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Civil Service will improve if Govt. stops meddling in depts.- PPA

Government Administrative Complex. Smith says Government should stop interfering in the work of public servants. Photo: VINO
PPA candidate Shaina M. Smith
PPA candidate Shaina M. Smith
SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI- The People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) believes more than half of the problems affecting the civil service will be solved if Government stops interfering in departments.

Speaking at a rally in Spanish Town on Saturday October 15, 2011, At Large candidate and former President of the Virgin Islands Civil Service Association (VICSA) Shaina M. Smith said the civil service is faced with many problems, which she said she is very aware of, having been a public officer in the Ministry of Finance for the last eight years and the President of VICSA for four years.

“I often refer to the public service as the engine room of the country and the engine needs to rebuild. We are running on 4 cylinders when we should be firing 8. We need to get the right people in the right positions; succession planning and having persons groomed to advance into top management; workplace safety and poor air quality in offices; constitutionally-aligned general orders; and a properly funded pension plan, to name a few of the issues hindering the public service from performing top notch.”

She also said her experience in the civil service was an eye opening one as she was able to get a “front row see” to what should and should not be been done in that sector. “I’ve been through two elections and this time I said “enough is enough”. I can’t tell you all but I’ll tell you what I know…I can also tell you that 80 percent of these problems will go away if politicians stop meddling in departments and allow public officers to do their job which is to serve the people of the Virgin Islands. I’m not telling you what I’ve heard; I’m telling you what I’ve lived and know,” Smith said.

The issue of Government interference in departments also came up during a recent radio talk show “Night Talk”. Recently retired civil servant of 25 years and former Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Bertrand Lettsome had admitted that it does happen.

“When we step back and we start to talk about good governance and things of that level then yes Ministers should not interfere with heads of departments but it does happen and I feel that, whether it be the rules of the house or guidelines within our cabinet, these things need to be followed,” said Mr. Lettsome, who is the son of the late Terrence B. Lettsome.

The Territorial At large candidate also added “everybody needs to understand their role and their function. It’s a technical person’s role to give advice. The minister makes the decision but the minister also needs to adhere to the law. So I think that we need to ensure that we have the operating procedures in place and then just adhere.”

13 Responses to “Civil Service will improve if Govt. stops meddling in depts.- PPA ”

  • Hmmm (17/10/2011, 09:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shania, you really said that. But, who in control of the work that goes on? So the Ministers, no matter the party suppose to just sit there. Then, we don't need them. And, you would agree, if they don't get involved most of the times nothing would get done in the civil service, a lot of heads would take advantage of junior civil servants and people would be deciding what's priority when the priority is somewhere else for the Ministers. A lot more could be said. Come on.... you had me, but I wondering about you now.
    • lovemoredomore (18/10/2011, 11:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you see something wrong with what Ms. Smith said for you to not support her, you were never a supporter. It is a known fact that the politicians influence the decisioning making process and meddle with what they should not. Remember when Ralph moved the Town and Country HOD and took over the duties himself so that he can approve house plans that the HOD did not think meet the proper criteria? That has caused huge buildings to be built in Road Town with no parking and is almost built in the road. You people have a short memory.
  • @hmmm (17/10/2011, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shaina has a point most of the times the Politicians meddle the wrong way especially when it comes to getting things done for their familys and "Certain" people for example in the 3rd district!!! These things been happening for years, and as a former president of the VISCA she had to get out to speak out. Shaina girl you got my vote I see your the only smart sensible one in that party!!!The others minds are still too young!!
  • Stuppes... (17/10/2011, 09:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nonsense, the Civil Service will improve when we start FIRING THE INCOMPETENT AND THE LAZY
  • confused (17/10/2011, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am really confused about the PPA, how do you have a party with no leader? Ultimatly who in the party will make the decisions and be accountable should you all be elected? Or will it be a case of when things go wrong you all point the fingers at each other?
    • Mmm (17/10/2011, 13:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      They don't even need a leader cause they don't even have enough people to form a government but I still thinking on voting at least some PPA cause I getting tired of the politics between VIP and NDP
    • Jan (17/10/2011, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Rumour has it that the first district representative is the "head" of PPA.
      • --- (18/10/2011, 09:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You need to dispell that rumor the 1st district rep has no affiliation with PPA. Shaina is the correct answer.
    • dude (18/10/2011, 16:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ok then VIP has a great leader in Malone & Ralph vote for them again LMAO
  • Mmm (17/10/2011, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    and in my opinion Shaina should be the most likely leader as she has been the main reason why I am considering voting some of them.
  • tola boy (17/10/2011, 22:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shaina full of ...she was the civil service association president and she never ever said one word about this not she trying to get elected she a chat chat chat...suckteeth we naa voting for she.
    • dude (18/10/2011, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Civil Servants can't speak out about ministers in public, so only now can she say certain things
  • suggestion (18/10/2011, 00:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    PPA get rid of Callwood and Khoy and you will be well on your way!


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