Include Deputy Governor in Removal Mechanisms
At-Large Representative Stacy “Buddha” Mather says the constitutional review’s proposed accountability reforms should extend beyond ministers to include the Deputy Governor. He argues that stronger, clearer removal and integrity mechanisms are needed to rebuild public confidence in government.
At-large Representative Stacy “Buddha” Mather has urged that the Deputy Governor be included among public officials subject to formal removal mechanisms, as the House of Assembly continues debate on the constitutional review report. Mather told colleagues the review’s recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability are justified because many residents feel there are too few ways to hold leaders to account while in office.
He singled out recommendations 7 to 10, which focus on reform mechanisms for elected members and ministers, and asked why the Deputy Governor was not similarly included. “Recommendations 7 to 10 focus on reform mechanisms for elected members, and they single out ministers. Why would they single out ministers?” Mather asked. “If the public is asking that question, there’s something they’re not satisfied with … because people need a way to say this is enough, we have had enough.” Mather — who acknowledged laughter from some colleagues when he spoke — said he supports introducing legislation to make the Deputy Governor subject to removal procedures.
He pointed to recent work by the Commission of Inquiry and the constitutional review as evidence that stronger codes of conduct and integrity measures are needed to restore public confidence in governance. He also raised concerns about how ministers are currently “appraised” only through general elections every four years, arguing that such infrequent review would be unacceptable in most professions. “Have you ever seen an appraisal system in the government extended to the ministers?
Any other job in the world, do you get four years to pass before you get reviewed?” he asked. Mather added that elected officials must do more to communicate their work to constituents, saying residents sometimes do not know what representatives do because officials do not show or tell them.
He said the constitutional review process itself offers a model for improved public engagement and transparency. Including the Deputy Governor in removal provisions would represent a significant change to public administration and likely require new legislation or constitutional amendment.
The Deputy Governor, as head of the public service and senior official in the territory’s administration, occupies a different status to ministers, so any move to change accountability mechanisms would prompt detailed legal and political debate. The constitutional review discussion continues in the House of Assembly as lawmakers weigh recommendations intended to strengthen integrity, accountability and public trust in BVI institutions.
Primary source: BVI News