Premier “too busy” to be Minister of Finance – Hon Fahie
“My fellow Virgin Islanders, I am taking this course of action on your behalf. On behalf of our forefathers, leaders who have sought and attained constitutional advancements in each of the reviews since 1950. On behalf of the many bus drivers that never get paid in a timely manner. I am taking this course of action on behalf of the many Public Servants and the business people especially the small businesses who complain to me every day about how stressful it has become to do business in the BVI…,” explained Hon Fahie.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that during the time of the territory’s financial struggles, the territory will need someone who is dedicated and not busy with other matters of the territory.
“The Ministry of Finance needs urgent direct oversight. The Premier is extremely busy with international affairs at a time when eagle eyes are needed, more than ever, on the much scarce resources that we now have.”
He further stated that the Premier will pay more attention to one portfolio over the other and as a result he feels that the Ministry of Finance is “suffering the most”.
Many qualified members
During his speech, Hon Fahie pointed out that there are other members who are qualified and have the discipline that is needed to change the direction and take the Ministry of Finance on the course that will return transparency, accountability and adherence to the Protocols for effective Financial Management:
“I will not venture to recommend to the Government who is best suited to be given the portfolio of Minister of Finance. They must have had these discussions before. I am sure that they are members on the Government’s side who will embrace the challenge and change the direction of our present financial conduct.”
Enlightening the people
The Opposition leader emphasized that he is not on the path to degrade the Minister of Finance and the Premier but instead it is rather to enlightening the people of the territory.
“It is about saving the day, this is not about politics. We have to go down the right path. We must do so now and not wait for a general election to do so. We must do so now and not wait for a general election to do so. The Territory urgently needs someone to be assigned full time to overlook its finances minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. This is now critical to this Territory's survival.”
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) opposition leader suggested that the Virgin Islands should be having conversations such as these with the United Kingdom in order to show them that the territory can handle its own affairs.
“No way the Premier has the time to oversee the day to day running of finance but him, coupled with the person assigned to oversee the day by day affairs of the Ministry of Finance, coupled with the new Financial Secretary, will be able to turn this financial ship around,” remarked Hon Fahie.
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10 Responses to “Premier “too busy” to be Minister of Finance – Hon Fahie”
Nonetheless, the Premier must set expectations, and put policies, procedures, and structures in place to be kept currently apprised on the state of governing, comparing the planned vs actual and taking action to address the delta. Moreover, the Premier must hire/surround himself with qualified staff(elected and appointed), hold them responsible and accountable, and demand complete staff work.
Specifically, the Premier must establish the baseline performance level, define the current performance level and take action to close any performance gaps. The Premier should be able to serve as both Premier and Minister of Finance; he has a supporting staff, ie, PS, FS......etc. He just needs to break out the BIG guava stick. Clearly, the carrot approach needs work.
Same with the Gov'nor.