Premier Wheatley Calls for Enhanced Teamwork in
During the government's mid-year review, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the importance of collaboration within the public service to achieve the territory's developmental goals. Highlighting the new Public Service Management Act, 2024, Wheatley outlined a vision for a sustainable nation aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan.
At the recent government mid-year review, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley urged for stronger teamwork and collaboration among the British Virgin Islands' public service officials, stating that this unity is vital for the territory's future development. Addressing approximately 90 top public officers, Premier Wheatley highlighted the session's focus on the implementation of the newly passed Public Service Management Act, 2024, and its alignment with the territory's National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).
Wheatley articulated the critical relationship needed between government ministers, permanent secretaries, and department heads to foster a productive environment conducive to achieving the NSDP's goals, which include health, education, economy, infrastructure, good governance, and environmental sustainability.
The Act, which was passed in August 2024, mandates senior officials to operate under ministerial guidance, ensuring a cohesive approach to public service management consistent with the Constitution Order of 2007. The Premier's message underlined the importance of the mid-year review as a strategic checkpoint to assess progress and set objectives, not just for the immediate future but also looking towards 2026.
He credited the senior management and ministers for their resilience and dedication amidst challenging times, acknowledging their role in steering the territory towards its developmental aspirations. The NSDP, initiated in 2023, serves as the blueprint for the BVI's long-term development, integrating budget cycles around its six primary goals.
This plan represents a roadmap for sustainable progress, with the government's commitment to these goals reflecting in its policy and budgetary decisions. Premier Wheatley's call for increased cooperation and teamwork within the public service is a pivotal step in realizing these ambitions, marking a significant move towards a more integrated and efficient governance model for the British Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI News