Several 'heads' unable to effectively manage units- PWD 2011 Report
The report was laid in the House of Assembly on December 17, 2012 by Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool.
This startling confession in the report, which has gone public, leads to the suggestion that the department with its fifteen (15) functional sections accounting for a staff compliment of some two hundred and twenty six (226) employees in 2011, can take fair blame for the stagnated growth and development of the Virgin Islands.
Compounding this is the fact that some key positions remained vacant including the Director, Structural Engineer and Engineers and Plumbing Inspector posts. At the end of 2011 there were thirty six (36) vacant positions.
According to the report, the human resources manager had identified training needs for mangers in the areas of conflict resolutions skills, communication skills, basic report writing skills, managing difficult employees, time management, motivating employees, interpersonal skills, management/supervisory skills, and understanding the dynamics of team work.
“Training in these areas under the title “Supervisory Management” was scheduled for September 12 – 13, 2011 but due to circumstances beyond the department’s control, the scheduled sessions were postponed.” states the report.
Mr. Jeffery Skelton concluded in his report, “…the department seeks to ensure compliance with the building regulations 1999 and other relevant codes and standards to ensure safe and sound building practices and exercised to guarantee public safety.” Adding emphatically, “Of course this is not possible without a strong workforce of diligent and dedicated employee.”
The reports gives accounts for the year 2011 but the questions now are if these challenges were dealt with in 2012, and whether the Works Department is functioning better now, question we definitely look forward to having answers for.
One may also be moved to examine the department’s mission which is, “to provide a safe, practical, efficient and an economically and environmentally sound infrastructure that is well designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with recognized regional and international codes and standard and is in harmony with the territory’s social and economic goals.”
It is also important to note the Vision of the Public Works Department, which is “to provide a sound and advanced infrastructure network throughout the Virgin Islands."
8 Responses to “Several 'heads' unable to effectively manage units- PWD 2011 Report”
PWD hierarchy:
Minister of Communications and Works - No Training
PWD Director - No Training
Deputy Director - No Training
What do you expect later down he road....Nothing but Pot Holes...lol