Public officers are the engine that keeps the machinery of gov't moving- Premier Wheatley
This was stated by the Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), during his remarks at the Public Service Week Recognition Ceremony, which was held under the theme 'Celebrating Our People, Strengthening Our Service', on October 9, 2025.
In his speech recognising the public service and public officers, the Premier said, "From Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda to Tortola, your hands and hearts touch every corner of this Territory. You are the ones who ensure that our schools operate, our hospitals provide care, our ports function, our communities stay safe, and our people continue to thrive."
He added, "Through storms, challenges, and triumphs, you have shown resilience beyond measure. You rise above the obstacles, find solutions, and keep our Virgin Islands moving forward. Your work is not just service, it is nation-building. And for that, we say a resounding thank you. Today, we pay special tribute to approximately 220 remarkable officers who have reached milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service.’’
Sincere gratitude for your enduring service
"On behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your enduring service. You are the pillars upon which our progress stands.’’
Premier Wheatley highlighted one of the most significant achievements in the recent history of the Virgin Islands Public Service as the crucial role public officers played in preserving the self-government of the Virgin Islands.
He noted that through their tireless dedication, public officers successfully completed the demanding Governance Reform agenda. This accomplishment has "strengthened our institutions and showcased the integrity and capability of the Virgin Islands Public Service to the world".
He also praised public officers for their excellence in compelling the UK Foreign Secretary to initiate the process of lifting the Order in Council.
"This momentous victory protected over half a century of progress and self-determination. This was no small feat. You proved the doubters wrong. You showed that the Virgin Islands Public Service stands second to none."
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16 Responses to “Public officers are the engine that keeps the machinery of gov't moving- Premier Wheatley”
He did not continue?
…and for progressing the advancement of my quarter of a million dollar pay check. You have my sincere gratitude!
No that will be all the charities and charitable givers that keep having to provide the funds because you given the rest ot yourselves and your friends.
Good service given without the efficient money to buy the civil servants, and officers, all not just some of them, needs fall well short of your promises, and reasonable expectation.
Oh, before I forget the following; minimum wages of $7.25 per hours for adiquate survival for civil, and other non civil servant workers, "can't cut it,", either.
The above happened, and happening, as far as work for pay, and pay for work, maybe a large part of the problems that the B.V.I is now face with, in my honest, and humble opinion, Premier.
Nevertheless, public officials are often caricatured, maligned, treated harshly and unflatteringly, viewed as lazy, incompetent, and bureaucratic, etc, until needed, eg, during extreme weather conditions ( hurricanes, flooding), pandemics, and other emergency situations. The truth is that there are few aspects of citizens lives which would not be chaotic without public officials. Government is legit.
Moreover, senior public officials are employed,, for the most part , as permanent and supposedly non-partisan advisors to elected or appointed officials based on their experience in public affairs, technical, and administrative knowledge, etc. Further, they are the repository of corporate knowledge, ensuring a smooth and seamless transfer among a change of elected and appointed officials.
Further, public officials in political speak are deemed as the most important resource, yet they often seem to be left holding the short end the stick relative to getting a commensurate share of available resources. They may not be feeling that they are the most important resource. Words on paper is one thing, but words in action are more important and powerful.