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V. Inez Archibald selected to chair powerful PSC!

- Critics ask if it is a step backwards or an effort by Governor Jaspert to frustrate the elected VIP Government
Retired longtime Deputy Governor and National Democratic Party (NDP) supporter Vivian Inez Archibald has been selected by controversial Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ to Chair the powerful Public Service Commission (PSC). Photo: GIS/File
Magdaline Rhymer, left, seen here with Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, right, in August 2017, served on the Public Service Commission for almost 8 years. Photo: GIS/File
Magdaline Rhymer, left, seen here with Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, right, in August 2017, served on the Public Service Commission for almost 8 years. Photo: GIS/File
The Public Service Commission (PSC) advises the Governor on Public Service appointments, promotions, transfers, retirement, dismissal and disciplinary actions. Photo: VINO/File
The Public Service Commission (PSC) advises the Governor on Public Service appointments, promotions, transfers, retirement, dismissal and disciplinary actions. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Retired longtime Deputy Governor and National Democratic Party (NDP) supporter Vivian Inez Archibald has been selected by controversial Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ to Chair the powerful Public Service Commission (PSC).

V Inez Archibald In! Magdaline Rhymer Out!

Mrs Archibald will replace Mrs Magdaline Rhymer who served on the commission for almost 8 years. The PSC has five members and two are appointed by the Governor as per Chapter 7, Article 91 (1) subsection (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution.

One of the remaining three are appointed with the recommendation of the Premier and another by the recommendation of the Leader of the Opposition and one member is recommended to the Governor by the Civil Service Association (CSA).

The Governor has the power to appoint the Chairperson of the PSC as per 91 (2) of the Constitution after consultation with the Premier.

More in the mortar? HE up to old tricks?

Some have claimed that this appointment may be a backward move as Mrs Archibald is over 75 years of age and is alleged to be a strong supporter of the Opposition NDP. This raises questions as to whether she could be impartial.

Critics of the controversial United Kingdom appointed Governor Jaspert noted that this might further be a way for the Governor to frustrate the elected Government of Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in its quest to fill public sector posts with Virgin Islanders.

There has been growing tension between the Governor and the Premier, as it appears the Governor does not understand his role in a democratic society and continues to overreach in what many social and political commentators say is a perceived disregard for the rule of law and the spirit of the Virgin Islands constitution.

Premier Fahie could not be reached for comments up to publication time.

Mrs Archibald’s appointment is expected to commence on June 1, 2020.

Role of the PSC?

The PSC advises the Governor on Public Service appointments, promotions, transfers, retirement, dismissal and disciplinary actions.

The recommendations are most often carried out; however, the Governor can reject the advice of the PSC if he determines that compliance with that advice would prejudice Her Majesty’s Service.

Mrs Archibald, who served on the Commission before, has had a four-year stint [2003-2007] as Speaker of the Virgin Islands Legislature, under an NDP regime.

46 Responses to “V. Inez Archibald selected to chair powerful PSC!”

  • civil servant (18/05/2020, 09:57) Like (39) Dislike (6) Reply
    move backwards yes
    • Wickedness (18/05/2020, 10:33) Like (60) Dislike (5) Reply
      I don't give a banana peel which government she supports. She passed the retirement age and should sit her backside down, but hey....certain people get special treatment. LOL I can just laugh at the wickedness. Imagine they're forcing people to retire at a certain age, but this dinosaur can come back into office and cash in....keep it up, but, remember the wicked will NEVER prosper
    • WOWW (18/05/2020, 13:34) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
      That lady ain’t like 80 years old oh no wrong choice
  • wow (18/05/2020, 09:58) Like (75) Dislike (2) Reply
    No disrespect to Ms Archibald, but why are elder retired Civil Servants seems to be appointed Top Positions. Is there no middle age Virgin Islanders capable of such? Give another generation a chance to chair and input in Government regulatory process.
    • NOWORDS (19/05/2020, 18:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @SMH She is not even a retired Civil Servant. She is retired period but always seems to get these types of appointment. After her stint as Speaker - an impartial position, which she was not - who would expect that she would get such an appointment that can make or break the present Government, so soon. What a pity, when there are so many qualified and capable persons in the BVI, that could do the job just as well.
  • Steve (18/05/2020, 10:00) Like (88) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why don't they give some young people a chance at the position, who can serve for many years, instead of the same ones who had their chances job after job and retired? How will the next generation learn and prosper? So many of our youths graduated college and cannot work in their fields here, because they keep re-hiring the same older ones over and over. No disrespect to the elders, but they must give our youths a chance to make a living now, just as they were given.
  • P (18/05/2020, 10:31) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
    can’t a younger person be found to fill the post just asking for a student
    • @p (18/05/2020, 16:09) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was thinking the exact thing. The younger people that went to University, get a degree don’t stand a chance in the BVI Unless you have a certain last name and is special. That is one of the reasons most of the young people who leaves for University don’t return.

