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Gov’t workers in fear because of recent arrest of public officers

Deputy Premier Kye Rymer

Deputy Premier Kye Rymer said he has noticed that many public officers are afraid of executing their duties because of the public officers who were recently arrested and charged in the territory.

Former Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Najan Christopher and Assistant Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Lorna Stevens are the two public officers who were recently arrested and charged for breach of trust.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on October 25, Rymer said those arrests have made it difficult for government ministers to call on public servants to execute their duties.

“There is now this trepidation within the government and it’s very difficult for even ministers to get anything achieved based on what is happening to public officers who are doing their jobs,” Rymer explained before adding that the House of Assembly needs to look at the situation closely.

“You have public officers now saying, ‘I don’t want to do this because I ain’t want to get lock up’. But we have a country to run. But I can understand what they are going through because I was a public officer as well,” Rymer stated.

Rymer said charging public officers is harsh and added that a better solution would be to submit the actions of individuals to the Public Service Commission for investigation and penalties to be issued.

“To take somebody straight to the courthouse, I think something is wrong there. What could be so violent that you would go straight to that point? I asked the Premier to look into that so persons could understand what is happening,” Rymer said.

Rymer’s revelation about fear among public officers comes amid concerns that have been repeatedly raised over the past year and in recent months about the increased pressure placed on public servants given the numerous requests made during and after the Commission of Inquiry (COI).

Based on a recent quarterly review report issued by Governor John Rankin on the progress of the implementation of COI reforms, it was suggested that public servants have been conflicted in doing their day-to-day duties while still having to deal with the additional duties related to the COI reforms.

 

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52 Comments

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  1. ??? says:

    See what We have resulted to. Suppression Oppression Depression Tension Fear

    Like 4
    Dislike 42
  2. Resident says:

    If they don’t know the difference between criminal acts and lawful ones, perhaps they are in the wrong job.

    The culture of impunity revealed by the CoI is what has given us our third world infrastructure and woeful education, despite the billions of government revenue generated since the 1980s.

    Like 141
  3. ? says:

    Why are they scared? If they are fulfilling their duties in accordance with their contracts in a legal and appropriate way, they have nothing to be scared about.

    Like 137
    Dislike 1
  4. Tasty says:

    If the public servants stopped calling themselves officers (they are mostly admin level) and started doing their jobs properly rather than making life difficult for the public, surfing the internet and scamming the Govt, they they would not need to worry.

    Like 85
    Dislike 3
  5. Killer Bee says:

    Nonsense, if you carry out your duties according to the law you have nothing to fear, if the ministers are giving you bad orders find a way to make them put it in writing.

    Like 95
    Dislike 1
  6. West says:

    Them should be more than scared if them think that them is the power according to them position! Lock them up!

    Like 25
    Dislike 1
  7. wow just wow says:

    Mr rymer if public officers are in fear of doing their job it means that they did or doing something wrong or they were given political appointment by your government and they don’t know how to carry out their duties. if you know what to do and was qualified for the position you have you shouldn’t be in any fear . so maybe these public officers that is in fear did wrong in the past or the present and public officers do not have any special privileges when it comes to the law so you totally get it wrong.i know what continues to happen at the last place where you worked is that drivers license continue to be on sale and this was happening under your watch so maybe just maybe you are in fear to.and the next time something like this comes up again I would put out names that paid for drivers license under your watch.the next thing I believe would come out of these people mouth in the house of assembly is that the police should inform the public when they are going to make an arrest or execute a search warrant.

    Like 51
    Dislike 1
  8. tings ruff says:

    Soon we will be afraid to do anything….Even to cleaning the country after a disaster

    Like 4
    Dislike 19
  9. BVIslander says:

    CRIMES HAVE BEEN COMMITED OR IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ARREST THEM. Mr. Rhymer if you want to help Public servants then make sure they have the right training about what constitutes a crime because clearly both of these ladies were ill equip to carry out their duties. Or there would be no criminal charge that could be assigned to them

    It is time for this unity government to Go. Am I hearing this guy right. Mr. Rhymer there are many good public officers that DO THE RIGHT THING. This country is in tatters because of corruption dishonesty and public officers not doing as they should. I agree with both charges. the breech of trust charge because I don’t understand how you can be the responsible party and give out government money willy nilly without anything to show for it. As far as I am concerned you are involved in theft. AS for the case with Ms. Christopher that is just a high level of dishonesty, sending correspondence to a foreign govt in secret. I PERSONALLY THINK SHE SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH TREASON. If she was honest she would have written the letter and sent it through the governor’s Office or through the PS or Acting Premier.
    What I find most UNBELIEVABLE is a so called leader on here talking piddle, when he should know better.

    REALLY TIME FOR THIS SET OF SO CALLED LEADERS TO EXIT STAGE LEFT. They really should have left with their incarcerated leader, as time goes on we see that birds of a feather do flock together, the rest of the VIP govt no better than their disgraced former leader,

    Like 57
    Dislike 1
  10. Crack says:

    What he smoking?

