No duplication in COI oversight, says Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended the process of implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, denying allegations of overlapping responsibilities in the oversight structure.

The Premier’s comments came during a recent House of Assembly sitting in response to questions from Territorial At-Large Representative Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather about the recent appointment of a Governance Reform Delivery Manager. 

This new role will oversee the COI reforms, raising questions about potential duplication within the existing COI Implementation Unit. Premier Wheatley stressed, however, that the Delivery Manager and the COI Implementation Unit Director have distinct roles, ensuring no duplication of effort. 

Dr Wheatley explained that the Governance Reform Delivery Manager’s role, filled by Kedrick Malone, would assume responsibilities previously handled by the Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office. He explained that the change allows the Permanent Secretary to focus on the Premier’s specific recommendations for the COI Implementation and other duties.

“The Premier is allowed up to three ministerial special advisors, so Mr Malone was appointed to fill one of those slots,” the Premier explained. 

He added: “The position was not advertised because ministerial advisors are exempt from the procurement process… as the position was not advertised, there was no shortlisting of candidates.”

According to the Premier, the Delivery Manager will now chair steering committee meetings and act as the main point of contact between the Premier and the Governor regarding the progress of the COI reforms. 

Malone, contracted to serve until April 1, 2027, also oversees a new Governance Reform Coordination Center, which centralises the implementation process, including staff from the COI Implementation Unit and the Governor’s Office.

Dr Wheatley credited former UK Overseas Territories Minister David Rutley with suggestions leading to the creation of the new position, which he believes increases efficiency in the implementation process.