Legislators got salary increase from $20M budget error too — Rymer
Responding to continued criticism from the parliamentary Opposition about a $20 million budget miscalculation related to the new salary structure for public servants, Minister of Communication and Works, Kye Rymer, has signalled that public officers were not the only ones to benefit from the recent salary increase.
Approximately $11.7 million had been allocated for the salary adjustments. However, an analysis by the Ministry of Finance later revealed that over $25 million was required.
“As we talk about money, I heard members speak about this $20 million mistake,” Rymer stated while speaking in the December 2024 sitting of the House of Assembly (HOA). “At no time have I heard any [HOA] member mention about us being able to get that same salary increase as well.”
Rymer confirmed that legislators, along with public officers, also received salary increases. He criticized Opposition members for failing to acknowledge their raises while focusing solely on the $20 million error.
“Not one time have any one of us said to pay back the little money that was given extra and give it to the pensioners who didn’t get it,” he added. “I’m not the one that spoke about a $20 million mistake, so since it’s a burning issue, maybe they should consider giving it back then.”
He further accused the Opposition of being “duplicitous” in their criticisms.
Meanwhile, Territorial At-Large Representative Lorna Smith revealed earlier in the House of Assembly that no investigation had been launched into the $20 million budget error, despite assurances from Premier Wheatley earlier last year.
Smith, who had previously defended the Premier on the matter, expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in addressing the financial discrepancy.
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Surprise,Surprise
That is what the inland Revenue is there for, to assess all taxes and under or over-payments for refund.
I thought the Integrity Commission should pay close attention to the young man’s statements in relations to Legislators. Also where are your internal controls my friend? That is how corruption and greed becomes a thing.
That is for your government up state. You are the creators of the budget and it was your duty to state what the issue was. You still weak
The reason poor people do not get a new minimum wage but legislators get a raise is…..
Well sah me boi! Kye you are a waste of space. You getting your Greedy Bill and still got a raise! But you acting like the opposition (which you have never been in before) controls the purse strings! GTFOH mehn! Ayo is a real set of jokers!
Minister Rymer’s remarks about the $20 million budget miscalculation are a stunning display of deflection and tone-deafness in the face of pressing financial challenges. Rather than addressing the critical issues of civil servant pensions, project funding, or the glaring lack of accountability for the budget error, Rymer chooses to complain about legislator increases not being acknowledged. This is an insult to the citizens who expect responsible governance and fiscal prudence.
The Minister’s argument that Opposition members should “give back” their raises to resolve the issue is both petty and absurd. Leadership is not about pointing fingers or shifting blame; it’s about owning mistakes and delivering solutions. His failure to prioritize an investigation into the $20 million shortfall underscores a lack of seriousness in addressing this critical mismanagement.
At a time when infrastructure crumbles, and essential projects are stalled due to “lack of funds,” the focus on personal grievances and petty politics reveals a government more interested in protecting itself than serving its people. The residents of the BVI deserve leaders who prioritize accountability, transparency, and the public good—not excuses and finger-pointing. GROW UP & Start to govern!
is all about Elected Representatives and Public Servants salaries and perks. A set of silly a** sorry excuses about anything else.
NO wonder. Some went in with one ole man suit. Come see them today with brand name suits and fat robust faces to match their pocket books.
Is only know I see how senseless Kye Rymer really is.
It is for the government to come out and say how the mistake was made. It does not matter who is getting paid. The point is that a huge $20 million mistake was made. Stop trying to twist things around. Are you a part of making that mistake?