Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley has said that the recently held retreat provided Ministers of Government and senior Government officials with an opportunity to explore avenues aimed at achieving optimal performance.

Premier Wheatley stated, “We came together to engage, interact, and dialogue, which will be critical in assisting us in becoming more efficient and effective in delivering for the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The Premier said the sessions attended by Government Ministers, Junior Ministers, the Attorney General, Deputy Governor, Financial Secretary, Cabinet Secretary and Permanent Secretaries proved to be informative and inspirational and will have direct implications on improving governmental systems and processes.

The overall object was to further functional and productive professional relationships between ministers and senior public officials. 

Former Permanent Secretary Mr. Clyde Lettsome delivered the keynote address while the session was facilitated by former Deputy Governor and Senior Public Officer in Anguilla Mr. Stanley Reid.

Mr. Lettsome challenged participants to fully utilise their capacities to promote the Government’s legislative agenda. He also discussed the relationship between Ministers of Government and Permanent Secretaries as outlined in the Constitution and provided insights on how to they could practically improve these partnerships.

Mr. Reid offered advice based on his experience and led guided interactions that allowed for roles and responsibilities to be clearly reiterated and expressed.

Premier Wheatley said the presentations were extremely powerful and illuminating,” adding, “I believe that the session formed the basis for planned ongoing solution-driven engagement to occur throughout this Government’s term in office,”

During the retreat, the need for open and honest communication in maintaining successful working relationships was emphasised. To this end, public officials committed to their responsibilities with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication.

Meanwhile, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson, said, “Those who were involved in the retreat felt that it was a very worthwhile exercise. It promoted enhanced understanding about roles, and will contribute towards improving working relationships.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands’ mandate is to envision and foster the development of the people of the Virgin Islands through mobilising its resources towards providing the highest levels of service.