much power in our constitution. This needs to change. It has created a separation in our government and in the country.
Devil Demon possessed Governor
Them no want Spanish vote..Dem sabotage Spanish vote
The increments were not paid before election because they thought it would keep the people from voting green. It did have some impact but the Green Machine is still in charge. If those increments were paid all now the polling station would have had people in line to vote. Them worthless ba**ards!!!!!
This man knows how to get himself in hot water. Keep talking, they coming for you. Zone 6 look out for a bi-election.