Gov’t vehicle costs under scrutiny as Premier defends policy
The cost of government vehicles has come under renewed scrutiny after Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn questioned nearly half a million dollars in spending over the past two years.
During Tuesday’s House of Assembly sitting, Walwyn pressed Premier Natalio Wheatley for a detailed breakdown of government vehicle costs, maintenance, and fuel expenses. He calculated that spending on vehicles, gas, and maintenance totalled around $488,000 for the period.
“Can the Premier confirm then from my mathematics that in vehicle costs for your government over here, including maintenance and gas, you spent $488,000 in the last two years?” Walwyn asked.
Premier Wheatley provided figures showing maintenance costs of $42,555.72 and gas expenditure of $23,751.53. He also read out the purchase prices of several vehicles used by government officials, including a 2019 Cadillac Escalade at $115,000, a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee for $52,900, a 2019 Great Wall Haval 9 for $41,500, and a 2024 Great Wall Haval 86 GT for $29,900.
Vehicles for various ministries included an Audi Q5 Sportsback purchased in 2023 for $55,995, a Toyota 4Runner for $42,500, and a Honda Pilot for $37,500.
Walwyn questioned why government officials could not use their own vehicles, given the current economic challenges facing residents.
“Why is it that the taxpayers have to… with all the challenges that people are having and the hardship, why is it that you couldn’t drive your own vehicles to work? Don’t you all have vehicles?” he asked.
Premier Wheatley replied that the existing policy was in place before he took office and suggested that access to vehicles was a practical part of government roles.
“This was a policy that I met when I came to government, but it’s something that we can review,” he said. “Certain jobs, there are certain accoutrements, so to speak, that comes along with the job. And in my view, there’s nothing wrong with it”.
No formal commitment was given to revise the policy, though the Premier noted it was open to review. The exchange comes amid ongoing public concern about government spending, with recent debates also highlighting travel costs and budget overruns.
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Hold them Myron! These people live high off taxpayers money while the people suffering. Drive your own vehicle to work. Why does taxpayers have to foot that bill?
So all department heads with vehicles and all persons from FSC, BVIEC, BVIPA should turn back in their vehicles as well? In the real world persons that hold senior positions get allowances and/or transportation and other perks as part of carrying out their duties. What is the big deal?
set a people
Thing is, do they carry out their duties in the manner that they should? They should be driving their private vehicles. Bet the roads will get fixed from East to West when their private vehicles start
getting all kind of tear up from the potholes and craters .
I don’t think providing a vehicle for certain grades of public servants is the issue, I think it’s the kinds of vehicle – like an almost $56k Audi. SMH.
S!0wW@nde needs to drive a pinto inline with his sl** intellect and b** mind
No control of government vehicles being used for personal use, see it all the time.
What the.. what gov. ministry needed an Audi Q5 sportsback? That’s a joke or what? All those expensive vehicles on these bad roads, no wonder the maintenance is high. Why were things put on the list that were purchased when Andrew Fahie was the Premier? Did the question say last 2 years? When people call them criminals, this is the reason why. The government increased their own salaries what we call the greedy bill then went on to give themselves new vehicles. Self determination my a..
That vehicle was bought for Lorna who was the Deputy Premier at the time. Since Fraser became DP, that’s all he drives. He has officially parked up the wrangler it seems. These people are only in it for the “perks” on taxpayers dollars.
Corna Lady probably looking another vehicle to her standard…all of these people are louse
Are you certain about that? I believe I see Lorna’s chauffeur still driving a black audi. Perhaps Fraser has one and Lorna has one. This needs to be clarified!
That is her personal vehicle. Notice the private plates on it? Her chauffeur is not a Gov’t employee hence he was never allowed to drive the Gov’ts Audi.
I know they are wealthy but thats to another level. Good for her though at least it provides some job opportunities for a driver.
DRIVING MS.DAISY.
P487 says “Certain jobs, there are certain accoutrements, so to speak, that comes along with the job.” Which is of course completely contrary to the-
Government Vehicle Policy
“Government vehicles are not to be considered a part of an employee’s compensation and must not be used as an inducement for employment.”
“Government vehicles are provided solely for the purpose of conducting the Government’s business and should therefore not be used for personal use.”
and to obey the law the vehicles should of course not have dark tint. But they do as corrupt officials at DMV are letting these vehicles pass inspections.
This Government does not follow its own laws or policies. Not a great example to the people from out leaders.
Are these leaders really the best that the VI has to offer? I see we have another pat on back con awards coming up. Are any of these award winners potential leaders – that we could follow or is it all puff and nonsense in place of the the substance the VI needs for Integrity and Transparency and real leadership.
