SFC Report 2014

Report on the Deliberations of the

STANDING FINANCE COMMITTEE Appointed by the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands To Examine the Draft Estimates for the Year 2014

Held at the Chamber of the House of Assembly in Road Town on 10th and 11th February, 2014.

ATTENDING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE…………………………………………..7 KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS …………………………………………………………. 17 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………….. 20 RECURRENT BUDGET REVENUE ESTIMATES………………………………….. 21 CONSTITUTIONALLY ESTABLISHED DEPARTMENTS………….……………...27 HEAD 1101 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY………………………………………..27 HEAD 1202 CABINET OFFICE……………………………………………...33 HEAD 1303 OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS……………………………………….……….35 HEAD 1404 OFFICE OF THE COMPLAINTS COMMISSIONER………….39 HEAD 1505 OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF INTERESTS……………....40 HEAD 1606 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION……………………………….

HEAD 1707 AUDIT…………………………………………………………...42 GOVERNOR’S GROUP………………………………………………………………..48 HEAD 2108 GOVERNOR’S OFFICE…………………………………………48 HEAD 2109 DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE……………………………...49 HEAD 2110 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES…………………...52 HEAD 2111 TRAINING DIVISION…………………………………………..62 HEAD 2112 DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT………….….65 HEAD 2113 SUPREME COURT……………………………………………...70 HEAD 2114 CIVIL REGISTRY AND PASSPORT OFFICE………………….71 HEAD 2115 MAGISTRACY……………………………………………….….72 HEAD 2116 COMMERCIAL COURT…………………………………….…..77 HEAD 2117 ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS…………………….…78 HEAD 2118 POLICE……………………………………………………….…..81 HEAD 2119 LAW REFORM COMMISSION…………………………………87 HEAD 2220 PREMIER’S OFFICE’S OFFICE………….…………………………….89 HEAD 2221 BVI SHIPPING REGISTRY……………………………………..91 HEAD 2222 CENTRAL STATISTICS UNIT…………………………………94 HEAD 2223 IMMIGRATION………………………………………………….95 HEAD 2224 INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS………………….96 HEAD 2225 TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING DEPARTMENT………..97 HEAD 2226 TRADE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS……………………….…100 HEAD 2227 BVI INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTRE………………….101 HEAD 2228 BVI INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS UNIT………………………102 HEAD 2329 MINISTRY OF FINANCE……………………………………….103 HEAD 2330 CUSTOMS………………………………………………………..105 HEAD 2331 INLAND REVENUE……………………………………………..113 HEAD 2332 INTERNAL AUDIT……………………………………………...114 HEAD 2333 POST OFFICE…………………………………………………....115 HEAD 2334 TREASURY………………………………………………………122 HEAD 2335 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY………..123 HEAD 2436 MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR…....124 HEAD 2437 AGRICULTURE…………………………………………………127 HEAD 2438 BVI FISHING COMPLEX……………………………………….128

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HEAD 2439 CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES DIVISION…………………131 HEAD 2440 LABOUR…………………………………………………………....132 HEAD 2441 LAND REGISTRY………………………………………………….134 HEAD 2442 SURVEY…………………………………………………………….136 HEAD 2543 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE……….…………………137 HEAD 2544 YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS…………………………………139 HEAD 2545 EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION)……………………………...140 HEAD 2546 EDUCATION (PRIMARY AND PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOLS)…...141 HEAD 2547 DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE……………………………………143 HEAD 2548 EDUCATION (OTHER SECONDARY SCHOOLS)………………145 HEAD 2549 EDUCATION (ELMORE STOUTT HIGH SCHOOL)…………….146 HEAD 2550 LIBRARY SERVICES……………………………………………...149 HEAD 2551 PRISON……………………………………………………………..152 HEAD 2652 MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT……………..154 HEAD 2653 ADINA DONOVAN HOME……………………………………….157 HEAD 2654 DEPARTMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT…………………..160 HEAD 2655 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT………………………………………...163 HEAD 2756 MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS………………..….165 HEAD 2757 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT UNIT……………………………..166 HEAD 2758 CIVIL AVIATION………………………………………………….168 HEAD 2759 FIRE SERVICES…………………………………………………....170 HEAD 2760 WATER AND SEWERAGE………………………………………..173 HEAD 2761 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES………………………....179 HEAD 2762 PUBLIC WORKS………………………………………………..….180 HEAD 2763 TELEPHONE SERVICES MANAGEMENT UNIT…………….…183 CONTRIBUTIONS TO STATUTORY BOARDS………………………………………..184 HEAD 2109 – DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE………………………………..184 Subhead 551317 – Grant to Financial Investigation Agency…………………...184 HEAD 2220 – PREMIER’S OFFICE……………………………………………...187 Subhead 551312 – Grant to Tourist Board……………………………………...187 HEAD 2436 – MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR………….….195 Subhead 551319 – Grant to BVI Airports Authority Limited……………….….195 Subhead 551321 – Grant to National Parks Trust……………………………....197 HEAD 2543 – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE………………....203 Subhead 551310 – Grant to Recreation Trust………………………..….203 Subhead 551315 – Grant to H.L. Stoutt Community College…………...206 HEAD 2652 – MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT……...210 Subhead 551318 – Grant to BVI Health Services Authority……….……211 HEAD 4100 – PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES……………………………………213 HEAD 4200 – MISCELLANEOUS…………………………………………………214 HEAD 4300 – PUBLIC DEBT…………………………………………………..….215 HEAD 4400 – FUNDS CONTRIBUTION…………………………………………….

CAPITAL BUDGET ESTIMATES…………………………………………………………..

HEAD 321 DEPUTY GOVERNOR……………………………………………..216 HEAD 322 PREMIER’S OFFICE…………………………………………….…217 HEAD 323 MINISTRY OF FINANCE………………………………………….218

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HEAD 324 HEAD 325 HEAD 326 HEAD 327 HEAD 328

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR….….219 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE…………………222 MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT…….224 MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS………..…227 MISCELLANEOUS…………………………………………….…229

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HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

REPORT ON THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE STANDING FINANCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR THE YEAR 2014 HELD AT THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY CHAMBER IN ROAD TOWN FROM 10th FEBRUARY, 2014 TO 11th FEBRUARY, 2014

Honourable Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe

Speaker and Chairman of the Standing Finance Committee

Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE

Premier, Minister for Finance and Territorial Member

Dr. the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering

Deputy Premier, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour and Member for the Seventh District

Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton

Minister for Health and Social Development and Territorial Member

Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool

Minister for Communications and Works and Member for the Fourth District

Honourable Myron V. Walwyn

Minister for Education Territorial Member

Dr. the Honourable Malcolm

Christopher

P.

and

Culture

and

Attorney General

Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE

Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District

Honourable Delores Christopher

Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Finance Committee, and Member for the Fifth District

Honourable J. Alvin Christopher

Member for the Second District

Honourable Andrew A. Fahie

Member for the First District

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Honourable Julian Fraser, RA

Member for the Third District

Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines

Member for the Sixth District

Honourable Marlon A. Penn

Member for the Eighth District

Honourable Archibald C. Christian

Territorial Member

Mrs. Phyllis Evans

Secretary of the Standing Finance Committee

OFFICERS FROM THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE Mr. Neil Smith

-

Financial Secretary

Ms. Diane Parsons

-

Budget Coordinator

Mrs. Trecia Thomas-Maduro

-

Budget Officer II

Mrs. Daphne Frett

-

Budget Officer I

Ms. Rhonda Glasgow

-

Ag. Budget Officer I

Ms. Joann Vanterpool

-

Deputy Clerk, House of Assembly

Ms. Khauesten Industrious

-

Senior Administrative Officer, House of Assembly

Mrs. Myrna Lennard-Penn

-

Senior Executive Officer, House of Assembly

Ms. Danika Blyden

-

Executive Officer, House of Assembly

Ms. Asha Stoutt

-

Secretary I, House of Assembly

Mrs. Letaye Garrin

-

Human Resources Manager, Ministry of Education and Culture

ATTENDING SECRETARIES

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Mrs. Malcia Leonards

-

Mrs. Nolma Chalwell

-

Human Resources Manager, Deputy Governor’s Office Secretary, Public Service Commission, Department of Human Resources

ATTENDING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Mrs. Phyllis Evans

-

Clerk, House of Assembly (the Clerk)

Mr. Dornelle Hazel

-

Accounts Officer II (AcctOII)

Mrs. Iris Romney

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

Ms. Sandra Ward

-

Cabinet Secretary (CS)

Mrs. Iris Romney

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

CABINET OFFICE

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS Mr. Wayne Rajbansie

-

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Mrs. Gale Potter

-

Senior Administrative Officer (SAO)

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

Mrs. Iris Romney

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COMPLAINTS COMMISSION Mr. Elton Georges

-

Complaints Commissioner (CC)

Mrs. Iris Romney

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF INTERESTS Mrs. Victoreen Romney-Varlack

-

Registrar of Interests (RI)

Mrs. Iris Romney

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

Mrs. Sonia Webster

-

Auditor General (AGen)

Mrs. Iris Romney

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

AUDIT

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE / DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE Mr. David Archer

-

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith

-

Private Secretary, Governor’s Office (PrvtSecGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

Mrs. Michelle Donovan-Stevens

-

Ag. Director of Human Resources (AgDHR)

Mrs. Marsha Smith

-

Chief Training Officer (CTO)

Ms. Sharleen Dabreo

-

Director of Disaster Management (DDM)

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Mrs. Evangeline Inniss

-

Deputy Director, Disaster Management (DepDDM)

Ms. Paula Ajarie

-

High Court Registrar (the Registrar)

Mrs. Erica Smith-Penn

-

Chief Registrar of Lands assigned to the Supreme Court

Mrs. Stephanie Benn

-

Registrar General (RG)

Ms. Tavia Hodge

-

Accounts Officer II

Mrs. Eunice Crawford

-

Court Manager, Magistracy (CM)

Dr. Christopher Malcolm

-

Attorney General (AG)

Mr. David Morris

-

Commissioner of Police (COP)

Ms. Gail Wheatley

-

Business Support Director, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (BSD)

Mr. Errol George

-

Director, Financial Investigation Agency (DFIA)

Mr. Julien Johnson

-

Chief Operating Officer, Financial Investigation Agency (COOFIA)

Mr. Broderick Penn

-

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

-

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

Mr. John Samuel

-

Director, BVI Shipping Registry (DBVISR)

Mr. Raymond Phillips

-

Director, Development Planning Unit (DDPU)

PREMIER’S OFFICE

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Mr. Guy M. Hill

-

Ag. Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department (AgCIO)

Mrs. Arliene T. Penn

-

Director of Communications, Premier’s Office (DC)

Mrs. Vicki Samuel-Lettsome

-

Ag. Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations (AgCInfO)

Mr. Gregory Adams

-

Chief Physical Planning Officer, Town and Country Planning Department (CP)

Mr. Maxwell George

-

Deputy Director, Trade and Consumer Affairs (DDTCA)

Mrs. C. Maritza Mercer

-

Chief Operations Officer, BVI International Finance Centre (COO)

Mrs. Sylvia C. Moses

-

Director, BVI International Affairs Unit (DBVIIAU)

Mrs. Sharon Flax-Mars

-

Director, BVI Tourist Board (DBVITB)

Jaslyn A. Frett

-

Financial Comptroller, BVI Tourist Board (FCBVITB)

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND DEPARTMENTS Mr. Neil Smith

-

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Ms. Diane Parsons

-

Budget Coordinator, Ministry of Finance (BC)

Mrs. Trecia Thomas-Maduro

-

Budget Officer II, Ministry of Finance (BOII)

Ms. Rhonda Glasgow

-

Budget Officer I, Ministry of Finance (BOI)

Mrs. Daphne Frett

-

Budget Officer I, Ministry of Finance (BOI)

Mrs. Maria Thomas

-

Finance and Planning Officer (FPOMOF)

Mr. Wade Smith

-

Commissioner of Customs (COC)

Mr. Leslie Lettsome

-

Deputy Commissioner of Customs (DCOC)

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Mr. Aubrey Forbes

-

Assistant Commissioner (AC)

Mr. Clinton Romney

-

Assistant Commissioner (AC)

Ms. Marietta Isles

-

Administrative Officer (AO)

Mr. Shawn Newton

-

Accounts Officer II (AcctOII)

Mr. Orris Thomas

-

Ag. Commissioner of Inland Revenue (AgCIR)

Mrs. Dorea T. Corea

-

Director, Internal Audit (DIA)

Mr. Simba Todman

-

Deputy Director, Internal Audit (DDIA)

Ms. Pascha Stoutt

-

The Postmaster (PM)

Mr. Herbert Niles

-

Postal Consultant (PC)

Mrs. Norea Baronville-Harris

-

Senior Accounts Officer (SAcctO)

Ms. Sandra Besson

-

Accountant General (AcctGen)

Ms. Lucia Donovan

-

Deputy Director of Information Technology (DDDoIT)

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR Mr. Ronald Berkeley

-

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Ms. Louann Hodge

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL)

Ms. Heather James

-

Senior Lands Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (AONRL)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

-

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

Mr. Bevin Brathwaite

-

Chief Agricultural Officer, Department of Agriculture (CAO)

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Mr. Lloyd Williams

-

Acting Manager, BVI Fishing Complex (AgManBFC)

Mr. Kelvin Penn

-

Acting Chief Conservation & Fisheries Officer, Conservation and Fisheries Department (AgCCFO)

Mr. Mervin Hastings

-

Ag. Deputy Conservation & Fisheries Officer, Conservations and Fisheries Department (AgDeCCFO)

Mrs. Janice Rymer

-

Labour Commissioner, Labour Department (LC)

Mrs. Michelle McLean

-

Ag. Deputy Labour Commissioner, Labour Department (AgDLC)

Mrs. Enid Blackman

-

Accounts Officer (AcctO)

Mrs. Erica Smith-Penn

-

Chief Registrar of Land, Land Registry(CRL)

Mr. Kelvin Dawson

-

Registrar of Lands, Land Registry Department (RL)

Mrs. Collette Callwood

-

Senior Administrative Officer (SAO)

Mr. Winston Donovan

-

Chief Surveyor (CSur)

Mr. Dwayne Nibbs

-

Deputy Chief Surveyor (DCSur)

Mr. Denniston Fraser

-

Managing Director, BVI Airport Authority MDBVIAA)

Ms. Canya Stoddard

-

Ag. Financial Controller (AgFC)

Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott

-

Director, National Parks Trust (DNPT)

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE Dr. Marcia Potter

-

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip

-

Ag. Chief Education Officer, Department of Education and Culture (AgCEO)

Mrs. Prudence Mathavious

-

Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer, Department of Education and Culture (AgDCEO)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

-

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture, (AgFPOEC)

Ms. Lorna L. Stevens

-

Ms. Avelinda Freeman

-

Ag. Director, Department of Youth Affairs & Sports (AgDYAS)

Ms. Janet Williams

-

Accounts Officer, Department of Education and Culture (AcctO)

Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith

-

Director of Culture (DDC)

Mr. Wade Tobin Jr.

-

Ag. Principal, Elmore Stoutt High School (AgPrincipal)

Mrs. Suzanne Greenaway

-

Chief Librarian, Library Services Department (CL)

Mr. Orlando Thomas

-

Accounts Officer Library Services Department (AcctOLS)

Mr. David Foot

-

Superintendent, Her Majesty’s Prison ( the Superintendent)

Mr. Roy Barry

-

Chairman, Recreation Trust

Dr. Karl Dawson

-

President, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

Ms. Italia Penn

-

Bursar, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (AS)

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Mrs. Petrona Davies

-

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

-

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development

Ms. Tasha Bertie

-

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social

Development (DSHSD) Mr. Clayton O’Neal

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

-

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

Dr. Ronald Georges

-

Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (CMO)

Mrs. Jacqueline Donovan

-

Ag. Manager, Adina Donovan Home (AgMADH)

Mrs. Crystal Vanterpool-Williams

-

Assistant Manager, Adina Donovan Home (AgAMADH)

Ms. Kaleena Cruickshank

-

Accounts Officer, Adina Donovan Home (AcctOADH)

Mr. Greg Massicote

-

Manager, Solid Waste Department (MSWD)

Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett

-

Chief Social Development Officer (CSDO)

Ms. Chonda Jeffers

-

Deputy Chief Social Development Officer (DCSDO)

Ms. Lorna Dawson

-

Director, Autism Centre

Mrs. Darlene Carty-Baptiste

-

Chief Executive Officer, BVI Health Services Authority (CEO)

Page 14 of 231

Ms. Angelina John

-

Financial Comptroller, BVI Health Services Authority

Mrs. Deborah Leslie

-

Human Resources Manager, BVI Health Services Authority

Dr. June Samuel

-

Chief of Medical Staff, Peebles Hospital

Dr. Emmanuel Ogunde

-

Senior Medical Officer, BVI Health Services Authority

Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith

-

Director of Operations& Director of Health Services, BVI Health Services Authority

Ms. Lucy Martin

-

Associate Director Nursing, BVI Health Services Authority

Jacinth Hannibal

-

Director of Nursing Services, BVI Health Services Authority

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS Mr. Anthony McMaster

-

Ag. Permanent Secretary (AgPSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

-

Ag. Deputy Secretary (Ag. DSCW)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

-

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FPOCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

-

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works(AcctOCW)

Mr. Arriel Donovan

-

Manager, Facilities Management Unit (FM)

Ms. Sueaco Harrigan

-

Accounts Officer, Facilities Management Unit (AcctOFMU)

Mr. Zebalon McLean

-

Chief Fire Officer, Fire and Rescue Services (CFO)

Mr. Michael Davis

-

Engineer III (Projects & Planning Officer, Water and Sewerage Department (EWSD)

Ms. Camille Merry

Senior Assistant Human Resources Manager (SAHRM)

Page 15 of 231

Mr. Kyle Moses

-

Accounts Supervisor II, Water & Sewerage Department (AcctOWSD)

Mr. Kye Rymer

-

Ag. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Department of Motor Vehicles (AgCMV)

Mr. Gregory Skelton

-

Senior Accounts Officer, Department of Motor Vehicles (SenAcctsODMV)

Mr. Jeffrey Skelton

-

Director, Public Works Department (DPWD)

Mr. Jose deCastro

-

Deputy Director, Public Works Department (DDPWD)

Mr. Allison Leonard

-

Accounts Officer, Public Works Department (AcctO)

Mr. Kurt Hodge

-

Civil Engineer III, Public Works Department (CEIII)

Ms. Rhonda Frett

-

Ag. Human Resources Assistant(AgHRA)

Dr. Drexel Glasgow

-

Chief of Infrastructure Planning Research & Development (CIPRD)

Mr. Reynell Turnbull

-

Manager, Telephone Services Management Unit (MTSMU)

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KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS AcctMDeHR Accounts Manager, Department of Human Resources AcctOII Accounts Officer II ACOC Assistant Commissioner of Customs ADYA Assistant Director of Youth Affairs ADS Assistant Director of Sports AG Attorney General AgAcctGen Acting Accountant General AgCInfO Acting Chief Information Officer COP Commissioner of Police AONRL Administrative Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour BC Budget Coordinator BVIAA B.V.I. Airports Authority BVIHSA B.V.I. Health Services Authority BVIEC B.V.I. Electricity Corporation BVIFSC B.V.I. Financial Services Commission CAB Central Administration Building CAO Chief Agricultural Officer CC Complaints Commissioner CDC Curriculum Development Coordinator CEHO Chief Environmental Health Officer CFD Conservation and Fisheries Department CFO Chief Fire Officer CIO Chief Immigration Officer Clerk Clerk, House of Assembly CM Court Manager, Magistracy CMV Commissioner of Motor Vehicles CP Chief Planner CRL Chief Registrar of Lands CS Cabinet Secretary CSDO Chief Social Development Officer CSur Chief Surveyor CTO Caribbean Tourism Organisation DC Director of Communications, Premier’s Office DCAO Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer DCP Deputy Chief Planner DCS Deputy Cabinet Secretary DCSur Deputy Chief Surveyor DDDM Deputy Director of Disaster Management DDDoIT Deputy Director of Information Technology DDIA Deputy Director, Internal Audit DDNPT Deputy Director, National Parks Trust DDoIT Director of Information Technology DDPU Director, Development Planning Unit DDWS Deputy Director of Water and Sewerage

Page 17 of 231

DeHR DFM DFS DG DGO DLC DOA DOE DoIT DP DPH DPP DPrin DPU DSCW DTB DTCA DTS DTSM DWS EDIFC FC FIA FM FOHSD FPOCW FPODGO FPOEC FPOHSD FPOMOF FPOPO FS GIS GO HHRC HLSCC HMP IAD IAIII JLSC LD LDCA MADH MBVIFC MCW MDBVIAA

Department of Human Resources Director of Financial Management Deputy Financial Secretary Deputy Governor Deputy Governor's Office Deputy Labour Commissioner Department of Agriculture Department of Education Department of Information Technology Deputy Postmaster Director of Primary Healthcare Director of Public Prosecutions Deputy Principal, Elmore Stoutt High School Development Planning Unit Deputy Secretary, Communications and Works Director of the Tourist Board Director of Trade and Consumer Affairs Director of Telecommunications Services Deputy Telephone Services Manager Director of Water and Sewerage Executive Director, B.V.I. International Finance Centre Financial Comptroller, BVI Tourist Board Financial Investigation Agency Facilities Manager Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Finance Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office Financial Secretary Government Information Service Governor’s Office Head, Human Rights Commission H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Her Majesty’s Prison Internal Audit Department Internal Auditor III, Internal Auditor Department Judicial and Legal Services Commission Labour Department Land Development Control Authority Manager, Adina Donovan Home Manager, B.V.I. Fishing Complex Ministry of Communications and Works Managing Director, BVI Airports Authority

Page 18 of 231

MEC MH&SD MNR&L MOF MSLC MSWD MTSMU MWCDA NAC NEIT NPT OECS PG PO PolSC PSHSD PSPO PSNRL PSC PWD RC RG RI RL RVIPF SAcctONRL SAOLRC SCA SD SecG SG SFC SM TB TCPD TSC the Principal the Centre the Force the Registrar the Superintendent TSMU UNESCO UVI UWI

Ministry of Education and Culture Ministry of Health and Social Development Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Ministry of Finance Manager, Sandy Lane Centre Manager, Solid Waste Department Manager, Telephone Services Management Unit Manager, Wickhams Cay Development Authority National AIDS Coordinator New England Institute of Technology National Parks Trust Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Postmaster General Premier’s Office Police Service Commission Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Public Service Commission Public Works Department Recreation Trust Registrar General, Civil Registry and Passport Office Registrar of Interests Registrar of Lands Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Senior Accounts Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Senior Administrative Officer, Law Reform Commission Senior Court Administrator Survey Department Secretary General Solicitor General Standing Finance Committee Senior Magistrate Tourist Board Town and Country Planning Department Teaching Service Commission Principal, Elmore Stoutt High School Sir Rupert Briercliffe Cultural Centre Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Registrar, Supreme Court and Commercial Court Superintendent, Her Majesty’s Prison Telephone Services Management Unit United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation University of the Virgin Islands University of the West Indies

Page 19 of 231

INTRODUCTION

1.

The Chairman welcomed Members, the Financial Secretary and his staff from the Ministry of Finance to the commencement of the Standing Finance Committee Meetings for the 2014 Budget. She stated that the mandate of the Committee was to examine the Recurrent Budget Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and the Capital Budget Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2014.

2.

The Chairman commended Members for appearing on time and indicated that the timetable for the deliberations was a very ambitious one.

She further solicited

Members cooperation and asked that discussions be focused on the budget.

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REVENUE ESTIMATES Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Ms. Patlian Johnson

Deputy Financial Secretary (Economic Development), Ministry of Finance (DFS)

Ms. Diane Parsons

Budget Coordinator, Ministry of Finance (BC)

Ms. Kenesha Forbes

Policy Analyst II, Ministry of Finance

Mr. Jeremy Vanterpool

Financial Analyst, Ministry of Finance

Mrs. Dawn Joseph

Policy Analyst II, Ministry of Finance

Mrs. Michelle Phillips

Policy Analyst II, Ministry of Finance

The Financial Secretary (FS) introduced the staff from the Ministry of Finance, and

3.

stated that the presentation would focus on revenue projections in relation to the Medium Term Fiscal Plan (MTFP).

Fiscal Strategy The Deputy Financial Secretary’s presentation focused on the impact of

4.

Government’s Fiscal Strategy on the Territory’s fiscal position in the medium term.

She advised that the Fiscal Strategy contained in the MTFP for 2014 to 2016 included such as improving the recurrent balance, creating an overall surplus by 2016, maintaining the borrowing ratios, building the reserve balance, managing contingent liabilities, and managing our relationships with Statutory Boards.

The DFS provided a detailed explanation of bar graphs as described below:

5. 

Improve Recurrent Balance: This bar graph highlighted the difference between recurrent revenue and recurrent expenditure.



Improve Recurrent Balance: Revenue Initiatives: The revenue generating initiatives entailed an increase in Taxes for Goods and Services, particularly Work Permit Fees

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and the Accommodation Tax being extended to the charter boat industry. Import Duty would be increased by 100% and a $10.00 Tourist Arrival Levy. 

Improve Recurrent Balance: Expenditure Initiatives: The initiatives in the MTFP dealt with controlling the growth of employee compensation by keeping the growth in line with inflation, reducing money spent on goods and services, and reducing transfers and subsidies for Statutory Boards.

The Minister for Communications and Works referred to Import Duty being increased

6.

by 100%, and wondered whether it would be a general increase or only for alcohol.

The DFS clarified that it was specific to alcohol.

The Member for the Eighth District queried whether tobacco products were included

7.

to which the DFS reaffirmed that it was for only for alcohol.

The DFS also provided the details outlined below:

8. 

Maintain Borrowing Ratios:

Net Debt and Debt Service:

The net debt ratio

compared the level of debt to recurrent revenue. Government would not breach the net debt ratio as a result of its fiscal strategy. 

Debt Service Ratio:

This ratio compared interest and principal payments (debt

service) to recurrent revenue. This ratio would be maintained within the limits as a result of the Government’s Fiscal Strategy. 

Build Reserve Balance: Liquid Assets Ratios: This ratio should be 25% of recurrent expenditure. With the additional contributions to the Reserve Fund and a reduction in recurrent expenditure by 2015, this ratio should reach over 25%.

Economic Review and Outlook 9.

The DFS stated that Government’s economic strategy encompassed an increase in economic growth measured by GDP, an increase in tourism arrivals and tourist

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expenditure, maintaining and increasing market share in financial services, diversifying the economy in agriculture, fishing and entrepreneurship activities, as well as increasing employment. She stated that, between 2011 to 2012, there had been a 0.7% decline in growth/GDP and, between 2012 to 2013, a further decline of 1% had been expected.

She stated that this would reverse in 2014 due to a major

boost in the construction industry based on the major projects that Government would undertake. She also stated that there were expectations for both overnight tourism and financial services to contribute towards the growth of the economy in 2014 and beyond.

10.

The DFS also advised that the wholesale and retail sectors, hotels and restaurants, real estate, renting and business activity would play a role in the growth of the economy.

In terms of employment, she noted that there had been a reduction between 2011 and 2013. She stated that the inflation rate ranged between 2% to 2.5%, and that average earnings in employment were in line with inflation.

11.

