Gov’t ministers not interested in victimising public servants
Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith has expressed confidence that government ministers are focused on getting their work done and hopes fears of political victimisation within the public service are now behind the territory.
“I hope that cries of victimisation or fear of victimisation and the like are a thing of the past. Ministers are simply interested in getting their work done,” Smith told the House of Assembly.
She added that the strengthened checks and balances implemented after the Commission of Inquiry (COI) should provide further assurance of accountability.
Smith made the comments while addressing recommendations from the ongoing constitutional review process, particularly those concerning the relationship between ministers and permanent secretaries.
Referring to the section of the report that raised concerns about “ministerial overreach,” Smith questioned whether it made sense to suggest that ministers should not sit within their own ministries. She described the idea as “beyond [her] comprehension” and argued that the focus should instead be on improving collaboration.
“I would respectfully suggest that we concentrate more on how to build a positive and meaningful relationship between the minister and the permanent secretary because they really need each other to succeed rather than talking about ‘overreach’ and who should sit where,” Smith stated.
The junior minister reiterated that leadership of the public service should remain with a minister, citing Bermuda’s model as a possible example. She noted that in Bermuda, the Minister of the Cabinet Office is politically responsible for the public service and human resources, although the governor retains responsibility for appointments and discipline.
Smith said this “halfway house” approach could be considered for the BVI if clear reporting lines are established.
Elected representatives are still refining the recommendations of the constitutional review report. Once completed, a negotiating team will be formed to pursue greater autonomy for the Virgin Islands in upcoming talks with the United Kingdom.
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$5Million
$20Million
$7Million
$6Million
$7Million
Spooners Ole People Home
Roads
Schools
Reports
Accounts
Admin Building
Prospect Reef
Bus system
Mangrove Protection
Coral Protection
Maintenance
Northam
Accountability?????
HOA13 should be in a mental assylum (if we had one) if they think we have ACCOUNTABILITY.
We still do not know where $3 Billion went in the last 3 years as we have no financial reports.
We still do not know why we are expecting to spend a $Billion on an airport to no where.
Which planet does this woman live on? Certainly cannot be earth. All of you government ministers victimize people. People are scared to even be seen talking to other people who oppose them for fear of victimization.
Just ask those who have been victimized and continue to be!
It is time for granny to go home. She has not a clue what is going on in this place.
Tell that to those who don’t know better. Step down
The people on the interview board
The permanent secretaries
The secretaries at the receiving/reception desks
The Head and tail of the Labour Task Force
Do the discrimination for them
I would not be surprised if at the rate at which the country is going there would be ethnic clashes and cleansing.
People in various positions are getting bolder every day in their discrimination.
The church is also perpetuating it. They sit idly
Bu and shut their eyes or turn their head the other way.
When you are wjth locals, they bashing expats
When you are with expats they bashing locals
The country is growing more unstable and callous every day
People only show interest in their own
You see only a few talking about the Greedy Bill and the raise
Why???
Everyone had bloodline and close friends
The devil justify sins. Justify the raise in the meantime
Pensioners suffer in silence . No raise in sight for the. No adjustments
This is what the smell of independence will look like . Be warned !! It is infront of your eyes we are so fixed on racism . We are too blind to ser