Dear Source:
In his recent open forum letter Devine asked, "Is the VI Government Working?" I think by now, we all know the answer to that is no. As a cumbersome paper pushing, too slow processes government, the Feds will continue to breathe down our necks rightfully so). Monies is not the only problem, management is also a problem.
Why are we still in this position in 2006? The problem stems from lack of knowledge about computerization and all what is involved in setting up really efficient systems. It stems from lack of clarity in relaying the actual problems from the Depts to the Senate. No one wants to say, "it's not done because we really did not know how to do it". Instead the problems are asked and misconceptions are given.
We have "model" technology systems working on these islands in the private sector. Most of us have in fact, come into contact with efficient networks that are not only internal, but inter-department connected, inter-island connected and Internet connected. One area, these networks exist in, is in every bank across these islands. The services the banks are able to provide due to technology far outweigh anything our government has been able to provide in services. We all have the ability to sit anywhere in the world with internet access, including our own homes, and log into our accounts if we need to. If the banks allow it, maybe the senate should get up off its seat and take a tour of their technology depts. so they can get a realistic "whole" picture on what it really takes to make networks and technology work efficiently. It would be an eye-opener and make them more proficient in questioning the depts.
The expectations, with the banks handling of our individual monies are the same expectation we should have with the government handling of all these islands monies. We should expect the same accountability and caliber of services to reach the public. We would be in an uproar if the banks mishandled our individual monies.
The Feds have this expectation because they know the capability exists for more efficient accountability. They are right in insisting we get it put into place.
They are not asking for the impossible. This should have been done years ago, should not still be dragging in 2006. The government admonishes the public for speaking bad about its services yet if the public goes through, year after year, not being able to see any differences, how can that be overlooked. It should be a tool used as part of evaluating performances of these depts.
The private sector use various tools for public input like secret-shoppers, voting on the best of the VI, etc. They have the sense to understand they serve the public and if the public is not happy, they lose business.
If we still can't get in right in the next 2-4 yrs, maybe competitive privatization of Govt services is our last option. If there was competition for efficient grants management, things would change fast.
Carol Berry
St. Thomas
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