Policy Changes Made According to CoI Recommendations

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Sonjé Greendige/BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley provided the public with some insight on the Government of National Unity’s efforts in regards to implementing the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations.

Specifically, Dr. Wheatley focused on the progress that has been made in the area of policy changes approved by Cabinet, to facilitate the implementation process.

He revealed that on July 6, Cabinet approved the amendment to the Audit Act that will enable greater transparency and accountability within the Territory.

Failure to cooperate with the Auditor General and the Director of Internal Audit while acting in their professional capacity “is now an act of gross misconduct under the Service Commissions Regulations. For a first time misconduct, the penalties are up to 30 days’ suspension or demotion and for a second time and subsequent misconduct, the penalty is dismissal,” Dr. Wheatley indicated.

Recommendation B35 in the CoI report highlighted the need for focus to be placed on a Public Service Transformation Programme.

As a result, Cabinet endorsed the Ministerial Transformation Plans for the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth Affairs and Sport, on July 6 and July 27 respectively, which was regarded as a priority for the public service.

In addition, Cabinet on 13th July amended the Elections Act, in view of the September 30th deadline to be met in accordance with the Supervisor of Elections’ General Elections Report 2019, and the recommendations that were proposed by the Observer Mission.

Subsequent to the drafting stages, the amendments will be submitted first to Cabinet, and then to the House of Assembly.

In keeping with the ongoing progress in implementing the recommendations, reviewers will be decided on by Cabinet next week for the following:

“Recommendations B24 and B28 which deals with statutory boards, specifically i) the extent to which those boards are behind in their obligations to submit timely financial reports and audits; ii) the extent to which those boards are applying policies intended to promote good governance such as a conflict of interest policy and a political interference policy; iii) the extent to which those boards follow a due diligence policy; and iv) what steps need to be taken to remedy any deficiencies and a timescale in which these steps should be accomplished,” the Premier noted.

According to Premier Wheatley, deliberate steps taken so far reflect the commitment demonstrated by the Government of National Unity, the public officers in the respective Ministries and the Governor’s office to the national reform process.

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