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Tasha K. Bertie Out! Xavyrna Samuels-Fahie In! ME&C shakeups!

-Ms Bertie expected to be promoted to one of two Deputy Secretary posts in the Ministry of Health & Social Development; Samuels-Fahie is Hon. Walwyn’s newest Private Secretary
Part of the personnel changes at the Ministry of Education and Culture will include Xavyrna Samuels-Fahie (right, Photo: facebook) now appointed as the new Private Secretary to the Minister for Education and Culture Myron V. Walwyn. She is the 3rd in the post within less than two years. Also Ms. Tasha K. Bertie will be leaving the Ministry and will be promoted as one of two Deputy Secretaries within the Ministry of Health and Social Development. Photo: VINO/File
Two daughters of Virgin Gorda were removed from their post as Private Secretary to the Minister for Education and Culture. Ms Karen Vanterpool (left, Photo: facebook) was sacked last year at the request of Minister Myron V. Walwyn and Daniella Flax was also removed from the post a few weeks ago. Photo: VINO/File
Two daughters of Virgin Gorda were removed from their post as Private Secretary to the Minister for Education and Culture. Ms Karen Vanterpool (left, Photo: facebook) was sacked last year at the request of Minister Myron V. Walwyn and Daniella Flax was also removed from the post a few weeks ago. Photo: VINO/File
Many have alleged that freshman Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has emerged as the most controversial Minister in the 20-month old National Democratic Party Administration. His critics cite many controversial decisions he has taken since in office and now comes word that he is on his third Private Secretary. Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, in an exclusive interview with this news site this year, described Minister Walwyn as a rookie who has to prove himself. Photo: VINO/File
Many have alleged that freshman Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has emerged as the most controversial Minister in the 20-month old National Democratic Party Administration. His critics cite many controversial decisions he has taken since in office and now comes word that he is on his third Private Secretary. Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, in an exclusive interview with this news site this year, described Minister Walwyn as a rookie who has to prove himself. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islands News Online’s sources within the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration have confirmed some personnel changes within the Ministry of Education and Culture (ME&C).

The first shakeup is that controversial Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn is now on his third Private Secretary in less than 20 months with the new appointment of Mrs Xavyrna Samuels-Fahie.

This news site was the first to report that Minister Walwyn had requested his former Private Secretary, Karen Vanterpool, be terminated last year.

She was replaced by Virgin Gordian Ms Daniella Flax, who has now been replaced by Mrs Samuels-Fahie.

It is unknown why the new change in such a short time.

The same NDP source claimed that the officer, Ms Flax, has been reassigned to the Curriculum Development office and may be waiting to take up a post at a Virgin Gorda school.

Private Secretaries are directly chosen by Ministers of Government in the Westminster System of Government and only the Minister can request that they be removed.

To date, all other Ministers of the NDP Government have the Private Secretaries they requested, after the general election of November 2011. The same source speaking to this news site claimed that “if one Minister is changing his Private Secretary so often that Minister may have to look within his own style of leadership…maybe he is the issue”.

Tasha K. Bertie moving on up!

The Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ms Tasha K. Bertie who acted as Deputy Secretary before being reverted to her post last year will leave the Ministry within the coming days where she is expected to be promoted to the post of one of two Deputy Secretaries within the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Ms Bertie, who was seen as the backbone of the Education Ministry, was successful in her application to fill the vacant post, according to a source close to the situation. She is also the President of the Virgin Islands Civil Service Association (VICSA).

Her new appointment has the blessings of Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, the Minister for Health and Social Development.

Responding to questions from this news site yesterday, September 26, 2013 Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter confirmed this news site’s information of Minister Walwyn’s new Private Secretary and the move from the Education and Culture Ministry of Ms. Bertie.

“Yes, the Minister has a new Private Secretary and yes Ms Flax has been reassigned,” Dr. Potter said in an interview. She then confirmed that Ms Xavyrna Samuels-Fahie is the new Private Secretary to Minister Walwyn.

The Education and Culture PS also confirmed that one of the Assistant Secretaries, Ms Tasha K. Bertie, will be leaving her current post. “She has applied to take up another post and was successful and she will be leaving to take up that post shortly,” Dr. Potter stated.

Controversial Minister Walwyn

Minister Walwyn has emerged as the most controversial Government Minister in the Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith Administration. A couple weeks after taking office, he directed the now Acting Chief Education Officer Jillian Douglas-Phillip via an E-mail to ask the Principal of the Althea Scaliffe Primary School to remove a long standing slogan from the School, which had read; "Mighty Mighty Scatliffe". The slogan was the school’s tradition used to motivate the school children, most times during sports meets.

In a statement in Parliament last year that surprised many in the progressive and indigenous class, he threatened to bring sanctions against the media and accused them, particularly the online news sites, that if current conditions continued in the media, Government may take prohibitive action. In what some described as an angry statement on July 24, 2012, the Minister said that it seems as though some news outlets are comfortable with reporting half-truths, taking things out of context and putting it into their own context and thus, distorting the truth.

The freshman Minister stopped short of pointing to any specific media reports or pointing to any media house which may have distorted news reports to support his claims or any example of such stories.

