Let us own and control the COI — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley wants legislators to fully adopt and implement governance reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.
Dr Wheatley stressed how vital these changes are for the future of the BVI, arguing that they could significantly improve the territory’s governance if lawmakers would only take control of the reform process.
“All that is required is that we own it, take control of it, and use it for our advantage and our best interest,” the Premier said while debating the Public Service Management Bill.
He pointed out that new policies and procedures to protect against political victimisation were also needed, which would help strengthen accountability within the public service.
The COI, initiated by the UK government, pointed out several governance issues in the BVI and recommended major reforms. Dr Wheatley emphasised that these reforms are both necessary and essential for the BVI’s future autonomy. “We must ensure that we have a system of government that meets the needs of the citizens and residents of the Virgin Islands,” he argued.
According to the Premier, the revamped Public Service Management Act provides a strong legal framework for making the public service more effective and efficient. Dr Wheatley said this change is crucial for improving how the government serves the people.
He also talked about the problems with the current system, explaining that an unelected Governor manages the public service, leading to what he described as a “democratic deficit.”
According to the Premier, this lack of accountability makes it even harder for legislators to deliver the level of service that the public expects. “You don’t have accountability without responsibility,” he pointed out.
Dr Wheatley also addressed fears of political victimisation, acknowledging that some public officers are concerned about giving more control to politicians. However, he reassured them that the answer lies in setting up clear policies and procedures to prevent such issues.
“We have to put policies and procedures in place and laws to ensure that partisan interests are not what is driving the work of the public service,” he stated.
As the BVI nears its COI implementation deadline at the end of this week, Dr Wheatley called for unity among legislators to support progress and move towards greater autonomy. He reminded them of their shared responsibility to work towards a system of governance that genuinely reflects the will of the people.
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I don’t know who described this man as a walking contradiction, but they were right.
Not only is he a walking contradiction he is also i**pt, unprofessional ghe**o bush man. The only thing this guy is good at is party/partying and flying. Is this guy a member of the mile high club? Not the frequent flyer club, The mile high club.
S!0wW@nde and the A$$C!0wn Brigade (including opposition in this gang) do not want the COI implemented as it takes away most of their power and forces them to actually work / do something valuable for people which they do not know how to do
What a nynconpoop! Who does be advising him?
Home boy sitting under the picture of his criminal mentor. The eyes tells it all.
Good to see we are worshipping the former head of our NARCO STATE!
You have said it all, the only thing they have to do is put a golden statue of Fahie with a long green cape on next to the BVI WELCOME SIGN. LMAOOOO, Not one of the Electronic aka Elected soft P…y’s soft back men in office have the b.lls to stand up and speak up about the things that ANDREW A FAHIE has done to the Territory. Tortola is filled with a bunch of weak SOFT BACK MEN.
This man is a walking INEPT BAF**N.
Why is a picture of a convicted criminal on the wall of the HOA?
He is still be paid, that’s why
Where is the report on the grants for businesses and fisher folks?
One of the main problems is Natalio thinks he is clever. He thinks that by saying one thing to make it looks like he supports the changes required by the COI, whilst doing everything he can to make sure they can get back to the old ways as soon as possible. He thinks that people will not notice and that he can hijack the will of the people to mean the will of Natalio and his corrupt colleagues and friends. The will of the people is not what he claims it to be, and is not what he keeps telling our Caribbean partners or the UN. If you want to know the will of the people. Ask the people. it is not the same as what you think Nutalio.
This is why the BVI is the butt of jokes and the laughing stock on the outside.your comment hit the nail on the head. Natalio want to control, dominate and have his hands in everything. Everyone is not stupid and dumb. Lot’s of us have already peeped Natalio deck of cards and the deck of cards is slowly falling.
Why didn’t he say that years ago. Clearly that is the purpose of the recommendations for the BVI government to own them …
We leaving it to god remember? God going to implement them. Yuh Less MS. Like god name was on the ballot last election.
Own and control like the same way yall controlling this 3rd world country ? Lol right
Mather got noise for everything. He needs have noise for that pic behind Natalie then I will respect him and have faith that he’s not putting on a show for power
One of the things I have learned is I will never cast a vote for anyone next Election, I don’t care who they are I’m so done with these people.Don’t act like we are best buddies during Election time to get my vote. I am so done and besides my one vote is not going to make a difference anyway. I am the type of person once i say it is done, it is done, there is no looking back and I don’t care who you are and that goes to family members as well.
This is exactly how the same group will get back which we do not want because then you will suffer for another 4 years with the rest of us.
I would love to hear somebody make one sensible argument as to what make this guy fit to run this country. If you think the Premier doing a good job please explain. all I need is one accomplishment or one decision he has made that put the BVI in a better position in any area education, agriculture, tourism, financial services healthcare infrastructure just tell me one triumph he has other than just getting elected. Just one thing that makes you feel like he is the man for the job.
how bout you let me trial myself for my own crimes
At this going rate, you might as well!
THIRD WORLD COUNTRY. Aren’t you guys ashamed and embarrassed at being called and labeled a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY?
matter , just come on the scene / why you not pointing your finger at the emperor bof the 3rd district ? / or the ALOOF gentleman who has holler out at the COI and claims its causing RETARDATION / BUT NOT A WORD ON IF IT WAS JUSTIFIABLE – AFTER WHST WAS REVEALED BY NTHE COI / OR EVEN WHO BEGGED FOR IT AND WE HAVE THE DUDE WHO FLEXED OFF HIMSELF ON DR SMITH WHICH WAS THE BEGINING OF THE IMPLOSION OF THE ( NDP ) HOW COME HE AIN’T FLEXING OFF HIMSELF ON THE HEAD COACH OR HIS PICTURE THAT IS REPRESENTING US , IS THIS THE WAY WE SHOW TO RESPECT TO THOSE HONORABLE MEN WHO SERVED THIS COUNTRY BWITH INTEGRITY ❓️ □ IT LOOKS MORE LIKE AN EPISODE OF ” WHAT NEXT ” OR FREE HYPOCRISY