BVI Buzz

BVI Buzz

By Gary A. RhymerSociety & Culture
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BVI Buzz episodes

  • Don't Come Back?

    CORRECTION: Govt spends over $10 million annually in rent instead of $2 million stated.


    What should happen to the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex?

    After years out of full operation and millions of dollars spent on rehabilitation, the BVI is facing a bigger question: Should government move back in, or should the property be transformed into something else?

    A proposal has suggested turning the Administration Complex into a mix of small-business spaces, conference facilities, and a hotel, while decentralizing government services across the Sister Islands.

    But before we decide what the building should become, shouldn’t we look at the numbers?

    How much has already been spent? How much more will rehabilitation cost? How much is government currently paying in rent? What would a commercial redevelopment actually cost—and generate? And what would happen to the private properties currently housing government offices?


    Compared to what?

    Because ideas are easy. Feasibility studies, financial models, and measurable results are what matter.

    Don’t just give us a vision. Show us the numbers.


    12 min
  • Fix the Process, Fix the Problem

    FIX THE PROCESS, FIX THE PROBLEM

    How Do We Build Government Processes That Actually Work?

    In Part 1, we asked: “Accountability or Excuses?”

    Now, let's talk about solutions.

    In Part 2 of BVI Buzz, Gary Rhymer takes a deeper look at government accountability through the lens of systems, technology, and process design.

    With more than 20 years of experience in IT and business processes, Gary explores how government can strengthen accountability by building better systems, not simply by trying to determine who is responsible after something goes wrong.

    18 min
  • Accountability or Excuses?

    Accountability or Excuses? Fixing Government Processes in the BVI — Part 1

    What happens when government processes fail, and nobody seems to know who is responsible?

    In Part 1 of this BVI Buzz conversation, Gary Rhymer takes a closer look at government accountability, financial controls, and the processes that are supposed to protect public resources and deliver effective services.

    Drawing from more than 20 years of experience working in IT across both the private and public sectors, Gary explores why strong organizations rely on clear ownership, defined workflows, approval hierarchies, electronic controls, audit trails, and measurable accountability.

    The conversation isn't about attacking individuals. It's about asking a bigger question:

    Are we dealing with a people problem or a process problem?

    What system allowed this to happen and what needs to change to prevent it from happening again?

    Because accountability shouldn't begin after something goes wrong.

    It should be built into the process from the beginning.

    🎙️ This is Part 1 of the conversation.

    Listen. Think. Share. Join the conversation.

    BVI Buzz — Bringing the BVI conversation forward.

    11 min
  • Follow the Money

    In September, the Auditor General released a detailed report exposing major gaps in transparency surrounding the 2024 salary increases for public officers. While many civil servants finally received overdue raises after more than 20 years without an adjustment, the report also revealed that members of the House of Assembly selected the highest salary range for themselves, increasing their total compensation by 119% without full disclosure to the public or Cabinet.

    This episode breaks down the facts in plain language: What PwC recommended, what Cabinet approved, what was hidden from financial briefs, and why the Auditor General flagged “incomplete financial information.” We also examine the government’s official response, calls for transparency from Hon. Myron Walwyn, and rising public pressure for accountability. This is more than politics; it’s about public trust.


    Public service salary increase, Auditor General BVI report, House of Assembly salary controversy, BVI politics podcast, Virgin Islands accountability, government transparency Caribbean, BVI news analysis, salary scandal BVI, governance and corruption Caribbean, public trust Virgin Islands, BVI Buzz podcast.


    11 min
  • London Eyes on the BVI

    In this episode of BVI Buzz, we unpack the UK’s

    renewed push on overseas finance centres — and the BVI is once again in the spotlight. We break down why London is tightening the pressure, what’s at stake for our economy, and why this moment matters for Virgin Islanders everywhere.

    9 min
  • HLSCC Cyber Security Certification Program

    BVIBuzz interviews, Dr. Richard Georges, President at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Gregory Lemmon,

     co-founder at UBIQUITY Ltd, a Managed IT Service Provider and founder at SOC Intell a cybersecurity consulting firm both companies serve clients across the Caribbean.


    HLSCC

    https://hlscc.edu.vg/

    Gregory Lemon

    https://ubiquityltd.com/

    MSCE

    MCT

    ISC2 Authorized Instructor

    CISSP

    51 min
  • Celebrate Small Wins

    BVIBuzz celebrating small wins with you.

    “Small Wins are Still Won, and the Journey is more important than overnight success.”


    BVIBUZZ Contact Info

    Facebook | Twitter  : @bvibuzz

    Twitter: @grhymer1 (host)

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grhymer (host)



    6 min

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