Premier stresses accountability with new Public Service Bill

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley introduced the Public Service Management Bill yesterday, August 22, stressing the need for greater accountability among public officials.

“We’ve done a great disservice to the public in helping the public to understand how we can get this system to work better under this colonial system,” Premier Wheatley told lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

He continued: “The public service sits under the Governor. Now, that is problem number one. The governor is unelected; the Governor is appointed. Right then and there, there is not a level of democratic accountability. It’s the same problem with crime.”

The Premier argued that accountability does not exist in the public service, suggesting that there was no means of holding persons responsible for not performing in their roles in any particular area. He described this as a failing prospect and emphasised the importance of a system with clear lines of accountability.

In the meantime, Dr Wheatley acknowledged the hard work of many public officers but highlighted the public’s dissatisfaction with the level of service they receive from the government, arguing that the current structure limits efficiency. “The popular misconception is that the public is not getting the level of service they deserve because we have some good-for-nothing politicians,” he noted while dispelling this as a simplistic view.

Premier Wheatley criticised the tendency to blame politicians for shortcomings in service delivery, arguing that the “colonial system” currently in place, with an unelected governor overseeing the public service, hinders accountability. He pointed out that unlike some other systems, elected officials in the Virgin Islands have limited control over the public service due to the governor’s position. He argued that this lack of power makes it difficult to hold public servants accountable.

The Premier acknowledged that the Bill is flawed and needs further improvement and encouraged vigorous debate and public participation to identify and address any weaknesses.

The Bill comes in response to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, which recommended that reforms be swiftly enacted and integrated into a Public Service Management Act. The reforms will reorganise ministries, define ministerial roles, and clarify the responsibilities of top officials. They include requiring officials to sign contracts and submit annual performance reports to the legislature, promoting accountability.

The Bill also requires public officials to declare their financial interests to avoid conflicts and promote transparency. This issue received intense pushback from public servants when it was introduced in another Bill. It also establishes the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute to improve public servants’ skills.

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