    Like 31
  11. resident says:

    If you are afraid it means that you have done something illegal or unethical. if you do your job and work hard you should just be proud.
    but if you did favors or took cash then!!!!!

    Like 34
  12. Son of the Land says:

    “You have public officers now saying, ‘I don’t want to do this because I ain’t want to get lock up’. But we have a country to run. But I can understand what they are going through because I was a public officer as well,” Rymer stated.

    Naturally, they should be afraid if they are instructed to do something illegal. Dereliction of duties because of silly excuses is entirely a different matter.

    Like 28
  13. A tip says:

    If civil servants are uneasy think carefully about what you are asking them to do (some elected members don’t know the limits of the powers of legislation) AND provide training so a neutral person can explain to public servants their obligations, responsibilities etc.

    Times have changed, laws have changed. The civil servants need additional training and information so everyone is clear what can/cant be done and who to go to if they have a concern.

    Like 10
  14. Civil service says:

    The heat is for the big dogs not the small fish. It should be the 13 reps they take away, and the insiders that has aided and abetted the lot of them.

    Like 12
  15. @tasty says:

    That is pretty much it. Well put.

  16. Tooth&Claw says:

    I understand that to mean either that some in positions of government are not qualified to do the job, or, they are knowingly acting unlawfully.

    Someone acting lawfully and professionally has nothing to fear.

    Like 15
  17. PM Sunak says:

    This comes after the last dialog about the Miami office. What next?. Oh this is just complete loss of reason. There’s someone coaching these people. The PM is not white. Your government personnel are rich, so please don’t carry on about his wealth. Let’s look at education and experience. The playing field has changed.

  18. lol says:

    I think there is more fear of ongoing political victimization. The law is not to be feared or ignored but respected.

    Like 12
  19. Work shy says:

    Nothing new there.

  20. Interesting says:

    It’s interesting to see the comments against the public servants without fully understanding what is at play. This is not about whether they can do their job or not, this is about a broken system! The COI recommendations were a set up for failure from the get go! You CANNOT fix anything without first addressing the root causes, which are the systems or lack thereof, within central government. If the UK were really ‘helping’ the BVI they would’ve sent resources to assist with these upgrades so that Government business is properly dealt with. The irony is that the very COI confirmed that the systems are archaic and subject to abuses. Instead of addressing the causes, what we have now are investigations on top of the failed systems and they are surprised that there are delays.

    The BVI people are to blame here because we sat back and accepted contracts, assistance, jobs etc. without holding them accountable now we want to cry foul. The public servants are worried because they are NOT confident in the system that they are working within. It has suddenly become clear to them that while the Ministers are giving directives, they are the ones that would be on the hook if anything goes wrong. I do not agree with the Minister that public servants are afraid to do anything, I think they are extremely careful and will NOT sign-off on anything unless it’s fully by the book, something these Ministers still haven’t grasped. The rubber has hit the road and the BVI has now been shoved into the REAL WORLD. It will be a long road but better for us all in the end.

    Like 13
    Dislike 7
  21. Train the Trainer says:

    I say not. What more training do you need? The only training you all need is more common sense. Stop acting like robots doing what Jack tells you to do. Think for yourselves and act wisely. If you’re not qualified to think then you’re in the wrong job. That’s why we have factories in some countries. Just do one thing over and over and over again. No need to think in factories.

    Like 10
  22. Guy Hill says:

    The public service needs to develop a culture or even the attitude of where the corrupt officer fears the incorruptible officer and not the other way around. Be vigilant. Be Brave.

    Like 24
  23. Really says:

    You sound jealous of the officers.
    All public servants are officers, junior or senior.
    People with your attitude is who makes public officers not work with or for you.

    Dislike 10
  24. Bull says:

    What nonsense if you do what is lawful what is there to fear. It is no longer the status quo.

  25. Bumpy says:

    @ Crack
    You are right. He got to be on something to talk that bs. To me what Rymer is saying is if the minister calls on an officer to do something, it should be done even if its illegal. Wtf is wrong with this guy? An officer is not permitted to weigh instructions given to determine right or wrong? Public officers if any minister give you illegal instructions to carry out, tell them do it themselves. Don’t get locked up for these corrupt ba**ards.

  26. Ok then says:

    The Deputy Premier wants criminal matters to be adjudicated outside of the criminals justice system, and we wonder why things are so bad.

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  27. Disappointed says:

    I’m a disappointed in this statement. Fundamentally this is where the issues lie. From the top down. If the minister can come out and say this it’s evident why people think they can do wha they want and will be protected by the system.

  28. Ava says:

    Very True indeed, it is now the other way around, and that is our problem, the incorruptible seems to be in the minority and therefore must fear the corrupt

  29. Truth says:

    Any place else in the world when you are hired you’re issued a written detailed job description so that you know your all your responsibilities. This is one reason these people are so scared. They don’t understand where their responsibilities start and stop.

