Long overdue – financial statements finally completed

Premier Smith outside the House of Assembly. File photo

The National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, which has styled itself a government in the sunshine, is finally making progress in having its slogan reflected in its handling of the territory’s finances.

It yesterday announced the completion of long overdue financial statements – the oldest of which dates back to the year 2012.

Premier Dr D Orlando Smith, who is also finance minister, gave an update on the status of the statements while he responded to questions posed by Leader of the Opposition Andrew Fahie in the House of Assembly.

“I am pleased to report that the financial statements for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 – that is the Accountant General’s statements, have been completed and submitted to the Auditor General.”

“The Accountant General assured that the report for 2016, which is due at the end of June, will be submitted at that time,” Premier Smith told the House while he noted that the Office of the Auditor General is constitutionally independent.

His NDP government, which is now in office for two consecutive terms, has been accused of lacking accountability and transparency in relation to – among other areas – the handling of the territory’s finances.

A few months ago, Premier Smith admitted that the government has not furnished the House of Assembly with any audited financial report since 2006.

He later made public, through the House of Assembly, the Auditor General’s Report for the years 2010 and 2011. During those two years, the now Opposition Virgin Islands Party formed the government.

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