Fears that public officers could face victimisation if elected government gain greater control over the public service were raised during a recent constitutional reform meeting on Anegada.
Responding to those concerns, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley acknowledged that many residents worry politicians could abuse such authority if responsibility for the public service is transferred from the Governor to the elected government.
“People are frightened because they know what human nature is and what human tendencies are. If somebody doesn't support me, I victimize them,” Wheatley said.
The issue forms part of the Virgin Islands' constitutional reform agenda as the Territory prepares for negotiations with the United Kingdom. Among the proposals being pursued is greater authority for the elected government over the public service, which currently falls under the Governor's portfolio.
Wheatley revealed that he has personally faced calls to remove public officers based on perceived political loyalties.
“In fact, some persons tell me, why you don't get rid of this person, that person don't support you, get rid of them,” he stated.
While acknowledging those concerns, the Premier argued that accountability should be based on performance and the implementation of government policies rather than political support.
“Now, if you have some persons who are not interested in executing that mandate, because they themselves might want to frustrate your agenda because they don't support you, that's when I think accountability comes in,” Wheatley said.
The Premier maintained that public officials should be held accountable when they deliberately obstruct the agenda endorsed by voters, but not because of their political views.
The proposal remains one of several constitutional changes the Virgin Islands intends to pursue during upcoming negotiations with the UK which commences next month.
Responding to those concerns, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley acknowledged that many residents worry politicians could abuse such authority if responsibility for the public service is transferred from the Governor to the elected government.
“People are frightened because they know what human nature is and what human tendencies are. If somebody doesn't support me, I victimize them,” Wheatley said.
The issue forms part of the Virgin Islands' constitutional reform agenda as the Territory prepares for negotiations with the United Kingdom. Among the proposals being pursued is greater authority for the elected government over the public service, which currently falls under the Governor's portfolio.
Wheatley revealed that he has personally faced calls to remove public officers based on perceived political loyalties.
“In fact, some persons tell me, why you don't get rid of this person, that person don't support you, get rid of them,” he stated.
While acknowledging those concerns, the Premier argued that accountability should be based on performance and the implementation of government policies rather than political support.
“Now, if you have some persons who are not interested in executing that mandate, because they themselves might want to frustrate your agenda because they don't support you, that's when I think accountability comes in,” Wheatley said.
The Premier maintained that public officials should be held accountable when they deliberately obstruct the agenda endorsed by voters, but not because of their political views.
The proposal remains one of several constitutional changes the Virgin Islands intends to pursue during upcoming negotiations with the UK which commences next month.
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