Stephen McMaster had acted in the capacity as President of VICSA following the exit of elected President Shaina Smith. Photo: VINO

McMaster (left) congratulates new President of VICSA Tasha Bertie.

The new President is Tasha Bertie, who took over the reins following elections on March 8, 2012 where she won over McMaster by 20 votes.

Mr. McMaster said he was privileged over the past two years to serve through the Virgin Islands Civil Service Association (VICSA), as the Vice President and with the resignation of former President Shaina Smith, as the Ag. President.

“I cannot leave the platform without taking this time to say thank you while recognizing the support enveloped with words of understanding as together we gained renewed interest in the affairs of Public Officers. Many of you have sent me emails expressing appreciation to the team President Shania left to conduct the business of VICSA and for the way I led. I thank you for your kind words, and commit to serving at any point the association desires. It truly was an experience words cannot give due diligence to, I have learnt and grown much from the time.”

Asked by Virgin Islands News Online what were his achievements in office, Mr. McMaster said his team was able to build the reputation of VICSA while bringing recognition to it by both Government and the private sector. “We were also able to get the benefits programme back on stream as a result of getting the attention of businesses. We have also seen a growth in membership.”

Mr. McMaster also pledged his full support for the new executive and encouraged others to do the same. “Elections have occurred and you have overwhelmingly indicated that the team you have chosen is being led by now President Tasha Bertie, with Mr. Jeremy Hodge as her support. I congratulate them both along with their team who now form our Executive Committee. They are both capable and well able of the task that is before us. I ask that we all in one accord give them our support as the journey is yet unchartered. Once more I say congratulations to the Executive Committee and offer you any support you would want of me.”

Ms. Bertie, who will now lead the Virgin Islands Civil Service Executive Arm for the next two years, reiterated her team’s position that the concerns of the Civil Service will become the agenda for the team.

“I would like to congratulate and thank all public officers for coming out and exercising their democratic right by voting. It is now time for us to come together as one so that we can turn the Civil Service Association into a first class organization. We look forward to meeting with all public officers, so that we can work together to make this the best two years for the Civil Service Association.” she said, “Though we are the ones elected, you are the ones that matter and in the next two years we build a team that exemplifies what T.E.A.M. means; working together everyone achieves more.”

Other elected members of the VICSA are Pascha Stoutt, who won over Angela Herbert and another candidate Violata Cline for the position of Secretary; Violet deCastro was elected Assistant Secretary over Antanette Warner after winning by 13 votes; Carol Smith was victorious over contesting candidate Akeymo Percival by ten votes for the post of Public Relations Officer while Laurel Smith retained the position of Treasurer as the only non-contested candidate.

The Virgin Islands Civil Service Association acts as a corporate body with objectives inclusive of uniting all public servants of the Territory and establishing and maintaining high standards of efficiency in the Public Service.