Revised Government Portfolios Brochure Now Available

~~Adz:Right~~Roadtown, Tortola: Monday, December 1 – The new Portfolios of the Governor and Ministers is now available in a 16-page revised brochure depicting the latest changes in the subjects assigned to the members of the Cabinet.

Among the changes are the addition of the subjects of climate change and alternative energy to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the subject, safety in public buildings to the Ministry of Communications and Works.

In addition to the new subjects, some departments were also re-assigned. The Department of Gender Affairs now operates within the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority and the Office of the City Manager have been transferred to the Premier’s Office.

At his Ministerial Press Conference in September, Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE stated that the Governor had “approved a number of re-assignment of subjects under the various portfolios of the ministers of Government.” The Premier explained that the changes were designed to ensure “that relevant subjects are assigned to the appropriate minister.”

The Premier also said the brochure is another resource tool that the public, especially students, can use to learn the names of public servants and their positions.

The new brochures are available at all district offices on the sister islands and the Help Desk at the Central Administration Building. Every effort will also be made to distribute the new version to all schools in the Territory. However, principals and teachers needing extra copies can contact the Department of Information and Public Relations at 494-3701 ext. 2138.

The revised brochure offers a full listing of the subject areas within the Premier’s Office and the four other ministries. The responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance and the Governor’s Office /Deputy Governor’s Office are also included.

It provides a concise listing of the various departments, units and statutory boards and their heads.  The inside back-cover of the portfolio features a listing of the 15 members of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands.