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UPDATE: Prudence Mathavious reports to ME&C as Deputy Sec.

-List of shake ups by NDP Administration continues unabated!
Former Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Prudence Mathavious has taken up the post of Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture. Photo: VINO/File
Ms. Tasha Bertie has been replaced in the post of Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture by Mrs. Mathavious. Photo: VINO/File
Ms. Tasha Bertie has been replaced in the post of Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture by Mrs. Mathavious. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Just as firstly and accurately reported by this news site in April of this year, we can confirm that Mrs. Prudence Mathavious has now taken up her post as Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Mrs. Mathavious, who reported to the Ministry last month, has replaced Ms. Tasha Bertie who has been reverted back to her post as Assistant Secretary.

Since the NDP took office last year, there has been a series of public sector shake ups that were firstly and accurately reported by this news site. These movements of civil servants have resulted in persons being either fired, transferred, or sent on extended vacation leaves, along with a few reassignments and the return of some retirees to the service and the promotion of others.

All of these movements of civil servants were done with the full knowledge and blessings of the NDP Government, according to one of our sources within the ruling administration. It remains unclear whether this post was advertised to give others an opportunity to be considered or if it was simply an internal Ministry move.

It was in 2008 when Mrs. Mathavious, the wife of Robert Mathavious, Financial Services Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, was removed from her post as Acting Chief Education Officer and reassigned to the post of Deputy Coordinator of the National Curriculum Redesign Project. The person who replaced her was Dr. Marcia Potter- the now Acting Permanent Secretary in the same Ministry that Mrs. Mathavious has now headed to.

This news site was informed that the substantive holder of the post of Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Education is law student Suzette Vanterpool.

A source also told this news site that the movement of Mrs. Mathavious to the Ministry has the blessings of the Education and Culture Minister Myron V. Walwyn. The Deputy Secretary post is a government job that attracts an annual salary of $55,772-$83,436 in grade 16 on the salary scale.

History of shake ups since NDP took office- Updated information

Thus far, the Labour Commissioner Oleanvine Maynard has been removed from office, and replaced by Janice Rymer. She has been recently given a one year acting appointment extension.

Her removal came days after the sacking of Ray George from the Ministry of Communications and Works, the extended leave of Accountant General Kharid Fraser, and the denial of a contract renewal to Otto O’Neal, the former Cabinet Secretary. Mr. O’Neal’s last day on the job was December 15, 2011. He was replaced by Sandra Ward.

Mr. O’Neal was forced to retire when others in the service are still on the job with more years than him and much older.  His brother Vincent O’Neal has also been denied a contract renewal as Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority and reports suggested that he was treated in an unprofessional an undignified way two days before he demitted office.

This week it was reported that the esteemed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Julian Willock was allegedly terminated by the UK appointed Governor with the blessings of the NDP Government.

Also, there was the reassignment of Dr. Drexel Glasgow from his post at the Public Works Department and replaced by Jeffrey Skelton, the brother of the Health and Social Development Minister Ronnie W. Skelton and the non-renewal of the contract of Ms. Sherri L. Ortiz for the post of Executive Director of International Finance Centre. She was replaced by Elise Donovan, who was the head of International Affairs at the Premier’s Office.

Last month, Sylvia Moses was removed as Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department and transferred to the Premier’s Office, as was Hadassah Ward from the post of Director of the BVI Tourist Board to the same office.

Mrs. Rosalie Adams, who retired prematurely over a leaked FCO letter on Biwater, was returned as Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office following the November 2011 elections.

In addition, the NDP has seemingly given its supporters lucrative consultancy contracts while telling the public the country was left “broke” by the now opposition Virgin Islands Party of Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