In reference to the tourism sector, the DFS stated that, as of November 2013, there had been a 3% increase in overnight tourists driven by the activities within the yachting industry, the marketing efforts of the Tourist Board, developments such as Oil Nut Bay, and the provision of improved air and sea access to the Territory. She added that cruise ship arrivals had declined between 2011 and 2013, but there was hope that it would rebound on the occurrence of the cruise pier expansion.

12.

The DFS stated that third quarter statistics of the financial services sector revealed a 15% decline in incorporations, but that re-registration figures were strong. She also stated that revenue from financial services in 2013 was approximately $3 million higher than 2012. She added that revenue had increased at a slower rate, at 1.4%, in comparison to previous years of 6% and higher. She added that, the opening of Asia House, and the continued efforts of London Office to represent our interests in Europe, should aid in strengthening financial services.

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13.

The Member for the Second District referred to the consolidation of Government’s debt, and queried whether Government planned to borrow more at a lower rate.

14.

The FS explained that it would involve consolidation and negotiations for lower rates and longer time periods as the banks had a tendency of lending for seven (7) and ten (10) year spans. He further explained that negotiations were being conducted with two banks.

15.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District made reference to a list of companies that had been struck off at Company Registry, and queried what could be done to remedy that situation.

16.

The FS responded that efforts were being made to reverse such occurrences in financial services, and that it was imperative for us to continue adjusting to maintain our competitive advantage.

17.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about the strategy for reducing the expenditure for Goods and Services.

18.

The FS stated that the intention was to reduce the amount of money that was spent which would be attained by Heads of Departments engaging in negotiations with their suppliers.

19.

The Member for the Eighth District wondered whether such a process should be a holistic strategy by Government as opposed to being done individually.

20.

The FS explained that the Procurement Unit had its role to play in terms of holistically procuring goods and services, but that there were those instances where individuals could deal with specific matters on their own.

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He added that some

adjustments were being conducted in the Procurement Unit and the Ministry of Finance.

21.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian referred to economic growth where Government hoped to embark upon several projects (Cruise Ship Dock, Airport Expansion, Adina Donovan Home). He then enquired whether this forecast had taken the private sector projects such as Prospect Reef, Sopher’s Hole and Anegada into consideration.

22.

The DFS indicated that investment from both the private and public sectors were considered when making the forecast.

23.

The Member for the Eighth District questioned what level of revenue had been projected on products such as alcohol and tobacco, and whether taxes would be imposed on tobacco products also, as such products had a significant impact on public health.

24.

The FS stated that, from a holistic point of view, taxes on such products should be used to treat people who suffer from the effects of these products, and to assist in the development of health policies. The DFS added that the amount of revenue that would be generated from increasing Import Duty on alcohol was approximately $1 million. She added that tobacco had not been considered, but it would be.

25.

The Minister for Health and Social Development advocated for an increase in taxes on tobacco products.

26.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District wondered whether an answer could be provided on how the BVI Health Services Authority hoped to reduce their subsidy given that the new hospital would be coming on stream.

Page 25 of 231

27.

The FS stated that the National Health Insurance was meant to assist with that, but it was paramount for the current hospital fees to be reviewed.

28.

The Minister for Health and Social Development stated that Government currently contributed 80% to the Authority, and that the Authority was in the process of implementing cost-cutting initiatives. He also stated that the expenses for a new hospital was going to be costly, and it could be offset by the National Health Insurance and restructuring the fees. He emphasised that the main focus should be the delivery of the best health care for persons.

Subhead 411000 - Income Tax 29.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian noted that estimates had not been provided for Subhead 411000 - Income Tax to which the DFS clarified that Government no longer collected Income Tax.

30.

The Chairman thanked the staff from the Ministry of Finance for appearing before the Committee.

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CONSTITUTIONALLY ESTABLISHED DEPARTMENTS HEAD 1101

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Present: Mrs. Phyllis Evans

31.

Clerk, House of Assembly (Clerk)

Mrs. Iris Romney

Finance & Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

Mr. Dornelle Hazel

Accounts Officer II, House of Assembly (AcctOII)

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

32.

The Member for the Third District enquired as to under whose authority the FPOCED post fell, and who the officer reported to.

33.

The Clerk advised that the FPOCED’s position was established in 2013 for all the Constitutionally Established Departments. The FS further stated that the post fell under the authority of the Ministry of Finance and the FPOCED was assigned to address issues that presented themselves to the Constitutionally Established Departments.

34.

The Member for the Third District was aware that FPOs were usually accommodated within Ministries and sought further clarification as to how the FPOCED operated and who took the decisions.

35.

The FS explained that the Accounting Officers in the Constitutionally Established Departments would still take decisions, but the FPO advised on financial issues and the present arrangement was better than what existed before.

36.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District noted that some of the constitutionally established positions were not listed in the positions and salary grades section of the budget. He stated that it seemed a bit unfair to see the salary

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grades for all the other positions and the constitutionally established positions were not recorded.

37.

The Member for the First District asked whether the salary for the Clerk had been rectified.

38.

The FS stated that he was uncertain as to why the positions were not listed or whether the salary of the Clerk had been rectified, and would raise the issues with the Department of Human Resources when they appeared.

39.

The Member for the First District stated that he had a pet peeve about the library in the House of Assembly not being operational. He stated that conducting research in the HOA was extremely difficult. He further stated that he had received an electronic copy of the Hansard report for 2013, but had not received one for 2012. The Member for the First District contended that if the reports were being paid for then they should be received on time. He noted that it was his understanding that the aim for having the services contracted was to speed up the process of getting the reports, but that did not happen. He also enquired as to whether the Department would receive a Hansard post or how the contracted services could be improved.

40.

The Chairman advised that the contract included provisions for the preparation of two hard copies of the verbatim report which were received and were on file. She further stated that the challenges within the HOA in getting the reports printed and submitted to the Members was due to the lack of human resources. She said that the 2013 reports were distributed to Members and the 2012 and 2011 reports were printed but had not been distributed.

She stated that she had proceeded to send the 2013 reports

electronically and would do the same for the 2012 and 2011, but the hard copies for the 2013 report were now available.

The Chairman also advised that two new

members of staff, Ms. Khauesten Industrious, Senior Administrative Officer and Ms. Danika Blyden, Executive Officer, had joined the Department in January 2014 and

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prior to the end of 2013, respectively and, with the additional resources in place, the Department would be able to send out the reports at a faster rate.

41.

The Member for the First District asked whether it was possible to obtain a copy of the contract and all other payments made to the company outside of the contract. The Chairman responded that the contract had expired but a copy would be provided.

42.

The Member for the First District again recommended that someone be trained to assume the tasks being carried out by the contractor based on what was discussed in 2013.

43.

The Member for the First District noted that, when questions were asked in the House, and when they were not provided on hard copy or in real time and the Hansard reports were not submitted on time, it posed a problem. He further stated that there were Sittings where he had not received hard copies of the answers and additionally there were Sittings where the answers to the questions on the hard copy, when provided, were not the same as the taped version. He further stated that the lack of a library to conduct research, the delays in receiving the CDs, DVDs or Hansard on time, and getting information in real time put him in an awkward position as a Member of the HOA who should be speaking from information that was requested.

44.

The Member for the First District stated that he was concerned about the delays in getting the information in real time as there was no other way to obtain the information. He further noted that at times the public received one set of answers and the Members had another set because the answers were released by the media while they were answering. He said that information should not be distributed to the media or on lotus notes unless someone can ensure that the information is factual. He stated that the current situation was not allowing the House to operate in the manner it should, and he wanted it to be addressed.

45.

The Chairman stated that she was cognizant of the situation as it related to getting the hard copies of the answers. She stated that the media recorded what was being said in

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real time and the actual hard copies were not necessarily what were said during the Sitting. She added that the various Information Officers would make the amendments and send them back to the HOA who officially submitted the information to the media.

She advised that mechanisms had been put in place whereby the Director of Communications worked closely with the HOA to ensure that what was published officially was what had actually taken place during the Sitting of the House.

46.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour said it was important for Members to receive reports from previous years, as they were critical references that could be used to form part of the discussions. He also noted that the didactic side of the Questions and Answers sessions was the formal response to the answers and it was when there were follow-ups that the need for the verbatim reports would be extremely important. He said that it was less than proper not to receive the verbatim reports and, if the verbatim reports were to be edited, it would pose serious problems. He noted that receiving the verbatim reports had been a long-standing issue.

47.

The Chairman assured the Members that they would see a significant improvement in getting the reports out to them now that they had additional human resources.

48.

The Member for the First District stated that he would like to see the scope of works of the contract because, from the initial explanation, he was under the impression that it included the verbatim reports and getting them printed for the Members. The Member for the First District stated that, had he understood the contract to be how it was explained now then he would have had serious reservations in agreeing.

49.

The Member for Third District noted that it would be less expensive for the HOA to make the copies but if the contractor could make them faster, even though it would be more expensive it would be more efficient.

50.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about the number of vacancies in the HOA.

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51.

The Clerk stated that three positions were vacant namely, the Hansard Editor, Library Assistant II and the Assistant Information Officer.

52.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District noted that these were important positions, and wondered when the Department was getting a replacement for the Assistant Information Officer.

53.

The Clerk advised that there was no replacement for the Assistant Information Officer, but Mr. Linton Leonard had filled the post of Public Relations Officer. She stated that, during the last SFC Meeting, the vacancies were Hansard Editor, Public Relations Officer, Senior Administrative Officer, Library Assistant II, and the Assistant Information Officer.

54.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District also noted that there was no Library Assistant to assist Members with research.

55.

The Clerk informed the Committee that, due to space constraints, they were unable to organise a proper library.

56.

The Member for the First District enquired whether there was any provision made in the 2014 Budget Estimates to increase the Assistance Grants Subhead 572000 for District allocations as had been done in 2011. The Minister of Finance replied that, at the end of the proceedings, he would look at the Budget and see if there were any amendments/changes which could be reduced but he could not say anything at this moment.

57.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether Members were notified when persons were recruited at the HOA.

58.

The Clerk advised that Members were usually informed in writing, but she was unable to do so recently when the two new Officers reported.

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59.

The Clerk advised that more funds were needed to retain the services of Professional Court Reporting Services (PCRS) whose contract had expired on 31st December, 2013. She said that an additional $ 60,937 would be needed to enter into another contract for 2014 thru 2015. She stated that the funds would cover the Sitting on 13th January, 2014, the Standing Finance Meetings and the Budget Debate.

60.

The FS stated that no allocations were made before the contract was signed, but funds were reallocated to make provisions for the contract from personal emoluments to finance the contract. He said it would be regularised through a supplementary. He further stated that he would be guided by the decision made by the Premier at the end of the Standing Finance exercise. He also noted that there were funds available in the budget under Subhead 528299 - Other Consultancies.

61. The Member for the First District stated that he was unaware that no funds were available when the contract had been signed and, as such, he had a problem with how the contract was administered because the said course of action taken did not conform to the Financial Management Regulations (FMR). He asked whether payments outside the contract also came from personal emoluments, as this too did not conform to the FMR.He further stated that they should find funds for the contract or send someone to train.

62.

There were no further questions and the Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 1202

CABINET OFFICE

Present: Ms. Sandra Ward Mrs. Iris Romney

63.

Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Officer (CS) Finance & Planning Officer, Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

64.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) advised that the Cabinet Office continued to facilitate the Government’s

policy

programme,

and

assisted

with

the

monitoring

and

implementation of Cabinet’s decisions in conjunction with various Ministries. She stated that the relocation of the Cabinet Office to the Central Administration Building should be realised in 2014. She said that tenders were invited for the configuration of the Cabinet Office in 2013, bids had been received and evaluated by the Central Tenders Board and the next step would be for Cabinet’s consideration.

65.

The CS also advised that the interview process had been completed for the recruitment of a Deputy Cabinet Secretary, and the successful candidate should be hired within the first quarter of 2014. In terms of revenue, she explained that, at the end of 2013, the Cabinet Office had collected $366,952.30 from the Gazette Unit of which $340,325 were for notices, $893 for Gazette sales, and $26,934.30 for Subscriptions.

66.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired as to whether all the established positions were filled.

67.

The CS responded that, due to physical constraints, three vacancies existed, namely, the Assistant Secretary, who had been re-assigned to another Ministry, the Communications Officer in the Gazette Unit, and a Senior Administrative Officer who was presently seconded to a Statutory Body.

68.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District sought additional information as to whether the CS could give a specific month when the relocation of the Cabinet Office would occur.

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69.

The CS stated that she could not give a specific month given there were several works to be completed which could take approximately six months. She added that she could not elaborate on the scope of works or the cost of the project given that the Ministry of Finance had the responsibility for managing the project. The CS also advised that the next step in the project was for Cabinet’s consideration.

70.

The FS advised that he did not have the details of the relocation process for the Cabinet Office, but it was not budgeted for 2014.

71.

The Member for the Third District noted that it was agreed and accepted that the Cabinet Office would relocate to the former Attorney General’s Chambers in the Central Administration Building, and he was disappointed that it had not occurred.

72.

The Member for the Second District sought clarification as to whether the CS was acting or confirmed to the post. The CS verified that she was confirmed to the post of CS.

73.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee, and dismissed them from the meeting.

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HEAD 1303

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Present:

74.

Mr. Wayne Rajbansie

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Mrs. Gale Potter

Senior Administrative Officer (SAO)

Mrs. Iris Romney

Finance and Planning Officer for Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 deliberations and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

75.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if all the established positions were filled and, if not, enquired as to which ones were vacant.

76.

The DPP stated that, of the established positions, the Principal Crown Counsel position had been filled. He further stated that there were three Senior Crown Counsel positions presently, and that they had filled one with the appointment of Mr. Valston Graham.

He went on to state that they had one person on secondment, and that the position was still vacant. He further stated that they had appointed a second person, but was still awaiting a letter from HRD. He stated that there were four Crown Counsel positions, two of which were already filled. He added that there was one person acting which left one vacant position that had already been advertised. He also stated that all administrative positions were already filled and that the DPP stated that they had recently transferred one Senior Crown Counsel to the Supreme Court as the Deputy Registrar. As a result, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had only one vacant position with another vacancy expected later on in the year.

77.

The Member for the Third District asked if the ODPP was involved with the Ministry of Health or the Environmental Health Division regarding the nuisance of sewerage build up along the streets.

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78.

The DPP indicated that no file had been submitted to the ODPP and that no complaint had come forward from the police. He stated that the only file that came to the office last year was related to the oil spill but had nothing to do with sewerage.

79.

The Member for the Third District stated that the matter involved the Environmental Health Division which felt that it was a nuisance and was of the view that the perpetrators should be prosecuted. The Honourable Member then enquired if they would have to bring the matter directly to the office or file a complaint through the police.

80.

The DPP indicated that they could bring the matter directly to the ODPP.

81.

The Member for the Third District again asked if any such file came to the DPP’s attention, and the DPP responded in the negative.

82.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District indicated that she would like to have some clarification on the word “perpetrators” used by the Member for the Third District.

83.

The Member for the Third District indicated that he meant the Environmental Health Division was the unit which would bring the matter to the DPP.

84.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that she was still unsure of who the Honourable Member was referring to as “perpetrators”.

85.

The Member for the Third District stated that he did not know who the perpetrators were but assumed it would be whoever or whosever house the waste was running from.

86.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if the DPP had sufficient staff to carry out the work in the BVI.

87.

The DPP stated that he did not. He stated that the establishment was created to hold a number of positions, which they had filled and tried to keep filled over the years. He Page 36 of 231

noted that they had suggested a review of the ODPP be done with a view to increase the number of positions within the Department and hoped that, after the establishment was reviewed, the number of positions would increase.

88.

The Member for the Third District asked if the public must be made aware of the new legislation.

89.

The DPP advised that they must be informed. He stated that at the moment, the public did not have access but once the revision was completed, the legislation would be put out on a proper network and made available to the public.

90.

The DPP highlighted that the savings options that they had employed over the last 14 months had enabled them to increase the savings within the department for the operational budget. He stated that where domestic travel was previously $18,754.00 a year, they had now managed to save $1,500.00 a year which brought the amount down to $17,254.00 per year. With regards to the electricity bills, the ODPP had gone from spending $29,741.00 to $23,684.00 per year which is approximately $6,000.00 in savings. He further stated that previously, the amount allocated for telephone bills was $17,896.00 and they had managed to save a total of $7,246.00. The ODPP reduced their budget for Books and Subscriptions from $81,763.00 per year to $75,000.00 and were able to come up with an overall savings of $37,320.00.

91.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian indicated that he was happy to hear about the cost saving measures implemented and asked what was done to the energy consumption.

92.

The DPP indicated that they had turned off the lights on both of their floors and had also turned off all electronics within the office.

93.

The Member for the Third District commended the DPP for his savings options and asked if the ODPP’s conviction rate had gone up.

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94.

The DPP said yes and indicated that the rate had gone up to 65% according to their last report.

95.

The Member for the First District commended the DPP for the work he had done.

96.

With no further questions for the DPP, the Chairman thanked him for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 1404

COMPLAINTS COMMISSION

Present: Mr. Elton Georges

97.

Complaints Commissioner, Complaints Commission (CC)

The Chairman welcomed the Complaints Commissioner and asked that he state his name and position for the record.

98.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the CC who was the Assistant Complaints Commissioner. The CC responded that Mrs. Monique Hodge-Bell was the Assistant Complaints Commissioner.

99.

The Member for the First District enquired as to whether the CC had any complaints.

100. The CC stated that every year he had requested a fourth member of staff, and he had never received the funding.

101. The Chairman thanked the CC for appearing before the Committee and dismissed him from the meeting.

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HEAD 1505

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF INTERESTS

Present: Mrs. Victoreen Romney-Varlack

Registrar of Interests (RI)

Mrs. Iris Romney

Finance and Planning Officer for Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

102. The Chairman welcomed the Registrar to the proceedings and asked her to state her name and position for the record.

Subhead 511000 – Personal Emoluments

103.

The Minister for Education and Culture noted that $32,000.00 was allocated under Personal Emoluments and asked the RI if the figure was correct.

104.

The RI indicated that the figure was correct and noted that the position of Registrar of Interests had always been a part-time position. She stated that when the Office was established in 2008, she had been required to essentially create an office and, as such, she worked full-time for an entire month. She added that, once the Department was established, she reduced her working days to three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). She stated that because the salary was reduced by 50% in 2013, she now worked on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week. She reiterated that the figure seen in the budget estimates was correct.

105.

The Minister for Education and Culture asked the RI to explain how they arrived at the reduced salary and working days.

106.

The RI informed the Committee that, effective 18th February, 2008, she was given a statutory appointment and, because she was a retiree resuming work, a contract had to be negotiated to determine the salary, terms of conditions etc. She went on to state that, under the Act, there were certain requirements that had not been met to date and, because they had not been met, the workload that would normally be attributed to the office was not there. She added that one of the requirements was for the House of

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Assembly to appoint a Standing Select Committee to work with the Registrar in order to bring the Act fully into force. However, she stated that this had not been done in the six years since the Office was established.

107.

The RI stated that when her contract was being re-negotiated in January 2013, her “employer� said that he could not explain to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the salary that was being paid to the Registrar because the Registrar had nothing to do.

108.

The Minister for Education and Culture asked if there was a new requirement for the FCO to pay the Registrar.

109.

The RI advised that her response was that as far as she knew, she was not paid by the FCO but that she was paid by the BVI Government.

110.

The Member for the Second District stated that the RI had his full support.

111.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian noted that the budgeted amount was reduced by $20,000.00 and that it should be re-visited at the Cabinet level.

112.

With no further questions for the RI, the Chairman thanked her for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 1707

AUDIT DEPARTMENT

Present: Mrs. Sonia Webster

Auditor General (AGen)

Mrs. Iris Romney

Finance and Planning Officer for Constitutionally Established Departments (FPOCED)

113. The Chairman asked the persons on the panel to state their names and positions for the record.

114. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the proceedings and asked if there was a presentation for the Committee. The Auditor General stated that there was.

115. The AGen gave a brief overview of the Audit Department. She stated that, in 2013, they had filled one of their Audit Manager positions. She stated that they implemented the monitoring of Statutory Boards and was working to bring the Statutory Audits up to date. She also stated that they introduced a programme for the monitoring of cash to ensure that Departments tardy in depositing or paying in Government money were detected. She further stated that they were refocusing their efforts on petty contracts, primarily to monitor for compliance. She added that, in 2014, they hoped to build on the work done in 2013.

116. The Member for the Third District enquired if the definition/the rules of what was considered a petty contract should be changed now that the new protocols were in effect.

117. The AGen stated that she was not sure if making the distinction would add or detract from the controls. She added that they still received petty contracts.

118. The Member for the Third District asked about the role of the Audit Department with regards to petty contracts.

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119. The AGen informed the Committee that they looked for compliance and irregularities.

She added that they had to look for ways of circumventing the rules and that there was a specific programme or points that the Auditor had to go through within a petty contract.

120. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how an audit was initiated and who gave the directives or instructions for an audit to be done.

121. The AGen stated that, at the beginning of every year, they outlined the audits that they would perform which essentially meant that the audits to be undertaken would be determined by the Auditor General and her management team. She stated that the Department looked at areas that they anticipated would cause some problems. She also added that Department/Ministry Heads and the public were welcomed to request/suggest areas to be audited although the ultimate decision on what to undertake lay with the AGen and management.

122. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the AGen prioritised what could be done throughout the year.

123. The AGen indicated that they did and that how they prioritised was dependent on their resources and level of expertise.

124. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if completed and /or proposed projects were audited.

125.

The AGen advised that they conducted both.

126.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how many audits were done last

year.

127.

The AGen indicated that the Honourable Member would have to be more specific and added that they do a number of audits such as Financial Audit, Value for Money Audits and Statutory Audits.

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128.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the AGen had any idea as to how many audits were outstanding from last year.

129.

The AGen stated that most of the expenditure/routine audits were completed and were usually completed fairly quickly. She noted that the Value for Money and Treasury audits were time consuming.

130.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were any vacancies.

131.

The AGen informed the Committee that they were fortunate to have one of their Audit Manager positions filled last year. She stated that they had vacancies at the Senior Auditor level. She added that, while one Senior Audit position was filled, there were two more that were vacant and one where someone had been recommended to be promoted to that level, she but had not received a response from HR so far. She added that there were persons in the Department who were held against posts.

132.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about the protocol for a completed audit to return to the Ministry.

133.

The AGen stated that, if it was an audit requested by the Ministry, it was sent to the Permanent Secretary upon completion. She noted that it was usually sent to them in draft format first.

134.

With regards to the audit reports, the Member for the Third District asked if there was adequate access to Ministry files.

135.

The AGen stated that they did not think they had sufficient access to Ministry files.

She added that she thought some of the leading Ministries could do better.

136.

The Member for the Third District asked what the AGen did when they were trying to get information from a Ministry or Department but there was a Cabinet decision on it.

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137.

The AGen stated that it was their view that they should get copies of the Cabinet decisions. However, she added that they would usually get information from more than one source.

138.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour stated that he thought it was important for the AGen to tell the Committee which Ministries she was having difficulties with.

139.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the AGen what/who she was referring to when she said leading Ministries.

140.

The AGen stated that for the most part, they were able to get the files and documents but indicated that they consider the Ministry of Finance to be a leading Ministry.

141.

The FS indicated that he would like to make two comments. With regards to the matter of missing files, he stated that ever since he came into the Civil Service in 2003, he knew that the problem existed. He stated that he did not think the issue of missing files was recent and that was one of the reasons why it was useful to keep copies of document because things disappeared. He further stated that he thought the Auditor General knew that once there was an ongoing matter, it was not correct to conduct an audit while it was active and had not been concluded. He added that any suggestion that the Ministry of Finance was trying to prevent the AGen from doing her work was totally inaccurate.

142.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the disappearance/unavailability of files was a recent matter.

143.

In reference to the comments made by the FS, the AGen stated that they could audit any Government project whether it was ongoing, completed or had not yet begun, and that the records should be made available. She further stated that, in recent encounters with the Ministry of Finance, the programmes that they went in to see were recent programmes and that the files/records should have been made available. She added

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that with regards to auditing an ongoing project, they made concessions and that it was not their job to obstruct any project that was going on.

144.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if His Excellency the Governor was one of the persons who could request audits.

145.

The AGen indicated that he could.

146.

The Member for the Second District stated that the system of Government may not be perfect but, from his observation, it was well built on checks and balances and that those checks and balances were there to prevent individuals from becoming too powerful. He further stated that, if one looked at the Constitution, the power given to the AGen was within the right order. He added that he did not know why persons got offended when the AGen tried to carry out her responsibilities. He said that auditing was good for the system, good for the individual, and good to keep the Country accountable to the people to whom it actually belonged.

147.

The Member for the First District stated that the AGen was a constitutionally established position, and that no one could direct her.

148.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian indicated that he would like to state for the record that, even though the Member for Second District clarified the matter, none of those who spoke so far were bent out of shape or upset.

149.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District indicated that she would like the record to show that the disappearance of files was nothing new.

150.

The Member for the Third District asked what level of scrutiny was given to requests from the public.

151.

The AGen stated that any requests they received were given some level of scrutiny, especially those received from the public because there was a lot of hearsay. She added that, before they did anything, they conducted research and, if there was any substance to the request, they did some more research before they decided that it was Page 46 of 231

something they were going to do. She said that, because of limited resources, they had to be careful of how they used them.

152.

The Member for the First District stated that he would like to commend the AGen for the good job she had done despite the challenges.

153.

With no further questions for the Auditor General, the Chairman thanked her for appearing before the Committee and the information she provided.

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HEAD 2108

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Present:

154.

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Natalie Fahie - Smith

Private Secretary, Governor’s Office (PrvtSecGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the proceedings and apologised on behalf of the Committee for being called earlier than previously scheduled.

155.

The Chairman asked the members of the panel to state their names and positions for the record.

156.

The Chairman noted that Members should have a copy of the report that was just circulated concerning the work plan for the Governor’s Office, the organisational chart and a brief summary of its vision and mission statements.

157.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that the Committee had just heard from a Government agency that was able to reduce their electricity bill tremendously.

He noted that the electricity bills for the Governor’s Office had not changed. The Territorial Member enquired what the office had done to reduce their bill.

158.

The PrvtSec informed the Committee that they had switched to LED light bulbs. She added that they turned off the lights and the air conditioning units, but still received bills that had high costs and fuel surcharges added to them.

159.

With no further questions for the PrvtSec, the Chairman thanked her for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2109

DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Present:

160.

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn–Stoutt

Finance and Plann0ing Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the proceedings and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

Subhead 524000 - Repairs and Maintenance (Minor)

161.

Regarding Subhead 524000, Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian noted that the word “Minor” was in brackets and asked why. He also asked if the maintenance of the Anegada Complex was included under this Subhead.

162.

The PSDGO stated that the Subhead did not cover the maintenance of the Anegada Complex. He added that the maintenance of Government buildings was done by the Public Works Department.

163.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the PSDGO if he was aware of the condition of the Anegada Complex.

164.

The PSDGO indicated that they were fully aware. He stated that they had done a thorough assessment with Public Works Department and made a submission in this budget for some monies to assist with that, but were not successful.

165.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if the PSDGO was referring to the Department in Road Town or the Sub department in Anegada when he spoke of the Public Works Department.

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166.

The PSDGO stated that he believed the Department in Road Town had overall leadership, but they would give instructions to where they had workers in Anegada to assist.

167.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if they had any staff on Anegada.

168.

The PSDGO indicated that he thought it best answer to wait until the Public Works Department came before the Committee as he did not have the details.

