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by pltm
(PLTM) - While the Government has faced political pressure over the decision to hire political advisors, they have since moved to advertise for an advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Vincent Wheatley for a period of three years.
The advertisement for the position was published via the Government's website today, November 29, and features a salary range of $60,408-$84,408 annually.
The scope of works includes serving as a conduit between the Minister’s political agenda and his/her public service agenda. In doing so, the successful candidate will work with the Permanent Secretary to ensure that there is a clear distinction between the two roles.
Other services to be rendered includes meeting with permanent secretaries to discuss the advice being put to ministers; providing, in the context of the purpose of the position, research, strategic analysis and advice to the Minister in his or her Ministerial role by: gathering critical information in order to provide expert advice and consultative services on issues; reviewing papers, proposals and other subject matter going to the Minister, drawing attention to any political considerations that the Minister should take into account in his/her decision making.
The advice will also include “devilling” for the Minister, and checking facts and research findings from a party political Viewpoint; liaising and consulting with relevant stakeholders, to obtain information, to seek advice and to assist the Minister.
The advisor will also be charged with ensuring ministers’ political direction is developed and communicated to his/her constituents; keeping a close check and monitoring political interest within the community; and taking part in political reviews that may be organised within the community as necessary.
Further, the advisor will also be providing political content to communication that is being issued by Ministers in a political space and representing the views of the Ministers to the media on the direction of the Minister. Additionally, working with other Ministerial staff to complete assignments from the Minister as necessary; managing information requirements for tasks in accordance with the purpose of the role.
The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands approved the hiring of one political advisor per minister and junior minister and three for the Premier and Minister for Finance. The Government faced backlash when the move was disclosed via a Cabinet brief. Members of the opposition continue to argue that the monies spent on advisors could be better spent on other critical areas including schools.
The remuneration package is in two bands; (1) for the Adviser to the Premier, the remuneration range is between $79,440 and $120,000 per annum; and (2) for the Adviser to the other Ministers and Junior Ministers, the remuneration range is $60,408 to $84,408 per annum.
The former National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Kevin 'OJ'Smith was the first to be hired under the programme. It was later revealed that Smith had been hired at the highest level for political advisors in the Premier’s Office, with a salary scale of $120,000 per annum or $10,000 per month.
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