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‘I stay in my lane!’ Premier says he didn’t sanction Customs boss’ leave

Wade Smith

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has opted to steer clear of efforts to demystify the ring of speculation that envelops the administrative leave of Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs, Wade Smith. 

Smith was reportedly sent on administrative leave two weeks ago, but it has not been made clear to the public since then why the former political candidate was asked to do so.

Dr Wheatley was asked at a recent press conference whether Smith’s leave had anything to do with the investigations that the Governor ordered and who sanctioned Smith proceeding on administrative leave.

He offered that such information would be best sourced from either the Governor or Deputy Governor’s Office.

“Well, those things fall under the public service management which directly falls under the Governor, Deputy Governor, HR, etcetera.” Premier Wheatley said. “So, I think the Governor or anyone else from the Deputy Governor, HR would be best placed to speak about the reasons why Mr Wade Smith was sent on administrative leave. Yeah, those things directly fall under their remit.”

In the meantime, the Premier also sought to dispel the notion that he was in any way responsible for sanctioning Smith’s administrative leave, referring to cartoons or other statements that made such inferences as ‘nonsense’.

“I am just given the courtesy of being told about those things. Those things fall directly under the Governor, and the Deputy Governor has conduct for areas under the public service on behalf of the Governor and of course, human resources as well has some responsibility there,” Premier Wheatley said. 

He continued: “I try my best to, I don’t know, stay in my lane, stay in my role, and of course if there’s any issue that I believe needs to be discussed with the Governor on a public service matter, I can certainly bring it to his attention.”

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20 Comments

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  1. Yes Sirrrr says:

    Stay in your lane, drink plenty of water and mind your business. LOL, stay in your lane you SAY? OKAYYYY. AIN’T MAD AT YA.

    Like 16
  2. dont mind he says:

    This man have us all for a**es because he is sitting in cabinet and sanctions everything

    Like 16
    Dislike 7
  3. Ugh says:

    I think the Premier speaks too much and too loosely seemingly without enough careful thought.

    Like 32
  4. ok says:

    He needs to tell Mitch to do the same. This guy will cause problems for the entire Unity Team.

    Like 8
    Dislike 6
  5. Premier says:

    may stay in his lane but is way off the road to good governance.

    Like 16
    Dislike 2
  6. Don't know says:

    Hon Sl**-wande you did very well in answering the question until you said you don’t know. So the Governor’s office through courtesy notify you that the head of one of the major governmental agencies in the country was sent on admin leave. You were only notified but a reason wasn’t disclosed. You understand why we the people believe that you are not in charge. Now this is not speculation. You opened your mouth you engaged your voice box and vola the words came out.

    We do understand that this might very well be a sensitive issue one that you shouldn’t disclose. But mind your words. Stick to your script and just leave it for your boss to handle. I am almost 100 percent sure that the former government consultant knows. Maybe the press should direct questions of that sensitive nature to the Pastor of great insight CSC.

    Like 14
  7. Joke for a leader says:

    So you stay in your lane you say. So you do not seek to ensure that locals are treated fairly regardless of the rumors? Why was Wade sent on the leave? He is under your ministry and you stay in your own lane you say? He is a local whose reputation might be damaged without proven evidence and you stay in your own lane. When you were following your former leader with his attacks on the governor, were you in your own lane then.
    I cannot wait for us to get rid of this sorry excuse for a leader and a Premier.

    Like 12
    Dislike 3
  8. hmm says:

    This is for the same reason why we cant have you as our leader. You have no scrupples period! So your telling me the Governor and Deputy Governor running this place that you don’t have a clue what is going on? The more you open your mouth, the more the nonsense come out.

    Like 15
    Dislike 2
  9. Puppeteering says:

    We have a puppet for a leader. You are the Minister for finance. Customs is under the ministry of finance. The head of customs gets sent on administrative leave and you saying that you don’t know about it? That you stay in your lane? This is one of your chief officers and you say nothing?
    This confirms what Mark said. We have a puppet government. It is facts.

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  10. heckler says:

    Is he the representative for all bvislanders? So why isn’t he representing Wade?

    Like 4
    Dislike 2
  11. LANE 7 says:

    WE WILL STAY IN OUR LANE ON ELECTION DAY

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  12. Don't know says:

    Hon Sl**-wande you did very well in answering the question until you said you don’t know. So the Governor’s office through courtesy notify you that the head of one of the major governmental agencies in the country was sent on admin leave. You were only notified but a reason wasn’t disclosed. You understand why we the people believe that you are not in charge. Now this is not speculation. You opened your mouth you engaged your voice box and vola the words came out.

    We do understand that this might very well be a sensitive issue one that you shouldn’t disclose. But mind your words. Stick to your script and just leave it for your boss to handle. I am almost 100 percent sure that the former government consultant knows. Maybe the press should direct questions of that sensitive nature to the Pastor of great insight CSC.

  13. Transparent says:

    Yes, SHO WAN WO WO HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH WS HAVING TO GO ON LEAVE. SHO WAN WO WO IS JUST LIKE HIS OLD BOSS WHO HE HELP PUSH UNDER THE MOVING WHEELS OF THE TRAIN TO GET THE PREMIER POSITION. ENJOY THE PREMIER POSTION WO WO, FOR IT IS COMING TO AND END COME ELECTION.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  14. Rubber Duck says:

    Who is Government Official 1 ?

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  15. Just asking... says:

    I completely understand your sentiment about getting rid of this person, but asking if you have any names of competent replacements you could share.

  16. Just saying says:

    This “puppet” government as you refer to it is what kept the UK from throwing out our constitution. We know they are doing what they have to to maintain the status quo and some may call that boot licking. However, look at it this way, Sahara Dust is a contributor to upper respiratory illnesses, it coats our roofs and cars, etc. But we know it’s what is keeping hurricanes at bay. So the Premier and his cabinet are Sahara Dust, UK rule is the hurricane.

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  17. They will talk. says:

    We ain see nothing yet. Foy and Maynard will talk. They have to from spending life in Prison to just 10yrs…That’s an easy choice.!

  18. I meant says:

    To press dislike. UK rule is no hurricane. It is a saving grace.

    Like 5
    Dislike 4
  19. Yeap says:

    It would be nice if they talk but considering all the minor people involved in the trade who have been killed already they might need to go into witness protection. But maybe Maynard is already since you don’t hear anything about her, lol

  20. Tell me says:

    Why? speak whenever the need arise that y we in so much mess let ever thing out the good the bad and the ugly .

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