Premier announces record $559M budget for 2027
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has proposed a $559.1 million budget for 2027, with the largest ministry allocation going to communications and works.
Presenting the budget address in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Dr Wheatley said the proposal included $460.4 million for recurrent expenditure, $81.1 million for capital expenditure and $9.6 million for principal debt repayments.
The government expects to finance the budget through projected revenue of $457.8 million, loan financing of $47.3 million and $54 million from existing fund balances.
Dr Wheatley described the proposal as the largest budget presented to the House. The figures remain subject to final approval of the Appropriation Act.
“Our resources cannot fund every request, so we weighed allocations against the priorities of the National Sustainable Development Plan and the difference they should make to people’s lives,” the Premier said.
The Ministry of Communications and Works is set to receive $96.5 million, followed by Health and Social Development with $87.1 million and Education, Youth Affairs and Sports with $79.7 million.
Other proposed allocations include:
• Governor’s group, including the Office of the Deputy Governor: $68.5 million
• Ministry of Finance: $46.4 million
• Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation: $25.2 million
• Premier’s Office: $23.1 million
• Constitutionally established departments: $20.8 million
• Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development: $19.5 million
• Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change: $13.1 million
The Premier also listed $73.4 million for pensions, public debt and fund contributions, $5.9 million under the miscellaneous head, and $8.1 million for statutory fund contributions.
Dr Wheatley said the projects would include close to $6 million for water network and reservoir repairs, while $7.7 million would continue sewage infrastructure development. A further $18 million, including $13 million in loan financing, would support roads and other works.
The 2027 figures follow the initial $550.6 million budget announced for 2026.
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Cut 18M outta that and send it to Hospital Staff Salary for the next 2.5 years
Why merge the governor’s with the deputy governor’s office, but list those belonging to premier’s office separately merge it too
so about $16,000 per person
Never understood why Leaders saw it fit to attribute a “record budget” to their leadership or anything remotely close to any of that.
Budgets have historically grown each year no matter whos in power. Our economy has always grown even if by a little.
Those so called leaders need to work on their spending habits THEN come bragging about that when the end of year comes.
Lord send help to the people of the BVI
I DO NOT TRUST THIS BOY WITH THIS MONEY .. FOR ALL YOU DO, DO NOT VOTE FOR MARK VANTERPOOL