Following the General Election in 2015 it was heartening to hear Chief Minister Banks speak to the need to ensure that appointees to public sector boards understood their roles, and were adequately equipped to effectively perform those roles. Words became action, and the Anguilla Community College, in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands, has since that time held a number of Governance Training sessions for directors of public sector boards.
It is likely that the need for training to ensure the highest levels of good governance in our public sector bodies is more apparent today, than previously. It was, therefore, equally heartening to see the new Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) Government adopt the same viewpoint, as Former Chief Minister Banks, after the 2020 General Election. Within months of the APM Government assuming office, a Governance Training session was held for the many newly appointed members of the various government agencies. What is disappointing, however, is that, while it is understood that a number of the Board members, who were exposed to the training, did not achieve the desired standard, they retained their directorship. Persons have also expressed some concern about the apparent inexperience of persons recently appointed to the boards of some government agencies. In the circumstances, I consider this an appropriate time to again publish an editorial previously published in The Anguillian of 14th June, 2019 under the caption “Fostering a Culture of Good Governance”. The sentiments expressed then are equally relevant today.
“Fostering a Culture of Good Governance
There appears to be cause for concern that governance structures are crumbling in the public and private sectors. This is unfortunate as it is generally accepted that good governance is intended to promote strong, viable, ethical, accountable and, where appropriate, competitive organisations. Good governance structures are, therefore, vital to the effective functioning of private and public sector entities and to ensuring a quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors that reflects the highest quality of service and ethical practices.
We often ignore the shortcomings in our governance structures, and operate on the premise that such issues have no implications for us and are the sole concern of others. The reality is that when our governance structures fail, this failure affects the ability of institutions to effectively and efficiently provide the services and goods they are mandated to provide. On a broader scale the failure of governance structures adversely affects society generally, as ethical standards and practices are ignored and poor governance practices quickly become the accepted norm.
It is heartening to know that efforts are being made to ensure that good governance is practiced, particularly in public sector related entities. Chief Minister Banks, now Premier Banks, upon assuming office in 2015, spoke to the need to ensure that appointees to public sector boards understood their roles and were adequately equipped to effectively perform those roles. To that end a determination was made that the Anguilla Community College would be requested to organise a programme of training for persons appointed to public sector boards. The Anguilla Community College has risen to the occasion and to date has conducted three sessions designed to equip persons to serve as effective board members. This initiative is commendable and should be a highly effective means of fostering a culture of good governance in Anguilla, if board members and prospective board members are receptive to the training offered and willing to institute the shared good governance practices.
Sadly, it must be anticipated that some board members are likely to be resistant to the offered training and even where exposed, might fail to engage in good governance practices. Where such instances occur it is essential that appointing officials/entities utilise, in a timely manner, the governance process, which allows them to revisit board appointments. It is important that appointing officials recognise that they are an essential part of good governance structures. Their role is absolutely vital, since the appropriate selection of board members from the outset would be preferable and could serve to ensure greater effectiveness and efficiency in an entity’s operations. If, however, a board appointee turns out to be unsuitable, appointing officials/entities must act swiftly to remove that director to ensure that good governance and by extension the effective and efficient functioning of the affected organisation is secured.
All members of the public have an interest in ensuring that good governance is practiced, particularly in institutions that provide public goods such as water, electricity and health services. As already stated, poor governance practices by an institution can potentially adversely affect the performance of the institution resulting in the delivery of poor quality service and goods. In the circumstances, the fostering of a culture of good governance in public and private sector entities is to be encouraged and supported. To this end, it is hoped that board members and prospective board members will avail themselves of the governance workshops offered by the Anguilla Community College and will thereafter actively engage in good governance practices. Our well-being depends on it.”
Training was promised. Training was provided. Training must be reflected in improved governance. Those who failed to adequately grasp the principles of good governance should not be retained as board members. Improved governance can only be achieved through continuous meaningful action.
