B.V.I. Monday, October 26 – Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE today announced a new travel policy for public officers as part of its efforts to cut costs in recognition of the challenging economic times.
Resuming his monthly press conferences today, Honourable O’Neal said “Cabinet expressed concern about the high costs, high volume and the disparity in costs of overseas travel by public officers on behalf of the Government.”
According to the Premier, Cabinet further identified “a need to exercise more control and management over all overseas travel.” Noting that such control is extended to travel by Ministers of Government including himself as Premier, Honourable O’Neal explained that the measures are intended to effectively manage public expenditure, foster greater fiscal prudence and accountability and derive greater value for money.
“In 2008, total expenditure on travel amounted to more than $1.6 million. It is therefore envisaged that the new policy will greatly reduce the exorbitant costs associated with overseas travel,” Honourable O’Neal stated.
He reiterated the recognition of training as a major pre-requisite to the Territory’s development and Government’s commitment to the professional development of public officers but noted that the current economic climate necessitates cost cutting.
“We cannot ignore the current economic climate and with the 2009 revenue projections estimated to decrease by five percent, Cabinet must implement stringent expenditure control measures before the start of the 2010 fiscal year,” he said.
Honourable O’Neal is optimistic that the new travel policy and other cost cutting measures being instituted by Government will help prevent public service layoffs similar to those being announced in neighbouring Caribbean islands.
He is also hoping that public officers who travel on behalf of the Territory will see the need to provide reports on the benefits of their travel both for themselves as individuals and for the Government in general. This is not a mandatory element of the policy but the Premier expects voluntary compliance.
The Premier publicly thanked members of the Cabinet appointed committee which assisted in the formulation of the new travel policy, which took effect on Wednesday, October 21. The committee comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Governor’s Office, Department of Human Resources and Cabinet Office serving as the coordinating office.
Today’s Ministerial Press Conference which continued with the general question and answer format saw representatives from the media questioning the Premier about various subjects including the much debated proposal from Biwater, the sewerage system, the current series of meetings as part of the Boundaries Commission and the traffic lights.
The Premier’s Ministerial Press Conferences are intended to update the media on developments and initiatives within the Premier’s Office, which serves as the focal point for coordinating cross sectoral policies and ensuring the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands. It is also an opportunity for members of the media to have direct interface with the Premier to have questions answered.
British Virgin Islands News