VIP gov’t ministers are placeholders — Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has flayed government ministers for allowing themselves to be used as tools and for being complicit in a ‘game’ while serving in their respective portfolios.

Penn also endorsed concerns raised by fellow Opposition members, Julian Fraser and Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull about the challenges seen in the territory’s poor infrastructure and constant water woes faced by residents.

During a recent press conference, Penn disclosed that Premier Andrew Fahie issued written directives to Health Minister Carvin Malone to place Management staff at the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) on administrative leave.

“[The media] needs to be aware that the Premier gave directives to the minister (Malone) – and we all knew this – we all knew that the ministers are only placeholders for these subjects and they allow themselves to be tools in a bigger game. But the country is the one that pays the price with this type of behaviour,” Penn stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, the Premier’s directives to the Health Minister led to the appointment of the BVIHSA’s Financial Controller as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. Penn said this demonstrates serious corporate governance issues.

“How can the CEO, who’s responsible for the management of spending and funds then correct themselves in terms of auditing and making sure that the funds are spent the way they are,” he argued.

Penn, who is also the Eighth District Representative, accused the government of mismanaging the country.

He further pointed out that persons who are ill-equipped to manage certain institutions continue to be appointed to various statutory boards by the government.

“We’re seeing those chickens coming home to roost now in terms of the ineffective management of these facilities, namely the BVI Airports Authority and my colleague (Turnbull) raised the point of the BVI Health Services Authority,” Penn stated.