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‘Weaponised accountability’ slowing COVID-19 relief grants @ SSB- Hon Wheatley

-says bureaucracy preventing funds from reaching people
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has blasted bureaucracy and more specifically ‘weaponised accountability’ within the Social Security Board (SSB) for delays in the payout of COVID-19 relief grants. Photo: VINO/File
Based on investigations, Hon Wheatley said that he discovered the root of the problem at the SSB came as a result of three words, “Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance.” Photo: VINO/FILE
Based on investigations, Hon Wheatley said that he discovered the root of the problem at the SSB came as a result of three words, “Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance.” Photo: VINO/FILE
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has blasted bureaucracy and more specifically ‘weaponised accountability’ within the Social Security Board (SSB) for delays in the payout of COVID-19 relief grants.

Speaking on the Tuesday August 18, 2020, edition of the Honestly Speaking show, Hon Wheatley said with regards to persons not receiving funds, the problem at the SSB formed part of a bigger systemic issue. 

Well-meaning system being abused – Hon Wheatley 

Based on investigations, Hon Wheatley said that he discovered the root of the problem came as a result of three words, “Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance,” regarding millions in dollars held up at various institutions. 

“I looked at the effects of those three words on how the country runs financially and I came up with a thesis and it is called the weaponization of accountability.”

Hon Wheatley said what has happened, is that a well-meaning system is now being used for a purpose of which it was not intended. 

More than two months ago the government of the Virgin Islands announced that through a $40ml grant from the Social Security Board (SSB), with some $10ml of those funds allotted for the unemployed and underemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systematic issues identified 

“When you are telling me that unless that I can account for every single penny down to the line, I can’t give you a penny, something is wrong with that,” he said while noting that the issue will be addressed. 

“When we are going to have food on a field spoiling and people are going hungry because I must be able to account for where that food is… rather lose that bag of rice and let it spoil than let you get it because the system of accountability must be perfect, it is a false thing, it is wrong,” he said. 

The grant is meant to bring some temporary relief to hundreds who lost their jobs or were temporarily laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic impacts. 

29 Responses to “‘Weaponised accountability’ slowing COVID-19 relief grants @ SSB- Hon Wheatley”

  • musa (22/08/2020, 11:39) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
    if some one have a full time job for over 5 yrs and connot support him self for 2 months something is going wrong
    • But (22/08/2020, 12:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      what if you invested $50,000 due to the fact that in normal times you would take $50,000 in 10 days and another $150,000 the following month? Now its 5 months later and bills have been paid another $50,000 now my business is just surviving.
  • The white governor again (22/08/2020, 11:49) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply

    The man speaking good the w**** M*** is evil and wicked

  • VIP goal (22/08/2020, 12:01) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    No accountability to empty the treasury!
  • Norris Turnbull (22/08/2020, 12:22) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    When talking about abuse, check yourself Mr.Vincent.
    • @ Ms Norris Turnbull. Thank u.. (22/08/2020, 14:16) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank u very much, Never see a man changed so quickly, from good to bad...
      • lol (22/08/2020, 15:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Typical people! When you’ll get get you’ll selfish ways from anyone Government offical or not that’s the best of your kind. You’ll too much of the “yes yes yes” type. So unhealthy
      • BEAUTIFUL (23/08/2020, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Honestly I am really with you on that .. not sure what's going on with him .. he starting to be like myron big show off . Why cant we just go on our knees and pray for god mercy and for protection as so much is happen . What I realized is everytime he speaks something bad happens to our island
        Because there is power in the words we speak
  • voter (22/08/2020, 12:34) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    the Premier during the campaign promised accountabulity, transparency and good governance,which is why NDP was voted out It is interesting that this minister chooes to villify those attributes.
    • You and ur boss (22/08/2020, 14:12) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Both of you cant always have things you all way. . Those people at social security know their craft, understands their wotk and take their responsibilities very seriously and they aint no easy push over.. Sometimes it pays just to listen and learn..
  • Ghost (22/08/2020, 13:11) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hon. Wheatley I hear you but you’ve used 3 very
    Interesting words, “Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance..the SSB cannot just give out monies though urgently needed without those very 3 words.. look at what our last government did to us with our tax payers monies;.. squandered it without good accountability, transparency or good governance; so can you really blame the Board?:.like I said I hear you but Proper measures have to be put in place to ensure that these monies “are” accounted for..the Board cannot Willy-Nilly give out this large sum of monies Like that and you know this; so I don’t agree with you that’s it’s “weaponization of accountability.”..If we had had “GOOD ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, and GOOD GOVERNANCE with our last administration perhaps 7.2 million dollars of the tex payers monies wouldn’t have been lost in planes we can’t see yet, over-run pier park and the high school wall project and only God knows what else behind the scenes that haven’t yet come to light..so yes they “have to” have it..
  • U have it upside down (22/08/2020, 14:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Financial responsibility is to account for every dollar spent....That is what should be encouraged....U all so like bullying people that when u all meet people u cant bully, u all have a problem..
  • Diaspora (22/08/2020, 15:54) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Accountability, transparency and good governance. These are sound operating practices. To the list, I will add responsibility to the given authority. True, residents have needs and assistance should be disbursed expeditiously but in accordance with authority, accountability and responsibility. Every penny expended by government should be properly accounted for. Surprised and disappointed by the language used by Vincent. Does not Social Security fall under the purview of Vincent ministry? Is this good leadership? The folks at SS should be feeling warm with this leadership, should they not? Vincent needs to look in the mirror?
    • two cents (23/08/2020, 22:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is not right to pay out benefits to persons or businesses who have not been paying in Social Security, NHI or Taxes. You can, not give government their dues, yet aspect bail out.
  • LO (22/08/2020, 16:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

