A private register of interests for senior public officers. New integrity rules. The creation of a government department known as the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute.
All are among the proposed reforms included in a sweeping new Public Service Management Bill that is now before the House of Assembly.
The proposed law — which government says will boost efficiency and transparency in the public service — was introduced by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley on Friday, Aug. 16, after he moved to include it on the HOA agenda without the usual notice.
“We’ve dispensed with notice because we’re aware that time is very tight,” Dr. Wheatley told the HOA in apparent reference to the end-of-month deadline for completing the reforms recommended by the 2022 Commission of Inquiry report.
“We would like to introduce this bill this week so that we can debate it next week and have the opportunity to complete it before Aug. 31.”
HOA sitting today
The HOA is sitting today to discuss the law, which the government published to its website Friday.
A statement posted at the same time described the bill as a “significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness” of the public service.
“This important piece of legislation aims to modernise and streamline the management of public service, ensuring that government ministries and departments are optimised to effectively serve the needs of the Virgin Islands community,” the statement explained.
Operations, transparency
It added that the bill’s goals include improving the service’s management and operational efficiency to better meet citizens’ needs.
“In addition, [the bill] aims to define the roles and responsibilities of ministers and other senior public officers more clearly, including their capacity to delegate functions and manage ministerial staff effectively,” according to the statement.
The bill also proposes new transparency and accountability measures that would tick the boxes of some of the reforms recommended by the COI.
Among them is the creation of a register of interests for senior public officers including department heads, deputy secretaries and others in Grades 19 to 21.
Under the bill, those public officers would have to declare their interests in a register accessible to the governor and deputy governor, who would be empowered to share the register’s contents with law enforcers on request.
Otherwise, the information would be private.
Also under the proposed bill, senior public officers could be compelled to register the interests of spouses and children.
‘Integrity’ section
Another section of the bill, which addresses “integrity in public life,” would require public officers to abide by a code of conduct that the governor may prescribe.
They also would be explicitly prohibited from benefitting from conflicts of interest; from using “insider information” to benefit personally; and from accepting gifts in exchange for services, among other actions.
Learning institute
The bill would also officially establish the VI Public Service Learning Institute — which is already offering training following its launch last August — as a government department headed by a director and overseen by the permanent secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Additionally, a development committee would be established to take on institute-related duties including reviewing scholarship applications; overseeing distribution of funds; and making study-leave recommendations to the Public Service Commission.
Also included in the bill are sections that codify rules for discipline, performance management, and the operations of the VI Civil Service Association, among others.
Weighing in
Shortly after the Public Service Management Bill 2024 was introduced Friday, the government posted it online and urged the public to weigh in.
“Residents are invited to provide their insights and recommendations on the various provisions of the bill to both their district and at-large representatives,” according to a government statement issued Friday.
“Additionally, they may submit their feedback via email to the House of Assembly at hoa@gov.vg, where it will be disseminated to all members for their consideration. The public’s input is invaluable in shaping the final version of the legislation and ensuring it meets the needs of the community.”