B.V.I. Wednesday, May 20 - The Ministry of Finance and its departments and units reports on their performance for the first quarter at a Leadership Planning Meeting held under the theme “Commitment: Separates Doers from Dreamers”.  

At the session held at the Little Dix Bay Resort yesterday Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith and heads of departments presented on the ministry and departments’ individual progress for the first quarter and at the same time had the opportunity to report on any obstacles that they may have encountered during the given period and collectively come up with solutions for the way forward.  Mr. Smith told the gathering that whenever they see a mountain they should find a way to climb it.  “Yes, we have obstacles in front of us but they are not insurmountable,” he said, adding, “That is why we are leaders because we are supposed to be able to figure out the solutions when those who we are responsible for cannot find them”. 

He told them that as leaders they can do things to make persons respond and do what they are suppose to.  “We have to be unconventional in our approach when dealing with the problems we face and that is what will give us the edge,” he added.

Mr. Smith told the gathering that they have to be able to lead by applying the God given talent that each of them has in order to achieve their set goals and that is their “strategic advantage”.

The departments that took part in the session were Treasury, Her Majesty’s Customs, BVI Post Office, Information Technology, and the Ministry proper (administration, accounts, budget, project support services and human resources). 

During the session the participants looked at initiatives which will continue to improve the services offered by the ministry, its departments and units this includes the Ministry’s Communications Strategy, mediation services and website and online services.

The Ministry’s long-term business objectives is summarised as follows: 
- Improve financial accountability and transparency in the Public Sector;  
- maximise revenue streams/income;
- sustainable economic development;
- and improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.
 
In October of 2008 a Leadership Planning Day was held where all heads of departments and the Financial Secretary met to discuss the wider objectives of the Ministry of Finance and strategically set the pace or direction to achieve the same.  The objectives referred are extracted from the ruling manifesto and as mandated by the Minister of Finance.

The aim of the meeting was to ensure that the ministry and its departments are on the same page by agreeing to common outputs.  During that meeting heads of departments presented their work plans for 2009 detailing the desired targets for the period for submission to the Minister of Finance and Cabinet.  

The Ministry of Finance’s mission is to provide economic and fiscal leadership that promotes sustainable economic development.