Millions spent for public officers to work remotely
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the BVI earlier this year, government spending on computer software for public officers increased by 81.3 percent or about $1.2 million more than similar spending in 2019.
During his recent budget presentation, Premier Andrew Fahie said the computer software was purchased to equip government workers who had to work from home.
He said the COVID-19 outbreak in the territory gave the public service the opportunity to use more technology on the job.
“One benefit from this is that it has pushed the public service forward in the adoption and greater use of technology, which is a change that we intend to sustain as far as practical,” Premier Fahie stated.
He said by working remotely, public officers were able to fulfil “many administrative tasks to keep government services running smoothly for the rest of our residents”.
“For this, I thank all public officers for their commitment and dedication,” the Premier said.
Premier Fahie also said remote working in the public service also contributed to small increases in money spent on mobile communication. But he didn’t give any figures relating to this.
At the same time, Premier Fahie said the government was able to save money on foreign travel due to the suspension of travel for public officers earlier this year.
“These funds along with managed cuts in most expenditure heads allowed your government to redirect funds to priority areas and treat with emergent needs,” Premier Fahie said.
He also said the government is doing its best to support public officers during this era of COVID-19.
“Sacrifices were made to ensure that government workers were able to keep their jobs and have an income to care for their families,” Premier Fahie stated.
A few months ago, there were widespread rumours that the government had plans to cut the public service to save money when COVID-19 affected the BVI’s economy.
However, Premier Fahie debunked those rumours, saying his administration has made no such decision and is doing its best to keep all public officers employed during these harsh economic times.
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My poor country!
What else you want the Government to do given the challenges with Covid-19. It was money well spent and accounted for. Stop making everything seem like a problem.
It was a good initiative, however due to internet speeds being so slow wasn’t very productive. (speaking from experience)
Who was the beneficiary of this spend? I have infinite ideas on who provided the solutions!
Your comment was well thought out. I see what you did there. Smart comment!
Lol. Single tender no doubt. Fresh Mango etc cut out no,doubt. There is no corruption in BVI though. Mr Fahie has said so. And he never lies.
Meanwhile the “ portal “ you have to use for entry still doesn’t work There’s a surprise.
A pig in a dress and lipstick is still a pig and still loves mud. It doesnt matter how many facebook lives, fancy speeches, openings, or press releases or whatever these cats are still playing the same game…see who could eat the most the fastest out of the cookoe jar and not get caught.
so what isnt he local atleast the money is staying in the country stop being a hater
I listen to the budget speech and also read this article and it is totally misleading.
Can you say co******on? Government waste?
Another million spent while the public suffers. How much more can we take of this? When will we say no more?
But carry on.
Who supplied the hammocks and sleeping bags?
Foreigners
Don’t kid yourself. And those were left over from Irma. Notice they still had stickers on them from 7th day Adventist? Btw, those came from St Croix after the storm. Oops…
Carry on
Millions for rent and software
And the poor expat at home laid off wondering how they will get by. Imagine the government cut the people water on top of that. No consideration for the people who really working.
Millions spent and the ministry of health will still not answer their phone or emails.
“At the same time, Premier Fahie said the government was able to save money on foreign travel due to the suspension of travel for public officers earlier this year.”
Hope after COVID, past government travelling costs will be reduced by 85% as the current government was able to function effectively without the need to travel and incur exorbitant travel costs – business and first class, expensive hotels, steak for breakfast lunch and dinner, etc.
That’s because they had nothing to do. No business, no govt needed.
Hmmm
Every last one of them and their cronies driving all expense paid luxury GV plated SUVs.
Y’all does complain for everything. It ain’t government alone that had to spend a lot due to the pandemic. Most private businesses especially trust companies etc. had to invest thousands in additional cloud services, equipment, software etc. Government had a lot more staff so I can imagine the amount. The good thing is a lot of that process for private businesses started after Irma so the transition was a lot smoother.
But if govt is not necessary as it was, it’s only best business practice to furlough workers. Much like the private business you referenced. This govt does not see that and runs it as a private enterprise thinking that it creates jobs AND business. That’s a failure of thinking as it does neither.
Government economics 101 my friend. Class dismissed.
We could not work successfully at home without government continuing to provide their services. Government is one of the largest employers in the BVI. As long as they can afford it and not end up in an annual deficit it shouldn’t be a problem. If government furlough workers while private employers are already laying off and firing employees during the pandemic we would have an even worse economy than we do now.
1.2 million for laptops? Can we please fix the web site now?
I wonder who got these laptops? I know lots of teachers using theirs!