Ministers Reject Victimising Public Servants
Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith told the House of Assembly she believes fears of political victimisation in the public service are a thing of the past and that ministers are focused on doing their work. Smith pointed to strengthened checks after the Commission of Inquiry and urged improved collaboration between ministers and permanent secretaries as the constitutional review progresses.
Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith has assured the public that government ministers are not seeking to victimise public servants, saying ministers are focused on delivering their work rather than pursuing political vendettas. Speaking in the House of Assembly while addressing recommendations from the ongoing constitutional review, Smith said: "I hope that cries of victimisation or fear of victimisation and the like are a thing of the past.
Ministers are simply interested in getting their work done." She added that strengthened checks and balances implemented after the Commission of Inquiry (COI) should give residents further confidence in accountability. Smith's remarks came as elected representatives consider recommendations that touch on the relationship between ministers and permanent secretaries.
The constitutional review report raised concerns about so-called "ministerial overreach," including suggestions that ministers might not sit within their own ministries. Describing that proposal as "beyond [her] comprehension," Smith argued the debate should move from restrictions on where ministers sit to practical measures that build a productive working relationship between ministers and permanent secretaries. "I would respectfully suggest that we concentrate more on how to build a positive and meaningful relationship between the minister and the permanent secretary because they really need each other to succeed," she said.
On the question of who should lead the public service, Smith said she believes political leadership should remain with a minister and pointed to Bermuda's model as a potential reference. In Bermuda, the Minister of the Cabinet Office is politically responsible for the public service and human resources, while the governor retains responsibility for appointments and discipline.
Smith described that arrangement as a possible "halfway house" for the Virgin Islands, provided clear reporting lines are established. The constitutional review is still being refined by elected representatives. Once finalised, a negotiating team will be formed to press for greater autonomy for the Virgin Islands in forthcoming talks with the United Kingdom.
Smith's comments signal the government's preference for stronger ministerial accountability combined with institutional safeguards to reassure public servants and residents alike. As discussions continue, BVI residents can expect further debate in the House of Assembly and consultations about how best to balance political leadership, civil service independence, and oversight following the COI recommendations.
Primary source: BVI News