It’s not all bad news in the economy
Despite the ‘doom and gloom’ rhetoric from Opposition members about the budget, First District Representative Dr Karl Dawson has highlighted encouraging signs of growth in the BVI.
During yesterday’s House of Assembly debate on the 2025 budget, Dr Dawson praised the government’s financial stability, underscoring the Dr Wheatley-led administration’s commitment to fostering growth and resilience in key sectors.
Dr Dawson focused on the government’s ability to meet debt obligations, adding that efforts to achieve sovereign credit ratings could further strengthen the territory’s financial position. “It says that the budget and the finances are robust enough to meet our obligations,” he remarked.
The tourism sector, often regarded as a key driver of the BVI economy, also featured prominently in his presentation. Dr Dawson dismissed claims of declining tourism by Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, citing anecdotal evidence and positive statistics.
“I called a rental car company… [and they] said, ‘2024 was good… but 2025, I’m booked until June,’” he stated. Similarly, villa operators have reported strong bookings for the upcoming year. “The glass is more than half full as far as the tourism sector is concerned,” he insisted.
“Don’t misquote me and say as if… everybody out there is doing well,” Dr Dawson added. “But I’m saying that there are some small businesses, through tourism, [that] are benefiting.”
New developments a sign of confidence in BVI
New developments in tourism infrastructure were also noted, with Dr Dawson pointing to investments in projects such as the West End Ferry Terminal and the North Coast Sea Defence Project. These initiatives, he said, reflect growing confidence in the BVI as a destination for business and tourism.
Another significant area of focus was agriculture and fisheries. Dawson pointed out that the sector is set to benefit from a 24% budget increase in 2025, which will fund training programmes, grants for farmers and fishers, and the development of agricultural lands on Virgin Gorda and Anegada. Dr Dawson expressed optimism about these initiatives, saying they “put us in a position to move forward” while addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.
He also celebrated advancements in waste management, commending efforts to reduce fire incidents and promote recycling.
“We are starting to move higher up the chain as far as waste management is concerned,” he said, adding that plans to expand composting efforts in 2025 could benefit local farmers.
Dr Dawson expressed optimism for the territory’s economic outlook, affirming, “There is some confidence as far as this economy is concerned. There is some sense of hope for a brighter future in the territory.”
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Mass government failure to produce any economic growth for the benefit of all , just determined to corruptly spend our taxes on each others business interests using government never ending contracts for bush cutting road repairs renting dodgy buildings etc.
economy in the BVI is unsustainable says Fodors.
“I called a rental car company… [and they] said, ‘2024 was good… but 2025, I’m booked until June,’” he stated. Similarly, villa operators have reported strong bookings for the upcoming year. “The glass is more than half full as far as the tourism sector is concerned,” he insisted.
THIS GUY GOOD IN HIS F**KING HEAD?
(Sing to the tune of “Jingle Bells”)
Verse 1
Wheatley is, Wheatley is,
Winning all the way!
Opposition out of steam,
With not much more to say!
Oh, Wheatley is, Wheatley is,
Winning all the way!
BVI is on the rise,
Let’s celebrate today!
Verse 2
They tried to sabotage,
They tried to instigate,
They plotted and they schemed,
For progress to deflate.
But our Premier he stood strong,
With strategy so great!
Deputy Smith is gone,
And Fraser’s in her place!
Chorus
Oh, Wheatley is, Wheatley is,
Winning all the way!
BVI is on the rise,
Let’s celebrate today!
Oh, Wheatley is, Wheatley is,
Winning all the way!
Opposition out of steam,
With not much more to say!
Verse 3
No-confidence not passed,
it didn’t stand a chance.
Premier came prepared,
With a hundred mil advance!
Health care on the mend,
The roads will be repaired!
Public works moving fast,
A future bright and fair!
Chorus (repeat)
Oh, Wheatley is, Wheatley is,
Winning all the way!
BVI is on the rise,
Let’s celebrate today!
Oh, Wheatley is, Wheatley is,
Winning all the way!
Opposition has no ideas,
With not much more to say!
This is so juvenile and is a classic example of how we continue to not understand the role of the Opposition. The Government MUST be kept to the fire. What idea if any has Wheatley given? More word salad. 12 months later no tourism plan, 6 months later still no revenue generating measures, but somehow Wheatley winning. SMH
i can tell this hitting you hard lol
So that’s what the consultants do all day write songs nice work if your cousins can give it you!
Then pay us ourincrements.
i trying to understand if our economy growing and has gotten so good over the decade why is everything becoming harder to afford? is like one crowd benefiting from the growth while the other is getting thrown under the bus and experiencing it at all
Why Dawson don’t come and tell about his ministry and stop talking s**t about other ministry. This talk like how his head shape