169.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District indicated that he did not want the answer put off and stated that he would like to know if Public Works Department had any staff on Anegada like they did on Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.

170.

The PSDGO stated that when they went to Anegada to carry out the assessment of the building, they took staff from Tortola over for the assessment.

171.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District indicated that he did not understand what the PSDGO meant.

172.

The PSDGO indicated that, if time would permit, he could make a call to ascertain the staff complement on Anegada, but stated that he did not have that information at his fingertips.

173.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District indicated that he would be most grateful if the PSDGO would do so.

174.

The Minister for Communications and Works stated that, with regards to the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District to the PSDGO about the Public Works activities on Anegada, he would beg that the Leader

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of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District hold that question until the arrival of the Director of Public Works Department comes and promised that he would ensure that the question was answered.

175.

The PSDGO was able to determine that there were two Public Works employees on Anegada, Mr. Aubrey Levons and Mr. Vernon Vanterpool.

176.

With no further questions for the Deputy Governor’s Office, the Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee and the information they provided.

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HEAD 2110

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Present:

177.

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Michelle Donovan-Stevens

Ag. Director of Human Resources (AgDHR)

Mrs. Kara Penn – Stoutt

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

178.

The AgDHR gave a brief overview of the Department’s achievements in 2013. She stated that they had coordinated their second Human Resources Development Day for human resources professionals within the Public Service including professionals from the Statutory agencies, and completed Phase One of the Job Analysis Project which streamlined some 565 role profiles. She stated that they had worked with the Attorney General’s Chambers in revising the Service Commission and Draft Employee Mobility Regulations which were completed. She added that they had completed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan and were successful in launching the consultancy with REA, environmental consultants from Barbados, to develop a Health and Safety Policy for the Public Service. Additionally, that they had hosted the first mandatory Health and Safety training for Heads of Departments and a cross section of Public Officers. She also added that they placed a total of 197 High School, Secondary and Tertiary students throughout the Summer as a part of their Summer Employment Programme. Lastly, she informed the Committee that the Department had launched their EAP counselling sessions on Virgin Gorda to ensure that such a service was available to the Sister Islands.

179.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District indicated that he did not hear what the AgDHR said, and asked her to repeat her statement.

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180.

The AgDHR stated that she had referred to the Employee Assistance Programme counselling sessions on the Sister Islands. She noted that the programme had always been open to all Public Officers but, to ensure easy access for Public Officers on Virgin Gorda, the counsellors visited there regularly.

181.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked how long it would take for an Officer to gain permanent and pensionable status.

182.

The AgDHR advised that Public Service confirmation was usually granted after a one-year probationary period. She added that, after successfully completing the probationary period, an individual could be confirmed based on the Permanent Secretary/Head of Department’s recommendation.

183.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if that policy applied to all Civil Servants from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke.

184.

The AgDHR advised that the policy applied to all Public Officers.

185.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if Mr. Allister had received his confirmation to become permanent and pensionable after being in the service for five or six years.

186.

The AgDHR asked the Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District to repeat the name of the Public Officer.

187.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated “Allister”.

188.

The AgDHR stated that it was her understanding that Mr. Allister was not a full-time Government employee and that was why he was not yet qualified for Permanent and Pensionable status.

Page 53 of 231

189.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked the AgDHR to repeat herself.

190.

The AgDHR stated that she had been informed the Mr. Allister was not a full-time employee and that was why he did not qualify for Permanent and Pensionable status.

191.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he was not sure where the AgDHR obtained her information, but suggested that the she may want to re-investigate the matter.

192.

The AgDHR stated that the matter would be looked into again.

193.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he was happy to see that the Pensions Amendment Bill was completed and sent down to the Attorney General’s Chambers. He asked if the AgDHR could provide the Committee with an update.

194.

The AgDHR stated that the amendments to the Pensions Act were completed at the end of last year and that a draft Cabinet Paper had been prepared and sent to the Deputy Governor’s Office.

195.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he hoped the AgDHR would be able to impress upon the Attorney General to submit the Bill to Cabinet so that the Minister responsible for pension could bring it to the Table.

196.

The AgDHR stated, for clarification purposes, that the revisions related to the Pension Amendment specifically looked at aligning the Pension Regulations to our Constitution. She added that, areas where there were some discrepancies, the Attorney General had been able to clarify those points. She advised that the Bill was not considering the increase of pension.

Page 54 of 231

197.

The AgDHR again stated, for clarification purposes, that pension revision, as it related to the amount an employee would receive, was a project that would have to be taken forward by the Ministry of Finance not under the Human Resources Department.

198.

The Member for the Eighth District enquired about the Employee Mobility legislation and asked if it was in place.

199.

The AgDHR stated that the legislation was passed and required Regulations which had been drafted and sent to the Attorney General. She noted that a Cabinet Paper had been completed and submitted to the Deputy Governor’s Office.

200.

The PSDGO added that the Cabinet Paper should be one of the first or second papers that Cabinet would be considered early in the year.

201.

With regard to persons who proceeded on study leave, the Member for the Eighth District asked how the legislation would impact them and if those persons could work with Statutory Organisations upon their return.

202.

The AgDHR stated that, within the policy and the regulations, an agreement would have to be made between the Government and the Statutory Organisation to allow for those individuals to work there.

203.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked in relation to one of the questions previously asked if the HR Department had a record of every person who was in an established position or worked for Government.

204.

The AgDHR stated that they had a record of every Public Officer.

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205.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the AgDHR if she could make enquiries regarding an employee being temporary, and was not permanent and pensionable.

206.

The AgDHR stated that the process for enquiring about the status of any public officer who had been on temporary terms for any long period of time was immediately through the Department Head or if that officer was within the Ministry then it would be through the Permanent Secretary of that Ministry.

207.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian commended the AgDHR on the Department’s achievements, and asked how she planned to move forward the updating of the General Orders.

208.

The AgDHR indicated that the revised General Orders had already been drafted and that they had received legal advice on the document. She stated that they had been advised that the document should be moved forward through the approval of the Service Commission Act (which occurred), through the approval of the Service Commission Regulations (which is currently pending) and through Public Service Code and there is also the consultation on implementing the Public Service Act to give further support to the revised General Orders.

209.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the AgDHR anticipated that happening this year.

210.

The AgDHR stated that it was included in their work plan for 2014. She added that they had not released the document because of the sequence they were advised to follow.

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211.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if the outdated General Orders was the one currently being applied to on a day-to-day basis, to which the AgDHR affirmed.

212.

The Minister for Health and Social Development referred to bullet number three under the occupational hazards of the report that stated that the BVI Health Services Authority was not giving individuals priority. He asked her to explain what was meant by that statement.

213.

The AgDHR stated that the statement was referring to the priority to conduct the medical assessments for public officers who had occupational health and safety issues.

214.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if that meant that persons were not given treatment when they went to the hospital for an assessment.

215.

The AgDHR indicated that the matter referred to a specific request for a medical assessment as a result of a work incident and was not referring to employees who had incidents and went to the hospital for care. She added that they would ask for a medical assessment to be done to determine how the injury would affect them carrying out their day-to-day duty.

216.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if this was as it related to mould.

217.

The AgDHR stated that it referred to any type of injury whether it was a slip, a fall or an injury as a result of using machinery.

218.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked whom the AgDHR had been in contact with at the BVIHSA.

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219.

The AgDHR stated the she had been speaking to designated persons over the years as well as the CEO and her staff and sometimes Dr. Samuels depending on the nature of the case.

220.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there was a MOU.

221.

The AgDHR indicated that there was one but it had not been signed. She added that it had been reviewed and noted that she met with the CEO recently who was reviewing the document.

222.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the AgDHR if the progress of the MOU had progressed to her satisfaction.

223.

The AgDHR stated that there were outstanding cases and the impact on employees was the reason for referencing it. She added that this matter also impacted the Government because persons were asking about the conclusion of their medical assessments. She noted that they paid for the medical assessments.

224.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District indicated that she would like to refer to the matter of persons being permanent and pensionable. She asked if there was anything HR could do about investigating why persons had not been confirmed to their positions in the Service having worked for several years.

225.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked how long the AgDHR had been acting in her position.

226.

The AgDHR indicated that she had been acting in her position for almost four years.

227.

The AgDHR informed the Committee that the Department of Human Resources (DeHR) regularly followed up on a number of long-standing appointments by writing to the Department Heads and Permanent Secretaries. She stated that they had Page 58 of 231

discussions with them and that, when they received performance appraisals, they reviewed them to ascertain if there were any issues. She further stated that there should be a regular reporting from Departments on the appointments that were within the devolved grades.

228.

The PSDGO indicated that it was a very serious topic and that they had actually commingled different types of reasons why they could not be or would not be confirmed. He stated that he thought the main issue was where young people who came into the service had worked for more than a year and had not gotten a chance to be confirmed. He went on to state that the DeHR sent out notifications to Permanent Secretaries about persons who were eligible, but had not received their confirmation.

He stated that the AgDHR said that she would take forward something more formal and suggested that perhaps the list could be presented to the Public Service Commission to have their input on the matter. He also suggested that perhaps they could be given the power to call upon Department Heads or Permanent Secretaries to find out why persons had not been confirmed.

229.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District also suggested that, somewhere within the document, it should state why the affected officer was not confirmed.

230.

The Chairman enquired if a person had not been confirmed as permanent and pensionable, how was it that they could apply and be accepted for another job within the Public Service.

231.

The PSDGO stated that sometimes they had situations where the person may have been in a non-established post, so it was possible for a person in such a position to apply for a permanent and pensionable post. He noted that once they were confirmed to the permanent and pensionable post, their years of service continued.

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232.

The Chairman asked what happened if the person was temporary in an established post.

233.

The PSDGO stated that if the person was temporary in an established position and had not been confirmed after one year, it would most likely mean that the post was not free for that person to fill. He added that it was difficult to say what might have happened without the specifics.

234.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if the AgDHR had anything to do with the appointment of personnel managers throughout the various sectors of the public service.

235.

The PSDGO advised that the AgDHR had no say in which Human Resources Manager was selected for a particular Department or Ministry. He added AgDHR was only involved if they were asked to sit on a panel that conducted the interview of the person recommended by the PS.

236.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian indicated that he would like the record to reflect that he agreed with the sentiments expressed by the Member for the Fifth District. He added that he believed no one should be acting in a position for more than two years. He asked the AgDHR to give the Committee an indication of the staffing challenges being experienced at the senior level.

237.

With reference to the staffing challenges, the AgDHR stated that they had Senior Assistant Human Resources Managers that had moved to other offices and therefore resulted in vacancies. She added that there was a situation where certain staff members were recommended but had not been approved. She stated that this resulted in the burden being placed on a select set of persons. She also stated that the staffing challenges faced by the Department were not an excuse but just a reality that they had to face.

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238.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how many vacancies existed within the thirty-seven established positions in the Department.

239.

The AgDHR stated that of the thirty-seven established positions, there were only three vacancies. She noted that they had a lot of acting positions within the Department as well as Officers who were assigned to other Ministries.

240.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2111

TRAINING DIVISION

Present: Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Michelle Donovan-Stevens

Ag. Director of Human Resources, Department of Human Resources (AgDeHR)

Mrs. Marsha Smith

Chief Training Officer, Training Division (CTO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

241. The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

242. The CTO gave a brief summary of the key accomplishments and challenges of the Training Division in 2013. She stated that, in Fall 2013, all public officers on study leave were required to complete relevant documentation to allow the Training Division to communicate directly with their respective institutions. She also stated that students were also required to set up third party billing which would allow institutions to bill the Training Division directly and, as result, tuition was now paid to the institutions directly by the Training Division. She further stated that, with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Chambers, they were able to develop a bond repayment agreement for public officers who were unable to commit to the employment agreement of their student bonds. She stated that four public officers had completed their studies in 2013.

She added that the revised Service Charter for the Training Division would be launched at the end of the first quarter in 2014.

243. The CTO added that they assisted in coordinating the second Human Resources Professionals Retreat which was a one-day retreat geared towards assisting human resources professionals to re-charge themselves. She stated that they also led policy review meetings towards updating the Human Resources Development Policy which

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was slated for completion in 2014. She also stated that they had been un-successful in compiling and revising the priority training areas provided by Ministries and Departments to advise the Study Leave Assessment Board on the training scholarship awards for 2013 to 2014. She added that the priority list was also used to highlight areas where public officers should be considered for professional attachments.

244. The CTO stated that they had developed the draft framework for a Public Service Learning and Development Programme in consultation with the Deputy Governor’s Office and Department of Human Resources. She also stated that they had re-designed and coordinated the new Employee Induction Programme in which eighty (80) new and recently hired public officers had participated. She added that forty-six (46) inservice trainings had been coordinated, and the Department had promoted the online training programme offered through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

245. With regard to challenges, the CTO stated that inadequate technological support continued to be a problem. She added that, with adequate support, they would be able to generate reports electronically. She stated that the lack of a full-time trainer who would facilitate training programmes was another challenge that affected the Department.

246. The Minister for Education and Culture stated that he had been getting many complaints from Teachers stating that they had applied for study leave at the Training Division and were being told that the Ministry of Education had a scholarship programme and that they should be applying there. He indicated that it was his understanding that the study leave programme was open to all public officers. He asked the CTO if she could confirm whether or not what he was hearing was true.

247. The CTO stated that Teachers were being trained by the Training Division. She stated that, in fall 2013, they had two teachers whose applications were submitted through the Permanent Secretary and Chief Education Officer before being sent to the Training Division for consideration; the Teachers were Natasha Marshall who was studying

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education at a UK university and Kimberly Thompson who was studying sign language.

248. The Minister for Education and Culture stated that, because of the complaints, he had arranged spaces in the Ministry’s scholarship programme for the Teachers.

249. The CTO stated that they had been working with the Ag. Chief Education Officer in trying to arrange training for Teachers as much as possible. She also stated that the Department of Human Resources had been checking to make sure that the salaries for those persons were met.

250. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that the CTO did not have a policy at the Training Division where they were refusing teachers who applied for training.

251.

The CTO indicated that was correct.

252.

The Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that there was no policy or written document at the Training Division stating that teachers should go to the Ministry of Education.

253.

The CTO indicated that was correct.

254.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he was pleased at what he saw in the report provided by the Training Division.

255.

With no further questions for the CTO, the Chairman thanked her for appearing before the Committee and the information she provided.

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HEAD 2112

DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Present:

256.

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Ms. Sharleen DaBreo

Director, Disaster Management (DDM)

Mrs. Evangeline Inniss

Deputy Director, Disaster Management (DepDDM)

Mrs. Kara Penn–Stoutt

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

257.

The DDM highlighted some areas of the report, which was provided to the Committee. She directed Members to the section titled “2013 Work Plan and Updates”. She indicated that, of the $743,000.00 that was allocated to the Department for its general budget last year, approximately 98.7% was spent which was 4% more than they spent last year. She noted that the Department’s estimates were split into three programmes, namely General Expenses, Work Programme Expenses and a small allocation for Simulation Exercise. With regards to the Work Programme Expenses, she indicated that they were given a total of $85,600.00 of which 91.5% was spent. She went on to state that, of the $2,500.00 allocated, just over $2,000.00 was spent. She stated that the External Programme Support was a new programme that was set up by the Ministry of Finance in conjunction with the Treasury Department which allowed them to receive external funds from their donors. She noted that, in 2013, they had received a total of $262,768.00 in direct contributions from donors which equated to 34% of the budget and that the contributions were about 30.9% of the Work Programme allocation. She stated that they had obtained $13,500.00 in donor support from local and regional companies to fully fund their Disaster Digest Magazine. With regards to the HLSCC programme, she noted that they were able to attract significant funding in the amount of $76,280.00 which went towards programmes that were administered through the College which equates to

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89% of the Work Programme Budget. The Director highlighted some other major successes between 2009 and 2013. She stated that, at the end of December, they had presented Cabinet with an evaluation of their strategy for the last five years which had been evaluated against the OECS Benchmarking Tool. She indicated that when they analysed their budget, they determined that they spent most of their funds on Hazard Identification, Risk Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness.

258.

The DDM drew the Committee’s attention towards the section on “New and Emerging Issues” where she stated that there was an increase of intensity of disasters that were occurring worldwide and this information called for the Department to do a better job at monitoring of natural hazards and paying particular attention to issues of land degradation and poor land management. She also noted the issue of the vulnerability of the Virgin Islands when compared to the rest of the Caribbean islands was significantly low and pointed out the need to pay more attention to water related disasters such as floods and events associated with the El Nino. She stated that they received literature a few weeks ago from US Geological Survey (USGS), which indicated that there was an increased earthquake risk to the Caribbean region.

259.

With regards to the Department of Disaster Management’s requests for 2014, the DDM stated that they had asked for and received a total budget of $810,800.00. She added that $755,000 will go to General Expenses and $53,100.00 towards their Work Programme Expenses. For the Work Programme, she noted that there would be a 38% reduction in this year’s budget and that $2,500.00 was again requested for the Simulation Exercise allocation. Under the External Programme Support, an allocation of $672,000.00 was requested because the MOF advised the Department to project what donor funds they would be expecting in 2014. It was pointed out that the Department was trying to acquire a grant from the Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Grant Fund from the CDB, which had small allocations of $650,000.00.

She stated that they were hoping to use the funds to design a Community Based Programme for the Sea Cow’s Bay Community in particular to retrofit the marine shelter in that area. She brought to Members’ attention to the organisational chart that was in keeping with their new strategy for 2014 to 2018. She noted that the new Page 66 of 231

strategy was with the Deputy Governor’s Office and was currently going through consultation with the MOF and Attorney General’s Chambers. She stated that they were not asking for any additional staff but rather two position upgrades. With regards to the contribution paid to CDEMA in terms of value for money, she noted that DDM received 7.8 times the benefit that they applied for the year. She also informed the Committee attention of the need for attention to be made towards the changes in the Disaster Management Act. 260.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were any provisions to assist persons who incurred additional expenses in determining if their proposed development was going to be subjected to environmental degradation, landslides or floods. He also asked if that was a service that the Department provided to persons at no cost.

261.

The DDM stated that they were receiving a number of similar requests and not just for construction but in the development stage as well. She indicated that quite a number of people were facing significant erosion issues with their properties. She noted that they undertook a risk assessment called a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment and provided a set of recommendations. She stated that there was one particular community where a number of homes were being affected as a result of poor drainage. She noted that there were cases where Government agencies were being accused of applying asphalt in such a way that it was impacting homes. She stated that they had been holding discussions with persons in the community with regards to what they needed to practice/implement in the planning stages. She further stated that they had made further progress with their hazard data, and were now able to provide information such as the suggested degree of cut to land, the size of the structure that would be able to fit on the land etc. She added they provided these services free of charge to the public.

262.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if what they were doing was beyond the established PR campaign.

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263.

The DDM confirmed this and stated that they were now finding that they were having one-on-one interaction with the public who wanted to better understand how to protect their property and what they had to do to manage water coming off their properties.

264.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked at what stage the Department was involved with the Town and Country Planning Department with regards to building development.

265.

The DDM stated that the Department of Disaster Management was involved at the subdivision stage. She noted that the Department had been permitted to sit on the Planning Authority for the past five or six years, so they were able to see applications go through and were also able to build the science of disaster management into the decisions that were being made on those applications. She stated that there was very little space left to subdivide and noted that ,with the Premier’s permission, they were able to apply the Hazard Vulnerability Assessment at the subdivision stage so that it defined if there was a ghut on the property and the protection mechanisms needed.

266.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District indicated that she noticed the soil in some areas at George’s North Side was unstable and unsuitable for building.

She noted that the soil was easily eroded during heavy rains.

267.

The DDM expressed that persons needed to get an understanding that there was only so much one can construct on a parcel of land. She stated that a need existed for green spaces, there needed to be areas that can accommodate sewerage and that they had to make sure that they studied the soils and undertook geotechnical studies. She stated that the angle of cut was one of the main issues and that even if you had fragile soil, if you cut at the right angle, you could avoid issues in the future. She informed the Committee that the Department had also been working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour to apply more natural techniques for stabilisation.

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268.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if there was a public awareness campaign that could make people aware that not every parcel of land was suitable to build on prior to them spending their money.

269.

The DDM stated that they had conducted numerous Public Relation campaigns over the years and she thought it needed to be continuous. She added that people seemed to appreciate the one-on-one discussions. She stated that people often felt that something was not going to happen in their lifetime so they ignored the risks. She also stated that they had heard of the concept of dry ghuts but, in reality there was no such thing as a dry ghut because water would flow through it again eventually. She stated that they tried to do as much site visits as possible to educate persons on what was at risk.

270.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that the Road Town Oil Spill had been an unfortunate event, and commended the DDM for the way they responded to the event. He asked what lessons were learnt from the spill and if those lessons had been shared with the public.

271.

The DDM stated that the most critical lesson learnt was the need for proper documentation of individuals who had access to the sewerage station in Road Town.

She said that they had spoken to the Water and Sewerage Department and they had implemented measures to ensure that the incident would never happen again. She stated that these types of events had happened in the past and in this situation a truck simply pulled up to the station without the individual being informed and they simply started pumping into the wrong outlet; this resulted in the Government having to spend significant funds to cover the cleanup operations. She indicated that the oil spill matter was currently with the DPP and that they were preparing to take it to court.

272.

With no further questions for the DDM, the Chairman thanked her for appearing before the Committee and the information she provided.

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HEAD 2113

SUPREME COURT

Present: Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Ms. Paula Ajarie

Registrar, Supreme Court (the Registrar)

Mrs. Erica Smith-Penn

Chief Registrar of Lands assigned to the Supreme Court

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance & Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

273. The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked them to state their names and positions to which they complied.

274. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired whether the Chief Registrar of Lands had been given a specific assignment at the Supreme Court.

275. The Chief Registrar of Lands stated that she had not been given a specific assignment but was assisting in all areas.

276. The Chairman thanked the Supreme Court for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2114

CIVIL REGISTRY AND PASSPORT OFFICE

Present: Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Stephanie Benn

Registrar General, Civil Registry and Passport Office (RG)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance & Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

277. The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked persons present to give their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

278.

The Registrar General made a presentation to the Members.

279.

The PSDGO reiterated that the Department did very well in 2013, not just in revenue generation, and was able to set a standard for information technology using technology for services.

He stated that an assessment was completed on the

Department, and it was ranked number two with the rest of the Caribbean in terms of their services. He also stated that there appeared to be an error in that the post of Registrar General was approved to be upgraded from Grade 16 to Grade 17, and the change had not been reflected in the budget.

280.

The FS stated that he was aware of this.

281.

The Chairman said thanks to the panel for attending the meeting.

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HEAD 2115

MAGISTRACY

Present: Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mr. David Archer

Mrs. Eunice Crawford

Court Manager, Magistrate’s Court Finance & Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

282. The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked persons present to give their names and positions to which they complied.

283. The Court Manager stated that there was a need to make some adjustments to the 2014 Budget for the Magistracy. She said it would not incorporate additional funds. She requested that funds be reallocated from some Subheads because at the time of the submission of the budget, the Department was not in

possession of the two

Magistrates, and their salaries were not incorporated as staff in the current budget. She explained that a total of $135,000 was needed to cover their salaries.

She was

requesting that $95,000 be reallocated from Subhead 511531 to Subhead 511130.

284. The FS stated that he agreed to this request once it did not involve additional funds.

285. The Court Manager, in making her presentation, stated that justice delayed was justice denied. She said during last year’s Standing Finance Committee there had been much debate about the increase of staff needed, and she was asked to submit a request for the increase of positions because the work of the Magistracy would be increased; she had done so again in 2014, but she had not seen the positions reflected in the 2014 budget.

She added that the Magistrate’s Court was responsible for several Courts and every person charged before the Court came to the Magistrate’s Court with the exception of the Commercial Court.

She explained that the work of the Magistrate’s Court was

handwritten, that staff had to type the transcribed documents and make nine copies, and they were also required to prepare exhibits. She stated that the High Court did not

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do any of this work, yet there was a disparity between the Supreme Court and the Magistrate’s Court in terms of staff. She stated that the Magistrate’s Court needed three additional positions, namely a Court Manager, an Administrative Officer and a Court Clerk. She stated that, in May 2014, all three Courts would be operating simultaneously on a daily basis and she was desperately asking for an increase of staff.

She added that the officers worked for long hours including weekends and did not get lunch breaks. She said that, in her view, that the work that the current staff was being asked to do was impossible.

286. The Minister for Health and Social Development stated that 86% of Government’s revenue was used for recurrent, 9% for the Development Fund, and 5% was for the Reserve Fund. He said the Deputy Governor’s Group spent $180 million of the Funds and instead of asking for increased expenditure, the Deputy Governor should seek to allocate staff to do the work. He suggested that the answer was for the Deputy Governor to seek to reallocate staff where they were needed the most.

287. The PSDGO stated that had written to all of the Permanent Secretaries and requested help in reallocating staff to work in the Magistrate’s Court. He added that, he did not have the authority to reallocate staff without the Ministries’ approval. He said, if the Committee gave him the authority to relocate staff, he would do so.

288. The FS stated that the problem was that the Permanent Secretaries were unwilling to give up positions unless they were forced to do so because they feared that they might need their posts. He also stated that the DG would have to be more “heavy handed” and directed that staff be reallocated.

289. The PSDGO stated that the Deputy Governor’s Office did not have that authority and that the DGO’s was operating under a strain.

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290. The Member for the Second District stated that Members needed to identify positions now and assign them to the Magistrate’s Court. He added that only this Committee had the authority to make adjustments.

291. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that over the past years the Magistrate did not come before the Committee and he wondered why the Court Manager came instead of the Magistrate. He also added that he received a call from a friend in St. Lucia enquiring about a former Minister who was serving as a Magistrate in Tortola. He said he was surprised to learn that a former Minister was working in Tortola and that information was not passed on to the Public.

292. The Premier stated that, if the Committee wished to have the Magistrate attend the Standing Finance Committee meeting, this could be arranged.

293. The PSDGO replied that the Magistrate was no longer the Accounting Officer and therefore was not required to come to SFC. He explained that, previously, the Magistrate was the Accounting Officer and there was an attempt to separate the powers by ensuring that the Magistrate moved towards the judicial aspect, and the Court Manager was appointed as the Accounting Officer.

294. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired how many Magistrates were on staff.

295. The Court Manager replied that two full-time Magistrates were on staff; Dr. Velon John is the Acting Senior Magistrate and had been appointed for one year and the second Magistrate was Mrs. Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo.

296. The Member for the Third District asked whether females were required to pay child support.

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297. The Court Manager replied that the present legislation did not allow the Department to collect fees for child support from mothers.

298. The Member for the Third District stated that the Director of Public Prosecution said that he forwarded amendments of the law to the AG. He wondered whether anyone had submitted a recommendation for amending the law regarding child support.

299. The Court Manager stated that the Department had been looking at the laws relating to the Magistracy with a view to reviewing them.

300. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how much of the revenue was paid out.

301. The Court Manager stated that all of the revenue generated under maintenance was paid out, and that revenue for bail was also paid out once the conditions were met.

302. The Premier stated that he would attempt to make adjustments to the Magistrate’s budget, and that it was difficult at this time to say where the changes would be made.

303. The Minister for Health and Social Development stated that staff could be relocated from within the Deputy Governor’s Group.

304. The PSDGO stated the Deputy Governor’s group did not have the authority to move around staff. He also stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour had lent them one person, but had asked that the officer be returned to the Ministry.

305. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked who had the authority to move around staff.

