BVI economy not at a standstill, Premier insists
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has disputed claims that the BVI economy is at a standstill, labelling such narratives misleading.
Appearing earlier this week on the Honestly Speaking Show with Claude Skelton Cline, Dr Wheatley countered these assertions, defending the government’s progress and efforts.
In response to perceptions, particularly from the business community, that economic activity has stalled, Premier Wheatley stated, “To say that things have been absolutely at a standstill is not completely accurate.”
He highlighted numerous projects undertaken in recent years, including repairs to essential infrastructure damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria. Dr Wheatley noted that the government has been executing projects under a $65 million loan agreement, including repairs to recreational facilities, government buildings, clinics, and hospitals. He emphasised that while there may be challenges, particularly due to the introduction of a new Procurement Act and the effects of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), the idea that nothing has moved forward is an oversimplification of the situation.
The Premier acknowledged, however, that the economy has faced obstacles, especially in the last two years.
“I don’t want to say that there’s no validity at all to some of the sentiment,” the Premier commented. “It doesn’t really give a full, accurate picture. But I would say, especially over the last two years, that we’ve had some challenges that we’re working to overcome.”
He noted that these hurdles are being addressed, with plans to revise the Procurement Act to speed up processes, particularly for major contracts.
Dr Wheatley also stressed the importance of reducing the territory’s reliance on government-driven projects, calling for a more diversified economy. He explained that while financial services and tourism have been the pillars of the BVI economy, there is now a growing need for tourism to play a more significant role in generating revenue.
“Tourism has to do more for us, and we have to diversify our tourism product so that it can perform better, provide more employment, and provide more government revenue and provide more business opportunities for us,” he said. Premier Wheatley outlined the government’s efforts to attract investment, including its support for developments on Norman Island and the expansion of Nanny Cay.
He also touched on ongoing projects such as the construction of the West End Ferry Terminal and the expansion of the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, both of which are expected to begin by 2025. Dr Wheatley assured the public that the government is committed to addressing the concerns raised by the business community and moving the economy forward.
“We are taking steps to overcome these challenges, and we are optimistic about the progress we can make in the coming years,” he said.
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Look around you and you see the state of affairs:
– damaged roads
– frequent flooding of roads & town
– derelict buildings
– rampant gun & drug killings
– power outages
– corruption
– budget deficits by $20 + million dollars
– reckless spending no accountability
– bankrupt NHI
– no pension fund for government
The reality is that the BVI is on a rapid decline..we need help!
And, we don’t know where the $ 750k/ month payments for the $ 100 million BVi government just borrowed are coming from. Nor do we really know how that money will be apportioned. Recent explanations added to more than $ 100 million. Did we get ever even an audited financial statement for the Territory in the last 10 years?
Allof themhave eyes onthat. That is why they ordered itinthe irst place. Aportion for Wheatley one,portion two for Wheately two andon and on.
They will spend a little and keep the rest.
ITS AT AN ALL TIME LOW
This dude never even sold a candy in his life
Elections has consequences. It’s imperative that people vote responsibly. You get what you voted.
In this country slightly over 50% of eligible voters voted in the last election. Those who failed to exercise their right to have a say in the direction of the country are the very same ones who have the loudest complaints.
They are empty barrels making the most noise.
Having said that, there is no guarantor that a person with a business background would be a more effective leader. Some people brings different skill sets to the table than may prove more effective than others.
Bottom line: Vote. Partake in the process. Be a part of the solution.
P.S. I am not suggesting you have not voted nor partake in the process. Just making a general statement.
Recently it was declared that there are something like 16 k registered voters. Assuming that number is correct, a 50% turnout means that there’ll be about 8,000 voters determining the fate of the Territory of 40,000. So 20% deciding for all….
And that’s a shame. Imagine that. Such a tiny percentage of the country showing interest in its future.
I understand that many people are not inspired to vote. For whatever reason, they see no benefit for them. I can understand their frustrations because too many of our politicians have let us down. They see no upside for them.
However, there has to be an effort to get more people involved in the process. Demonstrate thru action and not empty words that voting and getting involved has benefit and there can be an upside.
When the politicians blank up, they then have all rights to hold their toes to the fire as they burn until they get themselves together or get kicked out.
actually one would make responsible financial decisions if one has ran a successful business before.
One minute we not at a standstill and economy good
Next minute we are Whenever it comes to asking to fix roads, infrastructure,water system, medical centre staffing for vg, running electrical lines underground or solar invest, better education system , price control etc you all claim things rough and no money
Govt doing small projects does not mean the economy is growing! What a dohdoh. The private sector and micro and small business is what moves an economy not government! Government makes the economy fertile for investments by the private sector in order to stimulate the economy. Not government contracts for small projects that go in the hands of the same few people over and over. This guy is unfit to lead! No Confidence!
is saying )> am
sorry , NOT (STANDSTILL) that was an honest mistake ( we’re only in SLOMOtion
Time for this bl**d man to clean out his desk, go home and prepare for several cr***nal in****ments.
The government didn’t attract those investments. They came to the government, which frustrated them at every turn. Neither of them have started or completed and we have been talking about this for a long time.
He not lying! It not at a standstill. It’s in REGRESSION…backward ever. Forward never.
Save us lawd. Deliver us from evil.
The economy and the whole government system is on auto pilot. There is no planning for the development or proactive management for the economy. The economy is just stumbling along under its own free will. When was the last time anybody announce a policy gear at shaping the development of the economy. There is no vision as to what we want the country to look like in 5, 10, 15 or twenty years. Nothing. and in twenty years we will still be complaining about the lack of infrastructural development and the potholes. You can list the developments that have taken place on one hand since the 2000.
We need the uk to come in
No ones talking about , but we’re happy to borrow another $100,000,0000 more in taxpayers debt even though we haven’t a clue what we’re doing!
That was live and direct / but puff diddy Wheatie and the rest of them power hungry sharks
dudes in both sides are very QUIET as lambs
We dont hear you say a word about the medical marijuana you were bestowed the title of champion and spearheaded the cannabis licensing act 2020. After the premier got arrested and the health minister died the bill and money spent on lawyers to write it has been at a total standstill. Pushing ahead the tiny temporary events for the economy is a waste of time compared to being the champion. You had a good name off it now look at where the tiny events has done. Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
Definitely it is not a standstill..It is moving downward. It’s on the move..Downward!
Take a drive around Tortola and show me the thriving economy.
Please step down.
Is it true that turtleman has resigned and is headed for Guyana?