Let’s get everyone at FSC, BVIEC, BVIPA etc. to park their vehicles up as well. Also, the Governor and the Governor’s Office should park their vehicles as well and get their own. No?
If that is the policy yes.IF that is not the policy they just need to follow whatever the policies are they have in place.
Government vehicles are to be used for Government related activities. There was a big to enforce this a few years ago that is clearly not being enforced anymore and even the premier is giong against policy guidelines.
It is unclear when most of Government is shut down at the weekends why so many badly driven Gov vehicles are out and about.
Myron needs to grow up! The Government Ministers are driving 5 and 6 year old vehicles. If we want to change the policy, then draft a policy and bring it to the HOA, stop asking questions for dramatic effect. Why hasn’t the Opposition championed the removal of the greedy bill or bringing an amended bill to the floor? They are here asking stupid questions giving people the impression that they are fighting for them. How many of them are willing to give up the obscene payouts that they are promised after underserving the people? When will we really grow up as a Territory?
Myron possesses all the right competencies to be a strong Premier—but he must move beyond the performative antics. It’s much like baking bread: you can have all the right ingredients, but if you don’t mix them in the right order or follow the proper steps, the end result won’t be what it should be. Leadership, like baking, requires not just the right elements, but the discipline and authenticity to bring them together effectively.
Myron is a very smart and competent individual but his attitude and behavior is why most people do not want to deal with him. Being capable is one thing, being tolerable is another. He will fall yet again because of his big headed behavior and n**ty attitude because he thinks he is the only smart man around the BVI. Myron would be a great Opposition Leader if he would fight for the real things that the BVI need and not just offer complaints, but solutions. Myron was a very good Minister of Education, let’s start there. Put forward some initiatives to move things forward instead of trying to trip up the Premier with questions so that you can make more Alliance video clips that nobody is interested in. Stop playing politics, help the people. It’s ironic that we cry about the UK/Governor witch hunts but we go on witch hunts of our own, against our own people, all in the name of power?
I love Myron so I don’t know what your problem is. Myron is straight shooter and some can’t handle that. I have known him personally for over 30 years and he is one of the coolest I know. So whoever you are you obviously don’t know Myron. Too bad for you.
What a bunch of crock.
So Myron must grow up for bringing to the people the fact that the government is behaving excessively with spending on themselves while the country is in trouble. People can’t find work. Unemployment is high. The roads are a mess. You get water to take a shower. Cost of living out of control. But the government could spend 500k on vehicle costs for themselves? You right to call yourself rubbish because you’re talking pure rubbish.
Ask Hon. Walwyn if he gets a vehicle allowance paid to him for being the Leader of the Opposition. Also ask him to publish a list of gratuities and perks that he gets for being Leader of the Opposition. I’ll await the answers.
You sound really silly whoever you are
That Myron should be looking at the bigger picture. Myron knows that these types of issues are surface issues that will easily get the people riled up and it appears to be purposeful but in reality we know that these are things that are required to make the Government function. Can there be some abuse ? yes, but lets not throw out the baby with the bath water.
i dont want to hear no complaints in the comments cuz yall didnt have no backbone to show up for march against all this nonsense
yall proved to the politicans that you are afraid and satisfied with the status qou. The politicans were actually afraid of this march and tried there best to sabatoge it. that shows we the people have some serious power but yall afraid and weak minded
so now all them need is independence to whatever them want.
hopefully u will have a backbone to vote for against that!
The $400,000+ figure does not represent what was spent in the last two years, as anyone with common sense would note that most of these vehicles are older than two years. In an effort to be transparent, the Premier listed the vehicles that the members of his government currently drive.
Nobody cares about understanding, they all care about their pockets and politics. It was shameful to watch someone like Myron ask those stupid questions. How can vehicles bought in 2019 that would have depreciated all the way down to nothing by now, be included in the 2yr amount? This is just blatant game playing and trying to fool people.
Why the need for expensive vehicles. Cadillac? Audi? Really? Shameful.
vechicles more cost effective and better suited to the terrain should be purchased.
Donkeys would be fit for purpose and fit for the Ministers riding them.
These government workers that use the vehicles for personal use in the comments talking about 2-5yr old cars. That’s brand spanking new. You got to be kidding me. Imagine buying a new car every 2-5 yrs. Wasting tax payers money and they’re proud of it. Talk about privileged
GOOD FOR ALL OF YOU IN ROAD TOWN THAT HAVE NO WATER TODAY. IF YOU HAVE TO USE THE BATHROOM, SPIT IN YOUR HANDS AND CLEAN YOURSELVES OR GO BUY BABY WIPES.
