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'Give us more responsibilities as Jr Ministers'- Hon Flax-Charles

- asks for reformed constitution to clearly define ministerial roles
As the debate on the motion for VI's constitutional reform progressives in the House, Territorial At-Large Member and Jr Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shareen D. Flax-Charles (AL) has called for more responsibilities to be added to her post. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), serves as the other Junior Minister with responsibility for Tourism. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), serves as the other Junior Minister with responsibility for Tourism. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - During the House of Assembly (HoA) debate on the motion for constitutional reform on July 28, 2020, Territorial At-Large Member and Jr Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) has called for more responsibilities to be added to the two Jr Minister posts.

"As we review this document, Mr Speaker, I humbly posit as a member of this body that we re-consider the accommodations made for the Jr Ministers, their roles must be clearly defined," Hon Flax-Charles said.

Jr Ministers underutilised - Hon Flax-Charles 

"More responsibilities must be given to these posts to enable the more efficient and streamlined operations of the Government," she added. 

Hon Flax-Charles argued that those in the Jr Minister's role have far greater capacities than is being utilised, "As women and men elected to serve, we have potential and promise that can be given even further flesh."

While Sections 52 -56 of the VI Constitution Order 2007 looks at the appointment of Minister, their tenure in office as well as their assignment of responsibilities amongst other functions, there is no clearly defined ministerial roles.

According to Section 56 (5) of the current VI constitution, "Where a Minister has been assigned responsibility under this section for the administration of any department of government, the Minister shall (subject to this Constitution and any other law) exercise direction and control over that department, including directing the implementation of government policy as it relates to that department, and, subject to such direction and control, the department shall, unless otherwise agreed between the Governor and the Premier, be under the supervision of a permanent secretary who shall be a public officer; but two or more departments of government may be placed under the supervision of one permanent secretary." 

'We can do more' - Hon Flax-Charles 

Ministerial appointments are made by the Governor in accordance with the advice of the Premier from among the elected members of the House.

Hon Flax-Charles, in her arguments for more responsibilities, said she is capable and experienced to do even more for the Territory.

"The Premier and I enjoy a distinct relationship... his trust in me is proven by his granting me the responsibility of launching the recently detailed Small Business Relief Grant Programme."

Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), serves as the other Junior Minister with responsibility for Tourism.

25 Responses to “'Give us more responsibilities as Jr Ministers'- Hon Flax-Charles ”

  • qc (29/07/2020, 13:13) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    we agree!
  • Much Waste (29/07/2020, 13:39) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    I think for a territory this size and population nine district representatives should be quite sufficient. Maybe we can set up administrative representatives on some of the outer islands. We have to try to do more with less. We have all these at large with basically no adgen.
    • My dear friend (29/07/2020, 14:04) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      Where is your Voice on opening up the Country. I Kno u r not in agreement with this lock down and border closing get some courage. My dear friend if we open the borders tomorrow or we open the borders in November it's doesn't matter. It's going to be the same people we are open up to let in.. Just means they will be coming in more in November. So that makes opening up early the better way. Give you time to get your practice in....
      • Listen and understand (29/07/2020, 16:24) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        You all was glad when she was moved from tourism. Ask the question to the right Jr. minister
    • JVD (29/07/2020, 16:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Outer islands????
  • Sexism? (29/07/2020, 13:46) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only two female members are only junior ministers? Are they the only ones new to the political platform or were some of the males newcomers too? Curious?
  • Women Rise Up (29/07/2020, 13:52) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    It’s looks like the women are being underutilized in this administration. The boys have full portfolios but the women and being treated like tokens. Don’t let the men get away with this, ladies. Call a spade a spade.
  • disappointments (29/07/2020, 14:00) Like (14) Dislike (29) Reply
    Mr. Neville and Ms Shareen. I thought u 2 would be holding the ministers and premier foot to the Fire.. U all Just going along get the Salary and get along. I really thought u all would have been for the regular people. So much people and businesses are suffering,. Not hearing u all voice on this .. When u think u know people u don't really Kno them..
    • Be informed (29/07/2020, 16:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Have you applied for the assistance granted to businesses. You better call trade quick
    • Apply here (29/07/2020, 16:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      http://BVIgov.smapply.io
    • True (29/07/2020, 19:41) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Two dissapointments
    • Mean well (29/07/2020, 20:10) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      But as new comers to this political game, they probably have to watch how they move due to internal politics. When you see them, meet and greet them and see how they can help or advise you. Things aren't always how they seem. They love this country but it's the powers that be that's running things. Think about it.
  • My say (29/07/2020, 14:05) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    As a woman, We need to really step up our game and become the true leaders of the Country. A all woman cabinet would be awesome.
  • Is how u do what I do (29/07/2020, 14:14) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    It's not what you do. Is how u do what u.do. I heard and saw on the news that Croasia a country, the only Country that presently open up to American tourist. Since They open up on July 1st To Americans, they already had quarter milion visitors,.. This is the requirements. A 48 hrs old negative test, Temperature screening at the airport. .Mask in Public places a must. . Z...Not hearing the news report this often. Only fear they pushing..
    So, it's not what you do .. Is how u do it.... Brave and courageous leaders will have their people brave and courageous .....Coward and fearful leaders will keep the people Coward and fearful...Just saying...
  • Ehhh (29/07/2020, 14:51) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    responsibility or power..wa she asking for. cause it got work to do
  • Cross eye (29/07/2020, 15:32) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    I think she can do well with a makeover .
  • crazy (29/07/2020, 20:00) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Somebody say's that look like a WIG.
  • @crazyStop (29/07/2020, 21:03) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop being jealous. She wear what she wants it is none of your business. If you have nothing good to say shut up.
  • Its hers (29/07/2020, 21:43) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Real or fake, wig or natural it's still hers. Why can we allow people to be themselves. Stop looking down on people. Take some self introspection.

    Can your brains or head fit in what's she have on her head. Please go take a seat.
  • fake (30/07/2020, 06:08) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    People who is married and still want to carry their original last names are fake.
    • @ Fake (30/07/2020, 11:20) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      This is 2020. Get over it. Women are no longer chattel who have to carry the name of their owner. The name a couple decides to use (or not use) is a decision for them and them alone to make.
  • In-experience (30/07/2020, 16:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This should have been expressed in Cabinet. It is a Cabinet issue.


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