Perception of corruption doesn’t look good — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has addressed ongoing concerns about perceived corruption within the BVI during a debate on the Service Commissions Bill.
Dr Wheatley acknowledged the proverbial cloud hanging over the territory and emphasised the importance of maintaining public trust and confidence. The debate, coinciding with Emancipation Day, saw the Premier reflect on the day’s historical significance and the ongoing challenges to BVI’s self-governance. He noted the territory’s precarious position, with an Order in Council “hanging over our heads” that could abolish the democratic assembly with “the stroke of a pen.” He stressed the government’s dual responsibility: affirming the territory’s right to self-governance and demonstrating responsible governance to both the local population and the international community.
While some Opposition lawmakers resisted the Service Commissions Bill, the Premier highlighted that they “can only express based on the information that they have.” He revealed that the bill, dealing with the vetting of public officers, is part of broader reforms to ensure integrity within government operations.
“I just have to say to you… this cloud that’s hanging over us is a real cloud,” the Premier said. “There is a real perception of the BVI, some of it justified, some of it unjustified. But the perception is there. And it doesn’t look good for us to fight against a process that is supposed to aid in anti-corruption practices and procedures. Let’s not be seen to be fighting against that.”
Vetting isn’t something strange
The vetting process, which includes thorough background checks, has raised concerns about its intrusiveness. “We can’t make it seem like what is being required for in vetting is anything strange. It is something that happens across the world,” Wheatley clarified. He assured that the regulations would be adjusted to respect constitutional rights and that the vetting would not unjustly result in job loss for current public servants.
The Premier said the United Kingdom government funded the vetting process to institutionalise a higher standard of integrity within the public sector. He urged the public not to be fearful, arguing that vetting will make people safer. He added that those who fail the vetting process could still be reassigned within the public service, ensuring that no one is unfairly dismissed.
Dr Wheatley further emphasized the need for balance in implementing these reforms. He warned against a heavy-handed approach, stating that if external agencies were to handle the process, it would likely be “a lot more draconian, a lot less considerate of public sentiment.” He strongly advocated for a democratic process that considers the community’s needs and sentiments.
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In public life your business is our business to a certain degree; bvi is very close knitted. Get on with what’s needed to protect tax payers funds.
You wait until now to say it doesn’t look good?
Why didn’t you mentioned that when those grants list got revealed?
Or when you guys passed the greedy bill in record timing?
How about when y’all give out contracts to family and friends?
Why did you bother fighting off the bill from UK that allowed more accountability and transparency?
Or you can mention it when there’s how member’s being paid by Govement for rent in fish bay?
Or maybe when you guys keep renting out building to friends families, close supporters and greedy people like P l?
Why did you guys complain and drag your feet with the recommendations that helps the country and give accountability?
Or maybe when the USA revealed our dirty secret’s like gov. Official 1?
Then there’s our annual budget that increases every year but so does cost of living and expenses. The more the budget increase the more the country deteriorates it seems since it’s not going where it should be going…
Even the music fest and parties we had that could of gone to fixing the roads and infrastructure…
It’s crazy that you had all those points to mentioned this but you wait until now
“Perception of Corruption”. Why is he still trying to push this as if its his new slogan? There is no “perception”. The changes are needed to stop the corruption. Accept what is and let’s move forward.
You cant say he is wrong. Perception of corruption is not a good look. And what is worse is the fact that the leaders and elites in our country actually are corrupt, have been shown to be corrupt and we continue to have their pictures displayed on the walls of our elected House of Assembly just to make sure everyone knows we are happy to be corrupt and celbrate the corrupt. Yep, perception of corruption is definitely not a good look so you keep pushing to make sure it is clear that it is not just perception, it is our reality.
of nepotism in the BVI government coming soon!
Head coach making headlines
https://theweek.com/crime/andrew-fahie-drug-trafficking-plot
LUCE SAID THAT “WE ARE NOT THE ONLY CORRUPTED ONES”
Did they fix the roads yet?
have they actually fixed any part of the roads or are we just going to permanently repair the same pieces of road like we have done in front of the Govenor’s building
have they actually fixed any part of the roads or are we just going to permanently repair the same pieces of road like we have done in front of the Govenor’s building
is saying )> this ain’t no more joke , we’ve been been pretending it wasn’t happening , but this sh*t is blamed real , and we all are to
be blamed
May shine a little light on the difference between perception and reality?
But he resists every attempt to implement transparent and accountable government
Mr. Premier you are so right. Perception of corruption is not a good look,except that it would have been wonderful if it was just perceived, but truthfully and shamefully its a reality. Corruption is rampant. So you Corruptors it is time to clean up yourselves, instead of burying your heads in the sand and pretending that there is no Corruption.
What we needs is Transparency and Accountability, politicians work for us they should not be using their time in office to get rich
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