Government’s travel budget nearing $3M for 2024 — Mather
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather has raised alarms about the government’s travel spending for 2024, revealing that the current expenses have far exceeded the budgeted amount.
Mather’s concerns were voiced during a recent Opposition forum, where he questioned whether the increasing travel costs reflect misaligned priorities amid the territory’s financial challenges.
“In 2024, it was budgeted $1.9 million dollars for travel. The actuals right now are $2.7 million,” Mather highlighted. “Does this mean that they spend more time abroad than here? What are we doing?”
Mather’s comments highlight the significant difference between the initial budget and the current travel spending. “When you look at the cost of living in the BVI, much has been said about consumer protection, but we don’t have it. Our people are screaming out,” Mather emphasised, noting that the government should address local economic issues. He pointed to the rising prices of basic goods as an example. “I grew up in a BVI where a bag of sugar was $2-3. How much is it now — $6?” Mather asked.
The government has been heavily criticised by the political Opposition and some sections of the community for constantly being away from the territory, with some suggesting that parliamentary proceedings are neglected as a result. But Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended his government and said it was politically convenient for the Opposition to spout such criticisms. He argued that the need for governments to travel is a global phenomenon.
Mather’s concerns come at a time when residents call for more transparency and effective use of public funds. The rising travel budget, coupled with the economic challenges many in the Virgin Islands face, has raised critical questions about the government’s priorities.
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Blame lorna
Why can’t they fly in the back of the plane and stay in a cheaper hotel? They don’t fly 1st class or stay in 5 star hotels when they are paying for themselves!
NOTHING TO SHOW FOR ALL THIS TRAVELLING
“In 2024, it was budgeted $1.9 million dollars for travel. The actuals right now are $2.7 million,” Mather highlighted. “Does this mean that they spend more time abroad than here? What are we doing?”
Who approves this overspending?
Why was this allowed?
What can we do to prevent further government misuse of taxpayer’s money?
Assuming that figure is correct, admittingly, that’s a lot of expensive travel.
As a person who travels internationally quite often, I just can’t envision if I was taking my entire family along with me on my frequent trips, it would approach those numbers.
How are these people travelling? What airline? What class? Where hotels are they staying? What and where are they eating?
It would be helpful in understanding this expenditure if there was a breakdown of the cost of these trips. Specifically, cost for airline tickets, hotels, food, transportation, ancillaries.
On the surface, it appears excessive and probably out of control spending. Even the allotted amount of $1.9 million is a lot. Do you mean to tell me they cannot travel within the budget?
From my observation, too many people are jumping on planes as some delegation to some new conference the benefit to the public that is not clear.
I recognize government officials have to travel to conduct official business but $2.7 Mill worth and the year is not even over?
Not sure the cost is justifying the benefit to the country as I personally not seeing it. Something is wrong with that picture.
Are these folks getting multiple free vacation rides at tax payers expense. Somebody needs to come up with some receipts.
Audit please.
Known as BVI and currently run by a bunch of clowns..
Spending $220,000 on a private gangster rap concert and flying around the world for more than $3 million United States Dollars takes priority over:
– Potholed roads
– Bad education
– A bankrupt NHI
– No pension system
– Deteriorating healthcare
– Corrupt politicians
– Drug related killings and crimes
– Excessive spending and no budgeting
Money for everything else but……
VIP politicians must pay for all their travel expenses since 2019 with their own personal funds!
Mather on Point as usual.
They should have stayed on that medical cannabis bill which would have help our people help themself & bring more business than all the travel & partying combined.
Party for a couple days or have tourist take it easy year round pick one.