Sen. Woolridge: OBA “Fully Committed” To Code
“The OBA Government is fully committed to the provisions of the Code for everything done under our watch,” OBA Chair Senator Lynne Woolridge said today.
Senator Woolridge said, “BPSU President Jason Hayward’s comments on an article of mine published on Bernews last week suggested I was trying to absolve the One Bermuda Alliance Government from responsibility for the actions of the Civil Service by ignoring provisions of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.
“He is not correct. The OBA Government is fully committed to the provisions of the Code for everything done under our watch.”
“One clause in the Code that makes the principle of ministerial accountability crystal clear is Section A 1 [iii] of the Code, which reads as follows:
“As the political head of a Ministry, the Minister is responsible for all of its acts and omissions, and must bear the consequences of any defect of administration or any aspect of policy which may be criticised in the Legislature whether personally responsible or not.”
“That’s a tough clause, but it cuts to the heart of principles of accountability and responsibility that underlie the Code. US President Harry S. Truman captured the point best when he placed a sign on his Oval Office desk that read: ‘The buck stops here.’
“Section A 1 [iii] is Bermuda’s ‘buck stops here’ provision, but it is just one reflection of the broad requirements of accountability that govern the conduct of Bermuda Government Ministers.
“Earlier this year, after years of dithering by the previous government, the Code of Conduct, at the instigation of the Premier, was updated to reflect evolving best practice and public demand for greater accountability and transparency.
“Each OBA minister signed off on the Code. It’s a great document that makes clear their responsibilities as public servants. You can view it here [PDF].
“All of us in the Government are working hard to deliver the best results for the people of Bermuda. The work is often complex and multi-layered, involving not just civil servants but members of the public as well.
“It requires best efforts all around and the principles of accountability and responsibility that underpin the Code of Conduct are in place to ensure that happens,” concluded Senator Woolridge.
The Code of Conduct the Senator referred to is below:
Girl bye. Such an amateur, just talking to stay relevant and putting her foot in her mouth with every subsequent article.
Lynn Wooldridge…yes the minister is the last stop, but they are not in charge of the day to day running.this is why we have PS and directors, they run the ministries… get a grip !!!! Is this why we dont hear from you when chamber is in session, you have no damn glue?!!!!!
What a big joke
Action speaks louder than words
Exactly how is the Oba committed to the provisions of the code? What does that commitment look like M Woolridge?
The Ministerial Code of Conduct and Financial Instructions work together to bring full accountability.
Minister Richards should table the revised Financial Instructions to bring God Governance full circle for Bermuda.
Sen. Woolridge, please write an article that specifically addresses the OBA delay in tabling the revised Financial instructions.
Please,your better of staying quite, for Christ sake’s.
“your better of staying quite,”
What language is this?
“Christ sake’s.”
Ah, a good Christian
This lady knows nothing of what she speaks.
Why has the OBA delayed tabling the good governance act? Why did Premier Dunkley reappoint Craig Cannonier to Cabinet? Where is the report on jetgate from the OBA? The silence is deafening on all of these things.
Senator Woolridge, you need to come better than this.
Please take a seat!
I feel the need to remind the good Senator that her former Leader and now Minister of W&E claimed(when it was revealed that he went on an airplane with others including a former Attorney general) that he did not even know that the code existed!