All locals need is an opportunity- Doug Wheatley
Using his weekly programme, Wheatley said just like Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, fresh on his return to the territory from his studies to become a General Surgeon, was afforded a chance to prove himself, others likewise should be given the same opportunity.
His remarks stem from the Premier’s recent comments that local talents are “unavailable”, when questioned on the reasons why United Kingdom nationals seem to be sweeping top jobs in the Virgin Islands.
Not enough qualified locals?
Asked at a press conference on July 18, 2016 at the Premier’s Office Conference Room whether he was concerned with the trend of United Kingdom nationals filling top positions in the security and law enforcement departments, Premier Smith said he was concerned that the Virgin Islands is not at the point where it has the capacity to fill all those positions.
He noted, however, that Government is engaged in succession planning “so that we will be able to have persons ready to fill these positions when the time comes."
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Her Majesty's Prison and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are all headed by UK nationals.
Public not pleased
Wheatley, however, said the people are not pleased about that statement.
“One of the reasons why I am doing this is because several persons met me and they are disturbed,” he said. “This has troubled a number of persons.”
He continued, “The point I am making here is somebody believed in Dr. Smith [Hon. Premier] and gave him the opportunity…and so he became a surgeon, so we have to have faith in our people, I’m not saying we have to put square pegs in round holes, I think we can find if we search hard enough there are round things that can fit into round holes and it is a good thing.”
Mr Wheatley added that sometimes persons are not placed in positions because it is felt that they may not be up to par, “but I have to tell you that BV Islanders when challenged, they were able to rise to the occasion.”
He pointed out that it is important to believe in “our people” and when they have been given the opportunities to fail, “perhaps you will see how well they will succeed,” he noted.
Recently, Governor John S. Duncan OBE, who also has responsibility for the Civil Service, said far too often it is found that no “BV Islander has applied for these senior posts, when we know that local people with talent and the right qualifications exist.”
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15 Responses to “All locals need is an opportunity- Doug Wheatley”
We need a revolution in the NDP and VIP, myron, mark, frazer, and fahie must go.