Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has clarified that he in his capacity as Minister of Finance was unaware compensation for public officers would surpass the 11.7 million dollars budgeted in last year’s budget. Photo: YouTube

Opposition Legislator Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) called for the resignation of Premier and Minister for Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) to resign as Minister for Finance. Photo: YouTube

Premier Wheatley defended himself and the government following calls by Opposition legislator Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) for his resignation after it was revealed upon review of the compensation for public officers by the Ministry of Finance in April 2024, that twenty-five million, fifty-six thousand, five hundred and eighteen dollars was needed and not 11.7 million dollars.

Premier Wheatley on Friday, August 16, 2024, presented this new figure in supplementary estimates brought before the House of Assembly (HoA) during the continuation of the Seventeenth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.  

“I want to make it abundantly clear to the people of the Virgin Islands, that at no time was I as Minister of Finance, informed before we passed this budget that compensation for the public officers and this new payment structure would be more than what we budgeted in the budget…At no time was I informed [about] that and at no time did the members of Cabinet know that,” he said.

Deputy Governor’s Office led compensation review

The compensation review, Premier Wheatley explained, falls under the responsibilities of the Governor as stipulated in the Constitution under section 60, which states the terms and conditions of employment for public officers fall under the Governor.

That responsibility was “delegated” to the Deputy Governor’s Office.

“The Deputy Governor’s Office was leading a compensation review. PWC was contracted [and] PWC gave options. One option was for somewhere around 10 million dollars and that’s the option we accepted,” the Premier explained adding, “We came to learn after when the Ministry of Finance was examining the figures more closely, they informed me that that 10 plus million dollars was not the correct figure.”

The Members of the Opposition, Premier Wheatley, said “very well know” that the compensation review was led by the Deputy Governor’s Office.

Gov't seeking answers- Premier Wheatley

Premier Wheatley also said he, along with the other members of Cabinet, “demanded” an investigation be done to get to the bottom of “this misappropriation” so as to find out how it happened so that it does not happen again.

“I would say and when the results of that investigation come forward, then whatever actions need to be taken should be taken and that’s what we would encourage to hold persons accountable.”

Premier Wheatley went on to thank his Cabinet colleagues to standing firm on the decision to be for accountability.

He also expressed his disappointment with the Opposition Members who he accused of trying to gain political points and damage the government.

It remains to be seen if Hon Walwyn and the rest of the Opposition will now call for the head of the Deputy Governor or Governor.