How is it those water drums that the incompetent ……… is buying from T&T for $100.00 I’m quite sure US dollars and here selling the water drums for a $1,000.00 for the large and $500.00 for the small . Can someone please explain? This place is at its lowest. That poor elder on Tortola Radio this morning had me shedding tears, That hurt me to the core. I’m so sorry elder, I hope you are ok.
To me the buying of new vehicles is not the problem; is when you watching everything else getting ignored due to money but you still got money to constantly buy big ride to drive around in is like a slap in the face. Look how long the water distribution problem exist look how long it don’t have no incinerator and the roads are crap the airport still only taking small planes It just seem like all the government have money for is pointless travel, concerts and new vehicles. Then come lamenting about self determination and independence like the uk is to blame for why we not using any of the country’s money to actually advance the country in any way.
What about government employees who get monthly gas allowance added to their salaries and still use the government vehicles.
And those in the same department who don’t get allowance have to use their personal vehicles to do government work because the government vehicles are always occupied with those people receiving gas allowance.
Makes no sense and it needs to be looked into.
Question???) where is the money for the owed increments??? I guess nobody cares until election time…smh…. SELFISH politicians.
watching the government buy new luxury vehicles and take trips every minute feel like when somebody owes you money and every time you ask them about it is some round the bush story or excuse why they don’t got it for you but you seeing this same person liming at the club in new designer clothes and shoes having fun and sending drinks for woman wearing new gucci chain and having a ball.
ok wall man
Shut the F up island monkey this has nothing to do with no damn wall. Go find some clean water and go properly bathe your filthy behind. heard monkeys are dirty if not properly cleaned and groomed. Go and take a proper bath or shower with some AXE BODY WASH.
lol ok half breed your emotional a**
The vehicles and please forgive me for what I have said. Those set of black ugly people driving around looking like spooks or buck wheats in suit and tie in the heat don’t care about the bad roads, the vehicle brakes down they don’t have to foot the bill, we the taxpayers have to foot the bill. No joke, when I see one of them, I go the other way to keep me from spitting in their face.Who vex, vex or into their touchy feelings could go hump a waddling duck.
I myself can’t stand the sight of those people. I see them as fake A.. mother frackers just like the carry go bring come confusion maker that owns the mustard yellow news site. Sea Cows Bay, be very careful of the carry go bring come sponge cake.He go as far as writing the majority of comments in different screen names.
sad to say, it ain’t going get no better. the mess will continue. Why? nobody is in government for the betterment of the people. It is all about improving their own lifestyles and living lavish. Them don’t care and they never will.
Watch how the public servants drive government vehicles. They will never treat their own cars how they treat government own.
Please help
Soon, the UK is running out of time with the babysitting and the embarrassment in the BVI. The BVI is the laughing stocks.
Cant yourhating greedy ram go sit yo a** down.
What about the peoplethat are here before you came? where should they go when your UK come? to the trash heap?
Some of you need to think humanly before you spout on media, as your prejudices and hatred are on display for allto see, and you are living right next to us on OUR ISLAND!
There’s a policy ? Publish it for all to know
all ofthe selfenriching, perking and stealing will not stop.
It “ain’t going get no better. the mess will continue.”
The feast of greed will not cease untill the people unite, get together, march down to the thieves and inconsiderates den, demand or burn the whole kitten khabuttle down and turn the whole damn place into an ash bin.
People are growing tired of. looking,seeing and saying nothing. But history has shown that that time will come whena simultaneous combustion will flare up and spread completely out of control.
This government, others, their greed and unconcern for the majority or country are kindling those flamesthat will be seen one day.
Noone knows when, but that day is coming.
When yo find an ass, wha yo dou? yo ride it!
The elites, one party lunatics and the politically ignorant rest are carrying home what they paid for.
The BVI is the only Island in the Caribbean using the American dollar and the other Caribbean Islands is not using American dollars and they are wayyyyyyy ahead of the BVI. Sometimes I wish the American dollar would be cut off from the BVI.
The American dollar is what makes the BVI wealthy you baffoon. you have absolutely no common sense
perks of being a public servant, even execs get a company car in their compensation package
Always the trend all when Myron was part of the ruling government back then so don’t understand why he acting so surprise. His unpainted 3/4 of a wall cost 1M but that was ok , suppose they had to paint it hmmm
Lorna had her own personal Audi, after they fired her, the Government bought that Audi and as many of us who pay attention see Frazer in it or it is parked by his headquarters in Sea Cows Bay.