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306. The Member for the Second District stated that the PSDGO was not authorised to move staff, and this could only be done once the money/funding was approved as well as with the approval of the FS after discussion with the Minister of Finance.

307. The Member for the Third District asked whether Night Court was still being held.

308. The FS stated that the Ministry of Finance gave each Ministry the ability to move about its resources between now and when the budget was passed, although they may need a supplementary to do so; this could be done as long as no additional funds were required.

309.

The Chairman thanked the panel for attending the meeting.

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HEAD 2116

COMMERCIAL COURT

Present:

310.

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Ms. Paula Ajarie

Registrar, Commercial Court (The Registrar)

Mrs. Erica Smith-Penn

Chief Registrar of Lands assigned to the Supreme Court

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance & Planning Officer, DGO (FPODGO)

The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked them to state their names and positions to which they complied.

311.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that he was concerned that one of the pillars outside of the Commercial Court had been on the ground for over two years, and asked when it would be fixed. He also asked whether the pillar would be removed.

312.

The Registrar replied that the pillar had been fixed, but it had been knocked down again. She stated that the purpose of the pillar was to hinder vehicles from crashing into the building. and that it would be repaired once more.

313.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2117

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS

Present: Dr. Christopher Malcolm

Attorney General, Attorney General’s Chambers (AG)

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance & Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

314. The Chairman asked persons to state their names and positions to which they complied.

315. The AG stated that there was a fairly long introductory section in the Department’s presentation dealing with the role of the AG. He added that Members would note that he had deliberately set out the role pertaining to Accounting Officers, and had sought to contextualise it to the relevant law. He also stated that it had been included because of the matters that the AG's Chambers received from time to time. He noted that, late last year at a Heads of Departments meeting, the DG had announced that she would hold a meeting with Senior Public Officers regarding the role and functions of Accounting Officers relative to the law. He added that he had considered it necessary to ensure that the Members were aware of what the law said and that they understood that practice could not override the law. He stated that the Government had an obligation to institute action to ensure that money leaking out was recovered as a result of breaking the law. He said that the measuring stick must be what the law says.

316. The Minister for Health and Social Development read from page 142 of the handout which stated that, “insofar as protecting the public purse more generally is concerned, emerging case law has now established that the AG may, in his capacity as corporation sole, bring action against any public servant or even Ministers of Government for misfeasance in public office, so as to recover damages for loss caused to the Government by their improper action.”

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317. The Minister for Education and Culture requested clarification on the issue that the AG had addressed.

318. The Member for the Third District stated that, based on his observation, it was a dereliction of duty on the part of the Accounting Officer, and enquired whether Accounting Officers could be forced to take action against their will.

319. The AG stated that he was seeking to address this issue so that Accounting Officers were clear on their responsibilities. He added that he had heard and seen action which suggested that Accounting Officers were not clear of their role, and he would have a meeting with the Accounting Officers through the Deputy Governor.

320. The Member for the Second District stated that he had observed that the accounting process had been operating incorrectly for a long period of time, and persons believed that it was right, and that no one was about to stop and make the right decision. He said he supported the AG’s views that a meeting needed to be held with the Accounting Officers as far as the financial situation was concerned.

321. The Member for the Third District stated that this issue did not begin with the current Government.

322. The AG stated that this was a general statement that he was making and that the situation needed to be looked at and action taken to rectify this issue. He added that the Accounting Officers needed to be aware of their responsibilities and, if the FS decided to surcharge someone for failing to carry out their responsibilities, they could not give the excuse that it was not their responsibility.

323. The FS stated that two issues had been brought to the forefront in discussing this matter, one being that the Accounting Officer was responsible for his actions. He stated that we ran into issues when Accounting Officers believed that they could

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determine policy.

He said he knew of specific instances where the Accounting

Officers were unaware of what was being done, and the money that was allocated to them was already committed for something else without the knowledge or consent of the Accounting Officer. He said that this practice was illegal. He added that, when the Minister of Finance gave allocation in the budget cycle, it was done at the Ministry level and the PS determined, after discussing the budget with the Accounting Officers, what should be allocated for each Department.

He stated that, if the Head of

Department needed funds before the budget process was closed, that discussion should be held by an Officer that was responsible for Civil Servants. He explained that the House of Assembly determined where the funding went, but a discussion should be held before this decision was made. He further stated that, after the budget process, officers could be allowed to go to another Ministry and this had been practiced before.

324. The AG stated that he was not suggesting that the Accounting Officers were a law unto themselves. He said that, according to section 21 of the Public Finance Management Act, the Accounting Officer was personally accountable and responsible for public money received or disbursed. He added that, if a matter went before the Court, the Officers could not say that they were unaware of the law or that someone told him/her to take action. He concluded by stating that the Accounting Officer must be involved in the process and must be guided by the law.

325. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he had noted 14 positions for lawyers in the AG's Chambers' vote, and enquired whether any vacancies existed and whether he would be requesting more staff.

326. The AG stated that a vacant post of Parliamentary Counsel needed to be filled and attempts had been made to fill it. He added that a Principal Crown Counsel was also needed and, once those positions were filled, the Department would be fully staffed.

327.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing.

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HEAD 2118

POLICE

Present: Mr. David Morris

Commissioner of Police, Royal Virgin Island Police Force (COP)

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Ms. Gail Wheatley

Business Support Director, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (BSD)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance & Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

328. The Commissioner of Police stated that the Department’s achievements for 2013 included a strategy plan to build trust and confidence with the community. He stated that eight neighbourhood watch teams were now in place, and officers had been assigned to work in those specific areas. He added that police consultative groups had been formed in six areas, and Police Officers had been assigned to work in those areas.

He informed the Committee that the Department was working with multiple agencies to develop the Virgin Islands Community Safety Strategy, and that a review was being undertaken to produce a new professional standards policy. He stated that a victim support policy had been introduced for victims of sexual offences and abused children and the Domestic Violence Policy was being expanded in conjunction with the Gender Affairs Office and the Social Development Department.

Crimes 329. The Commissioner of Police stated the following regarding crime:  that 2013 saw a reduction of crimes by 14% - 247 less reported crimes than 2012;  an increase in their detection rate from 41% in 2012 to 44% in 2013;  a reduction of burglary by 52% - 146 less in 2013 than in 2012;  a reduction of theft of vehicles from 24% - 46 less than 2012.  a similarity in violent crimes for 2012 - 352 in 2012 and 353 in 2013; this was an increase compared to 289 violent crimes in 2011.

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He added that 43% of the

violent crimes last year were related to domestic violence and that this meant that more persons were coming forward to report crimes.

330.

The Commissioner of Police stated that the Department continued to offer training to its staff which included Training with the Chartered Management Institute as well as Train the Trainer, Officer Safety Training and Scenes of Crimes Training.

331.

The Commissioner of Police gave a status report on the refurbishment works at the East End Anegada, West End and Road Town Police Stations.

332.

The Commissioner of Police informed the Committee of other aspects of the operations of his Department which included the seizure of cash, arrests for various crimes and the sale of an aircraft.

He added that the Department had recruited ten

(10) officers in 2013 after they had returned from overseas; five of the officers were in the top ten of the training and one came second out of 46 officers from Barbados, Anguilla and BVI; one officer also received the fitness award. He stated that, of the 10 officers, three were BVIslanders, one was a national, and six were non-nationals who grew up and had been educated in the BVI. He added that the Department was also working with HLSCC to introduce a training programme for law reform for persons including Customs and security personnel.. He stated that the operating budget had been cut by $ 413,000, which represented 5% of the budget, and that would have a huge impact on the Department.

333.

The Premier stated that he had held a discussion with the Commissioner of Police , and he agreed to have a further look at the Police’s Budget.

334.

The Commissioner of Police gave a report on the number of young persons who rode motor bikes without helmets , and that they had seized a number of those bikes. He stated that the Department had planned to involve other agencies to educate persons on the proper way to ride the bikes and also to speak to some of the families of persons who had lost relatives in scooter accidents.

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335.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that he had spoken to Inspector Chapman who had lost a son in a motor bike accident and asked him to appeal to the youths to ride safely.

336.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired how effective was enforcement regarding the loud noise from the scooters to which the Commissioner of Police stated that reports had been made, and that it was an offence to ride certain bikes.

337.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked whether the bikes were licensed.

338.

The Commissioner of Police stated that some of the bikes were licensed and a number of them were neither licensed nor insured. He stated that a number of illegal bikes had been stolen and the parts were used to repair other bikes. He added that it was dangerous to catch riders on the street, but the Patrol Unit would be contacted and asked to monitor the bikes.

339.

The Member for the Third District stated that this Territory was not the only place that was experiencing challenges with motor bikes.

340.

The Commissioner of Police stated that the problem was not with the motor scooters, but it was the fatalities that had occurred as a result of the scooters. He added that the public considered the matter a problem, but it was his view that the roads were not good for riding the bikes.

341.

The Member for the Third District asked when was the last time that the police aircraft was used and asked if an aircraft was needed.

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342.

The Commissioner of Police stated that the police aircraft was last used in 2008. He also stated that the request was brought forward each year but was not approved, and the cost to replace and equip the aircraft was approximately $ 1 million.

343.

The Member for the Third District stated that it was a disgrace to see some of the Police vehicles on the street. He expressed his view that each year new vehicles should be bought and also enquired whether the Police Department had any motor bikes.

344.

The Commission of Police stated that the Department had two motorcycles, and they were trying to develop training for the officers who rode the cycles.

345.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there was an increase in burglaries in houses of worship.

346.

The Commissioner of Police replied that there had not been an increase and added that there were two such burglaries this week. He added that there was an increase in burglaries in dwelling houses. He stated that, although there was an increase in burglaries, actual cash being stolen had decreased because people were not leaving cash on their premises.

347.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if certain criminals were targeted.

348.

The Commissioner of Police stated that there were two ways to detect crimes: one being to charge individuals and then the DPP took the matter forward; and the other was to caution individuals about their behaviour.

349.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there was an increase in crimes being committed by mentally ill persons.

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350.

The Commissioner of Police stated that mentally ill persons were first taken to the hospital for an assessment and, if the hospital detained them, they were not charged; subsequently, explanation had to be given to the victims that the persons were mentally ill and would not be charged.

351.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether a charge remained on a person's record after the person had been charged and thereafter acquitted.

352.

The Commissioner of Police stated that, if a person was acquitted, the charge was not placed on his or her record.

353.

The Member for the Eighth District asked how long a conviction remained on an individual’s record.

354.

The Commissioner of Police stated that it varied depending on the offence, and that there was legislation that stipulated how to deal with this.

He provided the

Committee with a synopsis on the Justice Protection Act, the witness protection programme, and the Surveillance Authority Act.

He also stated that future

legislation needed to have an impact assessment completed in those instances where setting up costs would be essential. He added that the Department planned to recruit ten officers this year which would cost $ 269,700,. He also added that nine persons had already been identified and the funds were needed to employ those persons.

355.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what funds were needed for the witness protection programme, and the Commissioner of Police stated that the estimated figure for 2014 was $192,000.

356.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if there was any hope of being able to keep the Community Officer at North Sound because the area was expanding and there were many surrounding islands.

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357.

The Commissioner of Police stated that the Department had managed to secure funding to assign an officer in North Sound and that officer was staged there permanently. He added that the landlord had increased the rent for the building by $ 3,000 and additional funds were needed to cover the increase.

358.

The Premier stated that he would take another look at the budget to see what he could do.

359.

The Chairman thanked the Panel for attending the meeting.

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HEAD 2119

LAW REFORM COMMISSION

Present: Dr. Christopher Malcolm

Attorney General, Attorney General’s Chambers (AG)

Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance & Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

360. The AG stated that the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Mr. Ray Harris, left the position in September, 2012 and a decision had been made not to fill the post but to deploy the resources to consolidate the Laws of the Virgin Islands. He stated that law reform work would continue, and he provided a detailed update on the consolidation process. He said that the initiative would be able to generate revenue from sales, and it was envisaged that the revision should be completed by May 2015.

361. The Member for the Third District stated that the plans were ambitious and found it to be unsatisfactory that the Laws had not been consolidated since 1991. He hoped that the project would be completed as stated by the AG. 362. The AG stated that the work had already been completed and there was a commitment that there would be a review every two years. He added that sales would help to carry the work forward, and all that was needed was an amendment to the Law Revision Act. 363. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian noted that the estimate for training had increased, and enquired what level of training was taking place locally or overseas. He also noted that the utilities bill had increased by 70% and asked for an explanation for the increase.

364. The AG replied that training was ongoing and that persons were being trained to take the consolidation of the Laws forward while the work was being done by the Regional Page 87 of 231

Law Revision Consultants. He explained that training was being done through the Regional Learning Centre whereby persons came to the Territory and some persons were also sent overseas for training. He said the Department had even utilised the Library of Congress to ensure that the work was accurate.

With regards to the

increase in the utility bill, he stated that multiple copies of the Laws had to be made and the consolidation went as far back as the 1960s.

365. The Chairman thanked the AG Chambers for appearing before the Standing Finance Committee.

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HEAD 2220

PREMIER’S OFFICE

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

366. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

367. The AgPSPO made a presentation to the Committee. He stated that the PO had a wide mandate and their portfolio covered a broad range of areas. He advised that the PO was currently in the reorganising mode and there were certain priorities that they had established for themselves and some coming as a result of global circumstance.

368. The AgPSPO further stated that he had a few issues to bring to the Committee and requested additional funding in the following areas: 369. Consultancy - The AgPSPO requested additional funding in the amount of $500,000.

He explained that funding would be used to implement a strategic action plan on the Financial Services Industry in order to protect and secure that major pillar for the VI Economy.

370. BVI House Asia - The AgPSPO indicated that he was not sure whether it was an oversight but there was no funding reflected in the 2014 Estimates. He requested funding in the amount of $805,000 for the running of the House.

371. Software and Technology - The AgPSPO stated that another key item on the agenda for 2014 was the timely processing of Immigration Status matters. He indicated that in 2013 he had relocated the Status Unit from the Immigration Department to the PO to bring greater efficiency and more human resources towards the process. He requested

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funding in the amount of $50,000 to help redefine the process and bring many of the outstanding applications to some conclusion.

372. The AgPSPO indicated that another important consideration was the matter of Prospect Reef. He noted that the Government had made a decision with respect to how it was moving forward, and indicated that a firm had been identified to develop Prospect Reef. He added that they were currently in negotiations.

373. The Premier stated that the PS’s contribution indicated that the PO was taking the lead in trying to conserve, and indicated that at the end of the process he would determine any reallocations to priority areas.

374. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether the restructuring process in respect to the Residency and Belonger status would further hamper or delay the existing applications.

375. The AgPSPO responded that what they were trying to do was not intended to impact the existing process, but his work continued in trying to progress the existing applications notwithstanding the proposed initiative.

376.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2221

BVI SHIPPING REGISTRY

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. John Samuel

Director, BVI Shipping Registry (DBVISR)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

377. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

378. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked what was happening at the Shipping Registry. He enquired whether the number of registrations were increasing.

379. The DBVISR indicated that, despite the difficult economic time and slow down in the general building, purchasing and selling of ships and yachts, the number of vessels being registered had been maintained; in 2013, 287 vessels were registered and 284 in 2012. He further reported that revenue in 2012 was $ 592,000 with an increase in 2013 to $ 610,000.

380. The Member for the Third District asked whether the number of vessels were new registrants to which the DBVISR confirmed.

381. The Member for the Third District asked if the DBVISR had the total number of vessels for 2013.

382. The DBVISR responded that he did not have the current figure for 2013 and they were working on obtaining the data. He indicated that the number of vessels registered for 2012 was 3,680 vessels.

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383. The Member for the Third District asked how they were progressing on the marketing of the Shipping Registry.

384. The DBVISR indicated that last year and this year he had asked for additional funding for marketing in the budget so that we could try to improve the profile of the Shipping Registry.

He further indicated that when he attended boat shows or approached

vessels that were registered with their competitors they had advised them that they were unaware of the role of the Shipping Registry. With that in mind, he noted that in 2012, they had undertaken different strategies, which included arranging more meetings with stakeholders in the UK market, and at Florida boat shows. He also indicated that he was persistently seeking to have a Surveyor placed in the London Office with an emphasis on business development and developing relationships with key stakeholders.

385. The Member for the Third District asked whether the DBVISR had prepared a strategy indicating the cost versus the benefits.

386. The DBVISR responded that they had an idea of what the expenditure would be; however, he had not undertaken a project to conduct a true market study to detail exactly how much the revenue would be.

387. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian indicated that he was in agreement with the Member for the Third District that they needed to be more aggressive. He asked what was required to become more competitive and increase our Registry and our revenue.

388. The DBVISR responded that, in order for them to compete with the existing competition and the new kids on the block, they would have to be present in the business centers. He added that they would have to be available and respond to changes in the market.

389. The Member for the Third District asked whether the Registry would be better served being a Statutory Body. The DBVISR responded in the affirmative.

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390. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the DBVISR to explain his response.

391.

The DBVISR explained that there were processes that needed to be undertaken on a daily basis that they had challenges within the Government system such as the network reliability and telephones not working among other things. He further stated that they would like to obtain their own accounting system which would enable them to invoice customers and keep track of receivables.

392.

The Member for the Third District asked about some officers at the Registry that had been working for many years and were still temporary.

393.

The DBVISR responded that there were two male officers that had been employed with the Department for the past eight (8) years on a temporary basis prior to him assuming the post. He indicated that, about eight (8) months ago, he had managed to obtain approval for the posts from HR. He noted that the next step was to obtain financial approval for the positions and, to date, they have not been able to do so despite funding for the posts was in the budget.

394.

The FS indicated that the DBVISR needed to get the posts approved by HR.

395.

The DBVISR stated that he had written confirmation of posts approval and funding was in the budget but, unless he received written confirmation from the MOF for approval of the posts, the posts were not approved. He further stated that the young men cannot be made permanent and pensionable. He advised the Committee that, in January 2014, they had issued a six-month renewal of these appointments.

396.

The Premier indicated that whatever the issue was it would be resolved.

397. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the 2014 SFC deliberations and dismissed the panel.

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HEAD 2222

CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Raymond Phillips

Director, Central Statistics Office (DCSO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

398. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

399. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the DCSO to explain the increase under Subhead 511000 – Personal Emoluments.

400.

The DCSO responded that the increase reflected any increments that would be given.

401.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked for an update on the census and the deadline.

402.

The DCSO indicated that the scanning, correction and editing had been completed.

He stated that further cleaning of the information was necessary and, by the end of next month, he would be able to submit information to Cabinet concerning the census.

403.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether it was the 2010 census to which the DCSO answered in the affirmative.

404.

The Member for the Third District asked how they arrived at a figure for GDP.

405.

The DCSO responded that, in order to arrive at an accurate figure for the GDP, they would have to obtain information from every firm operating in the Territory which was impossible. He added that the figures shown were likely an estimate.

406.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2223

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Guy Hill

Ag. Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department (AgCIO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

407. The Chairman welcomed the panel for attending the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

408. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian congratulated Mr. Hill on his acting appointment and indicated that he trusted that the challenges would remain at minimal level in 2014.

409. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there was any provision for training or ongoing training.

410. The AgCIO indicated that there had always been training for officers in the area of customer service. He noted, however, that the officers would leave the Training Division and would not implement what they had learnt at the Ports of Entry. He added that there should be a situation where Officers were placed in a programme where they obtained the training necessary to deal with persons in the public prior to being placed at a Port of Entry.

411. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether the AgCIO would be continuing with the training programmes to which he responded in the affirmative.

412. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2224 Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AGPSPO)

Mrs. Arliene T. Penn

Director of Communications, Premier’s Office (DC)

Mrs. Vicki Samuel-Lettsome

Ag. Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations (Ag. CInfO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

413. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names and post for the record to which they complied.

414. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he was aware of the need to reduce spending; however, he asked if it was possible to send notices with a bigger print. He indicated that it took him about three hours to read the fine prints.

415.

The DC responded that she would try to accommodate his request.

416.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District agreed with the Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District that it was an added strain to read like that.

417.

The DC informed the Members that it was a standard font 12 Arial.

418.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2225

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Gregory Adams

Chief Physical Planning Officer, Town and Country Planning Department (CP)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office FPOPO)

419. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

420. The Minister for Education and Culture asked who was the Deputy Chief Physical Planning Officer.

421. The CP explained that there was no Deputy at present. He indicated that the contract for the previous holder of the post had expired at the end of May 2013. He further stated that they were currently in the interview process to appoint someone to the position.

422. The Minister for Education and Culture asked whether there were persons locally who could fill the position.

423. The CP responded that there were currently four (4) persons being interviewed and they were all local persons.

424. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if there was follow-up done after an application had been approved before a building was constructed or even to monitor it while it was being constructed.

425. The CP indicated that he had assigned one planner in the Department as monitoring officer.

He further advised that an applicant was responsible for notifying the

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Authority through his Department when they were about to commence construction.

He added that there was a monitoring record which stated the current stage of the development of each project.

426. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District noted that there was a huge issue with buildings being constructed with inadequate sewerage systems, and asked whether his Department played a role.

427. The CP stated that one of the standard conditions for approval was that, when persons were about to construct the septic tanks, they were supposed to inform both the Town and Country Planning Department and the Environmental Health Division so that they could monitor that aspect.

428. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how the figure for 2012 compared with 2013 and how many were actually started.

429. The CP responded that the figure was comparatively the same; in 2012 there were 257 compared to 256 in 2013. He indicated that he did not have the figures at present.

430. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District noted that a number of persons in the Valley, Virgin Gorda who had land and could not obtain permission to build their houses because they were informed that it would be interfering with the flight path at the Airport. He mentioned that a stop order had been placed on areas such as Mine Hill, Windy Hill, part of Copper Mine area and Crab Hill.

431. The CP responded that the Department had been working closely with the BVIAA and the PO to address the issue. He added that they had held meetings with property owners on Virgin Gorda in the middle of 2013 wherein they had identified several properties that were most affected by the existence of the Airport Regulations. He also stated that, in many cases they were able to find positive resolutions for a number of plans before the Authority.

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432. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what was the status on the Carrot Bay Master Plan.

433. The CP responded that it had been completed and approved by the Planning Authority, and a Cabinet Paper had been prepared for submission to Cabinet for approval; in the interim, they had received a petition from several members of the community and had held a meeting with them in the middle of November 2013.

434. The Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour asked who had completed the Master Plan.

435.

The CP indicated that it was completed by Louis Potter and Associates.

436.

The Member for the Second District enquired whether a recommendation was made to Government for owners who were willing to sell their land.

437.

The CP indicated that there were families who had interest in selling their land.

438.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2226

TRADE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mr. Maxwell George

Deputy Director, Trade and Consumer Affairs (DDTCA)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

439. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to introduce themselves for the record to which they complied.

440. The Chairman enquired from the Members whether there were any questions. There were no questions posed to the panel.

441.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2227

BVI INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTRE

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Ms. Maritza Mercer

Chief Operations Officer, BVI International Finance Centre (COO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s office (DSPO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

442. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to introduce themselves for the record to which they complied.

443. The Chairman enquired from the Members whether there were any questions. There were no questions posed to the panel.

444.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2228

BVI INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS UNIT

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mrs. Sylvia C. Moses

Director, BVI International Affairs Unit (DBVIIAU)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

445. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to introduce themselves stating their names and position for the record to which they complied.

446. The Member for the Third District asked what was the mandate of the Unit. The DBVIIAU responded that the Unit managed the international relations as it related to the Premier’s Office and ensured that the relations with foreign Government, Organisations and the BVI maintained a positive relationship.

447.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 2329

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

448. The Chairman asked the FS to introduce himself for the purpose of the record to which he complied.

449. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there were any new financial rules that would be handed down after the budget with regards to spending.

450. The FS stated that they had completed a spending plan that was aligned with the revenue patterns to better plan so that, when they actually commenced projects, they would be able to execute them through to completion without interruption. He further added that they were trying to make sure they did not owe people for an extended amount of time.

451. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what he considered an extended period of time.

452. The FS responded that they had an internal goal to pay bills within thirty days of receiving an invoice. He added that it did not always work out especially during the periods when the revenue intake was low.

453.

The Minister for Education and Culture asked where they were in terms of the

payables.

454.

The FS stated that, as of December 2013, they had 130 plus thousand dollars

remaining. He further stated that there was close to 20 million dollars in the system to be paid as of the week before Christmas. He noted that the remaining balance was 133,000 thousand dollars.

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455.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether the figure included the bills for the Festival and Fairs Committee. The FS stated that he would have to check and see but, if it was posted on the system, it should have been paid.

456.

The Chairman thanked the FS for addressing the questions and concerns raised.

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HEAD 2330 Present: Mr. Neil Smith

CUSTOMS

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Mr. Wade Smith

Commissioner of Customs, Customs (COC)

Mr. Leslie Lettsome

Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Customs (DCOC)

Mr. Aubrey Forbes

Assistant Commissioner, Customs (ACOC)

Mr. Clinton Romney

Assistant Commissioner, Customs (ACOC)

Ms. Marieta Isles

Administrative Officer, Customs (AO)

Mr. Shawn Newton

Accounts Officer II, Customs (AcctO)

Ms. Maria Thomas

Finance and Planning Officer (FPOMOF)

457. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

458. The COC stated that Customs Department continued to fulfill its mandate to protect our borders while collecting and protecting much needed revenue, the latter being done amidst many challenges including, but not limited to, proper accommodations, lack of equipment, lack of essential trained personnel and outdated legislation etc.

459. The COC stated that his presentation would highlight some of the challenges and make recommendations to seek financial assistance that would improve the standard of efficiency and effectiveness by which this Department accomplished its goals and will help them to better serve this country.

460. The COC stated that he would highlight the following areas: Administrative, Human Resources, Enforcement and Assurance:

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Operations,

461. The COC stated that, in terms of the Operations and Administrative sections, the lack of proper accommodation at the Port of Entry had created major challenges which had posed many concerns such as substantial revenue loss, inability to properly profile and target passengers, and the safety for arriving passengers and Government personnel.

He added that the lack of proper accommodation at the Road Town Station had created a major challenge for Immigration and Customs Officers specifically as it related to incoming passengers being able to interact with outgoing passengers while clearing Immigration and Customs. He added that the baggage areas at all Ports of Entry were too small to accommodate the flow of arriving passengers, and the Ports Authority had made some changes which had assisted in providing short-term remedies.

462. The COC further stated that the petroleum industry in the BVI was one of the greatest revenue generators for the Customs Department; hence, due care and attention must be placed on this industry so that Government could collect the revenue that was lawfully due.

He further advised that the organising of importation,/exportation and duty

concession sales of petroleum products in the Territory called for well-rounded officers who were properly trained to deal with this vital commodity. He added that Officers must be knowledgeable about importation, exportation and concession sales, and that Officers, specifically a team designated to handle this complex industry must be familiar with: procedures for oil tanker arriving in the Territory with petroleum products to be discharged at a Depot in the Virgin Islands; procedures that would occur before the vessel could break bulk; the process relating to the dipping of tanks at fuel depot and interpretation of calibration charts; and Officers attending the fuel depot must know the criteria and the tools used to ascertain the amount of fuel received from discharging tankers.

463. The COC stated that it was critical that this organisation and the powers provide and not reduce the financial resources that would enable Customs to have the correct number of Officers in order that rotation could be done on a biweekly or monthly basis to prevent Officers from becoming too relaxed and also lower the risk of opportunity for corruption.

