Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has moved to clarify misconceptions surrounding the perceived inadequacy of public services in the Virgin Islands, emphasizing that the issue lies within the government’s structure rather than with individual politicians.
Speaking recently in the House of Assembly during discussions on the Public Service Management Bill 2024, Premier Wheatley addressed the belief that poor service delivery is a result of incompetence among politicians. He pointed out that this narrative is often fuelled by both opposition and government parties, who tend to blame each other for service shortfalls.
Premier Wheatley argued that the real challenge is rooted in the existing system and structure of government, which he believes hinders effective service delivery to the public. He highlighted a significant difference between the Virgin Islands and other systems, such as those in the United States and the United Kingdom, where political leaders bring in their senior appointments and have the authority to hold these individuals accountable.
In contrast, he noted, the Virgin Islands operates under a system where the public service falls under the jurisdiction of an unelected governor, resulting in a lack of democratic accountability.
The Premier also discussed the importance of the new Public Service Management Bill 2024, which he described as a necessary step in ensuring an efficient and effective public service. The bill follows the implementation of the Public Service Management Code in March 2023, which focused on managing Human Resources and aimed to create a high-performing, professional, and nonpartisan public service.
However, Premier Wheatley acknowledged that the code was only partially implemented and that the enactment of the Public Service Management Act would establish a comprehensive legislative framework. He said this framework is intended to enhance the functioning of the public service, ensuring it meets the needs of the community more effectively.
The premier’s remarks underscore the ongoing efforts to reform the public service in the Virgin Islands, with the goal of improving service delivery and strengthening accountability within the system.