Local News
Compensation Review: Deputy Governor Highlights Importance of Public Officer Feedback
The ongoing Compensation Review in the British Virgin Islands has received significant attention as Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. stresses the importance of feedback from Public Officers regarding their compensation. The third phase of the review, led by consultancy firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), has recently concluded with the submission of a proposed “compensation philosophy” aimed at restructuring job positions within the Public Service.
The suggested approach, put forth by PwC, involves adopting the Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) system to organize job families, subfamilies, streams, stages, and levels. This updated classification system aims to address key concerns raised by Public Officers during the assessment phase, including expanding job scopes, disparities in roles and salaries, poor grading of technical positions, challenges in succession planning, and issues pertaining to Public Officers on the Sister Islands.
Deputy Governor Archer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the changing nature of job roles in the Public Service. He states, “Any time new things become part of your job, that is actually the best tagline as to why we are doing the Compensation Review.” The review aims to determine the value of each job and compare it to its value a decade ago.
Regarding the poor grading of technical positions, Mr. Archer acknowledges the need for proper recognition. He explains, “Over the years, there has been a professional track without the right recognition, for persons who bring the technical skills.” The Deputy Governor emphasizes the importance of rewarding technical experts for their proficiency and passion within their respective fields.
To address disparities in salaries and allowances, Deputy Governor Archer highlights the necessity of evaluating role profiles alongside the practical scope of work performed by Public Officers. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in allowances across the board.
The concerns surrounding Public Officers on the Sister Islands are also being addressed through various initiatives, including the Sister Islands Coordination Committee, the Sister Islands Programme, and digital transformation efforts.
The decline in the number of Public Officers over the past decade is another significant finding highlighted by Deputy Governor Archer. He explains, “Since the world economic crisis, we have been aggressively trying to get the right size of the Public Service, and you will see significant declines.” The aim is to create a leaner and more efficient public service through transformation and technology.
PwC’s compensation philosophy aligns with the Virgin Islands National Sustainable Development Plan and Public Service Transformation Framework. The firm drew inspiration from various international models, including those from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and Mauritius.
As the Compensation Review enters its fourth phase, a draft and final Compensation Review Report will be created. This process will involve developing a compensation strategy, designing a comprehensive compensation plan and package, and adjusting the salary administration system to align with strategic objectives.
The Compensation Review project, valued at $302,103.00, is scheduled to conclude next month. Its goals include addressing remuneration disparities, supporting skilled and competent officers to enhance public service delivery, and implementing a Total Rewards Scheme to promote high performance.
Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. reiterates the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to effective human resources leadership and partnership in driving Public Service Excellence.
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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