Premier Backs Financial Secretary Amid Controversies
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has reaffirmed his full confidence in Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett despite mounting public scrutiny over recent financial controversies. The Premier insisted on systemic accountability across all levels of public service while highlighting Frett's achievements during major economic challenges.
Natalio Wheatley has expressed his full confidence in Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett, addressing ongoing public scrutiny regarding recent controversial financial transactions involving public funds. Speaking at a press conference on 18 September, Dr. Wheatley affirmed that while accountability must apply across all levels of public administration, including his own office, he continues to support Frett's leadership.
The questioning comes in the wake of two high-profile financial issues affecting the Territory. The first involves an unauthorized $2.5 million investment placed with Jamaica-based Delta Capital Partners, which is currently the subject of an investigation by the Financial Investigation Agency.
The second concerns the Government's ongoing efforts to recover a $5 million deposit placed with the Bank of Asia before the institution entered receivership, following an audit that cited procedural breaches by former Accountant General Arnold Ainsley. When challenged about supervisory responsibilities over the Ministry of Finance during these transactions, Dr.
Wheatley stated that his focus remains on public service delivery rather than assigning political blame. He emphasized that resolving such issues requires a structured system of accountability at both operational and supervisory levels. The Premier also connected the issue to ongoing constitutional negotiations, noting that the local delegation is actively working to bring the public service under the authority of the elected Government to strengthen democratic accountability.
Wheatley further outlined Frett's significant accomplishments during critical periods for the Virgin Islands. He credited the Financial Secretary with leading the Ministry of Finance through the delivery of the Territory's largest budget, steering financial recovery following the Commission of Inquiry, managing post-2017 hurricane reconstruction efforts, and helping the Territory secure its first investment-grade credit rating from S&P Global Ratings.
Addressing calls from public commentators, including radio host Claude Skelton Cline, for a transition in financial leadership, Dr. Wheatley underscored that decisions regarding the tenure, discipline, and retirement of public officers rest under the established processes of the Public Service Commission and the Deputy Governor rather than political commentary.
Primary source: BVI Platinum