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464. The COC stated that one of Customs' mandates was to ensure that they were not a barrier to legitimate trade. In this regard, the COC stated that Customs tried to simplify the business processes over the years to ensure that importers spent less time at Customs. He added that a major barrier to trade was the separation of wharfage from the collection by the Treasury cashiers which not only created hardship for the importers but additional time spent at Ports and also additional cost per check. He explained that this change had also created a major setback with the implementation of the Customs automated data processing system which

must be retooled to

accommodate the changes that were made with the Port without any consultation.

465. The COC stated that there were many additional charges that were assessed and collected on behalf of the Ports of Authority. He also stated that there were additional changes that would affect the automated system which would result in additional costs to this Department and ultimately Government. He added that, as this Territory became more diversified, the Customs Department was noting a large number of imports of different food types and pharmaceutical supplies which the clearance of such was a challenge for the Department. He explained that a need existed for experts from the Ministry of Health and Social Development to form a Unit similar to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

466. The COC further stated that, over the years, the BVI had become a major transshipment point for goods being exported to the other Caribbean islands, the United States and Europe; therefore, there was a dying need for proper exporting procedures to be implemented which would reduce the loss of revenue to Government and Ports Authority and also deter criminals from importing stolen goods before they could be recovered by law enforcement. He advised that the proper exporting station should be located at the Ports Authority to facilitate this activity. He noted that the control of the importation of goods formed an integral part of the Territory’s Border Protecting Strategy.

467. The COC stated that, in an attempt to meet some of these accommodation challenges for various Units and to facilitate legitimate trade, the COC stated that the Customs

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Department had entered into a contractual agreement with Newton Construction to retrofit the office space at the Port Purcell Station. He added that, in December 2012 a suspension of works was instructed due to the current building not being structurally sound to support the improvement.

468. The COC further stated that, through communication with the Ministry of Finance, it was determined that the best way forward was for the construction of a new facility at Port Purcell. He advised that this facility would be paid for in a few short years by the rent saved at the Customs Headquarters. He stated that he expected to relocate the entire office and make it more available for the Office of the House of Assembly. He added that this building would serve as a multi-agency facility that would house Customs Department, the Ports Authority cashiers, a Police Substation, Immigration, Environmental Health and a proper facility for the Customs K-9 Officers.

469. The COC stated that the general public had adapted the use of the HS Tariff, but there were some concerns which included the change of rate in certain commodities. He also stated that the HS Tariff needed to be updated to the most current version, and the update would simplify the classification of commodities thus making ours compatible with the rest of the world.

470. The COC indicated the following about revenue that had been foregone in 2013 as follows: (the figures were up until Middle of October 2013): 

First Time Home Builders- $ 110,000.00;



Hotel Aid- in excess of $ 800,000.00;



Merchant Declaration- $1,000,000.00 including additional refunds to be processed which were in excess of $ 300,000.00; and



471.

Refunds on taxi duty free, fuel etc- $458,000.00.

With the increase in Departure Tax, the COC stated that boat captains were becoming more creative in their attempts to avoid paying; thus, boaters were finding loopholes in the legislation. He suggested that a committee be established to review all fees from the various Departments including Ports Authority, National Parks Trust,

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Customs, Immigration and others, and implement a one-stop user’s fee for using the Territory's waters.

472.

The COC stated that the Department had continued to utilise human resources from within to fill vacancies, and that five (5) current employees had been promoted in 2013 which included confirmation to Senior Customs Officer posts. He added that none of the employees had been in an acting position for more than one year. In reference to a large number of retirees, he stressed the importance of the Department continuing to prepare for these voids to be filled and to ensure that financial resources were in place to train officers. He stated that nine (9) Customs Officers were studying at HLSCC and two were studying in the UK, one of whom was studying law with the hope of returning to this Department. He added that, though they were challenged with a shortage of staff, they would continue to make the necessary sacrifices for all of the employees to further their education.

473.

The COC stated that the enforcement arm of Customs had faced many challenges as a result of the global economic downturn which had resulted in an increase in drugs and human trafficking, weapon smuggling, smuggling of commercial goods, bulk cash smuggling, and counterfeit medicine and products. He also stated that this organisation would continue to fight against transnational crime. He informed the Committee that one of the goals for 2014

would be the development of an

Intelligence Unit to gather and disseminate information locally and internationally on developing trends and challenges.

474.

The COC provided the following departmental statistics for 2012: 

over 34 thousand vessels entered and approximately 34 thousand cleared out;



approximately 6 thousand containers entered the BVI.

These figures were

increasing every year which made it extremely difficult for the Department to have a significant reduction in its budget.

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475.

The COC stated that they would continue the multi-agency joint operation in an attempt to best utilise limited resources. He emphasised that they could not afford to have overworked and underpaid Officers, and provided an historical background regarding a 2005 salary revision exercise and a follow-up meeting in 2008. He added that, to date, the salary increases have not been processed.

476.

The COC stated that the Territory could not afford to have a compromised security, and made an appeal for an additional $ 200,000.00 and have the budget remain the same prior to the reduction. He also stated that the BVI had been selected to host the Annual International Customs Sports Tournament, and updated the Committee about this event. He made a request for $ 300,000.00 to aid in hosting this event and an additional $ 600,000.00 to commence the works of the Multi-Agency Complex.

477.

The Chairman asked the COC the date for the conference to which the COC stated that theconference was scheduled to be held from 17th to 23rd April, 2014.

478.

The Member for the Second District asked why there was a reduction to Subhead 511000 Personal Emolument.

479.

The COC stated that the reduction came due to an audit conducted on Customs Staff after which the vacant posts had been removed.

480.

The Member for the Second District asked where was the proposed site for the building located.

481.

The COC stated that it was inside the present compound and plans included building around the current location. He added that an Architect had suggested that it be moved to the east, adjacent to the parking lot. He further stated that the proposed building was excellent for security because the public would have to enter the building prior to going on to the Port.

482.

The Member for the Second District asked if the proposed building would be a joint venture with BVI Ports Authority., and the estimated cost of the proposed building.

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483.

The COC stated that, currently, it was not a joint venture but matters would be discussed and agreed upon. He also stated that, if the financial resources were provided, it would be welcomed. He further advised that the estimated cost of the building was approximately three million dollars ($ 3,000,000.00). He explained that, over ten years, as projected, the amount of two million dollars ($ 2,000,000.00) for rent would have been paid. The COC also stated that they would not be charging rent for the other Department utilising the building.

484.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the COC what was the total amount being requested.

485.

486.

The COC stated that additional funding was needed in the following areas: 

Operations- $200,000.00;



Customs Sports Week- $300,000.00; and



Proposed Building -$650,000.00 – $700,000.00.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District thanked the COC for his detailed presentation and mentioned that he gave a lot of details and food for thought.

She then asked the COC if this was his first time requesting such funds or if he had made the presentation before.

487.

The COC stated that the requests had been submitted before and the only additional requests were for the Easter sporting events and the structure of the proposed building. He added that funds had been granted previously for improvements to the current building. He explained that the building that Customs Office and Ports Authority currently occupied was not secured and a detailed business case had been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance. He reiterated the critical need for the building to be vacated for the security of the personnel.

488.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked why a structural Engineer survey had not been completed for the building.

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489.

The COC stated that his lack of expertise led to the surveying process being overlooked and told the Territorial Member that he made a good suggestion.

490.

The DCOC explained that they had been given the confirmation but, as works commenced they had realised that the building was not sound and, if they had continued with the works, the building would have been short-lived.

491.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked how much money had been granted for the improvements of the current building.

492.

The COC stated that monies in the region of $ 9,000.00 to $ 12,000.00 had been issued.

493.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian thanked the COC for the presentation. He urged the COC to realise that the Government had financial constraints. He noted that the Customs Department protected the Territory and its borders.

He stated that the

panel would make sure they did its best to ensure that the COC was given the necessary tools and resources.

494.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2331

INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Mr. Orris Thomas

Acting Commissioner of Inland Revenue (AgCIL)

Mrs. Maria Thomas

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Finance (FPO)

495.

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

496.

The Minister for Health Social Development asked the AgCIL to state three major challenges and three positive highlights of 2013.

497.

The AgCIL informed the Committee that major challenges included the collection of arrears, outdated legislation and an outdated database. He stated that the Department was currently using the first generation of SIGTAS which was been used since 2003 and had not been upgraded. He also stated that the Department had tried its best with the collection of revenue but did not make the budget based on the information that was available. He stated that the positive highlights involved the educational campaigns that had been held throughout the entire Territory.

498.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the AgCIL how long he had been confirmed to his Acting post to which the AgCIL replied that he was acting since September 2012.

499.

The Member for the Second District asked the AgCIL when he had been given the acting appointment.

500.

The AgCIL stated that his appointment came subsequent to carrying out the responsibilities of the post, and that he had received his letter in April 2013.

501.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2332

INTERNAL AUDIT DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Ms. Dorea Maduro-Corea

Director, Internal Audit (DIA)

Mr. Simba Todman

Deputy Director, Internal Audit (DDIA)

Mrs. Maria Thomas

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Finance (FPOMOF)

502.

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

503.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the DIA how many Internal Audits had been completed in 2013.

504.

The DIA stated that ten Internal Audits were completed in 2013.

505.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked the DIA if the Department had any particular challenges or proposals going forward to 2014.

506.

The DIA responded that the operations were relatively effective with the exception of the implementation of recommendations by Heads of Department which remained to be a challenge upon completion of audits.

507.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2333

POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT

Present: Ms. Pascha Stoutt

The Postmaster, Post Office (PG)

Mr. Herbert Niles

Postal Consultant (PC)

Mrs. Norea Baronville-Harris

Senior Accounts Officer, Post Office (SAcctO)

508. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

509. The Postmaster informed the Committee that the presentation would cover the following areas:1) Overview of the Post 2) Processes and Procedures 3) Changes made in 2013 going forward to 2014

510.

i.

Concept of Modernisation

ii.

Business Overview

iii.

Postal Environment

iv.

Capacity Building

v.

Improving Revenue

vi.

Improving quality

vii.

Expanding Business

viii.

Improving Postal Security

The Postmaster stated the concept of modernisation was to reposition the Post Office in an ever-changing market and to keep it viable which was one of the most important factors in this market along with keeping it on the cutting edge of technology. She stated that improvements needed to be made in terms of the capacity inside and ensure that revenue increased. She further stated that, in 2013, in terms of capacity building, the Department recognised that in the changing market we had to train the staff. The Department could not go forward with the capacity that we had and in

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doing so, we sent a number of officers away on training. It helped to improve the quality of the work we produced in the Post Office while keeping up with the mandates of the Universal Postal Union. As mandated, the delivery standard is to deliver 90% percent of the mail within two (2) business days. Currently at 80%, it was quite a challenge in 2013 to get to that point. The training of the staff helped us to get there and during 2014 we hope to accomplish the 90% that was mandated by the Universal Postal Union. The Postmaster further stated the improvement of quality goes hand in hand with the improvement of revenue. In 2013 we were able to collect approximately $600,000.00 in additional to 2012, which was about 13% increase.

There were a number of changes and strategies that had to be implemented to get to the 13% increase. This was a huge accomplishment for the Post Office. The Postmaster further stated that other changes will be implemented in 2014 which includes the increase of some of the services that were currently functional and the continuous streamlining of the mail processed. This will help with the 10% we were out for the delivery standard and will also help with the revenue we would collect in 2014.

511.

The Member for the Second District asked the Postmaster what were her plans for the expansion of the Post Office.

512.

The Postmaster stated that currently there were the E-zone Service and Amerijet Service, which had expanded in 2013. In 2014, we plan to have 1,200 more subscribers to the E-zone Services, which will increase revenue. At the beginning of 2013, we had 745 customers, by the middle of the year we had 900 and by year-end there were 1040. Currently at Amerijet, we deal with airfreight only. I have been to meetings discussing and negotiating for the expansion into sea freight. It is not yet finalised. We are awaiting additional information to make sure that this decision is viable, however that is what we are striving to do. The Postmaster stated that the Department had also proposed to create a business center within the unit which would provide a service to customers and the ability for printing, scanning, copying, binding and faxing for a small fee. The Postmaster further stated that, in the expansion of the service we have made plans for the first quarter in 2014 to open the Carrot Bay Post Page 116 of 231

Office, inside we would have a full range of services that we offer at the general post office. The Department will offer an internet cafe and a retail center, which will bring in additional revenue. The Postmaster further stated that they would expand the letterboxes service. Currently, we were implementing an additional 2,500 to 3,000 letterboxes across Tortola, which will also generate revenue.

513.

The Member for the Third District asked about the boxes to drop the mail.

514.

The Postmaster stated drop boxes were located in Road Town, Huntum’s Ghut, Purcell, Carrot Bay, the Airport and the Cruise Ship Dock.

515.

The Member for the Third District enquired if a drop box was located in Sea Cow’s Bay to which the Postmaster responded yes.

516.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that recently someone at Sir Olva Georges Plaza asked about the drop boxes, and she told them that the nearest one was at the Cruise Ship Dock.

517.

The Postmaster explained that there were no longer traditional drop boxes functional but there was still a drop slot at the old site on Main Street.

518.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District suggested that they erected a sign to indicate that the drop slot was still being used to which the Postmaster agreed.

519.

The PC stated that the Postmaster had outlined what was accomplished in 2013. He stated that the single most urgent deficit was in the area of security, and in the post 911 environment, postal security had taken on a new life. He stated that the UPU, IKO and the United States TSA, among other agencies, had gathered to develop protocols and standards for the operation of Post Offices which were mandatory. He also stated that, at this time, the BVI was not up-to-date with the standards and we were not compliant. He also explained that one of the standards was to assure that the mail was clean before it was placed on an aircraft, and to ensure that measures were in place to detect and mitigate bombs and also drugs. He stated that the U.S. had

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detected a number of recent situations of drugs being sent from the U.S. to the BVI. He added that the drugs were detected by US security and had been withdrawn. He advised that there was a dire need for security consultation and added that it required protocols and expertise that we did not possess, and not just procuring scanners.

520.

The Member for the Second District asked if the major carrier for the mail was a commercial airline.

521.

The Postmaster stated that, currently Amerijet transported to and from the BVI which is our only choice. She stated that Amerijet was a strategic partner of the Post Office, and they were utilised for commercial freight and for transporting mail. She added that, in 2010, the Department had an issue transporting mail for and from the BVI due to a FedEx incident. She stated that American Airlines had discontinued accepting the mail due to the lack of us not having the scanning mechanism to assure them that the mail was clean. She informed the Committee that this was one of the major issues we were working on improving.

522.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked what alternative did the Department take.

523.

The Postmaster stated that they were at the mercy of the US Postal Service in St. Thomas. US.V.I. She also stated that she had travelled to St. Thomas to meet with their Postmaster General who had graciously accepted to assist us with the mail. We had also suggested forwarding the mail to the UK and then to the USA which would have been very costly.

524.

The Member for the Second District asked what was the plan to secure a scanning mechanism.

525.

The Postmaster stated that, in 2014 , the Post Office Department planned to purchase a scanner at the cost of roughly $70,000.00.

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526.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if it was reflected in the budget to which the Postmaster responded and that she would work with the Ministry of Finance.

527.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about letterboxes for Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

528.

The Postmaster stated that a new initiative was in place to replace the letterboxes, but the Sister Islands were limited in terms of space.

529.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked about the time frame for the letter boxes.

530.

The Postmaster stated that the letter boxes should arrive by next week.

531.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the Carrot Bay Post Office would be opened in the first quarter of 2014 to which the Postmaster responded yes.

532.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked exactly what was left to be done to the building for that to happen.

533.

The Postmaster stated that windows, doors, completion of installation of burglar bars, electrical works, painting and cleaning were included in the remainder of the works.

534.

The Premier asked about the purpose of the Business Centre mentioned earlier in the presentation.

535.

The Postmaster stated that a number of customers had asked about printing and binding services. She clarified the Centre would not offer complete printing services because the equipment was expensive and more space will be required.

536.

The Member for the Third District asked if Stamp Duty was included in the revenue of the Post Office to which the Postmaster replied no.

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537.

The Member for the Third District sought clarity as to whether or not Stamp Duty was considered as revenue.

538.

The Postmaster said they had considered the purchase of stamps as revenue for the Post Office. She stated that the Department created its own stamps.

539.

The Member for the Third District reiterated that Stamp Duty should be reflected as revenue. He asked when the letterboxes would be installed around the Territory.

540.

The Postmaster said that as soon as they arrived in the Territory.

541.

The Member for the Third District asked about home delivery of mail.

542.

The Postmaster stated that there were a number of issues with home delivery, some of which were the National Addressing System and the Postal Addressing System. She added that both measures had to be in place in order to implement home delivery.

543.

The Member for the Third District asked about expressed mail.

544.

The Postmaster stated that it was coming on stream in 2014, but there were a few system issues that needed to be resolved with UPU. She stated that testing was being done with the equipment before they trained the staff, and that it should be implemented in the first quarter of 2014.

545.

The Member for the Third District asked the Postmaster to explain the process for Express Mail.

546.

The Postmaster stated that:1) Agreement must be made between the countries handling the mail.

2) Once agreed, upon arrival to the Post Office, the mail was specially packaged

and handled by the Post Office.

3) It would be included in the first shipment of mail that was being dispatched

thereafter, and would be delivered within 12 – 24 hours to Amerijet.

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547.

The number one priority is for it to be delivered promptly.

548.

The Member for the Third District asked how it competed with DHL.

549.

The Postmaster said that it was not about competition but about finding out what customers needed and capitalising on it.

550.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if they were expanding the service at the Beef Island Airport Post Office.

551.

The Postmaster stated that there were plans in place to revamp the services rendered at this location, thus making it more viable.

552.

The Member for the Sixth District congratulated the Postmaster for doing an outstanding job and asked what was being done to the Cane Garden Bay Post Office.

553.

The Postmaster stated that the same strategy for the Beef Island Post Office would be implemented for the Cane Garden Bay Post Office. She added that the latter Post Office would be renamed.

554.

The Postmaster, in her closing remarks, stated that the Post Office was not a social service as the Department seldom had persons coming to collect mail, and the bulk of the service dealt with business clients. She further stated that there was a proposal for the increase in fees.

555.

Based on the Postmaster’s statement, the Member for the Second District asked if the cost of the service was too expensive and if it would drive away customers.

556.

The Postmaster explained that the Department was not covering its cost, and the fees could be increased gradually, and where necessary.

557.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2334

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

558.

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Ms. Sandra Besson

Accountant General, Treasury Department (AcctGen)

Mrs. Maria Thomas

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Finance (FPO)

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

559.

The Member for the Third District asked the AcctGen if the Department was able to clear all unpaid vouchers at the end of the December 2013.

560.

The AcctGen stated that, at the end of December, 2013, there was a relatively small amount of approximately $ 130,000.00 in vouchers that had not been paid. The reason for such was late submission of vouchers and inconsistent information. The AcctGen further stated that it had been a humongous task of clearing up a great backlog of unpaid invoices; out of the millions that were unpaid $133,000.00 was just a small percentage of it.

561.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian commended the AcctGen for the relatively small amount of unpaid vouchers at the end of 2013.

562.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2335

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary. Ministry of Finance (FS)

Ms. Lucia Donovan

Deputy Director, Department of Information Technology (DDDoIT)

Mrs. Maria Thomas

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Finance (FPOMOF)

563. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

564. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that computers in some Departments needed to be upgraded.

565. The DDDoIT explained that they were upgraded and updated upon request from the department. Once requested the upgrade will be granted.

566. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked when the request should be made.

567.

The DDDoIT responded two weeks.

568.

The Member for the Eighth District congratulated the DDDoIT and her Department for doing an excellent job.

569.

The Member for the Third District stated that the Computers in the Primary and Secondary School should be upgraded.

570.

The DDDoIT explained that the Ministry of Education was responsible for carrying out such requests.

571.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2436

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley Ms. Heather James Ms. Louann Hodge Mrs. Jennifer Hodge – Penn

572.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL) Senior Lands Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (SLONRL) Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL) Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

573.

The Member for the Second District asked the PSNRL if he could give the Committee a synopsis of how the Ministry was doing.

574.

The PSNRL stated that the Ministry was doing well and that they were able to complete most of their projects. He stated that they were currently working on the Airport and Greenhouse Projects. With regards to the Greenhouse Project, he stated that a Request for Proposals were put to tender and three possible bidders had collected the documents; no proposals were received to date. In reference to the East End/Long Look Harbour Development Project, he stated that the Ministry should have a date from the selected contractor as to when the project could commence by the end of the week. He also stated that they were still awaiting feedback from the Smuggler’s Cove Development Project Committee. He stated that the bathroom at the Baths remained incomplete. He further stated that they had had an issue with the contractor, and it took them a while to settle the issues surrounding that contract legally. He informed the Committee that a new company had been selected and works were expected to be completed in the next two to three months. Regarding Spooner’s Estate, he relayed that the Ministry had begun the process of cutting roads to the other parcel lots, but had encountered some boulders that needed to be blasted.

He stated that the Virgin Gorda Lands Committee, which was recently created by Cabinet, was set to meet on Thursday (16th January, 2014).

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575.

The Member for the Second District asked if there was funding allocated in the 2014 Budget Estimates for the Greenhouse Project.

576.

The PSNRL stated that $ 500,000.00 had been allocated for the project in the 2014 estimates.

577.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that some persons of the Ninth District had informed him that Prickly Pear Island was available for sale and sought confirmation.

578.

The PSNRL stated that that was not the case.

579.

The Deputy Premier and Minister or Natural Resources and Labour stated that it was absolutely not true.

580.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if anything was being done to complete the bathroom at the Crawl, Spring Bay.

581.

The PSNRL stated that they were aware of the matter but had not signed a contract with anyone to commence works. He stated that, based on the discussion between himself and the Honourable Minister, they had agreed that they would need to take a look at all the beaches to ensure that they had the requisite facilities.

582.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if there were any plans to improve the road leading down to the Crawl to accommodate the physically challenged and the elderly.

583.

The PSNRL stated that he took note of the matter and will look into it.

584.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District enquired about the collection of fees at the Baths.

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585.

The PSNRL stated that the National Parks Trust was usually the entity to collect fees for the Bath, and indicated that it would be better suited to answer when the NPT appeared before the Committee.

586.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he had noticed that the grant to BVI Airports Authority fell under the MNR&L, but was not sure if they would be appearing before the Committee later on in the day. He stated that he was concerned about what is going on at the Virgin Gorda Airport.

587.

The PSNRL stated that the BVIAA will appear before the Committee later that day, and that Mr. Fraser should be able to answer his questions.

588.

In absence of any feedback from the Smuggler’s Cove Committee, Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked about the plan going forward for the beach.

589.

The PSNRL stated that, at some point, they hoped to get obtain feedback from the Committee as to whether or not they were in agreement with the plan presented or if they had come up with a better approach. He stated that the MNR&L conducted regular follow-ups and hoped to get some feedback so that they can move forward.

590.

The Member for the First District stated that persons on the Committee had been given an opportunity to peruse the plans for the beach and had also been given the opportunity to e-mail their concerns. He stated that, so far, only one e-mail had been received. He added that, in his opinion, persons had been given enough time and that the Ministry should be hearing from the Committee soon.

591.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2437

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

592.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Mr. Bevin Brathwaite

Chief Agricultural Officer, Department of Agriculture (CAO)

Ms. Louann Hodge

Finance and Planning Officer, Min. Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

593.

The PSNRL stated that there was a change between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labour that would be sorted out with the Ministry of Finance.

594.

The CAO stated that he was there to basically facilitate any questions the Committee may have.

595.

The Chairman asked if there were any questions for the panel.

596.

With no questions for the panel, the Chairman thanked them for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2438

BVI FISHING COMPLEX

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith - Berkeley

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Mr. Lloyd Williams

Acting Manager, BVI Fishing Complex (AgManBFC)

Ms. Louann Hodge

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

597. The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

598. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked for an update with regard to the recent improvements at the BVI Fishing Complex (BVIFC).

599. The AgManBFC stated that some new freezers and vacuum pack machines had been installed for better preservation and storage. He noted that, after the installation of the machines, the supply of fish received had increased compared to previous years.

600. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the AgManBFC was reporting to the Committee that fish was now readily available to the public.

601. The AgManBFC stated that fish was available most of the time, but availability varied depending on the weather conditions. He stated that, at present, none was available but noted that the weather had calmed down and that the fishermen promised they would replenish the stock.

602. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if he was referring to local fishermen to which the AgManBFC said yes.

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603. The Member for the Eighth District asked what types of pelagic fish were sold at the BVI Fishing Complex.

604.

The AgManBFC stated that they sold wahoo, dolphin and tuna.

605.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the BVIFC had seen a great increase in the sale of fish and whether there had been a heavy demand from hotels for fish to which the AgManBFC affirmed.

606.

The Member for the Eighth District asked the panel if the supply of fish to the Fishing Complex was being affected by fishermen from the USVI who fished in BVI waters.

607.

The PSNRL stated that, even if there was an impact, he was not aware of such. He also stated that they had held a meeting with various counterparts late last year, and they had discussed the matter involving fishermen who might have come to the BVI waters and were not licensed. He added that they had suspected that there was an impact, but there was no proof.

608.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked what licenses were required to fish in BVI waters.

609.

The PSNRL stated that he believed she was talking about the regular fishing and that was the context in which he took the question.

610.

The Member for the Eighth District stated that he knew of companies in the USVI that advertised the BVI’s waters as part of their marketing strategy. He added that he was certain that there was an impact on the commercial and sports fishing market.

611.

The PSNRL went on to state that no complaints had been lodged, and that he could investigate.

612.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked who was responsible for patrolling and what role did the Conservation and Fisheries Department play in this matter.

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613.

The PSNRL stated that both the National Parks Trust and Conservation and Fisheries Department were limited in the patrolling they conduced because they did not possess the type of boats necessary to patrol.

614.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2439

CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith - Berkeley

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Mr. Kelvin Penn

Ag. Chief Conservation & Fisheries Officer (AgCCFO)

Mr. Mervin Hastings

Ag. Deputy Chief Conservation & Fisheries Officer (AgDeCCFO)

Ms. Louann Hodge

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge – Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

615. The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

616. With reference to a question previously asked under Head 2438 regarding the patrolling of BVI waters, the Member for the Second District asked if there was any progress towards that issue.

617. The AgCCFO stated that he was happy to report that, over the past year, the Conservation and Fisheries Department along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour were able to partner quite well with their USVI counterparts, namely the Fish and Wildlife Department and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources; through those partnerships, they were able to establish a rapport with the USVI fishermen and noted that the fishermen had a problem with the BVI’s regulations.

618.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2440

DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Mrs. Janice Rymer

Labour Commissioner, Labour Department (LC)

Mrs. Michelle McLean

Ag. Deputy Labour Commissioner, Labour Department (AgDLC)

Mrs. Enid Blackman

Accounts Officer, Labour Department (AcctO)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

619. The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

620. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked the LC to explain the difference between full-time and part-time wage earners, and how they would be affected by pension or gratuities.

621. The LC stated that the 2014 budget listed the part-time wage earners and that the parttime wage earners were their cleaners. She noted that they did not have any figures listed under full-time wage earners. She stated that the part-time wage earners were considered non-established.

622. The PSNRL stated the part-time wage earners were given a lump sum gratuity upon retirement.

623. The FS stated that part-time wage earners were persons who filled temporary positions and then there were persons who were full-time and part of the establishment. He added that there were some issues but noted that the Government paid those persons a compassionate gratuity if they were at the retirement age.

