Remove the stigma attached to ‘consultancy’ — de Castro
Education Minister Sharie de Castro has cautioned that steps need to be taken to separate the concept of consultancy from the stain and stigma that has been attached to the word in the BVI.
The minister was speaking in the House of Assembly (HOA) where lawmakers debated an audit report on contracts between the Andrew Fahie-led government and Claude Skelton Cline.
de Castro pointed out that she had stated her disagreement to the continuation of Skelton Cline’s contracts with the government on multiple occasions because she felt there were serious questions over whether work had been done on the contract and whether there had been value for money provided.
“This report articulates some very concerning matters, but overall, I believe it speaks to a legitimate process and system that needs to be used in the correct way so that we could get the ultimate outcome that we want when we use consultancies as a means to provide services to the government,” de Castro stated.
“Consultancy has become a bad word in the Virgin Islands,” she added. “When persons in the community hear us speak of the potential of hiring consultants, persons begin to question whether it is something that is needed and necessary.
The Education Minister said she felt there had been instances in the past where persons, based on the information and the facts presented to the people, seriously questioned the intentions and the value for money and the impact of individuals who had previously been hired through consultancies.
de Castro noted, however, that while she felt consultants are important, there are valid mechanisms that allow businesses and individuals to provide services to both government and private entities that really produce impact, especially in specialised areas.
But because of the track record that the BVI has had with consultancies, de Castro said it has put a stain in the minds of people.
“So, I want us to do whatever is possible as members of this honourable House to remove the stigma that is currently attached to the word consultancy,” de Castro said. “[We should] and ensure that our people are confident enough to believe that we would ensure that we go through the requisite processes to make sure that the individuals who would get an opportunity to serve in these roles would be persons, of course, who would understand very clearly that they’re coming to do a job.”
She expressed that lawmakers should further ensure that measures similar to a graded examination should be employed to determine whether consultants are able to move to the next level in consultancies with the government.
“We have to use that measure, and it matters not who the individual or the business is, but if it is that after that exam has been given, we see that individuals have not passed or met the mark, then we have to ensure that we do not create additional opportunities for failure, especially when it comes to the government’s purse,” de Castro said.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
I can’t wait to vote her behind out
I have a better idea. Remove you from the government and the ministry of education. You are not ready for that position.
The Minister had an exceptional point of view. Her presentation maintained a position that is relevant and necessary for a debate.
As for most of the other Ministers and representatives, excluding Penn and some of what the Premier relayed, there was no value in their presentation.
I done say this girl is not ready for prime time. If that is all the highest vote getter can bring to this discussion she is a waste of time.
Hon. Minister, the deal is, our government has been giving “consultancy” hand outs to cousins-uncles-aunts-nephews and other ne’er-do-wells for no definitive service for donkey’s years. Throwing the people’s money, our tax dollars to the wind. The government’s track record here isn’t exactly sterling.
Do you recall the foolish consultancy contract for nearly $100,000 let maybe 15 years ago regarding promoting Drag Racing in the territory? $50K got paid out and the government saw a few bumperstickers tagged around the island, but no report was ever forthcoming.
Economic Stimulus from Drag Racing?!? Seriously? But somebody somewhere definitely got a $50K economic stimulus.
De Castro is a waste of time. We the people of the Virgin Islands need to use common sense not apathy or friends and family relationships. See where this practice has gotten us. We are burdened with a corrupt government that has exploited, shamed got our once beautiful territory blacklisted. Empty our treasury to fill their pockets as well as their croonies. Consultancy is the umbrella used to hire people to do nothing at exorbutant salaries. The consultants walk about, or stay home and collect their money. They don’t have job descriptions or mandates of intended purpose. Why in the Virgin Islands these corrupt officials are not jailed is beyond me. We need to do better when choosing our leaders.
All these reps saying they were against these contracts but all voted to pass them at the time. The record of the HOA is that nothing ever gets voted against because nobody has the balls to stand up for their opinions.
jobs for fake persons are usually entitled consultants, political advisors, trendsetters, leaders(without followers), lobbyists, etc. etc.
No qualifications needed just talk all the time yet say nothing and smile a lot. Some dubious connection with a church, political party, corporation or a profession also helps.
it is not a stigma, it is purulent drippings.
No matter from which party, all these politicians should be start any of their messages to the people saying thanks for not being hanged on or linched on a public place, and finish apologizing for all the atrocities their pairs have make to this country.
the UK fault / the white boys fault or dem island people dem fault, but finally we are getting some facts on some of WHO the PLAYERS are •¿•) that’s why we seems to have a CALYPSONIAN on his web yellow site and even on this one , singing pure racism lyrics day and night / don’t be surprised if he blogged under a different name , saying the racist ccolonialist white boys set up CSC , because they are against US etc
Lining herself up for some “consultancy “ jobs when the voters boot her?
Three letters for you: CSC
All governments give consultancy contracts. If you didn’t get one is because you were not worthy I guess so you will for ever be bla blaring