PHILIPSBURG–The Department of Domain Affairs staff sent a letter to Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Minister Christopher Wever on Tuesday protesting his decision to remove Raeyhon Peterson as the acting head of Domain Affairs and requiring them to report directly to VROMI Secretary-General Louis Brown.
In the letter, they said they have “stringent concerns” about this development. One of these concerns is Domain Affairs being understaffed, with only four persons functioning in the department.
“As a result of your decision, [we – Ed.] have to function under more pressure, which will make it more difficult for us to adequately process the accumulated backlog as well as [perform] daily tasks. Honourable Minister Wever, we sincerely hope that you understand that working under high pressure on a daily basis is not healthy for any human being,” said the staff.
Another concern for them is the assuming of the Department’s managerial and executive roles by the Secretary-General. According to them, this means “there will be no task division with regard to our upcoming advices and therefore no segregation of tasks or internal control. Consequently, there will be no checks and balances anymore because, as based on your memo, only the Secretary-General can now decide which cases to send up to the Minister.”
“Honourable Minister Wever, we sincerely hope that you understand that by law your decision creates a severe conflict of interest by removing the checks and balances necessary to ensure fairness and due process,” said the staff.
The staff said Peterson looked out for their “best interests.” They also said he has done an exceptional job and made their work environment more pleasant, “despite the constant backlashes and pressure.”
“We urge you to reconsider your decision, as this decision threatens the ability of Domain Affairs, the Ministry of VROMI and the government, to function with integrity,” concluded the staff.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/91779-domain-affairs-staff-protests-wever-s-dismissal-of-peterson
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