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Subhead 529170 – Cleaning Services 624.

The Member for the Second District noted that, in last year’s budget, the Department had

allocated $ 3,600 but, in this year’s budget, they had $ 1,100 under Cleaning

Services. He asked if they were planning to use fewer Cleaners this year.

Subhead 511220 – Part-Time Wage Earners 625.

The LC stated that the Cleaners were listed under the part-time wage earners Subhead, and that the Cleaning Services Subhead would cover the cleaning of the carpet etc.

626.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2441

LAND REGISTRY

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Mrs. Erica Smith-Penn

Chief Registrar of Lands, Land Registry (CRL)

Mr. Kelvin Dawson

Registrar of Lands, Department of Land Registry (RL)

Mrs. Collette Callwood

Senior Administrative Officer, Land Registry (SAO)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

627. The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

628. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked for a status update on the computerisation of the registers at Land Registry.

629. The CRL stated that they had done a significant amount of work on the documents.

She stated that, in a previous year, they had reported that all the registers had been scanned and they continued to update them. She added that they had begun the process of scanning in documents with the parcel files but awaited the e-Government project’s full implementation.

630. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked for an explanation of the lawyers’ allowance.

631. The CRL stated that the lawyers’ allowance was paid through the HRD to all lawyers who practiced law for the Government of the Virgin Islands.

632. The FS stated that it was an inducement given to BVI lawyers working for the Government.

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633. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the amount paid to lawyers was $1,200.00 per lawyer.

634. The CRL stated that it was $ 12,000.00 per annum for lawyers who were Heads of Departments and $ 7,000.00 per annum for other lawyers.

635. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how many lawyers were in the group.

636. The CRL stated that that information would be readily available at the HRD or the Ministry of Finance. She stated that she was not aware and would only be aware for officers under her Registry.

637. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the CRL for the number of officers under her Registry from the group to which the CRL stated that she thought they had an allowance for two officers or thereabouts.

638.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2442

SURVEY DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

Mr. Winston Donovan

Chief Surveyor, Survey Department (CS)

Mr. Dwayne Nibbs

Deputy Chief Surveyor, Survey Department (DCS)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

639. The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

640. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian noted that the last aerial survey had been conducted in 2002. He asked for an update on the aerial survey that was supposed to have been undertaken last year.

641. The PSNRL stated that the CSur and Ms. Heather James of MNRL were preparing a contract for the management of the project. He stated that the project was not completed in 2013 due to the cost being more than $100,000.00 and would therefore have to go to bid.

642.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2543

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter Mrs. Prudence Mathavious Ms. Lorna Stevens Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

643.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC) Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgPSEC) Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (ASEC) Ag. Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgCEO) Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the records to which they complied.

644.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the PSEC would like to inform the SFC about the Ministry's successes.

645.

The PSEC stated that 2013 had been no less busy than previous years, for a number of activities had taken place. She added that the Departments had presented their strategic goals; the HMP five year strategic plan had been completed as well as the OECS Education Sector Strategy had been adopted which would be completed by mid February 2014. She also stated that the Ministry continued with the Youth Employment Services which had been making strides in helping young people with interviews and assisting them in finding employment within the community.

646.

The PSEC stated that the new Superintendent of Prison seemed to have settled in. She also stated that other activities included school maintenance, the continuation of works on the technical high school, the continuation of the accreditation process, the continuation of power school which posed some problems in terms of connectivity between the Sister Islands; the Parents of students in the Primary Schools were expected to be online in September 2014 so that they could have access and have an insight of their children’s involvement at school.

647.

The PSEC informed the Committee that the Culture and Sports Policies had been completed and they were looking forward to have plans developed in terms of the Sports Council and Page 137 of 231

Youth Parliament.

She added that a number of training sessions for Teachers were

completed for CXC to ensure that they are on par and understand what was expected in subjects at that level. She stated that there was 100% registration for CXC for various number of subjects and they were looking forward to the May-June sitting this year.

648.

The Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for coming and giving information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2544

DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Ms. Avelinda Freeman

Ag. Director Youth Affairs and Sports, Youth Affairs and Sports (AgDYA)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

649. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

650. The FS informed the SFC that, effective [November] 2013, the Accounting Officer for the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports was the PSEC. 651. There being no questions from the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for attending the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2545

EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION)

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip

Ag. Chief Education Officer, Department of Education (AgCEO)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

Ms. Janet Williams

Accounts Officer, Department of Education (AcctO)

652. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

653. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District enquired about what was on call allowance.

654.

The FS stated that on call allowance was for the Maintenance Supervisor.

655.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the information could be indicated in brackets.

656.

The FS noted the request.

657.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about Subhead 524000 Repairs and Maintenance and asked why there was no allowance for buildings in 2014-2015.

658.

The PSEC answered that the Subhead was transferred under the Ministry.

659.

There being no other questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for attending the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2546

EDUCATION PRIMARY AND PRE-PRIMARYSCHOOLS

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSMEC)

Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip

Ag. Chief Education Officer, Department of Education (AgCEO)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

Ms. Janet Williams

Accounts Officer, Department of Education (AcctO)

660. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

661. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District enquired about how long the Ag. CEO was acting in the post.

662. The AgCEO answered one year and six months.

663.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District enquired about the substantive post holder of the AgCEO.

664.

The AgCEO responded, the acting Deputy Chief Education Officer.

665.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were any vacancies based on the staffing list.

666.

The AgCEO answered that there were no vacancies in terms of Teachers, but there was one other vacancy.

667.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked about the other vacancy.

668.

The AgCEO answered that the vacancy was under another Head which was Administration.

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669.

670.

The Member for the Sixth District enquired about Domestic Training.

The AgCEO stated that Domestic Training related to in-service and on-island training with local and overseas trainers. She added that training was identified under Professional Development in the budget.

671.

The Member for the Sixth District enquired about the decrease in the amount of monies allocated for training.

672.

The AgCEO stated that there was an ongoing Bachelor of Education programme which was currently on hold to upgrade the present programme in order that it could be more beneficial to the Territory.

673.

There being no other questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for coming and giving information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2547

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith

Director of Culture, Department of Culture (DoC)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

674. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

675. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked whether the nonestablished posts of Office Cleaner and the post of Dance/Drama Instructor had been filled.

676. The DoC stated that the Dance/Drama Instructor post was filled last year. She added that the Instructor had visited the schools last year, and had assisted one of the schools with their dance routines for the Christmas concert. She informed that the Instructor would be visiting schools this year and also assist with the 60th Festival celebrations.

677. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if this would involve all the Primary Schools, and the DoC answered in the negative as there were insufficient resources to include all schools.

678. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked at which schools the Instructor worked.

679. The DoC stated that the Instructor worked with Enis Adams Primary School last year and will be assisting that School again every Friday afternoon.

680. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked in what capacity would the Instructor be assisting in the Festival celebrations.

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681. The DoC answered that the Department of Culture was designated as the central point, and they would need to focus more on planning and organising the activities.

682. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the Deputy Director was in place.

683. The DoC answered in the negative.

She explained that the position would be

advertised and the interview process would commence.

684. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District referred to the Department's key strategies for 2014 and enquired about increased schools’ participation in Festival.

She queried how the Department intended to encourage such participation.

685. The DoC answered that the Department was mandated to get all the Schools involved, especially in the August Monday parade, and Ms. Lavern Blyden had been brought on board to assist with this task which would also involve fund raising.

686. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian noted that, if it involved fund raising, it should begin now.

687. The DoC stated that they were mindful and hoped that the Schools could organise other activities, such as food fairs and dress up day, rather than just soliciting from the businesses.

688.

The Member for the Sixth District asked if the fundraisers would happen this

year.

689.

The DoC stated that this would be dealt with through the Department of

Education and, hopefully, the Principals would understand and try their best.

690.

There being no other questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC

and her team for coming and giving information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2548

EDUCATION OTHER SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. Jillian Douglas Phillip

Ag. Chief Education Officer, Department of Education (AgCEO)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

Ms. Janet Williams

Accounts Officer, Department of Education (AcctO)

691. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team, and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

692. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether any vacancies existed in the established positions.

693.

The AgCEO responded that there were no vacant positions.

694.

There being no other questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team, and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2549

EDUCATION (ELMORE STOUTT HIGH SCHOOL)

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip

Ag. Chief Education Officer, Department of Education (AgCEO)

Mr. Wade Tobin

Ag. Principal, Elmore Stoutt High School

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

695. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

696. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District enquired about the number of vendors.

697. The AgPESHS stated that there were twelve (12) vendors.

698.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if some of the vendors had dropped out of the programme.

699.

The AgPESHS answered that two vendors had dropped out of the programme.

700.

The Member for the Sixth District asked if all the vendors’ booths had electricity.

701.

The AgPESHS confirmed that they did.

702.

The Minister for Health and Social Development enquired about some of the difficulties experienced at the School.

703.

The AgPESHS stated that they were having issues with security and fencing conditions, and they were finding weapons on campus. He held the view that, if

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metal detectors and cameras were put in place, it would help to alleviate some of the issues they were currently facing.

704.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there was a timeframe for putting those things in place to which the AgPESHS affirmed.

705.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked about the population of the School, and what percentage of the population needed social help.

706.

The AgPESHS stated that the student population was about 1,360, and approximately eleven (11) students could be classified as needing social help.

707.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there were children coming to school without having breakfast, and if the reasons had been identified.

708.

The AgPESHS answered that there were genuine concerns where some students really were in need and they had been identified, and that information had been sent to the Ministry.

709.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked if there had been any attempt to bring the matter to the attention of the Social Development Department.

710.

The AgPESHS stated that the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Social Development Department were involved.

711.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about school security, and asked whether any published rules and regulations regarding students coming to school with weapons existed.

712.

The AgPESHS stated that, once a student brought a weapon to school, Police would be notified especially based on the type or size of a weapon. He also stated that, if the matter did not fall under the police ambit, suspensions would be issued and the matter would be handled internally through the School’s Counsellors. He added that parents would also be contacted and additional counselling sought if necessary.

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713.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked when a warrant became effective for a similar offence, or whether expulsions were issued as well.

714.

The AgPESHS answered that all recommendations for expulsions were forwarded to the Ministry for action.

715.

The Member for the Sixth District referred to the topic of security and enquired about metal detectors. She further asked if the purchase of metal detectors was at the expense of the Government or the security firm.

716.

The AgPESHS stated that the matter had been discussed and a need existed for more etectors at the gate and it would have to be worked out as to who will bear cost for the detectors.

717.

There being no other questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for coming and giving information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2550

EDUCATION LIBRARY SERVICES

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. Suzanne Greenaway

Chief Librarian, Library Services (CL)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

Mr. Orlando Thomas

Accounts Officer, Library Services (AcctO)

718. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

719. The Premier and Minister of Finance enquired about the collection of historical data and asked what medium was being used to collect such data.

720. The CL stated that the current documents were in hard copies and the intention going forward this year were to digitalise the cultural documents. She further stated that the copies of documents were in more than one format for prosperity.

721. The Premier asked if the Library used microfiche and if it was accessible to the public.

722. The CL stated that the Library had microfilm documents in their collection that was accessible to the public, but they did not possess a microfilm reader. She stated that they shared resources with the Archives and Records Management Unit.

723. The Member for the Sixth District asked if the Library rent vehicles.

724.

The CL answered that the rent for a vehicle was budgeted last year when they had a function and the vehicle was used to transport guests and participants.

725.

The Member for the Sixth District asked if there was a need to submit a request for a vehicle.

726.

The CL stated that a vehicle had been purchased last year.

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727.

The Member for the Sixth District further asked if there was no need to rent a vehicle.

728.

The CL stated that vehicles were rented when Officers travelled to the Sister Islands.

729.

The Member for the Sixth District asked the CL to provide further information about the Library.

730.

The CL stated that there were five branches of which three were located on the Sister Islands, one in Road Town, and one in East End. She also stated that the Road Town Library, being located on the second floor, posed a challenge for any person who had physical disabilities. She informed that there were space constraints at the East End Library.

731.

The Member for the Sixth District asked if there is any space at the Road Town Library.

732.

The CL answered that the Road Town Library was currently out of space, and they were seeking to renovate the third floor so that some offices could be relocated.

733.

The Member for the Sixth District asked if the Library needed to be housed in a new building.

734.

The CL concurred and stated that there was a need for a ground floor national library that was specifically designed for library functions and operations. She further stated that the offices that would be relocated would be the Administration Offices, the Processing Unit and the Book Mobile Unit.

735.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if all five locations were rented facilities, and which location posed the most challenges in terms of maintenance and upkeep.

736.

The CL stated that the Jost Van Dyke Library was not a rented location. She further stated that the Anegada Library posed the most challenges in regard to maintenance

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and upkeep followed by the Road Town Library. She informed that both of the libraries in East End and Virgin Gorda had space constraints.

737.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether the CL had made any submissions to the Ministry detailing the requirements needed to make the Libraries more conducive to the public.

738.

The CL stated that she had only submitted a report on the Anegada Library, and that she would normally include recommendations in the annual report to address such matters.

739.

There being no further questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for coming and giving information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2551

HER MAJESTY'S PRISON

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mr. David Foot

Superintendent of Prison, Her Majesty’s Prison (Superintendent)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

740. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

741. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were any vacancies based on established positions at the Prison.

742. The Superintendent stated that the vacancies included Prison Officer, Teacher Grade III, Principal Officer and Registered Nurse. He further stated that there were a number of persons who were acting.

743. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked whether arrangements were being made to fill the vacancies and provide training.

744. The Superintendent stated that he had requested copies of all applications for positions at the Prison, and there were over 100 applications for various posts. He also stated that he had begun an assessment with the Training Manager, and he was awaiting the performance appraisal reports to garner insight on the quality and ability of the staff.

He informed that he had also put measures in place for the training of the Senior Management team which involved an attachment in the UK pertaining to the role of how to reduce re-offenders. He also informed that a significant training need existed because the culture and operations of the Officers were not what he had expected, and he would be in a better position to give a full assessment within the next couple of months.

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745. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the Superintendent, based on his years of experience and what he had observed so far at HMP, whether he regarded the rehabilitation programme as an important aspect of prison life bearing in mind the limited space and persons were serving different levels of sentences.

746. The Superintendent stated that rehabilitation and providing a constructive and productive regime was most important, and it was very expensive because the programmes were high intensity and required ample resources and staffing. He added that an Officer would also travel to Turks and Caicos to undergo training in Restorative Justice. He also stated that he had directed resources and interventions to the prisoners who needed such assistance. He informed that social, personal and criminal assessments must also be completed which is a sentence plan that determined a prisoner's need for the remainder of time he would be in custody.

747. The Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for providing the information to the SFC, and wished them well.

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HEAD 2652

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Present: Mrs. Petrona Davies

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD)

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Ms. Tasha Bertie

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Dr. Ronald Georges

Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (CMOHSD)

Mr. Clayton O’Neal

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

748. The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked persons present to give their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

749. The PS stated that the Ministry had been able to make great strides in developing a number of policies and legal documents to support the Ministry’s work as indicated below: 

National Gender Policy;



Domestic Violence Protocol Policy;



Protection Protocol Policy (close to completion;



Policy on the National Action Plan for Children.



Youth Health and Sexuality Study (had been conducted and the results had been published); and the



Healthy Aging Policy (near completion).

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750.

The Ministry had the first draft of the National Disabilities Study which was in connection with National Disabilities Policy of the Virgin Islands, and the legislation was actively updated.

751.

The PS stated that the Status of Children Bill was recently introduced in the House of Assembly. She added that the Child’s Maintenance Access Bill and the Child Care and Adoption Bills were in the final stages. She also stated that the Public Assistance Bill was recently passed, and all work for 2014 had been coordinated under the Social Sector Commission where recommendations made by the Social Services Analysis had been completed recently.

752.

The PS stated that there were a number of strategies in the public health area including the Chronic Disease Strategy, the Nutrition and Fitness Strategy, the Work Place Strategy and the Community Strategy. She informed the Committee that there were about four Community Councils that had been launched, and the Ministry hoped to implement more over the coming months.

753.

The PS stated that the Mental Health Policy was completed and had been tabled in the House of Assembly. She added that the Mental Health Act had been completed and was seeking Cabinet’s approval.

754.

The PS stated that Environment Health was in line to comply with the extended deadline of June 2014 with compliance with the International Health Regulations.

The Quarantine Act had been updated and the Port Health Programme had been established. Currently Port Purcell and Terrance B. Lettsome Airport were the pilot areas in the programme.

755.

The PS noted that the Health Information Policy was almost finalised and, once completed, the Ministry would be working towards creating legislation to regulate electronic health records and matters that related to Health Management. She stated

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that more work needed to be done on medical malpractice and liability which was very important as we consider medical tourism.

756.

The PS reported that the transition from the old hospital to the new hospital would be shortly approaching. She further reported that the launching of a pledge programme to allow members of the community to assist with procuring resources in effect to complete the process.

757.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee and they were dismissed.

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HEAD 2653

ADINA DONOVAN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY

Present: Mrs. Petrona Davies

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD)

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Ms. Tasha Bertie

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Mrs. Jacqueline Donovan

Ag. Manager, Adina Donovan Home (AgMADH)

Mrs. Crystal Vanterpool-Williams

Assistant Manager, Adina Donovan Home(AMADH)

Mr. Clayton O’Neal

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

Ms. Kaleena Cruickshank

Accounts Officer, Adina Donovan Home (AcctO)

758. The Chairman welcomed all in attendance to the Committee and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

759. The AgMADH gave a short presentation on the accomplishments, goals, and the challenges of the ADH. She stated that some of the accomplishments included the revamping of the residents’ menu, the assigning of staff on a monthly basis to monitor the continuous care for the residents, the updating of the living and dining rooms, the implementation of the Structure Activity Unit, the installation of a new fire alarm system and the completion of the emergency ramp and fencing of the property.

760. The main challenges involved were the non-existence of a policy and the way in which the ramp was built.

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761. The AgMADH outlined the goals as follows: the implementation of Care Planning for each resident, implementation of policies and procedures for the Home, the creation of a conference room, the installation of an emergency room and the updating of the existing observation room.

762. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the AgMADH to inform the Committee on how many patients was housed at the Home, how many beds existed and how many requests were on the waiting list.

763. The AgMADH stated that there were twenty-five residents and twenty-five beds. She was aware that about five persons were awaiting admission to the ADH and added that the Home had exceeded its capacity and was not in a position to accommodate any additional persons.

764. The Minister for Communications and Works asked whether Virgin Gorda residents came under ADH care.

765. The Minister for Health and Social Development stated that the Virgin Gorda residents were currently included under Social Development Department.

766. The Minister for Health and Social Development stated that there were plans to construct a new Home for the Elderly on Virgin Gorda now that the Public Works Department had relocated.

767. The Member for the Sixth District enquired as to how many levels of elevation were at the Home and as to why patients were unable to maneuver up the ramp.

768. The AgMADH stated that there were two elevations and beds were located on both levels, but the staff had difficulties pushing residents up the ramp.

769. The Minister for Health and Social Development stated that he would have the FPOs and the PS in the Ministry address the issue to provide the residents of the ADH with a mechanical lift or other service to assist with the problem. He stated that the facility at

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Spooner’s Estate would take longer than anticipated due to funding and it would be built over time.

770.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD: 2654

WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Present: Mrs. Petrona Davies

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD)

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Ms. Tasha Bertie

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Mr. Greg Massicote

Manager, Waste Management Department (MWMD)

Mr. Clayton O’Neal

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

771. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 Standing Finance Deliberations and asked the panel to state their names and positions for the record.

772. The Member for the Third District sought an update on the operations of the incinerator.

773. The MWMD stated that the new incinerator was fully functional and was currently being operated. He added that an assessment of the old incinerator was conducted in early 2013, but it would cost a lot of money to repair it.

774. The MWMD stated that he would not say that the new incinerator was working under capacity during the high season, on any average day the incinerator received over 90 tons of garbage and 100 tons on full capacity.

775. The Member for the Third District enquired if the scrubbers on the new incinerator were in operation.

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776. The MWMD stated that the incinerator had no scrubbers and an order was placed in November/December 2013 to the manufacturer to provide them before the end of 2014.

777. The PS stated that open burning on Jost Van Dyke would be ceased by the end of January 2014, and a Waste Transfer Station would open on the East End of Jost Van Dyke where the waste would be compacted and shipped to Tortola for burning. She made a request for an individual to manage the Transfer Station and transport the waste twice a week, which was not included in the budget.

778. The Member for the Eighth District thanked the MWMD for the great job he had been doing, and encouraged him to continue doing so.

779.

The Member for the Eighth District stated he had some concerns about mass dumping in the Greenland area close to the graveyard, and made an enquiry on surveillance monitoring of the area.

780.

The MWMD stated that due to funds, the surveillance monitoring programme had ceased and with the re-establishment of the litter warden programme the Department would be able to address those issues.

781.

The Member for the Eighth District queried when the matter of derelict vehicles stowed on a vacant piece of property belonging to Government across from the burial ground would be addressed.

782.

The MWMD stated that notices had been placed on a number of derelict vehicles in December and he would follow-up on the matter.

783.

The Member for the Eighth District asked whether the pilot programme in the Hawk’s Nest area for garbage collection would be expanding.

784.

The MWMD stated that the pilot programme was going well and that the residents in the Lambert and Parham Town areas were utilising the programme.

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785.

The Member for the Eighth District enquired if the early morning workers were supervised or monitored.

786.

The MWMD stated that all the sanitation workers were supervised, but the need to hire more supervisors was there.

787.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee and they were dismissed.

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HEAD: 2655

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Present: Mrs. Petrona Davies

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD)

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Ms. Tasha Bertie Social Development (DSHSD)

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and

Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett

Chief Social Development Officer, Social Development Department (CSDO)

Ms. Chonda Jeffers

Deputy Chief Social Development Officer, Social Development Department (DCSDO

Ms. Lorna Dawson

Director, Autism Center, (DAC)

Mr. Clayton O’Neal

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

788. The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked persons to state their names and positions to which they complied.

789. The Member for the Third District asked if the CSDO had devised an effective mechanism for executing the newly passed piece of legislation.

790. The CSDO stated that currently the Department was discussing a series of policies and procedures to determine how the Department would implement the newly passed legislation. She stated that she was mindful of the enormity of the Act and that it would be implemented over a time period.

791. The PS made a request for Autism to be placed back under the budget for the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Head 2652, instead of the Social Development Department.

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792.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2756

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary (AgPSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary (AgDSCW)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer (FPOCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer (FOCW)

793. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

794. The AgPSCW stated in his remarks that it was the intent of the Ministry to get the miles of road completed in 2014. He further stated that the Director of Public Works was present and could give assurance on that matter.

795. The AgPSCW stated that there was one minor adjustment to be made to the budget under Subhead 572199 Other Organisational Assistance Grants. The $300,000.00 was to be shifted from Budget Head 2758 Civil Aviation back to the Ministry’s Subhead 572199 Other Organisational Assistance Grants. Those funds were to cover the cost of ASSI which was the regulator for the Airport.

It was paid directly through the

Ministry.

796. The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2757

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT UNIT

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgPSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (DSCW)

Mr. Ariel Donovan

Facilities Manager, Facilities Management (FM)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. FPOCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FOCW)

Ms. Sueaco Harrigan

Ag. Accounts Officer, Facilities Management Unit (AgAcctO)

797. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

798. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what process was in place for the hiring of security guards at the Complex.

799. The FM stated that they went through the process of advertising; interviewing and then the most suitable candidate would be selected for the position.

800. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the decision was made based on the Labour Code which stated that BVIslanders and Belongers were preferred to which the Ag PSCW responded yes.

801. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked for an update on the mould eradication at the complex.

802. The FM stated that, over the year, regular maintenance of the air handlers was done.

There were also changes to a few major components which were changed in various Departments. Plans were also in place to replace the old air handlers.

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803. The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2758

CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag PSCW) Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgDSCW)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. FPOCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FOCW)

804. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

805. The AgPSCW informed the panel that there was currently no Director of Civil Aviation and that all questions were to be forwarded to him.

806. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked who was the Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Department.

807. The AgPSCW stated that they did not have a Director and Deputy Director at the time.

808. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the duties of Civil Aviation were being administered by the Ministry and Communications and Works.

809. The AgPSCW stated that all regulatory aspects that were to be performed by Civil Aviation were being carried out by ASSI. 810. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked for what period was ASSI contracted.

811. The AgPSCW stated that it was a year-to-year arrangement that was reviewed on an ongoing basis.

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812. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked how long had ASSI been in service.

813. The AgPSCW stated four years. He then corrected his statement by stating ASSI had in fact been in the service since 2004.

814. The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2759

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

815.

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. PSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. DSCW)

Mr. Zebulon McLean

Chief Fire Officer, Fire Services Department (CFO)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. FPOCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FOCW)

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

816.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked how many fires the Department had responded to in the past year.

817.

The CFO stated that there were 265 calls for the year that constituted of different emergencies and were comprised of: 

818.

45% Medical Calls 4 Structural Fires

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the information stated was for the entire Territory to which the CFO responded yes.

819.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the Department was well equipped to deal with the challenges and types of fires.

820.

The CFO stated there was challenges and further explained that a few fire trucks needed replacing but the Department was trying its best.

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821.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked how many fire trucks were presently in the Territory.

822.

The CFO stated that there were four in Road Town, one at each station, and two trucks at Headquarters that needed replacing and also the one in Virgin Gorda.

823.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked how many fire trucks were presently at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

824.

The CFO stated he was not certain because the Airport Fire Rescue Services was under the BVI Airports Authority.

825.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked the CFO to elaborate on the challenges that had been mentioned.

826.

The CFO stated that one of the trucks at Headquarters had the most challenges with the rescue tender, and it had to be repaired because the chassis was broken. He also stated that the largest truck at Headquarters became operational by swapping parts from other vehicles. He added that the truck on Virgin Gorda was operated as an emergency response vehicle and it suffered from wear and tear just like the Ambulances and Police Vehicles. He also added that the Department tried to keep all trucks functional.

827.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked how equipped were they in terms of human resources.

828.

The CFO stated that there were no vacancies and they were currently working on qualifying all persons as trained EMTs. In collaboration with the BVIHSA, he anticipated that they would have ambulances responding from East End and West End; this arrangement should improve the time in which persons arrived to the Hospital.

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829.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if it was an In-House Training.

830.

The CFO stated that, recently, four (4) recruits had graduated, and were qualified to fill the final four vacant positions. He added that they had been trained in-house because many of our Officers had the expertise and qualification to teach at any fire station in the world. He also stated that they had enlisted the services of World Wide International EMS, a qualified body, which trained individuals to become EMTs; it was affiliated with the National Registry that covered the entire USA and parts of the UK.

831.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked the CFO if he was completely satisfied with the staff complement.

832.

The CFO stated that he would like six (6) more persons added to the team but, for the most part, he was satisfied and would deal with what was at hand.

833.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2760

WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgPSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgDSCW)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FPOCW)

Ms. Camille Merry

Senior Assistant Human Resources Manager, Water and Sewerage Department (SAHRM)

Mr. Michael Davis

Engineer III, Water and Sewerage Department

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communication and Works (FOCW)

Mr. Kyle Moses

Accounts Supervisor II, Water and Sewerage Department

834. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

835. The Member for the Second District asked the Engineer to be more specific about his post.

836.

The Engineer stated that he headed the Projects and Planning Division.

837.

The Member for the Second District asked if Mr. Bernard Grant was still the Acting Deputy Director.

