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‘I don’t have the power’ – Dr Marcia Potter to Hon Myron V. Walwyn

- Minister insists Dr. Potter knows what to do to ensure Ms Lorna Stephens get promoted
Who has the authority to promote officers in the Ministry of Education? Not me! says Permanent Secretary Dr Marcia Potter. Photo: VINO
Assistant Secretary Lorna Stephens has been recommended by Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn for a promotion. Photo: VINO
Assistant Secretary Lorna Stephens has been recommended by Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn for a promotion. Photo: VINO
Describing Ms Lorna Stephens as an employee like none other he has ever seen while working in the public and private sector Hon Walwyn said, “Those who have ears let them hear that Lorna needs a promotion.
Describing Ms Lorna Stephens as an employee like none other he has ever seen while working in the public and private sector Hon Walwyn said, “Those who have ears let them hear that Lorna needs a promotion." The minister justified his conviction of the need for the promotion by saying that it would have been in the vicinity of some 300 phone calls/texts that were exchanged between the two during the time of the project. “She probably curse [after hanging] up the phone but she was always polite,” he said. Photo: VINO
BAUGHER’S BAY, Tortola, VI – What may appear to be internal issues were attempted to be dealt with in clear public view and hearing in an exchange of words as it relates to in whose hands resides the power to promote Assistant Secretary Lorna Stephens as Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn led the call.

This took place yesterday at the ceremony to mark the re-opening of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) and it appeared from the onset that the Hon Minister knew that he might have landed in hot water for making the announcement where and when he made it.

At the time Hon Walwyn was congratulating Ms Stephens for her commitment, dedication and hard work in his Ministry especially as it relates to her part played in working towards ensuring that the VISTS building was completed and ready for opening yesterday.

Describing Ms Stephens as an employee like none other he has ever seen while working in the public and private sector Hon Walwyn said, “Those who have ears let them hear that Lorna needs a promotion.”

The minister justified his conviction of the need for the promotion by saying that it would have been in the vicinity of some 300 phone calls/texts that were exchanged between the two during the time of the project, “She probably curse [after hanging] up the phone but she was always polite,” he said.

He told the audience that an angel sent him some roses that morning which saved the day for him to present Ms Stephens with the vase of roses that he presented to her as his token of appreciation for her dedication and his acknowledging of same.

His announcement was greeted with loud applause from the large gathering of person present but it may have appeared that while she too agreed as the Hon Minister turned directed his words to her, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Dr Marcia Potter took the microphone and made it abundantly clear that the authority does not lie with her.

In low tones she said she does not have the power to grant the Minister his recommendation. “Of course he just pointed to me and given me as task but Minister! I don’t have the authority so you will have to go a little further up the ladder,” to which Hon Walwyn Responded, “You know what to do.”

There were several others that Hon Walwyn showered with praises for the commitment and hard working spirit but Ms Stephens was the lone person to have received a personal token and recommended for promotion, something he foresees that will cause him to be in hot water but said that he was prepared to apologize later.

29 Responses to “‘I don’t have the power’ – Dr Marcia Potter to Hon Myron V. Walwyn”

  • xxxxxxxx (22/10/2014, 09:11) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    Mw is such a political hypocrite why the hell he do not promote he…he very well now how the system works and with his micro management he can promote her…think we eat or school fees
    • My $0.02 (22/10/2014, 10:56) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
      At least another person beside me sees though myrun crap
    • school fees (22/10/2014, 15:30) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
      Yes. You did eat YOUR school fees.
      • @ school fees (24/10/2014, 00:00) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
        Everything under NDP rule is shrouded in mystery and inefficiency.

