Gov’t commits to transparency
Government ministers will hold hundreds of press conferences in the next three months as part of a “transparency initiative” that has absolutely nothing to do with the coming elections.
The plan represents a stark departure from their former method of doing business.
When the Virgin Islands Party took office in 2007, ministers promised to hold press conferences each month. But they didn’t follow through. Instead, they often went behind closed doors for important events like last year’s Biwater contract signing.
Some media outlets complained, but legislators didn’t seem to be listening — until now.
“We just got busy, I guess, but now we want to make up for it,” Premier Ralph O’Neal said. “From now on, we will not take any important action without letting the public in on it. We are ushering in a new era of government transparency.”
Shoe-tying
The premier was speaking yesterday at his McNamara home, where he held a 7 a.m. press conference to give media representatives a chance to watch him tie his shoes.
“A premier must always have his shoes securely fastened to his feet,” he said in his opening remarks. “If he doesn’t, who knows what could happen? He could trip. He could lose a shoe. He could sprain an ankle. Then who would lead the territory?”
After the speech, the premier successfully demonstrated his shoe-tying method.
He tied his right shoe first, then moved on to his left, using a technique that is rather similar to most people’s.
Asked if he ever varied the pattern, he chuckled.
“We’re committed to transparency, but that doesn’t mean we can give out confidential information,” he said.
He also declined to elaborate on his stance on Velcro.
He did, however, allow that he always uses double knots so as to prevent his shoes from coming untied during the day.
“As you can see, we’re not just holding these press conferences to get on TV before elections,” he said as he shook his right foot to demonstrate the snug fit. “We’re holding them to explain important information to the public.”
A series
The press conference was the first of about 20 that Mr. O’Neal held throughout the day.
Shortly after he tied his shoes, reporters relocated to his dining room, where they waited about 15 minutes for the start of another media session themed “The Premier’s Breakfast.”
As Mr. O’Neal wolfed down bacon and eggs, he noted that the responsibility to eat well weighs heavily on any leader’s shoulders.
“You can’t lead a country on an empty stomach,” he said.
Reporters received information packets that described the many breakfasts the premier has successfully eaten over the years.
Soon after, another press conference was held inside Mr. O’Neal’s SUV as he rode to work.
Reporters who couldn’t fit in the vehicle followed behind, listening to the proceedings broadcast over loudspeakers mounted on the roof of Mr. O’Neal’s jeep.
“I take the same route to work every day,” Mr. O’Neal explained. “Sometimes I turn on the radio and listen to the news, so as to keep in touch with the people of the Virgin Islands. Other times, I look out my window and think of great ideas for improving the Queen Elizabeth II Park.”
Ribbon cutting
After what he described as a “very productive drive to the office,” the premier was met by a crowd at the Central Administration Building. There, several high-ranking officials had gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honour of his entrance into the building.
“I would like for everyone to note that I enter through the same door as everyone else: the front door,” Mr. O’Neal told reporters. “I don’t come in through any side door or back door.”
Asked about the state of the CAB roof repair project, Mr. O’Neal chuckled. “Clearly, you haven’t lived here very long,” he told the reporter who asked the question.
The reporter tried to follow up with another query, but he was quickly ushered away by security officials.
Mr. O’Neal then explained that he usually takes the elevator up to his office — but not always.
“Sometimes,” he said, pausing for dramatic effect, “I take the stairs.” Minutes later, at his next press conference, reporters furiously scribbled notes as they watched him greet his office staff.
His resounding “good mornings” were played in a seemingly endless loop on radio and television stations throughout the rest of the day, delighting residents and visitors alike.
The premier’s other press conferences yesterday covered such important topics as checking e-mails, ordering lunch by phone and taking a nap. The initiative is to continue throughout the summer with a similarly strenuous schedule every day.
Other ministers
Meanwhile, other ministers are gearing up to come on board as well.
Education and Culture Minister Andrew Fahie plans to invite reporters to watch him toss around a basketball with West End youths, among other events.
At another press conference, Natural Resources and Labour Minister Omar Hodge will hire a “little man” to wash his SUV.
Later, Deputy Premier Dancia Penn will let reporters tag along while she offers heartfelt condolences to an East End resident whose yard is regularly flooded with raw sewage.
Communications and Works Minister Julian Fraser is even considering allowing the media to document his moustache-grooming routine.
So far, the public has reacted positively to the government’s new transparency.
“It was fascinating to turn on the television and watch the premier in action,” one resident said. “He really seems to be doing a great job. After watching how carefully he tied his shoes, I’m completely confident that they’ll never fall off in public!”