838.

The AgPSCW stated that Mr. Grant was on a special assignment with the Ministry, and was relived from his day-to-day duties at the Water and Sewerage Department.

He stated that the Ministry will execute a few contracts this year, and was preparing for the National Sewerage Project and BiWater.

Page 173 of 231

839.

The Member for the Second District asked for a status update on BiWater and the National Sewerage Project.

840.

The AgPSCW stated that two contracts were awarded by Cabinet for the National Sewerage Programme, and the Department was in the process of compiling the contract documents for signage. He added that one contract was for area of Blackburn Highway from Chapel Hill to Parham Town, and the other was for Road Town which dealt with preparing for the National Collection System in Road Town. He also stated that work would continue on the National Sewerage Programmes in both East End and Road Town. He said that he expect to issue several petty contracts in Road Town within the next few months which would lead to finalisation of the Collection System in Road Town leading to the New Pump Station that was to be installed by BiWater.

As it related to that particular area of the National Sewerage Programme, he informed the Committee that BiWater had indicated that they intended to commence works on the pump station in Road Town and the distribution line that led to Bird Point with the implementation of the Sewerage Treatment Plant at Bird Point.

841.

According to the schedule presented to the Ministry, the AgPSCW stated that those works should commence between April - May, 2014, and it was anticipated that those works should be completed before August festivities. He also stated that, as it related to the East End/Long Look Sewerage Programme, most of the collection system was already in place for East End which involved the installation of the main collection line that would transport the sewage water to the Sewerage Treatment Plant. As it related to BiWater and the introduction of the water into the National Grid, he added that they had begun the final phase of the project and were currently working on the discharge and intake lines that would be installed from the Paraquita Lagoon into the Sir Francis Drake Channel. He also stated that they were also working on the remainder of the distribution line that leads from Paraquita Bay to Sabbath Hill.

Based on the current schedule presented, he expected Biwater to commence the distribution of water to the National Grid by the fourth quarter of 2014.

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842.

The Member for the Second District asked if approval was in place for BiWater to carry out this project to which the AgPSMCW responded yes.

843.

The Member for the Second District further asked what volume of water would be produced by BiWater.

844.

The AgPSCW stated that, as per BiWater agreement with the BVI, we were expecting to receive 2.3 million gallons of water per day.

845.

The Member for the Second District asked what the demands were in the areas for Biwater to supply the 2.3 million gallons of water.

846.

The AgPSCW stated that the gallons of water would be distributed throughout the entire Territory.

847.

The Member for the Second District asked what the exact figures were of water produced by the other companies. The Minister responded that about 1.9 million gallons of water is produced by all the other plants on Tortola.

848.

The AgPSCW stated that he did not have the exact figure and that we were under water rationing on a daily basis and that demand is currently supplied.

849.

The Minister for Communications and Works responded that about 1.9 million gallons of water was produced by all the other plants on Tortola.

850.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that she was glad that the Department intended to provide water to all residents. She also stated that there was an ongoing matter in Hunthum’s Ghut where water supply had been unavailable for six years, and the affected persons continued to beg and plead for the restoration of water supply. She added that the area affected was from Jehovah Kingdom Hall to Mountain Valley. She stated that the area had water before, but there was an issue with the pumping station equipment and asked how soon water would be restored in the mentioned area.

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851.

The Engineer stated the Department used to supply the area and they upgraded to bigger pipes. He added that they had to ration the water. The number of consumers increased so the demand increased thereby reducing water pressure to the higher elevations.

852.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District told the Engineer, though she understood what he stated, it was not something she could tell the persons who continued to complain about the lack of water supply. In the mind of the customers they once had water and now they did not.

853.

The AgPSCW stated it would be addressed in 2014. He stated that BiWater would produce water for the entire Territory and supply would be higher.

854.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian commended the Director, in her absence, for the improvements of the service provided over the last year despite the challenges experienced and hoped to see more improvements. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that he had concerns as it relates to the Territory. Some of the works carried out by the Department impacted the appearance of the Territory. Specifically, repairing broken water lines, broken pipes left along the road side, dug up certain sections of the roads and in certain instances piles of dirt. He appealed to the Department to look into the manner in which repairs were carried out. He stated that the roads needed to be to a standard where motorists and tourists could enjoy driving through the Territory. There were many indentations, such as an inch, in the roads, sometimes for weeks and sometimes for months. I understand that there were challenges in getting asphalt from the Public Works Department. There was a vital need for the roads to be kept in better condition. He further stated that vehicles suffered many mechanical damages due to the condition of the roads.

855.

The Engineer stated that there were challenges with the pipes. The pipes were outdated so therefore there are over eight burst per week in the main pipes. In terms of leaving the indentation in the road, we were instructed to do so by the Publics Work Department and that they would come and fill the asphalt.

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856.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what was the procedure for disconnecting watery supply. How long do persons have to wait to be reconnected.

857.

The Engineer stated that according to the Water and Sewerage Charter it took 24 hours.

858.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that in some instances reconnection took as long and several months after persons had paid the reconnection fees.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian also asked if there was an increase or decrease in revenue collection in the past year.

859.

The Engineer stated that they had an increase in revenue collection and that they had collected $ 5.9 million.

860.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what percentage increase was $5.9 million dollars compared to what was collected in 2012.

861.

The Ag. PSCW stated that he was not sure of the exact figure and that he would submit it to the Members rather than speculating.

862.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that he hoped the Department would collect more revenue in the upcoming year.

863.

The Member for the Sixth District asked if anything was done with the water supply at Free Bottom. She stated that the site was visited on numerous occasions and asked for an update on the matter.

864.

The Engineer stated that they were still working on the matter and it will be rectified in 2014 to which the Ag. PSCW reassured.

865.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that a resident of the Second District Mr. Wilbert Richardson contacted him in relation to water supply at the Ballast Bay Hill. He was told several times that someone would look into the matter but no one came and he had not received an update.

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866.

The Engineer stated that he would look into the matter and give the Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District an update.

867.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if he could give a specific date.

868.

The Ag. PSCW stated that he could not give a specific date for the water supply for the residents of Ballast Bay. Once the increase in water occurs which is expected to take place in the fourth quarter in 2014. The water supply in specific areas was dependent on the areas and how much work had to be executed before the lines were placed in that particular area. It is a priority that water is supplied throughout the entire Territory.

869.

The Minister for Communications and Works apologised for the absence of the Director Mrs. Pearline Scatliffe-Lennard who was currently overseas, and commended her for her efforts for her work and dedication to the Water and Sewerage Department especially in the areas of Customer Service and Collection.

870.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour stated that the increase of revenue was commendable and also commended the Ag. PSCW for answering all questions in a candid manner.

871.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District commended the Water and Sewerage Department and the staff in Virgin Gorda.

872.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2761

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgPSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgDSCW)

Mr. Kye Rymer

Ag. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Department of Motor Vehicles (AgCMV)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer (FPOCW)

Mr. Gregory Skelton

Senior Accounts Officer (SAcctODMV)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer (FOCW)

873. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

874. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that early in the proceedings one of the Members made reference to the number of young persons that were employed within the agencies in Government, and commended the Ag.CMV. 875. The AgCMV stated that there were new initiatives that he hoped to implement if funding was available.

876. The Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian then asked if any of the established positions were vacant and what were the plans to fill them.

877. The AgCMV stated that the post of Commissioner was vacant. A recommendation was made to the Ministry for someone to act as Deputy Commissioner.

878. The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Member.

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HEAD 2762

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. PSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. DSCW)

Mr. Jeffrey Skelton

Director, Public Works Department (DPWD)

Mr. Jose deCastro

Deputy Director, Public Works Department (DDPWD)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FPOMCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FOMCW)

Mr. Kurt Hodge

Civil Engineer III, Public Works Department

Ms. Rhonda Frett

Ag. Human Resources Assistant

Mr. Allison Leonard

Accounts Officer, Public Works Department (AcctO)

879. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

880. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that earlier in the presentations there was a discussion about the repair of the roads. He stated that it was his recollection that Public Works instructed that there should be a 1 inch indentation in the road after the defects were filled. He asked how the matter could be addressed because many vehicles suffered damage due to the indentation left in the road for extended periods.

881. The Director stated that his Department was unable to produce asphalt in a timely manner and the Water and Sewerage Department was instructed to concrete the roads up to the surface.

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882. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the Director to follow up on the matter and asked how soon the works for the resurfacing of roads will commence.

883. The AgPSCW stated that they were trying to strategically resurface roads in 2014 without the infrastructural disruption of projects.

884. The Member for the Sixth District asked for an update on a list she submitted to the Director containing a few minor projects.

885. The Director stated that he was aware of the list and would finalise the jobs in January, 2014.

886. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that a system should be implemented so that bush cutting was done on a routine basis and asked that a list be made of people that requested such works.

887. The Director said there was a list of people who did the continuous bush cutting including retirees and they build on the list from other requests.

888. The Member for the Sixth District asked if only retirees will be added or other people who request works.

889.

The Director said that will have to be confirmed by the Ministry.

890.

The Minister for Communication and Works said that they intended to do an overview of the roads; this was to be discussed with Waste Management in early 2014. We hope that the bush cutting was done on a regular basis rather than haphazardly.

891.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that bush cutting works were given out in the Ninth District without his consent. He asked for clarity on the matter.

892.

The Director said he was not aware of any particular instance.

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893.

The Minister for Communications and Works stated that specific bush cutting contracts were done in each District and there were other representatives who participated in the exercise.

894.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that he would like to bring to attention the great need to widen a part of the Lee Road by the Catholic Center in the Valley, due to the traffic increasing every day and there were quite a few narrow escapes. Promises were made by the Minister but not delivered.

The time will come that something serious would happen there if the matter was not rectified.

895.

The Director stated that they were presently undertaking the exercise to widen the road and it should be forwarded to the Ministry shortly.

896.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked what was the expected date of completion.

897.

The Director said it should be completed shortly.

898.

The Minister for Communications and Works stated that it was a crucial road. We were seeking to improve the road in conjunction with a 1.6 million dollar project.

There were plans in place to redo the entire road. The Minister for Communications and Works stated that temporary improvements could be done.

899.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 2763

TELEPHONE SERVICES MANAGEMENT UNIT

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. PSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (Ag. DSCW)

Mr. Reynell Turnbull

Telephone Services Manager, Telephone Services Management Unit (TSM)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FOCW)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FPOCW)

900. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record.

901. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked the TSM if they were installing a new system to which the TSM answered yes.

902. Territorial Member Archibald Christian asked if the installation of the new system was completed or if it was still in progress.

903. The TSM stated that works were still in progress and should be completed by the end of February 2014.

904. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the TSM if the issues of the new system integrating with the old system extension would be rectified to which the TSM answered yes.

905. The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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CONTRIBUTIONS TO STATUTORY BOARDS HEAD 2109

DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Present: Mr. David Archer

Mr. Errol George

Director, Financial Investigation Agency (DFIA)

Mr. Julien Johnson

Chief Operating Officer, Financial Investigation Agency (COOFIA)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

SUBHEAD 551317 906.

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

GRANT TO FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked them to introduce themselves stating their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

907.

The Member for the Third District referred to the FIA’s 2014 Draft Budget Estimates and asked whether he had seen the draft allocations in the budget for their agency.

The DFIA responded that he had seen the document.

908.

The Member for the Third District asked what was the correlation between the two (2) documents (Draft Budget Estimates 2014 and British Virgin Islands Financial Investigation Agency 2014 Budget Estimates).

909.

The COOFIA indicated that they were now seeing the difference in the figures allocated in the Budget. He noted that their budget reflected the total contribution from Government of $1,662,500 which was approved by the Board of the FIA in September 2013. He further added that the figure reflected a 5% reduction from 2013.

910.

The FS clarified that the Financial Services Commission (FSC) also contributed to the FIA. He stated that, even though they have a total budget of $ 2,187,500, $ 1.6

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million comes from Government and the rest of it comes from FSC, interest income and other sources.

911.

The Member for the Third District asked whether they would be able to execute their functions for 2014 with the budget that was allocated to them.

The COOFIA

responded that the funds which were allocated from Government and the contribution from FSC would cover the agencies estimated operating costs for 2014.

912.

The Minister for Health and Social Development asked about any future initiatives for the FIA.

913.

The DFIA responded that it was quite difficult to anticipate the future because international bodies such as the Financial Actions Task Force continued to shift the goal post. He added that the intention was to make it very difficult for jurisdictions, particularly off shore financial centers, to be able to fully meet the requirements in terms of the international obligations in relation to anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.

914.

The Member for the Third District referred to the figure under Other Income in the FIA 2014 Budget Estimates, and asked what that would have generated from. The COOFIA stated it was a token figure that they included in case there were opportunities for the Agency to generate some revenue of its own through the provision of services.

915.

The Member for the Third District noted that, in 2013, the Reserve Account was $ 3,065,526 and asked what was the purpose for these monies.

916.

The COOFIA stated that the account was a result of surplus balances they had had over the years. He added that, within the general reserve, there was a training fund and an investigative fund which was perhaps the biggest area of concern.

The

COOFIA mentioned that the IPOC case had cost the Agency in excess of $ 2 million dollars, and the Reserve Account was to deal with such incidences as well as other Capital Projects that may arise.

Page 185 of 231

917.

The Chairman thanked the panel for their attendance at the SFC and dismissed them.

Page 186 of 231

HEAD 2220

PREMIER’S OFFICE

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Sharon Flax-Mars

Director, Tourist Board (DTB)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s office (DSPO)

Ms. Jaslyn Frett

Financial Comptroller, Tourist Board (FC)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

SUB HEAD 551312 - GRANT TO TOURIST BOARD 918.

The Chairman welcomed the panel to the proceedings and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

919.

The DTB gave a brief overview. She stated that, as the Committee was aware, the BVITB is tasked with the marketing function of the BVI as well as customer service training and product initiatives. In 2013, they strategically reviewed all aspects of their operations with a view to improving the global marketing strategies and objectives of the board as well as to drive the British Virgin Islands to give the mandate that the Premier wanted which is an increase of arrivals by 10% by 2016.

She stated that previously, the Board’s funding was in the neighborhood of $10 million which was needed in order for them to move forward and that it is difficult for them to do what is needed with only $10 million. She further stated that they have moved strategically to enter the South American market. She pointed out that they have made some progress with Brazil and that the target for 2014 is Argentina. It was noted that the BVITB planned to bring an agency on board to advance what they are doing in the South American market. She indicated that their 2014 budget reflected this vision.

Page 187 of 231

920.

The DTB noted that it was imperative that they continue their customer service training across the BVI and to roll out standards and benchmarks for accommodations. She added that there were major special projects that the Tourist Board needed to prepare that had been left on the back-burner for the past couple of years and would require additional expenditure of $4.1 million dollars to their requested budget of $13 million. She indicated that the Board needed to enhance their tourism infrastructure and product offerings. She stated that it was important that the tools used to market the destination be upgraded to reflect what’s going on with technology. She noted that compared to other websites, www.bvitourism.com was in need of improvements. She added that they needed to refresh their images and they needed to be able to access everyone across several devices such as smart phones and tablets.

921.

The DTB indicated that the images of the destination needed to be refreshed and that this has not been done since 2008. She stated that they were targeting niche markets such as meetings and incentives, destination weddings and honeymoons as well as culinary and community tourism. To increase arrivals, she noted that the BVITB needed to spearhead more events such as Lobster Fest and Poker Run which were designed to drive traffic to the British Virgin Islands. She stated that their budget requested would take into consideration that the bulk of the monies needed would be spent on marketing the destination. She noted that, in order for the world to know about the BVI, we needed to have a presence in the major markets around the world.

922.

The DTB stated that the BVITB had laid some important groundwork. She noted that the BVI had been named in the press and that the Board had invested in major campaigns, conducted road shows, launched a booking engine for small properties, and had forged major alliances with American Express, Bride magazine, Condè Nast Traveler and the New York Times. She stated that those initiatives and alliances allowed them to arrive at savings to the tune of $ 250,000.00. She indicated that there was no shortage of challenges in 2013. She stated that this year, they were asking for $13 million for the operational budget so that they can fund their marketing campaigns as well as administrative and product training initiatives. With regards to Page 188 of 231

their special projects, she asked for $ 4.1 million which would go towards funding a major TV production on a US network, refreshing their website and infrastructure and their statistical programme.

923.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked what plans were being implemented for the marketing of this year’s 60th Festival Anniversary.

924.

The DTB stated that the BVITB had plans to market Festival and that monies were set aside to fund the marketing. She stated that they were waiting for the provision of the logo and slogan so that they may be included in the advertising. She stated that they had planned a function in St. Thomas where they intended to promote the first and second quarter activities including BVI Festival.

925.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that some concerns were raised about the assistance to Miss BVI regarding the provision of information about the historical sites and other pertinent information about the BVI. She stated that it was her understanding that this was not done the last time.

926.

The DTB stated that the provision of information to Miss BVI did not happen last year as it should have. She stated that there needed to be dialogue with whoever was in charge of the Miss BVI Pageant, and that they needed to share information with the BVITB in a timely manner. She added that, if the BVITB was charged with ensuring that Miss BVI was prepared for travel and knows about the BVI, then it needed to be clearly stated so that they could work with her within the confines of their operations.

She stated that it was not a matter of the BVITB not wanting to assist Miss BVI.

927.

The Minister for Education and Culture stated that had been examining the reign of Miss BVI, and both himself and Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye had met with some of the former Miss BVIs to determine what were some of the challenges they faced during their reign. He noted that they were able to receive some information from that meeting, and was working to improve the reign of Miss BVI including what had been discussed previously.

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928.

The Member for the Eighth District thanked the DTB for her comprehensive presentation and stated that he was happy to learn that they have launched a booking engine. He asked if the engine belonged to the BVITB, or if they were partnering with another company.

929.

The DTB stated that it was a booking agent that goes by the name of JackRabbit and that they were partnering with the JackRabbit organisation. She stated that the booking engine was lodged on www.bvitourism.com.

930.

The Member for the Eighth District asked if the small businesses were seeing any significant impact since the BVITB had launched the booking engine.

931.

The DTB stated that the booking engine had been launched in late November, and they were awaiting the December report. She stated that she had received a preliminary report and noted that it showed great exposure for the properties. She indicated that some properties had received bookings that were generated through the booking engine.

932.

The Member for the Eighth District asked if he would have to go to the BVITB’s website to access the booking engine.

933.

The DTB stated that persons would have to go to www.bvitourism.com then go to the booking widget that would ask for availability dates, then it would proceed to give the rates and other information based on the selected property. She stated that, after the relevant options were chosen, a request was e-mailed to the property and it was up to that property owner to follow-up on the request.

934.

The Member for the Eighth District stated that on Orbitz and/or Expedia, you would see some of the properties like Peter Island, among others, but not any of the smaller businesses.

935.

The DTB stated that bigger properties like Peter Island were listed on the website along with the smaller properties. She stated that the difference was that, with

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booking through www.bvitourisn.com, the properties paid no commission whereas with other sites like Orbitz or Expedia, there were fees and commissions involved.

936.

The Member for the Eighth District asked if it was too early to determine the impact of the booking engine.

937.

The DTB stated that, in her opinion, it was too early, and suggested that it be looked at a year from now to see how it impacted the BVI’s summer business.

938.

The Member for the Eighth District recalled from a previous SFC meeting that a significant amount of money had been expended on updating the BVITB’s website.

He asked why was there a need for it to be updated again so soon.

939.

The DTB stated that one of the challenges was the rapid advancement of technology; additionally, she stated that the website could not be properly viewed across all devices. She noted that, if the site was viewed on a desktop, it showed fine but, if it was viewed from a Smartphone or tablet, there was a lot of scrolling and she noted that the average person did not like to scroll. She stated that they did not have much creative license with the website because it was a template site and that every time they wanted to make a big creative change, they had to work with a company, and fees were often involved

940.

The DTB stated that she was not sure about the fees, and deferred to the FC who stated that she would have to get back to the Honourable Member with that information.

941.

The Member for the Eighth District stated that he had asked the questions because he was worried that they would make the same mistake again. He stated that, from his recollection, they had just spent a hefty sum of money to upgrade the current website, and he held the view that they should clearly think through what they would like to accomplish before engaging another company.

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942.

The DTB stated that she acknowledged the concerns stated, and noted that they would not be using the same company. She added that they would look at a website that would last more than a couple years and where they would have creative license.

943.

The Member for the Eighth District asked if the BVITB received complaints from tourists about the level of entertainment available in the Territory in regards to the night life and other activities.

944.

The DTB stated that she had not received many complaints from persons regarding the level of entertainment, but noted that she had received complaints from the smaller establishments regarding the time restrictions.

945.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian thanked the DTB for her comprehensive report and commended the BVITB on the work they had done. He asked if the DTB could provide the Committee with a more detailed justification for the additional funds requested.

946.

The DTB stated that their request for $ 13 million was based on their expenditure in 2013. She indicated that they had budgeted in the area of $10 million in 2013 and, with the promise of additional funding, had spent approximately $ 11.6 million. She stated that their request for 2014 was geared towards the bulk of the increases to fund their marketing efforts. She further stated that they had tried to streamline their operating costs by looking at areas where they had spent money on things that were not in keeping with the BVITB’s mandate. Regarding the additional funds requested for their special projects, she stated that they were looking at: 

the upgrading of their conference room at the BVITB’s office - $55,000.00



printing and purchasing of immigration cards and data management system $118,000.00



initiating a major food and wine festival - $1 million



a major network show - $1 million



promotion of the Festival 60th Anniversary celebrations - $75,000.00

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947.



upgrading of the website - $100,000.00 and



special agency initiatives - $93,000.00

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were sufficient funds in 2013 to promote the BVI in the Asian and South American markets.

948.

The DTB stated that they did not go as aggressively into those markets as they would have liked simply because of the funding. She stated that, with regard to the South American market, they had ended up focusing primarily on Brazil and that this year the focus would be on Argentina. With regard to the Asian market, she noted that because of their limited funds, they had had to rely solely on their website and Facebook presence.

949.

The FC stated that the South American agency was added late last year and that they had approximately three months on retainer and did not have to spend as much money in that market.

950.

The Premier and Minister of Finance stated that he had heard the statements made by the BVITB and acknowledged the importance of increased marketing for the BVI. He stated that he would look at the possibility of increasing the funding.

951

The Member for the Sixth District asked if the BVITB held regular meetings or workshops with the taxi drivers.

952

The DTB confirmed this and stated that they had a programme with the Taxi Commission and that they liaised heavily with Mr. Percival. She indicated that they chaired two types of trainings with the taxi drivers, one from a customer service standpoint and the other from a historical product standpoint. She stated that they had done training primarily on the two main islands of Virgin Gorda and Tortola. She noted that they sat on the Commission as well.

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953.

The Member for the Sixth District spoke about an article she had read where some tourists had a negative experience with a taxi driver who took them on a tour of the island. She stated that the tour was not very good.

954.

The DTB wholeheartedly agreed with the Honourable Member’s statement and stated that she had realised there was still a lot of work to be done with the taxi drivers and the work should be shared between the Taxi Commission and BVITB. She added that, sometimes, the discipline of a taxi driver was necessary and that any bad news about the BVI was something that was not needed.

955.

With no further questions for the BVITB, the Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee and the information they provided.

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HEAD 2436

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

Mr. Denniston Fraser

Managing Director, BVIAA (MDBVIAA)

Ms. Kanya Stoddard

Ag. Financial Comptroller, BVIAA (AgFC)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

Ms. Louann Hodge

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL)

SUBHEAD 551319 956.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

GRANT TO BVI AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

957.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth asked what was being done to assist those persons who would like to build houses on the lands surrounding the Virgin Gorda Airport.

958.

The MDBVIAA stated that the Operations Department of the BVIAA was currently working with the Premier’s Office to finalise the plans for accommodating the issues such as the one mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District. He added that, two years ago, they had hired a consulting firm from the UK to assess the situation where many of the surrounding areas of the Virgin Gorda Airport were inaccessible due to the fact that they were in an infringement area according to airport standards. He noted that the study allowed them to identify where they would be able to accommodate more houses primarily because they changed their approach.

959.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked how long the Acting Financial Comptroller had been appointed to that position.

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960.

The MDBVIAA stated that the Acting Financial Comptroller had been in that position since December 17, 2013.

961.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were any plans to install a standby generator at the Virgin Gorda Airport.

962.

The MDBVIAA stated that he had asked the Maintenance Manager to take one of the generators from the airport at Beef Island, and transfer it to the Airport in Virgin Gorda.

He stated that they were currently working out the logistics of the

transportation of the generator. He added that the Maintenance Manager had advised a new generator may have to be purchased in the future. He further stated that a generator should be in Virgin Gorda by the first quarter of this year.

963.

The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2436

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott

Director, National Parks Trust (DNPT)

Mrs. Jennifer Hodge-Penn

Assistant Secretary, Min. Natural Resources and Labour (ASNRL)

Ms. Louann Hodge

Finance and Planning Officer, Min. Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL)

SUBHEAD 551321 964.

Permanent Secretary, Min. Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL)

GRANT TO NATIONAL PARKS TRUST

The Chairman welcomed the panel and asked them to state their names and positions for the record.

965.

The Member for the Third District asked how close the National Parks Trust was in becoming self-sufficient.

966.

The DNPT stated that they had endeavored to improve their collection especially along the moorings on the current programmes that they had. He stated that, while he could not give a specific percentage, he knew that the contributions they received, when compared to their fees and permits, was substantial. He stated that they had collected approximately $ 1.3 to $1.5 million from programmes last year. He added that the net contribution of Government’s revenue to their overall operating costs was decreasing.

967.

The Member for the Third District asked about the Trust’s overall expenditure to which the DNPT stated that their overall expenditure was $ 1.435 million in 2013

968.

The Member for the Third District stated that he knew that the time had long past for the NPT to be self-sustaining, and he asked what the NPT needed to become selfsustaining.

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969.

The DNPT stated that they had been given the ability to collect fees from the moorings that they managed. He also stated that they were given the ability to collect from territorial moorings, and were currently ramping up activities and establishing relationships with license holders. He noted that they might need a few more years to fully realise their independence and had been working closely with the MNR&L and license holders. He stated that they were definitely working towards becoming selfsustainable.

970.

The Member for the Third District asked how many of the parks had private concessions.

971.

The DNPT stated that, currently, there was a concession on Prickly Pear Island and that this was the only Park where any form of concession existed. He stated that the concessions at the Baths were actually owned by the Trust.

972.

The Member for the Third asked if it would be necessary to have more concessions since they were income generators.

973.

The DNPT stated that they were currently exploring a number of sites where other concession could occur. He specifically pointed out Copper Mine where a visitor center and concession was being developed, and noted that the development should take place this year.

974.

The DNPT stated that there were currently three sites where visitor centers were going to be developed. He stated that they were enhancing the concessions at the bottom of the Baths and an expansion of the fee collector’s booth at Sage Mountain to enhance the presentation of the entrance.

975.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if the NPT had a website to which the DNPT responded in the affirmative and stated that the site was www.bvinpt.org .

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976.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District wanted to know how the collection of fees for the Baths was progressing.

977.

The DNPT stated that the revenue from entrance fees throughout the year was mostly realised at the Baths which had the largest number of persons coming through that Park. He indicated that last year they had collected $ 205,124.00 in entrance fees which included entrance fees collected from Sage Mountain, based on a fee of $ 3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child. He noted that, in comparison to the year before, that was a reduction of 7.6%.

