Gov’t denies promising amnesty on disputed water bills
Fraser
The government has denied promising to forgive outstanding water bills as part of the transfer of water and sewerage services to the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCO).
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser made the denial in the House of Assembly after Opposition Leader Marlon Penn called on the government to honour what he described as a commitment to grant customers an amnesty on disputed arrears.
Penn said some residents and businesses had challenged the accuracy of their water bills for years without receiving a resolution. He argued that legislators had agreed to provide relief when they approved the law governing the transfer.
“We sat in this House, and we made a decision to create an amnesty for the people of this territory, did we not?” Penn asked.
Penn said customers needed clarity because the government had directed them to begin paying water bills through the new corporation from July 15. However, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer told the House that VIEWCO was only providing customers with another payment option and that revenue continued to go into the Consolidated Fund.
Penn maintained that Rymer had not addressed the disputed arrears.
“The minister has not gotten up and said, we’re going to keep our word to the people of this territory and forgive the arrears, or forgive those questionable bills that were in place,” Penn stated.
He later asked the Minister of Finance to confirm that the government would extend the relief to businesses, families and customers who had queried bills without resolution.
Fraser, however, said Penn’s account did not match his recollection of the legislative commitment.
“The government never promised the public an amnesty for water,” Fraser stated.
He said the government had instead agreed that VIEWCO would not assume the outstanding water accounts when it took control of the service. Those debts would remain with central government for collection, allowing the corporation to begin without the arrears on its books.
“VIEWCO will start with a clean slate. And there’s no forgiveness of debt. The government will endeavour to collect that money,” Fraser stated.
The House passed the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill in March, merging the Water and Sewerage Department with the electricity corporation into a single statutory utility. The legislation transferred water-related assets and liabilities to the corporation while requiring separate energy and water business units. The government also committed to covering the water unit’s operating expenses for up to 15 years or until it becomes financially viable.
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Marlon is way out of his depth and it is showing more and more now that he no longer have Myron or Ronnie to hide behind. Sad!
Frasier said something about ppl spending money at the festivals and that VI people have the money to pay their bills and contrast high food prices. I am sure if he counted the amount of people there it is not half of the populus..he needs to explain himself to the entire BVI for that silly comment he made.
A basic commodity for human and animal survival of any nation or territory and this is how you treat those that voted and put you in there, with such callous?
Come On Now, Can’t You See Hon. Penn Is Advocating For The People?? What Is wrong With That?
Among The All 13 Hon. Fraser And Hon. Skelton Are The Two Individuals I Have Great Respect For. Hon Skelton, Best Finance Minister And Hon. Fraser, best Labour Minister. I Don’t Expect neither Of Them Two, Not To Look Out For The well Being Of The People Of These Virgin Islands. I would Be Highly Disappointed. They Have Been In Politics For Quite A While And They Know That This Modern Day Style Of Leadership Is killing Our Beloved Territory. Most Of These Latest Players Are Just Who They Are: Players…As Scriptures say: We Must Pray For Those In Authority And Believe It Or Not, We Are Praying!!!
How is he advocating for the people? Are you saying that there is magic money out there to pay for water supply if the people who getting water won’t pay for it? If the water is off then you shouldn’t pay a bill but if you are getting water you have to pay. If not then who will pay? Marlon is not advocating for anything, he cannot advocate if he does not understand. Central Government agreed to hold the debt owed to WSD and not allow it to be transferred to VIEWCO. That does not mean the debt is forgiven, it’s just not transferred to the new entity meaning government can still collect from those who owe. How is that advocating for anything? Marlon is a complete waste of f**king time and I really hope you get him as Premier so that you can see for yourself.
Don’t Get Me Wrong. I am Not Against anyone paying Their Water Bill. I Pay Mine. Why The Hike In Payment When Most Of The Time When You Do Turn On Your Water Faucet You Get Air For Nearly Half Hour.
Why There Is Not Any Announcement As To When The Minimum Wage Amount Will Be Increased? Why There Is No Announcement As To When They Will Reinstate The Consumer Protection Bill That The Then Deputy Premier Suspended By Their Loneself For Over Three Years? Is That Proper representation For The People?
The People of These Virgin Islands need Honest Leaders Who Care About The People And Not In It Just For Themselves, Their families And Their Cronies And With People Like You Trying To Justify Their Actions.
Is leaders like these you want to vote back
You attend a function nearly 70 % of the crowd is from different places outside of Tortola and you say people have money
IT SHOULD OF BEEN “POPPYSH*T” AFTER THE – BI(lack of)WATER – WE SHOULDN’T BE SUPPRISED WITH THIS WANNABE POLITICAL “VETERAN” WHO’S JUST ENJOYING THE LUXURY OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY AND READING FROM THE SCRIPT //\_ THOSE ON THE STREETS ARE WONDERING WHO’S THE GENIUS •¿•) THATS WRITING THE SCRIPT ? ? ?