Premier delivers budget focused on infrastructure development

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley unveiled a 2025 budget heavily focused on infrastructure development.

This budget—the third presented by Dr Wheatley as Finance Minister—outlines the government’s ambitious plans to advance development, addressing essential sectors like roads, water systems, and education facilities.

“Last year, we prioritised lifting public officers from below the living wage,” Dr Wheatley stated during his budget speech. “This year, we are prioritising infrastructural development with the biggest loan in the history of the Virgin Islands.” This major loan, totalling $100 million from CIBC FirstCaribbean Cayman, will fund critical infrastructure improvements to benefit the entire territory.

A key highlight of the 2025 budget is the $35 million allocated to the Ministry of Communications and Works. This sum includes funding for the National Sewerage Programme, with $3.7 million assigned to improve sewerage infrastructure and $16.3 million designated explicitly for roadworks throughout the BVI. Additionally, $2.7 million will go toward the water network improvement project to address water distribution challenges.

Another priority is the maintenance and improvement of government facilities. The budget allocates $4 million to restore the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex and $1.7 million for renovating fire stations and buildings for the Public Works and Water & Sewerage departments. These improvements are essential for ensuring functional and efficient public service buildings.

Education also received a strong focus, with nearly $5.3 million dedicated to school facilities, including maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to ensure safe learning environments. Plans include work on Elmore Stoutt High School, completing the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, and constructing a new building for the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. Additional projects will enhance school safety through improved security systems and climate control installations.

For Dr Wheatley, these investments are essential for building a resilient future for the BVI. He encouraged residents to engage with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), which guides these efforts. “I urge everyone to get a copy of the National Sustainable Development Plan and read it,” he said. “It is our collective future that we are building.”

With extensive capital investment, the government aims to drive economic growth, enhance public infrastructure, and strengthen government services. This infrastructure-focused budget reflects the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding needs while planning for a sustainable future in the BVI.