978.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked why the fee was $3.00 for adults as opposed to $5.00, and the DNPT stated that the fees were established in 2004 and has not been updated since.

979.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked if any attempts had been made to fix the road from the top of the Baths down to the Baths itself.

980.

The DNPT stated that there were two ways to get to the bottom of the Baths both of which were maintained regularly.

981.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District indicated that he did not quite understand the last part of what the DNPT’s statement with regards to the second trail.

982.

The DNPT stated that, instead of taking the main trail, you could take the second trail from where the fee was collected by veering left and use the trail via Devil’s Bay instead of the Baths proper.

983.

The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District stated that roads were not kept in condition, and that it was terrible walking down that way (referring to the second trail).

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984.

The DNPT stated that he would look into whatever issues there may be regarding the access to Devil’s Bay from the top of the Baths.

985.

The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that, not too long ago, she and some visitors took the trail from the top to the bottom of the Baths and noted that it was quite good. She stated that the walk from the top of the Baths was a part of the experience. She noted that the trail was quite clear, and had noticed that an effort was made to arrange some of the stones or steps to make the trail more manageable.

986.

The DNPT stated that he knew the staff had worked very hard to maintain the trails, and stated that they had built wooden steps below some of the rocks to alleviate some of the height between each step. He added that the Devil’s Bay trail was much gentler, and he could attest to the fact that the staff worked to ensure that trails were raked almost on a daily basis.

987.

The Minister for Communications and Works suggested that, perhaps in the future, the NPT may want to consider installing wheelchair access to the beach.

988.

The Member for the Eighth District stated that someone from the charter boat industry approached him with a concern regarding access to the Baths via the sea where there were some barriers along the beach. He stated that the individual’s concerns were not with the position of the barriers but the fact that there was no access for dinghies. He further stated that this individual had older persons with him at the time that could not swim across the barriers to shore.

989.

The DNPT stated that they had had to weigh some serious issues with boats, some being large vessels with large props, virtually beaching themselves on both beaches (Devil’s Bay and the Baths Proper) and having little regard for the safety of swimmers. He stated that it became a concern that, if something was not done, a serious accident could occur. He also stated that a swim area was designated where there would be no access by boats to both beaches. He said that this came about after years of trying to work with all boat captains (both local and from the USVI) to see if they would have some respect for the swim areas. He added that they have now put Page 200 of 231

in place a swim marker which allowed dinghies to tie up to the line, and there was a safety line that ran from the swim marker to the beach for weak swimmers. He stated that, in the past, captains simply ignored the swim area even though advisories were put out informing them of the newly established area.

990.

The Member for the Eighth District asked if the alternative suggested by the DNPT was for persons who may have difficulty swimming to shore, and the DNPT responded in the affirmative.

991.

The Member for the Eighth District stated that it was more likely that, if the person had a challenge with swimming into shore, they may have a challenge walking down the trail as well. He asked if there was a possibility for a section of the swim area to be set aside for dinghy access.

992.

The DNPT stated that they used to have something like that set up where one side would be marked off for the swim area and the other side would be a kind of channel for dinghies; however, persons still disrespected the swim area repeatedly. He suggested that perhaps persons who would have physical challenges to accessing the Baths could enjoy the area from whatever vessel they may be on.

993.

The Member for the Eighth District stated that the NPT seemed to have a problem with enforcement.

994.

The DNPT stated that, with regard to enforcement, they have a dedicated vessel and, over time, would increase the number of patrols.

995.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there were any plans to incorporate Smuggler’s Cove as one of the National Parks to which the DNPT responded in the affirmative.

996.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that some historical sites were privately owned. He asked if the NPT was having any discussions with those private

Page 201 of 231

owners with a view of coming to an agreement to make them a part of the tourism and national parks product.

997.

The DNPT stated that, over the years, they had been able to identify a few sites and had been able to establish a dialogue with a few owners, but noted that there were some persons who they were not able to establish a dialogue with and would welcome any initiative that would enable that dialogue to be facilitated. He noted that there were provisions in the National Parks Act that would allow for the protection of parks and historical sites under a Conservation Agreement that would not result in having to purchase the land from a person.

998.

Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian stated that there were concerns about having swim areas for beaches throughout the Territory especially at Cane Garden Bay and White Bay in Jost Van Dyke. He asked if there were any plans to incorporate or designate swimming areas for those beaches to protect the public from accidents that could occur.

999.

The PSNRL indicated that a contract for the creation of the swim area for Cane Garden Bay had already been signed. He added that the materials had already been purchased and installation of those materials was pending. He indicated that White Bay would be the next beach to have a swim area and wherever it was deemed necessary.

1000. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee.

Page 202 of 231

HEAD 2543

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mr. Roy Barry

Chairman, Recreation Trust (CRT)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

SUBHEAD 551310

GRANT TO RECREATION TRUST

1001. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

1002. The Member for the Third District asked if the Recreation Trust had a Managing Director.

1003. The CRT stated that the Managing Director, Mr. Stephen Payne, had been hired by the Trust to manage the operations of the Trust.

1004. The Member for the Third District sought an explanation as to why the lights at the Road Town Softball Field remained on very late.

1005. The CRT stated that all facilities were equipped with timers and the lights were turned off at a specific time each evening unless they were being used.

1006. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if there was a specific reason for the lights being on at the Sports Complex especially if there were no planned activities.

The CRT stated that various Associations utilised the Sports Complex on various nights and, once there were no events, the lights were taken off.

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1007. The Member for the Second District asked if the funds allotted for 2014 were sufficient to which the CRT responded in the negative.

1008. The Member for the Second District then asked whether there was a counter plan, once the funds were exhausted.

1009. The CRT stated that the facilities were of great importance to the wellbeing of the individuals of the Virgin Islands, and he was hoping that there would be extra funding during 2014.

1010. The Member for the Third District asked how much more funding was needed, and sought a report regarding the funds for 2013.

1011. The CRT provided a figure of $ 1.2 million based on the budget that had been submitted to the Ministry. He also stated that they had exhausted the funds that had been disbursed to the Trust in 2013 but, due to the present Trust being appointed in October 2012, some funds from 2012 had allowed the Trust to pay the bills for 2013.

1012.

The Member for the Third District asked about the total expenditure for 2013.

1013. The CRT stated that the financial reports had not been finalised, and the Treasurer was in the process of completing them.

1014. The Member for the Third District asked if the Trust had any accounts payable and whether electricity was one of the payables to which the CRT confirmed.

1015. The Member for the Third District asked if the Trust could check the lighting at the Sea Cow’s Bay Basketball Court.

1016. The CRT stated that they were assessing the issues at the various fields and most, if not all, had been rectified.

1017. The Member for the Third District stated that the CRT should keep up the good work.

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1018. There being no other questions by the SFC, the Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for providing information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 2543

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE

Present: Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Dr. Karl Dawson

President, H. L. Stoutt Community College (The President)

Ms. Italia Penn

Bursar, H. L. Stoutt Community College (The Bursar)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

SUB HEAD 551315

GRANT TO H.L. STOUTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1019. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and her team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

1020. The Member for the Third District sought an update on the College’s accreditation status.

1021. The President stated that the College had been accepted as a candidate with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2012, and had been approved to conduct a self-study to becoming fully accredited. He added that they had attended a self-study institute in November 2012, and they were now in the process of conducting their self-study. He also informed that a team was scheduled to visit the campus in spring 2015 which will mark the 25th anniversary of the institution.

1022. The Member for the Third District asked what would the visit in 2015 prepare the institution for to which the President stated that 2015 the institution would make its final presentation and a recommendation would be made regarding its status for accreditation.

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1023. The Member for the Second District asked for an explanation between the amount of the grant in the past and what they were currently receiving, since the amount of monies allocated had decreased.

1024. The President stated that, from his experience, there was a decrease in funding and it had had implications on the capital and physical plant and the maintenance and upkeep.

He added that the College realised the direction of higher education

worldwide as far as diversifying resources, and they were making efforts to see how they could diversify by pursuing funding through more contract training and fund raising through grants. He also stated that tuition would be considered for an increase since the main business consisted of offering classes, and 80% of the students were eligible for the Tuition Assistance Programme. He informed that the programme continued to be in arrears, and they hoped to have some feedback from Government in regards to that programme.

1025. The Member for the Third District stated that he was not aware that one could owe the College tuition, as the Bursar was the most powerful person on campus.

1026. The President stated that the policy was, when a person was leaving the institution, persons responsible for the cost of education would not be allowed to unless it was clear that they were not responsible for their tuition.

He also stated that the

individuals who were part of the Tuition Assistance Programme were not responsible for their tuition because they were pledged to be covered by another entity.

1027. The Member for the Second District asked if the shortfall being experienced by the College had hampered the quality product it must deliver, and how was it affecting the output at the College.

1028. The President stated that fewer resources would have an impact. He added that, since the students were very young, he held the view that they would benefit from more interaction, but the faculty was limited in order to cover the budget for teaching. He also stated that being in a position to recruit more qualified faculty would result in a better experience for the students.

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1029. The Member for the Second District asked if the faculty had received their increments for the last two years.

1030. The President stated that the last increase was in 2011 and, while the faculty was dedicated, if this was not addressed, it may impact how they performed their duties at the institution.

1031. The Premier stated that he was aware that many Colleges depended on donations from alumni and other means, and asked how the institution was progressing in this regard.

1032. The President stated that they looked at the finances of the College in a very broadbased way to ensure that there were a number of ways to which funds could be derived. He also stated that some Colleges received funds in terms of donations and sometimes the amount that was obtained from those sources was over-estimated. He added that the College had done a few initiatives such as commencing the “Friends of HLSCC Group� which had already undertaken some fundraising activity.

He

informed that an individual had been approved to pursue a one year study in Fundraising, and he had personally interacted with persons of means who are willing to buy into the vision of the College and the Territory's concern.

1033. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the Road Town Bakery was still under the purview of the College.

1034. The President stated that HLSCC gave up the bakery at the end of February 2013 after a review of the Finance Committee and its recommendation to the Board. He also stated that a decision had been made not to operate it since they had opened the Culinary Center where the necessary training could occur.

1035. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the closing of the bakery helped with cash flow. The President stated that they were making a loss at that enterprise.

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1036. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian enquired about the Culinary Center at Colonial Manor and how many students were enrolled in the programme.

1037. The President stated that there were approximately sixteen (16) students enrolled in Associates Degree at the Culinary Arts Center.

He added that training was also

provided for about a dozen students who were being trained through the Ministry's Technical Vocational Programme and short courses were also being offered on the weekends.

1038. The Member for the Eighth District asked for an update on the workforce study.

1039. The President stated that the study had not been completed because of internal pressing matters, and that efforts had been made to join forces with the Labour Department. He found that it was difficult to receive information and, without the resources to keep the project going, it had been a slow process.

1040. The Member for the Sixth District asked for an update on the Bookstore since, about two SFCs ago, it had been stated that the Bookstore was operating at a loss.

1041. The President stated that the Bookstore was still operating at a loss, and efforts had been made to remedy the situation. He added that the Bursar would be looking into how they could improve the operation of the Bookstore.

1042. The Member for the Sixth District asked about the viability of the College's Cafeteria.

1043. The President stated that the Cafeteria was operating at a loss although that amount had been decreasing over the last few years. He indicated that they would have to come to a clear understanding as to the correct level of subsidy.

1044. The Chairman thanked the PSEC and her team for appearing before the Committee.

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HEAD 2652

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Present: Mrs. Petrona Davies Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD) Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD)

Ms. Tasha Bertie

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (PSHSD)

Mrs. Darlene Carty-Baptiste

Chief Executive Officer,BVI Health Services Authority, (CEOBVIHSA)

Ms. Angelina John

Financial Comptroller, BVI Health Services Authority (FCBVIHSA)

Mrs. Deborah Leslie

Human Resources Manager, BVI Health Services Authority (HRMBVIHSA)

Dr. June Samuels

Chief Medical Staff, BVI Health Services Authority (CMSBVIHSA)

Dr. Emmanuel Ogunde

Senior Medical Officer, BVI Health Services Authority (SMOBVIHSA)

Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith

Director of Operations, BVI Health Services Authority (DOOBVIHSA)

Ms. Lucy Martin

Associate Director Nursing, BVI Health Services Authority (ADNBVIHSA)

Ms. Jascinth Hannibal

Director of Nursing Services, BVI Health Services Authority (DNSBVIHSA)

Mr. Clayton O’Neal

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

Page 210 of 231

SUBHEAD 551318

GRANT TO BVI HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITY

1045. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the 2014 SFC deliberations and asked the panel to state their names and positions for the record.

1046. The CEO gave apologies for the Chairman of the Board of BVIHSA who was currently off island, and thanked the Committee for the opportunity to present the BVIHSA’s budget for fiscal year 2013 – 2014 and to the British Virgin Islands Government for their continued support in the subvention of $ 23.1 million dollars for the last fiscal year.

1047. The CEO presented the following on the proposed budget for 2013-2014:

total

revenue of $ 9.4 million dollars, the recurrent expenditure of $ 37.2 million dollars, capital expenditure budgeted at $ 1.6 million dollars, therefore total expenditure would increase by 25% over the previous year and the unfunded amount would be $ 29.5 million dollars.

1048. The CEO stated that the organisation, which was governed by the HSA Board of Directors, were fully committed to their fiduciary responsibilities and their operational oversight of the BVIHSA and dedicated several hours each month through meetings and committee to ensure that their performance was in line with their vision, mission, fiscal responsibility and legislative mandate.

1049. The CEO informed the Committee that the BVIHSA had a strategic direction to create a financially viable, responsible organisation, to provide quality clinical services operation and an effective and efficient organisation to provide client and family focus services.

She continued that the BVIHSA was proposing that the

revenue projected to fall below the budgeted amount through the adoption of a policy in accounting for sales and services rendered for patients who by status was entitled to free care. Revenue generation was no longer recognising at BVIHSA books, accounts and financial statements.

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1050. The Member for the Sixth District asked how the debt collection process was working.

1051. The CEO informed the Committee that there was an external and internal collection system where BVIHSA had collected internally almost $100,000.00 dollars from July 2013 to December 2013 but the external system had not been as rewarding as anticipated and the litigation process had started for some.

1052. The Member for the Sixth District enquired if doctors and nurses were trained in care service.

1053. The CEO stated that BVIHSA was in the process of updating all BVIHSA employees inclusive of clinical staff.

1054. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee and they were dismissed.

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HEAD 4100

PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

Ms. Sandra Besson

Accountant General, Treasury Department (AcctGen)

Mrs. Maria Thomas

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Finance (FPOMOF)

1055. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked that they state their names and positions for the record to which they complied. The panel had no presentation and the Honourable Members had no questions.

1056. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the Committee

Page 213 of 231

HEAD 4200

MISCELLANEOUS

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

1057. The Chairman asked the FS to state his name and post for the purpose of the record to which he complied.

1058. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District referred to Subhead 572230 - Medical Assistance – Domestic and asked, if someone applied for assistance, if it was now under the FS. The FS responded that the amount were some token sums.

1059. The Budget Coordinator clarified that the figures stated was for assistance that was granted by the Minister of Finance.

1060. The Minister for Health and Social Development referred to Subhead 573110 – Refund of Revenue from Former Financial Years and enquired to its meaning.

The FS responded that there were cases, for instance with Customs, where persons may have brought in something and they did not have all the documentation sorted out or they were awaiting Pioneer Status; that person would be charged and would be entitled to a refund.

1061. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District referred to Subhead 572120 – Religious Organisation and asked for clarification on what organisations it referred to. The FS responded that it referred to churches and mosques.

1062. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District referred to Subhead 562230 – Ex-Gratia Payments/Pensions and noted that it had been reduced. The Budget Coordinator clarified that the bulk of the funding for ExGratia allowance was under Head 4100.

1063. The Chairman thanked the FS for answering the questions.

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HEAD 4300

PUBLIC DEBT

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

1064. The Chairman asked the FS to state his name for the record to which he complied.

1065. The FS stated that they were trying to decrease the debt service amount so that they could have a higher loan amount.

1066. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the FS when he expected to get the additional loan. The FS responded as soon as possible.

1067. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District enquired about the total amount of public debt. The FS stated that the amount was one hundred and six million dollars 1068. The Chairman thanked the FS for answering the questions.

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HEAD 321

DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE CAPITAL

Present: Mr. David Archer

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office (PSDGO)

Mrs. Kara Penn-Stoutt

Finance and Planning Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office (FPODGO)

1069. The Chairman asked the panel to state their names and posts for the record to which they complied.

1070. The PSDGO indicated that a bid was made for the renovation of the Anegada Building.

1071. The Chairman noted the information from the FS, and indicated that there was no funding in the budget under DGO Capital.

1072. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 322

PREMIER’S CAPITAL

Present: Mr. Broderick Penn

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office (AgPSPO)

Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro

Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office (DSPO)

Mr. Jamal Jones

Finance and Planning Officer, Premier’s Office (FPOPO)

1073. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the SFC deliberations and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

1074. The Member for the Second District asked why they were making the Park so high.

1075. The AgPSPO responded that the Park was not raised substantially high, but that the design for the Park on the eastern end incorporated a mound type design. He added that it was designed to have various levels on the eastern side for adequate draining for slope and flow of water out of the Park.

1076. The Chairman thanked the panel for appearing before the SFC and dismissed them.

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HEAD 323

MINISTRY OF FINANCE CAPITAL

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

1077. The Chairman asked the FS to state his name for the record to which he complied.

1078. The FS stated that there was nothing under that Ministry’s Capital to report.

1079. The Chairman thanked the FS for attending and dismissed him.

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HEAD 324

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR CAPITAL

Present: Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley

Ms. Louann Hodge

Ms. Heather James

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (PSNRL) Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (FPONRL) Senior Lands Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (SLONRL)

1080. The Chairman welcomed the PSNRL and his team and asked them to state their names for the record to which they complied.

1081. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked if the completion of the beach bathroom would come under Subhead Beach Development to which the PSNRL answered yes.

1082. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District enquired as to which beaches were involved.

1083. The PSNRL stated that the beaches being focused on included Smuggler’s, Long Bay Beef Island, and the Baths.

1084. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if beaches were excluded from the list.

1085. The Member for the First District asked if Brewer’s Bay was on the list.

1086. The PSNRL answered that all the areas would be looked at and, eventually, there would be facilities on all the beaches.

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1087. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that she had a concern about the provisions of facilities for the Long Bay Beef Island Beach, and asked how far inland the facilities would be established.

1088. The PSNRL stated that he was sure the Engineers would guide them on the best positioning; however, they only cleared the underbrush but no site had been identified.

1089. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District stated that ground swells could at times cause work done to be destroyed.

1090. The PSNRL stated that, when they were planning the Smuggler’s Cove project, the technical people took all of that into consideration, and he was certain that they would take the same amount of care at all the other facilities.

1091. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District sought clarity on whether Brewer’s Bay Beach was included to which the PSNRL stated yes.

1092. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked the PSNRL if he would like to mention any other projects.

1093. The PSNRL answered the Airport Development and EELL Harbour Development.

He further stated that, by Wednesday, he should receive a definitive time frame from the contractor on when the projects would be completed. In addition, he identified other projects included finishing the roadwork at Spooner’s, and land distribution on Virgin Gorda with the Committee that was just formed.

1094. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked if all the Spooner’s land had been subdivided to which the PSNRL answered no.

1095. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District asked the amount of acreage to be divided and if there was a large number of applications.

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1096. The PSNRL answered thirty five (35) acres were yet to be divided and yes there were a number of applications.

1097. Territorial Member Archibald C. Christian asked what Subhead would the update of the aerial maps be under, if the Ministry was successful with it.

1098. The PSNRL answered the Subhead was not reflected as it was considered a special project, and he was sure it would happen.

1099. The Chairman thanked the PSNRL and his team for coming and giving information to the SFC and wished them all the best.

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HEAD 325

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE CAPITAL

Present:

Dr. Marcia Potter

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture (PSEC)

Mrs. C. Jovita Scatliffe

Ag. Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture (AgFPOEC)

1100. The Chairman welcomed the PSEC and the AgFPOMEC, and asked them to state their names for record purposes.

1101. The Deputy Speaker and Member for the Fifth District enquired about the Vocational School.

1102. The PSEC informed that they expected all the works to be completed by June 2014.

1103. The Member for the Third District asked if there were any outstanding bills for the Greenland Field.

1104. The PSEC stated that there was an outstanding bill for B's Landscaping.

1105. The Member for the Third District then asked for further details regarding this bill.

1106. The PSEC explained that it had been outstanding since October 2012, and she was unsure of the amount. She advised that she could obtain the information for the Committee. She further stated that it had not been paid because a number of items had not been sent to the Ministry on time.

1107. The Minister for Education and Culture stated that, in regard to that particular bill, the Ministry had been waiting on the Project Manager, and the Ministry could not process the payment unless the Project Manager had confirmed that the work had been completed.

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1108. The Member for the Third District stated that closure must be brought to this matter, as it had been outstanding since 2012.

1109. The Chairman thanked the panel for providing information to the SFC, and expressed best wishes to them.

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HEAD 326 MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL Present: Mrs. Petrona Davies

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development ( PSHSD)

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Ms. Tasha Bertie

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Development (DSHSD)

Mr. Clayton O’Neal

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FPOHSD)

Ms. Kisha Donovan

Finance Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Development (FOHSD)

1110. The Chairman welcomed everyone and asked persons present to give their names and positions for the record to which they complied.

1111. The PS stated that the National Health Insurance (NHI) project had been funded under the Ministry of Health and Social Development projects, and there were a number of other projects to be funded from this account. The PS explained that all operating expenses and employees salary for National Health Insurance project was also funded from this account, and there was no provision for the project to continue from what was reflected in the budget.

1112. The Member for the Third District asked, since this project was funded by the Ministry of Health, if the Officer who was in charge of the NHI Unit was the Officer seconded or transferred to the Ministry of Health from the Social Security Board.

1113. The PS stated that the Social Security Board had been charged by Cabinet with the implementation phase of managing the project leading up to the NHI coming on stream. However, the PS further noted that the funding came from the Ministry and not the Social Security Board funds; this was a Central Government project until such time when the new division is established.

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114. The Member for the Third District asked if the Social Security Board was contracted to execute this project, and if the Ministry paid the Social Security Board and the Board then paid the individuals.

1115. The PS confirmed the Member for the Third District’s statement.

1116. The Member for the Third District asked if NHI was going to be a Unit within the Social Security Board or independent of Social Security.

1117. The PS stated that the Bill that was before the House of Assembly was to establish a division of the Social Security Board that would be charged with managing the NHI system; once this was completed, then the NHI funds would be established and the money would be paid into a fund for NHI to operate.

1118. The PS stated that the operational budget for the NHI project office would be in the region of $610,000.00. She further stated that under the Ministry’s Development Projects funds minor projects such as the lift for the Adina Donovan Home and a bathroom for the Environment Health would be out of project funds.

1119. The Minister for Health and Social Development stated the NHI project was needed, and as a Government, the NHI project would continue and funding for the project would become available.

1120. The Member for the Third District asked what was the cost of the Adina Donovan Home project.

1121. The PS stated that the Adina Donovan Home was a campus-like design that would be built in phases, and the entire project had been tendered and the submissions ranged from $ 13 to $ 17 million. She noted that the entire project would not be completed this year, only the main building.

1122. The Member for the Third District enquired about the $ 2 million dollars in the Ministry’s Capital for the Adina Donovan Home Project.

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1123. The PS stated that the money was to start phase one of the project for the Adina Donovan Home.

1124. The Chairman asked the Members if there were any more questions; there were none and the panel was dismissed.

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HEAD 327

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS CAPITAL

Present: Mr. Anthony McMaster

Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (AgPSCW)

Mr. Andrew St. Hilaire

Ag. Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works (DSCW)

Dr. Drexel Glasgow

Chief of Infrastructure Planning, Research and Development (CIPRDCW)

Ms. Diane Todman

Finance Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FOCW)

Mrs. Margaret Jones-Greene

Finance and Planning Officer, Ministry of Communications and Works (FPOCW)

1125. The Chairman welcomed the panel to the deliberations and asked that they state their names and position for the record.

1126. The Minister for Health and Social Development asked the CIPRDCW what research was being done.

1127. The CIPRDCW stated that the various components of the Ministry and whatever else were put forward in the future.

1128. The Member for the Second District asked what happened after planning.

1129. The CIPRDCW stated that the plans had been forwarded to the Permanent Secretary and, if accepted, they would be the implemented by the Ministry.

1130. The Member for the Second District asked for a better understanding of the planning process. He stated that there were projects for the Second District and asked for the update on the CDB monies.

1131. The CIPRDCW stated that, for the project under the CDB loan, the planning and design were to be completed by a consultant. He added that, to date, nine projects

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had been planned and designed, and were going through the process of approval or tendering. He also added that the tender process had been completed and a contractor had been identified. He stated that, within the next two to three weeks, a contract should be signed for Ballast Bay. He also stated that in the Second District we had two local components on Jost Van Dyke; one of the projects was completed and the other project had been started. He indicated that in Cane Garden Bay there was a project in which the contractor was being mobilised.

1132. The Member for the Second District asked about an update on the project at Harrigan Estate.

1133. The CIPRDCW stated that it was not a CDB project; however, they had looked at it over the past months and made several attempts to fix the situation. He added that they had looked for an alternative route and the route identified was not logistical so we have reverted to the drawing board for that project.

1134. The Chairman thanked the panel for their presentation and for answering the questions asked by the Honourable Members.

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HEAD 328

MISCELLANEOUS

Present: Mr. Neil Smith

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance (FS)

1135. The Chairman asked the FS to state his name for the record to which he complied.

1136. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District and Member for the Ninth District referred to Subhead 3280300 – Special Projects and asked what was Special Projects. The FS responded that it was a project, historically, that the Minister of Finance held in any event he needed to assist any of the other Ministers with any other projects, or if a special project came up that needed to be funded.

1137. The Leader of the Opposition and Member for the Ninth District asked what was the total amount. The FS responded that the total amount was $1,350,000.

1138. The Chairman thanked the FS for answering questions and dismissed him.

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CONCLUSION 1139. The examination of the Recurrent Budget Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and the Capital Budget Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2014 conducted by the Standing Finance Committee was a successful exercise which allowed top level managers from the various Ministries, Departments and Statutory Bodies within the Government to present the accomplishments and challenges of their areas of responsibility and justify the requested expenditure in the budget.

1140. The process involves the Premier and Minister with responsibility for Finance and all Members of the House of Assembly, the Financial Secretary and the staff of the Ministry of Finance, the Clerk and staff of the House of Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and key personnel from the Ministries, Departments and Statutory Bodies of the Government.

1141. In addition to thanking the persons mentioned, the Chairman thanked the Financial Secretary and his team, the public officers who assisted as Secretaries to the Standing Finance Committee and other auxiliary personnel for the dedication, hard work, time and effort in assisting with the deliberations. The Chairman expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Members for their dedication to the process and for ensuring that the timetable was completed in record time ahead of the schedule.

Dated on the 7th day of February, 2014

Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe Chairman

Phyllis Evans Secretary Page 230 of 231

APPENDIX Dates and Times of Deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee To Examine Draft Estimates for the Year 2014

Date of Meetings

Commenced

Concluded

14th January, 2014

10:20 a.m.

6:14 p.m.

16th January, 2014

10:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

17th January, 2014

10:32 a.m.

4:01 p.m.

20th January, 2014

10:20 a.m.

5:24 p.m.

21st January, 2014

10:33 a.m.

12:53 p.m.

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