48 Responses to “UPDATE: Prudence Mathavious reports to ME&C as Deputy Sec.”

  • hi (30/04/2012, 07:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government of the BVI i was waiting for this a long time........ Bertie go back to the classroom do not worry with the NDP....
    • DarkVader (30/04/2012, 10:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The class room is where Miss Bertie is more needed. That is what she was educated for. I dont understand all the fuss about who got moved and sacked and who contracts were given to. The VIP Government did the same thing and to some of their supporter well over the past years that they were in power. The government is low on funds but work must go on, contracts still has to be given out to help better the economy. New ideas are needed. The present government cannot stop the country. They must operate on the deficit they met and try to find ways to bring new monies in the country to erase this deficit. I am still surprised some of us here bloging about changes. That is a part of all governments.
      • critic (30/04/2012, 11:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        this doesn't makes it right
      • janent williams (01/05/2012, 06:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        Who the hell are you to determi where tasha belongs? She belongs being the dam ps over a jamacian
        • Truth Is (01/05/2012, 09:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          I agree with the bloger. The school needs Ms. Berti more than the Ministry. I have nothing against her. I do not think she will be able to be loyal to the new minister of education. It's a political thing and I say that not meaning it is right.
      • Nicky (05/10/2012, 14:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        DarkVader, i agree 100% with your comment. Ppl should stop hurting them head the government will be just fine. I worked with Tasha at Althea Scatliff and i must agree she did a great job. I thin that is where she belong.
      • Schupps (06/10/2012, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You know what's interesting. People could always give their 2 cents on a situation when they are not in the shoes of the person who's going through it.
      • Do so don't Like so! (07/10/2012, 06:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        If Ms. Bertie is required back in the class room according to your argument, then next election we the ciizens of this country will send the elected Doctors back to their Medical Practices for that is where they are needed!
        • well said (09/10/2012, 16:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          I couldn't say it better myself. I agree 100% expecially Dr. Smith, he is a weak leader.
  • dem say (30/04/2012, 07:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well sah more rewards for supporters
  • QICK SAND (30/04/2012, 08:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    here we go again the sysem is now political...no one can argue wid me on dat....
    • dude (30/04/2012, 08:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      System always been political remember 4 yrs ago thery were firing Robert until Omar started begging for him LOL
      • facts man (30/04/2012, 10:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Please!!!"dude" dem could never fire Robert both NDP and VIP afraid he no one, I mean none got the balls to touch he trust I…
  • insider (30/04/2012, 08:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron going regret this!
    • OK (30/04/2012, 09:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You see..... who them touch could tell the tale.
    • talk girl talk (30/04/2012, 11:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      for real all he ha dto do was ask the Bron bummer!
    • big bird (30/04/2012, 14:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with 'insider' the Ministry of Education will be nothing but pure confusion now.....
  • Ally (30/04/2012, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Deputy Secretary... Assistant Secretary.. isnt that the same thing? Someone please tell me the chain of command so I can better understand.
    • tretert (30/04/2012, 15:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Deputy (Permanent) Secretary is next in command to the Permanent Secretary and will act in the absence of the Permanent Secretary, who is the administrative head of the ministry. The Assistant Secretary is normally the natural progression to the Deputy (Permanent) Secretary post, to that end the Assistant Secretary does not have the administration responsibilies as that of the Deputy, but more so are programme directors/coordinators and desk managers. Hope this helps
  • school children (30/04/2012, 09:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    vino ayo dey best always on top of dey melee ayo ain ez mehson.....
  • dog meat (30/04/2012, 14:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well at least she born here unlike the Jamdown PS so back off me barry girl
    • big daddy Tom (01/05/2012, 10:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i agree Prudence not only born here but she is very qulified to be the PS...no jamacian should hold that post in the BVI!!!
      • North Sound (01/05/2012, 14:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        i do not usally blog but this is one time I agree she is bvislander and while we understand the politics of it she from here and should be queen in she homeland..BAM
        • keep it real (01/05/2012, 21:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          for god sake born here do not mean a thing as there is a hunt out for who born here so they can be victimize and discriminate against...trust me locals catching hell in the service under the bow tie dude and the wicked lady
  • ausar (30/04/2012, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who will now replace Sherry ? I remember when Mrs. Smith retired from that postion, a whole heap of hoopla over the qualifications she held vs Mrs. Smith. Imagine the community compared the FIRST LADY of the country to a not- so-well known! I do not know who will replace Sherry, but I will end by saying: No one can be compared to our First Lady. What a woman of elegance and class. Sherry, I pray you will find your place elsewhere in this country. You are beautiful and with your qualifications, I believe you will do just fine!
    • one eye (30/04/2012, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      TO AUSAR: You all please do not go there with this first lady thing. Everybody has their strengths and weakness. Remember Mrs. O’Neal is also a woman of class, humility and god fearing. Both first ladies are great people and have different style. I like them both…..
  • SMDH (30/04/2012, 19:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thought Mactavious was retired. Why isn't she retired? Miss Bertie has done well in that job. She should be allowed to continue.
    • ... (30/04/2012, 21:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Myron took his time with this one. Tasha should have known this was coming sooner or later.
    • Just saying! (01/05/2012, 09:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Really now...Why them don't talk about all the times she seem to undermine all those PS's he had which I'm quite sure its more than eight because of who she is affilated with. She is not just an associate, she is also on the committee. So be quite about it!
  • jj (01/05/2012, 21:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tasha Bertie got a knife in her back on this one!!!
  • yyy (05/10/2012, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Aaaaaaaaah now no one can clime vino does not report the facts let me see how they reply to this one
  • BREAKING NEWS (05/10/2012, 16:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You could tell BVI people don't travel, listen or watch the news! When there is a change in Governments all over the WORLD, they bring in their own people and let go or transfer the other ruling party people!

