Premier wants inquiry on gov’t efficiency
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has called for an urgent inquiry into delays within the government that affect the implementation of critical Cabinet decisions.
The call is in response to the slow execution of approved government projects, which the Premier described as a significant concern for governance efficiency.
Dr Wheatley’s concerns come after several Cabinet decisions, made as early as April 2023, have yet to be fully implemented. He said the delays in executing these decisions have left the government unable to address many pressing issues, frustrating public officials and residents alike.
According to Premier Wheatley, the delays affect essential services and projects across the BVI, including much-needed roadworks, water supply improvements, and other infrastructural developments.
“It’s been a total of five months to get to the time when we can actually sign a contract,” Wheatley said in a recent GIS interview. “And I am very concerned about the efficiency of being able to carry out Cabinet decisions… it’s something that we need to look to improve on.”
Premier Wheatley disclosed that he has written to Governor Daniel Pruce formally requesting a study of government inefficiencies and seeking the Deputy Governor’s assistance in evaluating delays in implementing Cabinet decisions.
These delays are particularly concerning given the urgent need to address infrastructure problems in the BVI. Premier Wheatley acknowledged that slow project implementation has hampered the government’s ability to address the island’s road, water, and sewerage issues.
“We are pressing and pushing to get these decisions executed in an efficient and effective manner,” the Premier assured.
Road works delay
One key issue was the delay in implementing a long-awaited road resurfacing programme, which has kept many of the BVI’s roads in poor condition. The Premier explained that the project’s delays have caused continued inconvenience to the public.
Meanwhile, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer echoed the Premier’s concerns, noting that Cabinet-approved roadworks began planning as early as February 2023. However, it was only in September 2024 that final contracts were signed to start the road repairs.
“I know it’s quite frustrating to the motorists. That includes me as well, because I drive on the same road,” Rymer said.
In the interim, road patching and temporary fixes were being carried out to provide some relief to motorists. However, both Premier Wheatley and Minister Rymer have stressed that these were temporary measures and that the goal is to implement long-term solutions to improve the island’s infrastructure.
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Hear this nonsense. He needs an inquiry on himself. He is the most incompetent leader we have ever had. He was a horrible education minister and now he is an awful Premier. We need to get rid of this joker.
Is letting us know how much your music festival cost and how much money it made one of these delays?
Are you hoping we will forget in time?
These moo moo don’t learn. The last time they were calling for inquiry them ain’t see what happen to them. Andrew was calling for one. Where is he now? Claude was calling for one and now cat got he tongue since they arrested and charged him. W was calling for one and now the same hole he was digging for other people he fall in the bottom of it – arrested and charged. Continue to call for inquiry Natalio. You will see what happen to you.
For once he is correct. Government employees are dragging their feet on everything. Creating Red tape for their own pleasure. Run efficiently BVI could fire half of Govt employees. Very few are working 8 hrs a day, i see soo many sitting on their phone or govt computer. doing side business in working hours. Driving around in Govt cars in and out of work hours.
the problem here is they can get fired!!!
if you are not doing your job correctly you should be fired!!!
The Gov’t staff are paid a fair wage for their work right? Well the staff are only giving a fair days works in exchange. if they want above and beyond to get things done, PAY PEOPLE what is owed. It is always the person not suffering or experiencing hardship who does want you to understand and do it for the sake of country. Dem days gone!!!
I’d make a start by stopping all these civil servants being provided with government vehicles. We live on small islands – hardly any government employee needs a personal car provided to them. Maybe the governor and the Premier and everyone else can use a pool car which gets parked up overnight in the Administration Building car park. They can get a dollar bus or pay for their own car like the rest of them.
I don’t think I’ll ever understand understand. In any business it is absolutely necessary for the CEO to meet with the necessary management regularly to ascertain the status of the running of the business. The managers then are supposed to answer for their department and know where the shortcomings are. These incompetent “leaders” are getting on my nerves for these types of statements. Y’all don’t see something so simple and have a plan to fix it? Cha man.
Another ignorant comment from someone who clearly does not understand the system of Government in the VI. The Civil Service is NOT answerable to anyone in the elected Government. They are answerable to the Governor. Civil Servants cannot be hired or fired by anyone in the elected Government, the Governor has the final say in the appointment, dismissal or even the exercise of disciplinary control over civil servants. It is so sad that so many people have no clue about this!
Always putting the blame on others
Have you seen the SHAPE OF LOUISIANA ON THE MAP? THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL BE GETTING UP YOUR……. SOONER THAN LATER.
State of the Territory makes it pretty obvious that BVI government efficiency is another oxymoron. You don’t need much of a study to determine that something like 1/3 of Belongers are government workers. There was a consultant’s study about 20 years ago reported in the Beacon. The executive summary concluded then that there were about 33% too many on govt play-roll to do their stated functions. We really do not need to waste more money on these kinds of studies, and need to invest money on realistic problem solving.
The only inefficiency is the Attorney General’s Chambers. The premier knows this already. I do not see what his audit is going to uncover. The Government Ministers are the ones slowing down the process.
We pay our taxes so that these and other challenges can be addressed expeditiously.
Shameful.
If you plan much can be avoided.