We must have accountability in the public service
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has underscored the critical need for enhanced accountability within the public service, emphasising that recent legislative measures are pivotal in driving this transformation.
Addressing concerns about governmental efficiency and bureaucracy, Premier Wheatley highlighted the enactment of the Public Service Management Act as a significant step towards modernising the public sector.
This legislation, which received assent from Governor Daniel Pruce on November 18, replaces the outdated General Orders from the early 1970s, aiming to streamline operations and bolster accountability among public officials.
Premier Wheatley acknowledged the dedication of many public servants.
“I see firsthand how hard many of us work,” he said. However, he also recognised the necessity for systemic improvements, noting that the public service operates under the Governor, an unelected position, which he once described as a “democratic deficit” that hinders effective service delivery.
The Premier pointed out that the public is adept at holding leaders accountable through social media and local media outlets. He stressed the importance of ensuring accountability at all levels, from top to bottom, to meet the public’s demand for efficient and effective service.
The government implemented substantial pay raises to support public officers in fulfilling their duties and is now focusing on providing the necessary tools and resources. Premier Wheatley stressed the importance of equipping public servants to deliver services that benefit the community.
“We have to make sure we have the tools available to hold them accountable, to be able to produce in a way where the public benefits,” he said.
Adopt innovative approaches
In light of budgetary constraints earlier this year, the Premier urged departments and ministries to adopt innovative approaches, such as leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. He suggested that artificial intelligence and other technological resources could assist in improving processes and strategies, enabling the public service to become a “lean, mean public servant machine.”
The Premier’s comments come in the wake of efforts to implement recommendations from the 2021 Commission of Inquiry, which identified areas needing reform, particularly in governance and accountability.
The Public Service Management Act outlines clear roles and responsibilities for ministers and senior public officers, including provisions for delegating functions and managing ministerial staff. It also established the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, which is dedicated to training and developing public officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively.
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What about in the Premier’s office?
and the PS in the DG’s office
Start by accounting for all the money you spent on travel and parties and then resign.
And who are you accountable to Mr Premier? answer that first
His consultant keeps on writing these wonderful press releases trying to convince us how great he is…NOT
Accountability ??
When are you publishing the money lost from your music fest???
Let’s start with you Natalial.
A FISH ALWAYS ROTTEN FROM THE HEAD
Please lead us with your transparency for the money that you have spent this year on travel and how you are spending that 100 million loan.
Lead by example.
Dude, April Fools is 4 months away.
Amid all of the prolific spending, what about the retired teacher(s)INCREMENT(S) worked for on a very low salary scale?
Will they and, he included, ever be thought about and have a degree of compassion, heart and Godly love for?
THE RETIRED and ESPECIALLY THE OLDER/AGING RETIREEES , MANY EXERIENCING HEALTH ISSUES OF WHICH HAVE SUCKED UP THE MINIMAL RESOURCES, AND WHO ARE REMAINING SILENT AMID THE SUFFERINGS, AS THE WATCH THE YOUNG BUCK EAT, SAVE AND TRAVEL AT THEIR EXPENSE.
AS THEY TOO HAVE PAVED THE WAY INTO THE. CURRENT ECONOMIC PRIVILEDGE WE HAVE TODAY. THEY SHOULD BE SIMPLY PAID WHT THEY AWOED MR. GOVEERNER AND PREMIER. ANY THING LESS ISCALLOUS, INDIFFERENT AND PPRESSIVE.
PLEASE PAY US FOR OUR WORK DONE OVER DECADES.
Amid all of the prolific spending, what about the retired teacher(s)INCREMENT(S) worked for on a very low salary scale?
Will they and, he included, ever be thought about and have a degree of compassion, heart and Godly love for?
THE RETIRED and ESPECIALLY THE OLDER/AGING RETIREEES , MANY EXERIENCING HEALTH ISSUES OF WHICH HAVE SUCKED UP THE MINIMAL RESOURCES, AND WHO ARE REMAINING SILENT AMID THE SUFFERINGS, AS THE WATCH THE YOUNG BUCK EAT, SAVE AND TRAVEL AT THEIR EXPENSE.
AS THEY TOO HAVE PAVED THE WAY INTO THE. CURRENT ECONOMIC PRIVILEDGE WE HAVE TODAY. THEY SHOULD BE SIMPLY PAID WHT THEY AWOED MR. GOVEERNER AND PREMIER. ANY THING LESS ISCALLOUS, INDIFFERENT AND PPRESSIVE.
PLEASE PAY US FOR OUR WORK DONE OVER DECADES.
all retirees.
Natalio you are my family but you are really embarrassing. You are unbelievable talking about Value for Money when you waste so much of our money in plain sight. You are so shameless you don’t even know how to be discrete. You should resign and save face.