‘I don't take sides! Will work with next Govt!’ – Gov John S. Duncan
The Governor made the statement during an exclusive interview with this news site on November 20, 2014 in which he spoke to a number of issues in the Territory.
He was at the time responding to concerns of the public that he was ‘playing nice’ with the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and turning a blind eye to what has been described as victimization in some quarters.
“Politicians often ask me what side I’m on, both in the UK and in this country. I am not on anybody’s side; I take a professional view looking at the merits of the situation. So have there been instances of victimization? I have not seen any. If I came across them I would deal with them. If someone brings a case to me I will look at it,” he said.
“But I am not on anybody’s side. I am the Governor. My job is not to be on anybody’s side. It is to work with the Government in power and as I said in my inaugural speech, for the benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said. “If there is an election and the Government changes I will work with the next Government,” he said.
Asked whether there might be some disparity between what he considers victimization and what citizens working in the public service might consider it to be, he said he would be looking at it from the perspective of whether there are rules and regulations governing the way people are appointed, the way they are employed and if they get into difficulties the way that they are disciplined.
“Obviously when someone brings a case to me I will look at those rules and regulations and see that they have been properly fulfilled. I am concerned that some of the public service commissions have not got their regulations properly approved yet. That’s an area that I wish to look at and make sure that it is dealt with quickly,” he said.
“Because without these rules and regulations it is difficult for people to get the confidence that their case would be dealt with; and people do feel that they have been unfairly dealt with, it is a natural human reaction. If they have a complaint they need to be sure that the process will allow their complaint to be heard and if necessary heard by the Governor.
He said that once he gets a complaint from someone who feels they have been unfairly treated the first thing he would look at is whether they have gone through the prescribed processes in place to protect them.
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16 Responses to “‘I don't take sides! Will work with next Govt!’ – Gov John S. Duncan”
Matter of fact, what is his role and capacity? Wonder if he even knows himself.
I tried to look for the official duties of the Non-Elected Governor and couldn't find anything. Could someone please elaborate on what it is he does?
I still believe it is too early for anyone to say that you are taking sides. After all, part of your function is to socialize- nothing wrong with that. But avoid the TV. They can make or break you!!!