Guyana trade mission didn’t cost taxpayers much

Deputy Premier and Trade Minister Lorna Smith

Trade Minister Lorna Smith has laughed at rumours that the recent trade mission to Guyana came at a hefty cost to the public.

The trade mission – led by Smith – had just around 20 persons, including Agriculture Minister Dr Karl Dawson as well as civil servants and representatives from the private sector.

Some people have been saying the mission didn’t accomplish much and was just another opportunity the government used to waste taxpayers’ money.

At a recent press conference, Minister Smith said all members of the BVI delegation bought economy seats.

“People are really asking that,” Smith said with a laugh. “I travelled in the back of the plane next to a dog. I travelled coach — all of us did. And the private sector paid for their own travel.”

The BVI public has been expressing their frustrations with the number of international events that elected leaders have been attending. They say the funds being spent on these trips could be used to fix the failing infrastructure which continue affect the quality of life of residents.

Many have also posited that the frequent trips are the reason the House of Assembly has not resumed it’s sitting — something residents are itching to see as they anticipate the passing of many important peices of legislation that will benefit the territory.

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