Veteran Second District Representative Hon. J. Alvin Christopher, speaking at a House of Assembly (HOA) sitting on July 26, 2012, told the public that he was troubled by the statement made in the HOA by Hon. Walwyn about "sanctioning the media".

"I hear his statement and maybe at hand I understand his passion and what he is saying, but it is a matter that in a democratic society, freedom of speech - you have to be very careful," Hon. Christopher warned.

Also at the same sitting, the former Education and Culture Minister and First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie lashed out at Walwyn and asked his party leader and Premier Dr. Smith to "bell that cat" for creating a culture of disrespect.

However, this year Minister Walwyn continued his obsession with the media in attacking Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), claiming that their Marketing and Technical officer, who operates from overseas, does not exist.

Last year, the Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee Marvin ‘MB’ Blyden reported that the official opening ceremony for the 2012 Emancipation Celebration at the Claudette “Boopie” Smith Festiville had to be moved to Saturday July 28, 2012 to facilitate the Minister's schedule.

Hon. Walwyn was at the time in London attending the Olympic Games.

At this year’s Emancipation celebration, Hon. Walwyn said all children who are born in the Virgin Islands of expatriate parents should become citizens automatically.

While most people will agree with this notion in principle, the Minister very well knows that it’s the British Nationality Act that governs that matter. Many persons accused him of just playing politics and trying to divide the country.

One talk show host and College Lecturer blasted him and demanded that if he is sincere about that policy which most people support, he should go to lobby the British Government and not just try to gain political points here at home. The talk show host believed Hon. Walwyn’s advocacy while we celebrated Emancipation was in poor taste and did a disservice to the ancestors.

In June this year at the H. L. Stoutt College graduation, Minister Walwyn hinted at independence when he told the students to start thinking of constitutional advancement.

Premier Smith had already distanced himself from such unpopular statements when he told the Parliament at the first sitting of the second session of the second House of Assembly held on September 3, 2012 in an emphatic statement that he will not consider independence. Dr Smith had said “No!” when asked whether government is seeking or would be seeking independence. The question was posed by First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.

Many residents of the Virgin Islands cite cases of alleged victimisation, advocating the censoring of the media, too many crimes, corruption, cronyism, mismanagement of the public purse, disregard for law and order and the constitution as some of the many legitimate fears for the territory to not seek independence.

58 Responses to “Tasha K. Bertie Out! Xavyrna Samuels-Fahie In! ME&C shakeups!”

  • staff (27/09/2013, 08:24) Like (13) Dislike (24) Reply
    The stone that the builder refused might come the corner stone…Congrats Tasha!
    • weed (27/09/2013, 10:55) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
      Guess what.... whit out Tasha that Ministry is dead!!
      • MEC (27/09/2013, 23:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        weed you can say that again as they have thrown the DPS to the side but big mac will deal with funy man
      • Woman of light (28/09/2013, 17:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        You sound like a foolish character..no one is indispensable
  • John (27/09/2013, 08:25) Like (39) Dislike (16) Reply
    The 2015 General Election will be an interesting one.
  • died hard ndp (27/09/2013, 08:34) Like (9) Dislike (199) Reply
    Leave myron alone!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Fraunces (27/09/2013, 08:56) Like (29) Dislike (7) Reply
    Mr Minister you have gots to go!
  • chickens coming home (27/09/2013, 09:06) Like (44) Dislike (3) Reply
    aint dat d girl who worked for myron as the manager of the hotel by the moorings? she moving up faster than light under myron.. talk d thing
  • jokes (27/09/2013, 09:11) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Boxers don't get change as fast as this! Some thing must be wrong wid he or them. I waiting to see and hear the full story later on because it must come out.
    Samuels-Fahie, I wish you the best of luck cause you going need it.
  • reality (27/09/2013, 09:13) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    .........and just why does he have to go? You should know what you're talking about before making stupid remarks.
  • J f (27/09/2013, 09:36) Like (15) Dislike (26) Reply

    Myron Have to go Immediately!

  • ndp (27/09/2013, 09:36) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply

    well well this is it! i can't wait for the next election. We going do this thing and get you out Myron! you rediculous now! What is wrong with this Government buddy?

  • civil servants (27/09/2013, 09:48) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ms. Samuels girl watch your back before they accuse you of leaking to VINO lol hahahaha hehehehehe
  • Observer (27/09/2013, 09:50) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Aubrey need to sing about this too..... Troubleeeee
  • Xxx (27/09/2013, 09:50) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply

    I would complain but the BVI produces some of the most ignorant people in thw world so perhaps a shake up was needed.
  • Let the church say AMEN (27/09/2013, 09:51) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    This Minister needs help even tho he may not want to admit it but if he is willing for a change there is hope in the BLOOD OF JESUS!!!
  • Politics (27/09/2013, 09:56) Like (19) Dislike (36) Reply
    I like how Myron got them going crazy! Tasha is promoted with NDP blessings, it shows that no politics is played here. Where is the story? The man has a right to have whoever he wants as a private secretary. People need to perform or face the chopping block. If that was across the board in the civil service you would see better performance. A private sec is a very important role!
    • @ Politics (27/09/2013, 10:03) Like (13) Dislike (152) Reply
      Come 2015 we will give you the story Walwyn OUT! Fahie IN!
    • In time (27/09/2013, 10:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      " My Time is not yet come."
    • right (27/09/2013, 11:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Politics, I agreed. I must say private is private maybe the tongue lift words too much we must understand that Tola is small and words get around so if you talk too much you will tell cow howdy
  • Concern 1 (27/09/2013, 10:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply

