We need people to take accountability

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has urged elected leaders and other officials in the territory to take up the leadership mantle and fulfil their designated areas of responsibility.

The Premier was at the time being questioned about the involvement of the House of Assembly in helping the government to meet the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommended governance reform deadlines that are due in May.

“What we need is for everyone to be able to do their job. And it doesn’t mean that we can’t collaborate. It doesn’t mean that we can’t share ideas. It doesn’t mean that we can’t call and ask a question and seek advice. But certainly what we need to do is for those persons who are in positions of responsibility for them to take some individual accountability and do what it is that they have been constitutionally and otherwise [tasked] to do, that’s what we want,” the Premier said at a recent press conference.

He said the Education Ministry, Health Ministry, Governor’s Office, Director of Public Prosecutions and the House of Assembly all have important roles to play in helping to achieve democracy.

He added: “But the House of Assembly’s role is very important. The consideration of legislation is extremely important and that’s something that I believe that all members of the House, including those of the opposition can be fully involved in and engaged with.”

Premier Wheatley assured that he and his government remain confident and optimistic about the outcomes of meetings with UK Overseas Territories Minister David Rutley.

He further shared that the updated project plan that was charted will have a positive bearing on the Virgin Islands People achieving their national goals.

Those goals, according to the Premier, include more robust governance systems and enhanced transparency, accountability and value for money in the operations of government.

He added that this will be done in the context of the COI recommendations within the timeframes that have been set.