    Mr Melee resigned from Touristboard as soon as VIP lost the elections, he knows they will let him go and bring in their people!

    If VIP gets back in power, the same shifting will go on again. Mr Melee will be Chairman of TB, Ms Ward will be Director, Tasha will be Andrew secretary etc!!
  • hmmmm (05/10/2012, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now clean up training division. Starting with the head ...
  • power play (06/10/2012, 13:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Dese jobs are much to do about nothing just a few thinking they have power when in fact they have little!

  • Eagle and Buffalo (06/10/2012, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI government is a bureaucratic, bloated, costly and dysfunctional organization. And until a comprehensive restructuring,and professionalism building transformation occurs it will remain so. For starters, the ministries are top heavy adminstratively and needs flattening out; it is a wonder they do not tip over. Then again they are dysfunctional and rifed with fear that they have tipped over. The governing structure needs reforming. But the power players lacks the courage to do so. The emperors think that they are clothed but the field hands know they are not but dare not tell them. It appear as if working for government is a hostile working environment; jobs are somewhat secured if you or your family support the party in power. How can any employee be creative,innovative and productive in this unhealthy environment. Like Afghanistan, Mogadishu, North Korea ....etc, are failed countries, the BVI may be approaching a failed status if it does not check itself and quickly. The politicians cannot do it; the people have to demand it.


    unhealthy environment. Like Afghanistan, Mogadishu. etc are
  • Observer (07/10/2012, 11:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Eagle and Buffalo

    please finish your post. You speak the truth.

    The Ministries are top-heavy, vertical, non-functioning bureaucracies which stifle creativity among the staff. The Ministers are dictatorial and tyrannical and the PSs are oblivious or too passive to make a difference. The Civil Servants have no voice and no say in any process. Officers who are paid for their training and knowledge to shape the process are transferred, fired, sidelined, or blackballed by PSs, administrators, and Ministers who continue to wallow in their own ignorant self-importance and aggrandizement to the detriment of the territory.

    This is why we have a hospital that will cost in excess of 100 million for 60 odd beds, non-functioning greenhouses, the most expensive bridge per foot in the world etc etc. On the other side we have no running water to most households, poor quality electricity, overpriced telecommunication services, deteriorating road network, poor healthcare infrastructure, poor education infrastructure, no price protection etc etc. Meanwhile we have public funds paving driveways, building private retaining walls, cutting bush etc and people talking foolishness about independence.

    I weep for the Blessed Virgin Islands

  • Native Boy (08/10/2012, 04:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look how the NDP has politicizes the civil service with the help of Inez and McClarey..SHAME SHAME
  • BVislander (09/10/2012, 17:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a BVIslander; i have never with Mrs. Mactavious or Ms. Bertie, hence I cannot attest to their performance. However, I believe if a person has the formal training and the requisite experience to do a job, then I say gave them a chance.

    One of the problems I see in the BVI is that government are not selecting individuals who have a vision and a passion for this country, but rater individuals are selected based on their passion for a "individual party" (NDP or VIP). Too often I go to a government office and I speak with inidvuals in senior mangement position who cannot strategies and not see beyond their desk much less the future.

    If our employment practices do not change, we would continue to say that BVI has one of the healties economies in the Caribbean, but if you look around we can't see where the money is. Look at our hospital, look at our roads, look at our education system,...... All of these are as a result of poor management and lack of leadership.

    I am of the opinion that if someone is sitting in a position for 5, 10 and in some cases 20 years and haven't made an impact they should be moved ... for it is not about an individual nor a party it is about OUR COUNTRY.


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