Nobody’s ‘business going on the streets’ with vetting — Smith
Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has dismissed concerns over potential privacy breaches linked to the proposed Service Commissions Bill.
During a debate in the House of Assembly yesterday, Smith addressed fears that the vetting process for law enforcement personnel, as stipulated in the bill, might lead to unnecessary public exposure of private information. Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn and other lawmakers raised concerns about the process, questioning the mystery surrounding the composition of the vetting body.
Despite these concerns, Smith emphasised that the vetting process would respect privacy. She clarified that the Data Protection Act would ensure that personal information uncovered during vetting would not be publicly disclosed. “Vetting does not mean that your business is going to be on the street,” she reassured, countering the narrative that sensitive information could be mishandled or exposed.
Smith assured that the bill’s intent is to bolster integrity within law enforcement, including police, Customs, Immigration, and prison officers. “Vetting will guarantee that the persons in law enforcement are not only competent but that they are committed to justice and to the rule of law,” she stated. “This is the way that we will build confidence in our law enforcement officers. This is the way we’re going to build confidence in this country.”
The bill comes amid broader reforms influenced by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) findings, which uncovered significant issues of dishonesty and misconduct within the government. The COI’s recommendations have propelled a series of legislative changes to increase transparency and accountability in the BVI’s public sector.
For instance, the Register of Interests (ROI) amendments have sparked debate, with some legislators and public servants expressing concerns over privacy and the extent of disclosure required. The Civil Service Association has also voiced its apprehensions about the ROI amendments, calling for a more nuanced approach that balances transparency with privacy rights. The association has suggested measures such as phased implementation and clear guidelines on disclosure requirements, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue between the government and public servants to refine these legislative changes.
Meanwhile, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley defended the amendments, arguing that they were necessary for good governance and compliance with COI recommendations. He acknowledged that while concerns exist, they are being addressed through administrative channels and public consultations, stressing the importance of moving forward without politicising the issue.
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NDP would have done well to vet Lorna’s committment to the NDP and the rules of the NDP. Integrity in public life, oh my. The electorate too might have liked to know that she had no committment to their votes for her as an NDP candidate.
They steal business ideas and hold up applications as favors for their friends. They are rotten and corrupt
is non existent for a public servant.
shut up stupid british virgin islanders. you cannot take the uk/british public service/civil service as if it your own person possession without allowing other british virgin islanders to have a privilege and a luxury to have employment and housing just like yourself
Lorna PLEASE…
Here she comes again, 70 yr old wonder girl, wants us to believe that she isn’t napping in the afternoon
Boi leave the lady alone , you are not in her league , blame the wannabe opposition who is experiencing side effects mentally ,even before the COI , how can it be her fault if they choose vyo play mind games with eachother over POWER instead of UNITING AND FORMING A UNITED PARTY IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THEIR COUNTRY, ❓️ she is trying her best with what she has to work with , the best that you can do is to create conflicts with you narcissistic narratives using different names to create false numbers to try and decieve the people / sadly you cannot see that you are only fooling yourself , but your overgrown EGO is in overdrive and in control / so with your ARROGANCE in yhe mix is like a disaster waiting to happen . please stay on your yello site where you are the king of your fantasy world . what a pity all that knowledge couldn’t have been channeled. Into something POSITIVE that probably would of help to stabilize the country , but you will have to able to use your brain for yourself to analyze the message here / but asusual that EGO of your is running things in your head , its * oBvIoUs * as we can clearly see
Hi @
Can you try explaining that again. Thanks.
The country needs the proposed legislation in order to stay a viable jurisdiction for its vital international business. Those arguing otherwise should remember where over 60% of Government money comes from.
Carry on doing a great job Lorna and ignore those who put potential personal gain (in the guise of party politics) ahead of the good of the country.
And for those arguing that Lorna fooled the NDP, let’s not forget that no party in the BVI actually has any coherent political philosophy to distinguish it from the others. So, people voted for Lorna personally, and will do so again, whatever party label, or none, she is wearing. She has a competence way beyond most other politicians.
hopefully yhe dark dude on the yello site would be able to grasp and comprehend your message / but then again his EGO would go CRAZY OR FLIP OUT
“‘The United Kingdom’s new labour party in the house of lords and in the house of commons and in the uk prime minister office will likely take a “less hostile approach: than its predecessors”‘ Does this means that we british virgin islanders living in the british virgin islands would obtain human rights dignity and respect from the united kingdom government and politicians? Would human rights abuse and human injustice continue for british virgin islanders living in the british virgin islands?
The watch corruption and call it wisdon to be able to swindle money
Every last one of them corrupt