    Why not use a man as his personal secretary then

  • Binocs (27/09/2013, 10:17) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is sad to see Tasha leave the Ministry of Education and Culture she did an excellent job! Much love from all your scholarship students! Whenever we needed you, you were there! You kept us on our toes! Thanks for Everything Ms. B!! All the best in your new role!
  • chad (27/09/2013, 10:23) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply

    Well, I have worked with Ms. Bertie on several occasions. Well mannered and organized individual. I congradulate her on her new appointment. good idea for her to move. 

  • God does not sleep (27/09/2013, 10:25) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply

    I support the move!

  • Just saying (27/09/2013, 10:31) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok why study HRT to be some private secretary. That is the problem with the BVI everybody wants to be sitting behind a desk. We depend on Tourism and all the people who have studied some sort of hospitality is sitting down in the admin complex. What a waste of resources. We are going to complain about island people this and that. Look at who is working in the hospital industry. No concrete strategies in place.........we are a bunch of idiots in this place!
    • Just saying (27/09/2013, 10:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      *I meant hospitality industry
    • Well Said!!! (27/09/2013, 11:29) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am from here but trust me some talented individuals are in the Hospitality areas and I mean Naturally Talented what is keeping them back is because they not from here.Some of these young people go away to study Hospitality and come bck do all kind of things because they think it's only sitting behind a desk I go around all over the BVI.I visit some of the port of entries and trust me the GOOD,BAD and UGLY exist check the representative for LITTLE DIX BAY on the Airport man she is off the chains,the young lady who just ran for the big bold show in the states who works for tourist board kudos,The young Flax lady on Vg for tourist Board Man talented and The young man who was once Mr Fifth form now also employed at LDB these are the folks we should put on the out front along with Ms Bertie and Grace flax Waters to promote quality hospitality in the BVI..Myron need to come out his Suit and sit at some of these Ports and Admire the people who really make it happen
  • NDP supporter (27/09/2013, 10:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    This Ministry need a blessing from above with all these ins and outs.

    • fish (27/09/2013, 15:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      with Ms. Bertie gone the beginning of the end of that Ministry..just a matter on waiting until the next elections
      • .... (28/09/2013, 17:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why wait when one has the power to make a change now? It's call a bi-election
  • ooooo (27/09/2013, 10:44) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    cronyism at wuk...ting te talk
  • qc (27/09/2013, 10:52) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    When you have real skills and talent you will always do well…poor Myron I feel so sorry for the man
  • What a ting to tell the king (27/09/2013, 11:31) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes ma sister.....if it is one thing we know about you is that you can work ANY....Hon. Skelton no worries you have received the best deal....leh he stay there wid he mess..He will forever be changing private secretaries....Peace of mind for my sister...A promotion that she deserves and worked hard for, no handouts or pay back here...Thank you Jesus.
  • goldberg (27/09/2013, 12:49) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    ooh come on u'all give me a break.. Hon.Walyn is doing what he should of done long time ago..Ms. Bertie no disrespect to u at all..but we all know how the system is run..Hon Walyn jus aint afraid like his other teammates to make the moves that's necessary to get his job done..Ms. Flax I will miss u..u were doing a great job..likes your personality and professionalism..i hope your replacement is no different!
  • Unhappy (27/09/2013, 13:48) Like (6) Dislike (34) Reply
    It is so sad that we are concentrating so much on. Private secretaries changing and changing, while we are allowing our publick school system to fail. Try to bring improvement to the system. Financial services has been forced in the school. Was that just to give away money? More is needed in the system in order to build this territory. If the education our children get is weak, the country remains weak. Wake up and take politics out of education.
  • leave he (27/09/2013, 15:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    people leave Myron to jahvour
    • fahter for give him (27/09/2013, 19:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its going take more than an election to deal with he…
  • Gun Creek (27/09/2013, 15:50) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    this is the way he treating Virgin Gorda women, the ram better not come VG to look no votes
  • not gonna say anything (27/09/2013, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Im not gonna say anything but what you looking at is exactly what it is... figure it out!
  • ooooo (27/09/2013, 23:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    every 4 months it's a new secretary? well sah!
  • good show (27/09/2013, 23:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ms. Betie will be missed but Ronnie knows talent unlike the photo opps man
  • how say you? (28/09/2013, 12:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wrong! A lot of peole are in hell. Some living and some dead. dealing with that man
  • nothing after 2 years (29/09/2013, 17:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am not too worried about who Myron hire as his Private Secretary after all he has that right, my concern is after two years I am not sure what he has accomplished…
  • cnn (30/09/2013, 00:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kinda tired of the playing around for power.


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