    • All the Way (23/10/2014, 23:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

      wa...n is an absolute joke for leadership and management which is mostly abscent from running and managing the ME&C

  • weed (22/10/2014, 09:28) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Next
  • Good! (22/10/2014, 09:34) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    The woman did an excellent job hands down. If others want to be commended, they will do the same. Of course she had a team that worked with her and they too should be commended for their works. But as a leader, she put it together and she was successful in the end. It's only fitting she be rewarded. Say what you want about Walwyn but he is no punk! He isn't scared of doing what he thinks is best and that's why the people will support him. Too often people are worked like horses and never get to shine, while other lazy do nothings get the big jobs because of a degree or who they know. Action is more than just having letters after your name and acting stoosh. I hope the powers that be, whether it be PSC, Deputy Governor's office, whoever, gets pressure from the Ministry and do right by Ms. Stevens. Imagine what a good civil service we will have if people are publicly lauded for their efforts so they can feel good about what they are doing and continue those good works.
    • HMMM (23/10/2014, 14:17) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
      The woman was given a mandate to fulfil and she did it. She did her job. What is the big deal?? Hundreds of civil servants on a daily basis successfully do their job. That is what they are paid to do. If the Minister would like to give her a bonus then that is within his powers. What would happen if every civil servant who successfully complete their job with excellence is promoted. We will end up with a top heavy system and a drain on our resources.
  • Hmmm* (22/10/2014, 09:39) Like (22) Dislike (20) Reply
    He will only be in hot water on this news site, the rest of the world will take it as what it was, praises well deserved...be well
    • @ Hmmm* (22/10/2014, 10:55) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
      Balah blah blah blah blah..go back under your rock with your old tire hogwash
  • ... (22/10/2014, 10:54) Like (19) Dislike (22) Reply
    Ndp must go
  • she the cat mother (22/10/2014, 12:46) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    The face of the devil!
  • Shameful (22/10/2014, 15:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    People like you bring such shame on the BVI.
  • Hush (22/10/2014, 15:46) Like (14) Dislike (14) Reply
    Since when a civil servant has to be promoted for doing their job? Then a whole lot should be promoted. This tells me the minister does not understand the role of the civil servants. Keep the politics out and let the people perform well in the job.
  • @hush (22/10/2014, 20:08) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why a you so bitter I'm so sorry these no joy in your heart when our people that works so hard a appreciated ,if you a civil servant all you have to do is show your interest in our beautiful country like Ms Stephens she's a professional and a great person
  • ABC (22/10/2014, 21:43) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    The foundation is being layed by our at large representative. The announcement as to who will be running in the 9th District will be made shortly. Lorna, your work is cut out for you.
  • virgin gorda girl (22/10/2014, 22:22) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    Before everyone jumps to conclusions, all rational men and women must consider what myrum tying...he loooking brown points in VG but they do not want to see the NDP trust we
  • mother hen (23/10/2014, 06:30) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    I am fuming whith that minister and his maeking the education system a poltical football! I don't want this story to go away until the voters ADDRESS this shi* a nd vote Myron OUT!!!!

  • Yes (23/10/2014, 06:43) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    Under the ME&C this must be the most damning exposure ever of poor governance and administrative incompetence,
  • No contribution (23/10/2014, 12:52) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Such disrespect, personal agenda and envy for your leader, will not contribute to the forward ever of your little country. Search yourself and see how you can be a positive role model for the young people, including your children, of that country by teaching them to respect their Leaders and making positive contributions to grow their country. If Leaders cannot lead, fix it at the next Poll. But have respect. The world is reading and you rely on tourism.
  • big head (23/10/2014, 21:15) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Stevens in various capacity and she always go above and beyond her duties to get whatever task is assigned to her. Congrats Lorna, keep up the hard work.
  • Bloggers (23/10/2014, 23:34) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    Unbelievable! Have they all lost their minds?
  • yes it is (23/10/2014, 23:47) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    BVI Corruption cronyism nepotism killing it Dead!!!!

  • marketing magician (23/10/2014, 23:52) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    HMM. Permanent Secretaries don't lie but Ministers do...
    • @marketing magician (24/10/2014, 09:03) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      My comment is not related to this story, but if you really think that "Permanent Secretaries don't lie" you have clearly never worked in the civil service!
  • xxxxxxxx (24/10/2014, 12:20) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is not a developed country. We have money in the hands of a few but out culture is going backwards fast. There is no pride anymore


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