    Wall money ,plane money, and now covid 19 money. No politician never get lock up in the vi.
  • tretretrete (22/08/2020, 16:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    People with children are laid off and get nothing, but you have single persons receiving the funds. How logicial.
  • vi (22/08/2020, 17:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The vip says the nap left the treasury empty how you can empty what’s already empty
  • Yes (22/08/2020, 17:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr minister I was out of job for a month paying social security tax every week u know how much money I got 200 dollars which is not fair that money was shared by friendship sad to say
  • VG Girl (22/08/2020, 18:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vincent most of us understand where you coming from don’t mind the haters you going back ez
  • just words (22/08/2020, 19:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    its all just more words.

    this is to help people put food on the table for April and May.........geeze...wr.d all be dead if we had to rely on this. thank heavens for friends..!!!. its sickening to think that you pay into a system for 30 years and it takes 3 months to process for a payment of 1000 for april and 1000 for may.
    SSB staff are working flat out and we still waiting. whats the problem....???? hon wheatly...3 weeks ago you made a promise after your last investigation into the delays that everyone would be cleared up within 2 weeks......e'hem....we.re still here...still waiting ...still cant pay bills ..still cant buy school books...still cant put food on the table.....you shutting us down like its so easy to deal with.....but you good with you paycheque every month...all of you ministers are...you dont understand the reality of the situation.
    someone in this blog basically said that if you cant go without a pay cheque for 2 months then something is wrong...yup...you got that right, you got any idea what minimum wage isnin this country...what rent costs...how to survive day to day..week to week.......
    it aint easy......but with a government that cant keep its promises and gwt money to the people...that's a huge problem and we tired of the endless excuses
  • next (22/08/2020, 20:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    since my friend application was in all of her friends and coworkers got they money even those that have other jobs and they have not even called her she do not even know what is happening because she doesn't want to go and find out hy it is taking so long this is not good things are tough with people people are suffering in silence
  • racist (23/08/2020, 01:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why the heck we need a white governor in 2020
  • Dose of reality (23/08/2020, 05:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This sounds like when Trump wants to force open schools and economy without following the science just because it may look good politically. Hon Minister, transparency, good governance, accountability; the SSB is showing you what it looks like other than just talk in a political campaign. Actions speak louder than words.
    • what (23/08/2020, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Trump got his report to allow schools to open. We think people of the BVI looking to countries that are not successful in combating the virus. We need to look to countries that are hard immuning and have been successful in combatting the virus.
      We continue to take advise from WHO and the CDC are murderers. People do your research and let the Almighty guide us in this PLANDEMIC.
  • He need to tell the truth (23/08/2020, 07:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anothnite and ira are the problems
  • mother (23/08/2020, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I worked and contributed for over 10 years and i am yet to receive 1 penny.
  • Interested (23/08/2020, 11:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sure The Big Kahouna does not have VINCENT to study.The staff of the SS Board will continue to work diligently and ensure that all applications are genuine and in order,just as they do everyday safe guarding our pensions. Mr Wheatley as the Minister responsible for SS needs to shut his mouth from uttering folly. If he has issues,take them up with those responsible in a private and direct manner.Not on the radio spouting crap.



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