Lawmakers debate expanding Deputy Governor’s role
Legislators recently debated proposed amendments to the Public Service Management Bill, which would formalise public service aspects and possibly expand the Deputy Governor’s role.
The Bill, introduced by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, is part of a broader government effort to implement recommendations from the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (COI), which identified several areas needing reform, particularly in areas of governance and accountability.
The new law includes several controversial duties and responsibilities for the Deputy Governor, which lawmakers argued are in direct conflict with constitutional provisions.
Premier Wheatley said implementing the Public Service Management Act would provide a robust legislative framework for the effective and efficient functioning of public service; however, not all members of the House agreed with the proposed changes.
Third District Representative Julian Fraser voiced strong opposition to the Bill, particularly concerning the expanded powers of the Deputy Governor. Fraser expressed concern that the new law could lead to an imbalance in the power dynamics between elected officials and the Deputy Governor, potentially undermining the authority of ministers.
“What this bill has done to me personally is, it grieves my spirit,” Fraser said during the debate. He argued that the Constitution clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Governor and that any attempt to extend these duties beyond their constitutional limits would be problematic. Fraser stressed that the Deputy Governor’s role is to assist the Governor and should not overlap with ministerial functions.
Fraser further highlighted what he sees as a creeping expansion of the Deputy Governor’s influence within the government. “This whole narrative is centred around empowering the Deputy Governor with an aim towards creating a hierarchy somewhere between that of the Governor and the Minister,” Fraser said.
He suggested that the Bill’s provisions could lead to constitutional conflicts and undermine the ministerial system of government.
The Premier assured that the Bill aims to improve public service clarity and efficiency and cited recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry for better governance. Dr Wheatley argued that these changes are necessary for effective public service and to fulfil promises.
Fraser remained unconvinced, believing the Bill could erode democratic powers. He called for significant revisions or scrapping, warning of long-term negative consequences for BVI governance.
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The Premier is fighting for his life and willing to pass any legislation without reading, understanding or caring as long as the UK is pleased and he retains power.
His back is up against the wall.Thing is, all the people and his advisors they can’t help him either. See Mr. Premier, you surrounded yourself with the wrong people and wrong advisers.
We did not elect the Deputy Governor
We also did not elect politicians to victimize civil servants.
I think he got more sense than who we elected tbh
Why is are these guys doing this instead of focusing on solutions to the problems of the Territory? SMH
We need WOMEN in charge of running the Territory and running the affairs of the Territory. Women are fixers. Men destroys everything they put their hands on or touch. The don’t know how to multitask nor do they know how to brain storm or think. I will also say, a woman should never allow any man to take away her power she holds. KAMALA HARRIS YOU GO GIRL. Basically she is going to get the female vote in the USA. No one is going to vote for someone that is trying to stay out of prison.
The entire Opposition should have been Women.
I thought they were women!
Nepotism is alive and well in branches of this government.
COI please assist
Prioritization is definitely not in order. What we need is a petition for the dissolution of HOA.
Give Deputy governor more power for what we leaving it to god ayo deaf!?
They cannot be speaking about the current deputy governor. They must have a new one in mind. The one in office now does not do jack.
Same one who have done jack shat for the seniors and their increments and livlihood. Another inwardself centered blow belly.
The same deputy that shut down Mika Barry who knows so much criminal information?
The same deputy that allegedly didn’t disclose Mika identity to police but threatened him behind the scenes?
Yea I trust him
the dg is a waste of time
return all monies and recind the Greedy Bill, if you are to make your country men and women feel whole again..