B.V.I. Monday, October 12 – The Ministry of Finance, its departments and units gathered to report on their performance for the second quarter of 2009 at a Leadership Planning Meeting held under the theme “Commitment: Separates Doers from Dreamers”.
At the session held at the Moorings Marina Inn on October 5, Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith and heads of departments presented and reflected on the ministry’s and departments’ individual progress for the first and second quarters. “This collaborative approach where managers come together to report and to receive input on their performance is going to allow for more transparency and accountability within the system,” he said.
Mr. Smith added, “More importantly the information gathered is expected to be concise, accurate and beneficial for the decision makers as we rely on this information to make educated and sound decisions that will ultimately affect all of us”.
The guest speaker for the session was President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Dr. Karl Dawson, who explained the difference between leadership and management.
“Management is expected to achieve goals whereas good leadership achieves the unforeseen”, he said, adding that “management seeks to ensure efficiency and effectiveness by proper utilisation of human and other resources.”
Dr. Dawson explained that while management is very concerned with structure, plans, and rules, leadership is concerned with vision, inspiration, and the extra mile.
The participating departments had the opportunity to report on any obstacles that they may have encountered during the given period and collectively came up with solutions for the way forward.
The participating departments included Inland Revenue, Her Majesty’s Customs, BVI Post Office, Information Technology, and the ministry proper (administration, accounts, budget, project support services, procurement, and human resources).
Discussion items included the departments’ strategic and operational performance, the ministry’s first half of 2009 performance report and strategic plan, the departments’ performance reports and updated work plan, and other related matters.
The first quarter Leadership Planning Day was held on May 19. The aim of the quarterly meetings is to discuss the wider objectives of the Ministry of Finance and strategically set the pace or direction to achieve the same. The Ministry of Finance’s mission is to provide economic and fiscal leadership that promotes sustainable economic development.
British Virgin Islands News