NDP questions $3 million subsidy programme

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has questioned whether residents are benefiting from more than $3 million the government has spent on subsidies implemented to ease the cost of living following a spike in global fuel costs

NDP Chairman Marlon Penn raised the issue during the party’s radio programme this week, saying the Opposition had submitted questions in the House of Assembly seeking information about the subsidies and whether the savings were reaching consumers.

“They’ve done a process where they’re now offering subsidies, as they call it. How are those subsidies working? Are the people really seeing those relief from the subsidies? Are they monitoring the subsidies to ensure that persons are getting the benefit?” Penn asked.

He specifically questioned whether relief provided through fuel and port subsidies was reflected in supermarket and electricity bills.

“Are those subsidies being passed on at the grocery store? Are people seeing a reduction in their grocery bill? Are we seeing a reduction in our electricity bill? And the answer to those questions is no,” Penn said.

Penn said the Opposition wanted the government to account for the money spent and demonstrate its impact.

“So you spent over three million dollars. You haven’t had any impact from that spending. You don’t want to account for it. That’s our money. That’s taxpayers’ money. You have to account for that money,” Penn said.

He also questioned the implementation of consumer protection measures alongside the concessions, saying nearly three months had passed since the subsidies were introduced.

“The three million plus dollars that he said he’s budgeted will be spent and the people are no better off after three million dollars being spent,” Penn said.

Penn said he supported providing subsidies but disagreed with the government’s approach, arguing that direct assistance would have allowed residents to decide how best to meet household expenses.

“I think when you put more money in the hands of the people of the Virgin Islands, they make better decisions for themselves and their family,” Penn said. “And I thought we should have put the money directly in their hands.”