Opposition needs consultants just like gov’t

Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has again called for funds to be allotted to Opposition members of the House of Assembly, stating that his side of the political aisle needs money to acquire resources that will make them more effective.

Speaking in the House of Assembly earlier this week, Skelton said oftentimes the Opposition needs to hire consultants to do research in the same way members of the government do.

He said he made a formal request in April – right after the general election – but has not received any positive response on the matter.

“We need resources to do our jobs better than we’re currently doing it. Without resources, we can’t do it. Even the junior ministers have consultants and we don’t have anything. The Premier is right there and I hope he will give me the line item [in the 2024 budget] so I can find the resources I requested on behalf of myself and my colleagues,” Skelton said.

To support his point that the Opposition needs to be funded, Skelton said a functioning Opposition is part of nation-building and is imperative as the BVI continues to pursue independence. He also said Opposition groups in other countries receive funds to carry out their duties.

“In every parliament that you go to, the Opposition has resources. We’re not asking for much. The Premier has three consultants, the Attorney General has two, everybody has a consultant and we have nothing. And sometimes you do need people to do research for you,” Skelton explained.

The amount the Opposition is requesting from the government is unclear but the territory will have to wait to see if those funds will be given in 2024. And while Skelton admitted that consultants are among the resources needed to bolster the work of the Opposition, he did not state the other resources that will be acquired once the government agrees to dispatch the funds.