Lawmaker blasts $2M festival grounds allocation while needs mount
An opposition lawmaker has criticised plans to spend $2 million on festival grounds, arguing that the allocation comes at a time when basic services and infrastructure needs remain unmet across the Virgin Islands.
The concerns were raised by Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn during debate on the 2026 budget in the House of Assembly, as members examined capital spending proposals contained in the draft estimates.
Walwyn pointed to the capital budget line item while listing what he described as urgent national priorities, including water supply, roads, healthcare facilities and community infrastructure. “I see $2 million there for a festival ground,” he said. “Why are we going to do a festival ground with $2 million, with all the issues we have now?”
He questioned how such spending could be justified when, in his view, longstanding problems persist. “The roads are a mess. Water is a mess. Everything is a mess,” Walwyn stated, adding, “You’re going to spend $2 million on the festival grounds? How does that make sense?”
The opposition leader contrasted the proposed festival allocation with unmet social and community needs, including the absence of funds for projects such as the Belle Vue Gym, which he noted has remained unrepaired since hurricane damage in 2017. “I ain’t see no funds in the capital for the Belle Vue Gym,” he said, while reiterating its importance to communities across the territory.
Walwyn also linked the festival ground expenditure to wider criticisms of government priorities, arguing that limited capital resources should focus on essential services. He cited persistent water shortages in several districts and ongoing road deterioration as examples of areas needing urgent attention. “We have to take our resources and put them where they make life better for people,” he told the House.
The opposition leader was highly critical of the 2026 budget, which totals more than $550 million and has been described by the government as the largest in the territory’s history. Walwyn maintained, however, that the size of the budget did not automatically translate into improvements for residents, particularly on bread-and-butter issues.
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This pure madness. How is this a priority with all the issues we have. Give that 2 million to healthcare or something more urgent. The festival grounds can wait. What is really going on in this place?
This is why they want Myron out of the opposition leader position. We would have never known this if he didn’t say it. Two million on the festival grounds when people don’t have water, can’t find jobs, pensioners can’t get an increase etc. This is worse the BVI has ever been.
Mather join the government to encourage this crap? He make me shame. I want back my vote from him and Lorna Smith.
He crossed to put sense into their heads – you obviously don’t know the man he is
lied twice and can lie again
we never had water or good roads
I guess we’re improving a party venue. It’s crazy. This government is really not it.
Thank you Hon Opp Leader for bringing this to our attention. I have no idea why this Goveenment feel there’s a need to renovate the Festival Grounds at a time when our infrastructure is so damn shoddy.
By the way, is Hon Walwyn the only member of the Opposition? Are Messrs Skelton and Penn out on leave or has they forgotten the people whom representation is required? Teeth and Tongue does fall out all the time but that doesn’t say they both don’t still support the entire mouth! I don’t know whats going on with these two men but i insist/suggest someone pinch them to see if they realise where they are or what they should be doing in the HOA. Now, we can clearly see why neither can be leaders. Leaders are people who not only can lead but can also inspire others. Neither of them has the attribute to be Leaders of anything. These men are l**y and downright in***pe****!
Yall need to be reminded that the government don’t care cause it doesn’t affect them? When yall out marching for nonsense you does see any one of them talk about these issues? Get your heads out the hole man it annoying now
So I see $2million for the festival grounds. But what are they planning to do? What are the funds allocated for? Paving? Levelling? Putting up permanent structures? Can we get some more information…
A government zero community priorities and commitment to the average and struggling.
It is about damn time a permanent fixed location with proper stalls for vendors to use rather than those plywood sheds during emancipation festivities.
Take a look at our neighbours and see they have poorer modern facilities for hosting festivals and events. Not the multi-sports complex!!!
Anguilla just recently completed a new build entertainer venue to at hosts festival events (calypso shows etc.) while providing adequate facilities for vendors and patrons. The timing of this investment is a bit off but long overdue in my humble opinion. Let’s hope it is done better than the market square!