  30. God is watching says:

    Exactly!! They have some guilt and that is why they are scared. If it is lawful and legal why be afraid?

  31. hmmm says:

    Once they are doing the right things they shouldn’t be afraid No?

  32. Gathering Stones. says:

    Let Him without Sin, cast the first Stone.

    I am not judging anyone, but I will make two comments.

    1. In the case of Ms. Christopher, I think it was
    poor judgement on her part. No ONE is their
    own Boss unless they own the Business. Although
    the former Premier was her indirect reporting
    line and because of the serious nature at the
    time the Buck must have been passed on to
    someone higher up the line. One must be able
    to exercise their critical thinking skills
    especially in critical situations. With the use
    of modern-day technology one can learn so much
    to be able to manoeuvre themself in these type
    of instances. While I do not think that her
    action warranted such harsh treatment, We must
    be mindful of the present culture in the BVI.

    2. Ms. Stevens: I watched her 2 or 3 appearances
    before the COI. I also watched part of her
    Minister’s Interview before the COI and I
    would only make this statement. ( Watch for
    yourself.)

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  33. Ginger says:

    We are not afraid only those involved in wrong doing if you are speaking on behalf of those set then speak away. FOR TOO long many public officers act like they are above the law because of who they knock glass with and it NEEDS to stop

  34. What? says:

    Weren’t they provided with job descriptions? Don’t dthey know right from wrong? If anyone is afraid to do his job why does he or she go to work?

  35. Tone at the top says:

    You cannot do this unless you change the tone at the top. If you have ministers/bosses that will fire you in an instant if you disobey their “directives”, then you wont have a food in your plate.

  36. How long says:

    Government official number 1, what is the hold up?
    Making me think that it didn’t had any!!

  37. Tolian says:

    Government Official 1 died some Months ago. May they rest in peace.

  38. Tolian says:

    Government Official 1 died some Months ago. May they rest in peace.

  39. Oh says:

    Rubbish you talking mehson, if you’re doing your job within the ambits of the law, what is there to fear? They have criminal intent.

  40. Really says:

    Hon. Sir, Just this week I was thinking of election and was saying you are the only person will get my vote…… not any more……this article makes you sound like the others…….(Dishonest)

  41. so sorry says:

    So sorry for those who are affectd , but fearful of what and who, i don’t understand why goverment employees should be,if you were employed,work honestly and shouldn’t be pressured to do anything wrong knowing that there’s a God who’s watching nothing goes unpunished good are evil.

  42. Who Don’t Hear…. says:

    “Rymer said charging public officers is harsh and added that a better solution would be to submit the actions of individuals to the Public Service Commission for investigation and penalties to be issued.

    “To take somebody straight to the courthouse, I think something is wrong there. What could be so violent that you would go straight to that point? I asked the Premier to look into that so persons could understand what is happening,” Rymer said.“

    I disagree. Public Service Commission should not be responsible for handling crimes and what these people have done is criminal.

    The same PSC probably would need investigating too for letting things slide because of family, friend, etc.

  43. @ ??? says:

    Accept responsibility instead of assigning blame.

  44. Tola says:

    Them know right from wrong bulls**t

  45. Confucious says:

    To say I am surprised about the utterance of the Minister would be an understatement. This speech appears to be one trying to sympathize with public officers who are either involved in criminality or indirectly trying to get the public officers votes because you “understand their plight”. To tell us Minister that a public officer who commits a criminal act should face the Public Service Commission instead of the Criminal Court, is like telling me that as a human being I am sick and instead of seeing the doctor, I should be seen by the veterinarian. Minister your utterance gives the impression that you believe that public officers who are criminals should walk scratch free, and makes me wonder if this statement is a reflection of your time as a public officer, knowing that your subordinates were involved in criminal acts, and you never turned them over to the police and swept the issue under the rug. The HoA is to speak on behalf of the people, but some things rather left alone in your mind that to spew this ignorance in the public’s domain.

  46. Me says:

    Now people of the BVI,is this someone of a sound mind?This is our choice to lead this country?This man should be removed like now,to be here condoning such behaviour in mass.Look at where your party leader is and for what reason you just saying you are no difference.
    That’s why the COI is good for this OT you are not a leader you only encouraging people to follow the likes of ypuand others to FAIL

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  47. Aha says:

    Ask the staff at DMV. Hot license plates.

  48. Seriously says:

    They aint in fair they want they INCREMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HOA WHEN????????????????

  49. Be Real says:

    We all know that it is the ministers who thrẹeten the public servants, demote those that do not obey and put theiẹr incompetent cronies in…

  50. ? says:

    A lie must cover a lie to remain the truth. Full circle must meet.

  51. Ummm says:

    Smoking Ang growing cannabis is a victim less crime..yet straight court..no chance of review and a warning.. hypocrites..always giving them friends break.

  52. Lol says:

    Y’all in trouble.How that rumhead one who hides at village cay everyday..keep him job?Inside knowledge/blackmail/family and demotion..can’t fire civil servants..move them around or hide them.

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