Our people must adapt to change
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley has stressed the need for persons in the BVI to adapt to the changing winds of accountability, particularly in establishing such practices in public service.
The government is seeking to introduce a more rigorous vetting system to enhance transparency and accountability in the public service. Minister Wheatley told members of the House of Assembly about the pressing need for this change, which was sparked by global perceptions and internal demands for better governance.
The proposed legislation — the Services Commissions Bill — includes the new vetting procedures and is a critical step toward rebuilding international trust. Wheatley assured that the process would balance thorough scrutiny with the protection of individual rights, highlighting that the Constitution protects the residents of the territory against such invasive measures.
“We should also not run from change,” Wheatley said. “The world is changing, it is evolving, and our people, too, have to adapt to some of these changes. This is not anything new. It may be a little more intrusive — I can’t say [but] I know all that other countries go through.”
He further emphasised that the goal isn’t to catch people doing the wrong things but to safeguard the institutions that uphold justice in the islands.
Wheatley pointed out that the islands have been under significant scrutiny, with persistent allegations of corruption that have tainted the BVI’s reputation. “We cannot be seen to be doing nothing when such statements try to define who we are,” Wheatley explained.
The Minister also stressed the importance of showing the world that the BVI is committed to reform.
One of the more sensitive issues Wheatley touched on was the potential outsourcing of the vetting process. He expressed concerns about whether external agencies could appreciate the BVI’s unique cultural and familial connections: “Everybody is family one way or the other; we are connected.”
According to Wheatley, this closeness could complicate an outsourced vetting process, making it challenging for external bodies to navigate local nuances.
Wheatley called on the community to reflect on their values and the kind of future they want for the BVI. He pointed out that this was a time to think about self-determination and strengthening local institutions. “It starts with building strong institutions for checks and balances,” he argued.
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We all do have to adapt to change, but this man sound like a white colonizer everytime he speaks. He for us or God’s rejects?
Cousin Vinny sounds a little stupid here. I wonder if he drunk or just get up a few seconds ago from sleep
THE ONLY CHANGE WE WANNA ADOPT TO IS TO CHANGE THE GOVERMENT
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS SPENT ON A DEAD MUSIC FEST AND TO DATE, NO EXPLANATION…400,000 DOLLARS PLEDGED TO ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES BUT IF WE HERE NEED TO CLEAN A GHUT OR CUT BUSHES FOR UNDER A 1000 DOLLARS, WE HAVE TO BID OR SEND IN 3 DIFFERENT QUOTATIONS
No to self determination.
No….at this time.
Clearly we are not fiscally responsible enough at this time.
But that should be ultimate destiny.
Now to get there..
No to house servants non forward looking mentality.
Wow. First legislator to sound like they know what is needed. VI needs to change. Move from corruption to accountability. It is time.
i wish my government would adapt and change the country for the better instead of killing out our poor tax money for self enrichment.
i wish yall would adapt and change how you fix the roads
i wish yall would adapt and change price control
i wish yall would adapt and change how you invest tax money
i wish yall would adapt and change to better infastructure.
i wish yall would adapt and change to not be greedy
i wish yall would adapt and change to not be ignorant
if we ever go independent just know we ending up like Haiti or Mexico with all these drug trafficking through the place
wiiiiild wiiiild westttt
and i’ll be goneee
I will be leaving. Its warm enough as it is!
Funny you should say that when you sat idly by and allowed our convicted wannabe drugs kingpin funnel scarce finances towards all manner of questionable things!
Have you asked your colleagues to reimburse the treasury their ill-gotten gains from the Fishers & Farmers debacle?
What about the vehicle repairs, fake scholarships, false claims of businesses hardships under Covid, and all and sundry?
We are NOT fools Mr!
is wondering it this VG prince is related TRUMP ❓️ and some is wondering when is he going yo perform his first at peebles and on WHOM ❓️ so we can pray for their soul first
Asking for a friend.
Delta and your land deal , something’s need to change Honesty transparency integrity?
Stop railroading incorruptible virgin islanders for the status quo. Dam devil you.
START WITH YOUR OWN DAM SELF CLOWN.