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'Gov't departments have become play toys to ministers' - Hon Julian Fraser
This is according to a frustrated resident during a public meeting on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, held by Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA.
The resident pointed out that the issues taking place now have been happening long before the hurricanes of September 2017.
"This problem did not start since Irmaria. This problem did not start with the government that's in now. This problem started with governments before and governments before that one," said the resident.
The man pointed out that "the people" are the problem if they are saying that they are the government and they elect representatives on their behalf.
He said, "We the people are the government. So if the people are the government and the government is the problem then who is really the problem. The current people that are in power or the majority of the people out here."
He further commented that when persons are not getting things done in their favour, they tend to speak out but if the tables are turned, they stay silent.
"Let's try to actually enforce laws"
The resident disclosed that he works for a government agency that is suppose to regulate development but observe that everyone wants to do what they want.
"We don't want to follow basic, basic principles and basic laws when it comes to how to structure a country because everybody wants to do what they want and then we ask ourselves why we in this mess," emphasised the government worker.
He continued, "Let's get serious, let's try to actually enforce the laws and let's try to update our legal system. Let's set targets so we can measure how far we are. Let's start with the mirror; ourselves."
"Gov't departments become play toys to ministers" - Hon Julian Fraser
In response to the resident's comments and suggestions, Hon Fraser stated that there are laws in place but government departments are often times manipulated by ministers.
"The department of governments too often become play toys to the ministers of the day," while adding that at the end of the day the leader has the power to effect and enforce change that is needed for the territory.
The Third District Representative also mentioned that whatever is taking place now, is a "reflection of what the leader wants."
The public meeting was to allow persons to learn the facts and figures in the Government’s Recovery and Development Plan and to have their concerns and suggestions documented and forward to the Recovery and Development Committee for consideration to the Recovery and Development Plan document.
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16 Responses to “'Gov't departments have become play toys to ministers' - Hon Julian Fraser”
1) What are they elected to do?
2) Do they have the means to do what they were elected to do?
3) Can we hold them accountable for what they do?
If they have no defined responsibilities or mandate, what is the reason for their being? If we don't equipt them with whatever tools or resourcesthey need how can they do their job? If we can't hold them accountable then how can we manage them?If we can't justify why we have them there, then we need to get rid of them.