      • @@P (18/05/2020, 16:47) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        at least we got 2/3 the past few days
        local DPP young
        local AG young
        Local PSC not so young(but good people)
    • Virgin Islander (19/05/2020, 14:33) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      The none of the Public Service Commission members takes up a post per say in the Public Service...it functions somewhat like a Board that meets only periodically. In this instance, they meet once a week to discuss matters of employment in the Government. While I am all for hiring young people for available positions, in this instance I think having experienced individuals fill the role of the PSC is appropriate.
  • C S C (18/05/2020, 10:33) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
    How about giving it to C S C
  • GG (18/05/2020, 10:38) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bring she back 2 wha Again? Lord help we in this place.
  • priest (18/05/2020, 11:20) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Now the battle begins. This has been our "Achilles Heel" fighting amongst our selves for top posts. While we are doing so others are building the foundation. At the right moment it is removed, a collapse occurs. The top posts become vacant again only to be filled by appointees of Britain.
  • Lost Credability (18/05/2020, 11:24) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    I understand she might need the money, but Ms. Archibald lost here credability a long time ago. She should just retire quietly.
  • Ri (18/05/2020, 11:31) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    The Gov is a willful young man likes trouble
  • My goodness gracious (18/05/2020, 11:41) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is she even physically and mentally capable? The previous chair could barely walk. Come on Gus this is so wrong not just to the service but to this lady.
    The UK extended your appointment for a next year but you definitely need to exit in August.
  • kkk (18/05/2020, 11:54) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply

    just another attempt by G.. to trip up Fahie and the VIP, wicked w**** man

  • wow (18/05/2020, 11:54) Like (12) Dislike (9) Reply
    What happened to being impartial? Why does who she supports matter? You people does really need to give it a rest sometimes.
  • FYI (18/05/2020, 12:34) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    She is the premier's cousin and this could full well be a conflict of interest
  • the Lord is my shepherd (18/05/2020, 13:06) Like (13) Dislike (9) Reply
    She is a good a good lady. Understands the process and is willing to serve. Hope one day i am given a chance when i retire.
  • facts (18/05/2020, 13:10) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    THIS GOBERNOR NEEDS TO GO
  • Forward ever Backward never (18/05/2020, 13:23) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    SMFH. I have nothing against Inez. I have a problem with the partisan politics that is ruling this small territory. Really, why is Inez Archbald appointed to this post is beyond my comprehension. What metrics were used to come to this decision? We are on the move going full speed Backwards. God save us.
  • @ fact (18/05/2020, 13:31) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    go where
    a school child said he & the police man done buy house

  • Me (18/05/2020, 13:41) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    In my opinion, this was a move initiated and put in motion by the Deputy Governor, Mr. D. Archer. She is his mentor and so he would gladly support her.
  • Kitchen Table Group Panel (18/05/2020, 14:26) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our only comment, huge backward move.
  • Many steps backwards (18/05/2020, 14:28) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply

    Inez is coming back in the service to do exactly what? This is a poor decision made by this Governor he needs to go from the BVI. His ultimate goal is to destroy the Fahie administration every opportunity he gets?? Sad sad sad

  • We in trouble (18/05/2020, 14:40) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    We in real trouble... This One Vex my spirit...
  • Disinterested (18/05/2020, 14:45) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    In a supposedly self-governing territory, the Guv is the power broker; the Guv has too much power. But it is the VI fault, for this what it negotiated at the last constitutional review. Who led that constitutional review effort? Nothing against Ms. V. Inez Hodge Archibald and when the nation beckons one should respond. She has served the territory the territory well. Nonetheless, are there no Millennials or younger Boomers with the requisite experience that could have been given the opportunity to serve? Why we keep looking backwards time and time again to a small cadre of connected people to fill positions. This clearly is perhaps a mischief making political move; it isn’t shameful that the crown rep is “ bomboshaying” in local politics. The FCO needs to recall the Guv, for engaging in divisiveness politics. Nevertheless, some people in government is going to be as silence as a church mouse on this issue. Watch this comment.

  • Bisa (18/05/2020, 15:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My comment is to Me. You really saw that one from behind the banana bush, 100 points go to the head of the class.
  • dog man (18/05/2020, 15:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have all drew respect for that lady! But I cannot see why the government make a move like that,How a we to move bvi forward if we keep whole down the next person in line.
  • Interested (18/05/2020, 15:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes! I love it
  • Pot calling Kettle (18/05/2020, 16:29) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    All I am seeing ever since election is all of the current Government's political party supporters being appointed roles left, right, and centre many with no expertise in the area and many who would be Yes-men/women.

    The current political party complained about the other party doing exactly what they are now doing.
  • The TRUTH (18/05/2020, 17:53) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    @Me, if you don’t know keep your mouth shut. Mentored David Archer in what? You mean he did her work for her? You mean she tried to keep him back.
    But who God bless no man curse.
    Bad minded evil set ah people.
  • ccc (18/05/2020, 19:07) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    The governor is bad news he wrong to appoint this old lady
  • musa (18/05/2020, 19:07) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sad new go home and have some fun time mama
  • So ok, fine (18/05/2020, 19:15) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Women is taking the reins now in the BVI, things is moving in the right direction for a Woman to be the first Female Premier when Andrew leaves office in 8 years.
  • Innovation (18/05/2020, 19:56) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Our BVI will never grow if we keep putting the same old farts in positions. Do you mean to tell me that there are no young qualified persons in BVI for this position? This place is pitiful.
  • Interested (19/05/2020, 05:49) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    For those who want the Governor recalled.He goes another one comes.What is the difference.
  • VG (19/05/2020, 06:19) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This whole Governor foolishness needs to do away with....there is no use for this in this day and age....
  • Virgin Islands (19/05/2020, 10:19) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hon . Premier Please bring back Guy Hill he would be the best choice to hep us with our borders protection and immigration issues.
  • Long arm of oppression (20/05/2020, 10:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why???????????????????????????????????????????????
  • GG (22/05/2020, 14:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This Government needs to stop. This Lady is way pass retirement. The rich will continue to get richer. Government need to focus on succession plan. Capable persons will never get a chance when they keep holding on to older folks who should be home enjoying their retirement. Premier, re we saying that no one else who is not retired could have fill this position? If not, that's a shame.


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