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‘We need whistleblowing legislation!' – Doug Wheatley

-said persons must be able to make reports without suffering consequences
Talk Show host Doug Wheatley believes it is important to have whistleblowing legislation and the mechanism for persons to make reports when things are not being done as prescribed by law or standards in state and other agencies. Photo: Internet source
“It is important that we provide an avenue and a mechanism whereby if someone sees something that is going on, that is not in keeping with the proper standards of behaviour or proper standards of operating of the department or whatever, they should be able to report that without suffering any adverse consequences for their actions because in the long run it is intended to improve the system,” Wheatley said. Photo: VINO/File
“It is important that we provide an avenue and a mechanism whereby if someone sees something that is going on, that is not in keeping with the proper standards of behaviour or proper standards of operating of the department or whatever, they should be able to report that without suffering any adverse consequences for their actions because in the long run it is intended to improve the system,” Wheatley said. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Talk Show host Doug Wheatley believes it is important to have whistleblowing legislation and the mechanism for persons to make reports when things are not being done as prescribed by law or standards in state and other agencies.

He made this point on his 'Speak Out BVI' radio talk show aired on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday evening October 7, 2014.

“Several weeks ago on this radio station I spoke of the importance of whistleblowing legislation and again today I am going to talk about it,” he said.

“It is important that we provide an avenue and a mechanism whereby if someone sees something that is going on, that is not in keeping with the proper standards of behaviour or proper standards of operating of the department or whatever, they should be able to report that without suffering any adverse consequences for their actions because in the long run it is intended to improve the system,” he said.

“So people should have the freedom and the opportunity to be able to go to some agency and say I have observed such and such and I don’t think it is right,” he said.

“I am not here making any allegations against any institution or anyone. What I am saying is that we are all human and things happen and what we have to do is to be truthful to ourselves and to others to make sure that if things happen that should not have happen we have to make sure that there is no recurrence,” he said.

At Large Representative in the House of Assembly Honourable Archibald C. Christian had said during a sitting earlier in the year that he had no sympathy for whistleblowers the likes of Edward Snowden in the United States, a statement that caused many to question the principles of this legislator.

9 Responses to “‘We need whistleblowing legislation!' – Doug Wheatley”

  • DON Q (08/10/2014, 17:10) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    For real because people are afraid to be victimised by the end NDP if they speak out on the corruption
  • 4.0 (08/10/2014, 17:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes we need legislation to protect persons from those who would penalize citizens for pointing out some short coming or deficiency in the system. We need it now before the next election.
  • wth (08/10/2014, 18:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree because there are employees who have already being victimized in their jobs by private companies who only merely suspect but have no proof that their breaches or potential breaches of the countries legal legs and regs might be reported to the authorities concerned.
  • NICK (08/10/2014, 18:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    with the new act, whistle blowers can be thrown in jail if they tell confidential information to the media.
    Start blowing the whistle at legislators who make secret deals and don't uphold the laws.
  • Mugshots (09/10/2014, 06:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do we need when so much things are being leaked even FCO letters?
  • Online Now (09/10/2014, 09:32) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    We also need legislation to prosecute those people who are continually leaking official documents to the press - those "Government insiders".
  • will not work (09/10/2014, 10:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Such legislation will never work in the BVI. The Whistleblower will be prosecuted by the very Government, if he or she blows on a company that is in bed with the Goverment, or, if it is a Politician's Wh....te buddy. Fact.
  • grove street (10/10/2014, 13:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    s nitches get s titches, the grove 4 life


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