-
by pltm
(PLTM) - A number of civil servants remain disgruntled and concerned about their salaries and status of employment with government.
BVI Platinum News has confirmed with the Deputy Governor's Office, that some civil servants were not paid on October 13, when the September 30 salary was paid out, noting that active officers were the ones paid.
However, the office explained that those who were not paid had appointment terms issue, but those persons will be paid tomorrow, October 18.
Further, when asked about the October 15 payroll, the Deputy Governor's Office said this will also be paid tomorrow.
"More than 98% of active Public Officers were successfully paid salaries owed for 30 September 2017 on Friday, 13 October 2017," the office said this evening, October 17, in a statement to BVI Platinum News following queries.
The office added, "The few officers not paid for the 30 September, due to appointment terms, have been addressed and will receive their salary arrears for the upcoming pay period. Communication has been made with affected officers and their managers."
Government had indicated that the delay was due to a technical problem, but Opposition Leader, Hon. Andrew Fahie had questioned the reason provided.
"This is unacceptable. This is taking advantage of people. Someone has to be the voice for the voiceless and do so respectfully. How does the Government expect families to sustain themselves, especially given that since Irma all businesses are now only accepting cash and the over three thousand public servants cannot get their cash that they worked for from Government," he stressed.
Hon. Fahie insisted that the Government of the day needs to come clean with the people.
"Tell us the truth. We are willing to help build a stronger BVI, but it must be done on a foundation of truth. The people of the BVI are a resilient people; they are an understanding people. They know that the Government cannot be held responsible for Irma, but they must be held responsible for their actions before and after Irma. If the Government is having a financial problem, let them just say so," the Opposition Leader stated.
The First District Representative said that the people need to know what they are up against, including whether there will be job cuts in the public service.
"Too many rumours like the public service will be drastically cut, their salaries will be cut, Government is experiencing financial challenges, among others about Government is flying around on the streets," he said.
