Premier disagrees COI reforms negatively affect economy

Dr Wheatley

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed disagreement that the Commission of Inquiry governance reforms have negatively affected the performance of the BVI economy.

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn questioned the Premier over whether he shared concerns over the issue and what plans he had to address the challenges.

According to Walwyn, it was clear that some accepted recommendations have significantly slowed down the government’s ability to effectively deliver services to its people.

“The economy has suffered and is suffering as a result of many of the changes that have been made,” Walwyn said while pointing to the procurement process, social assistance programmes and the government’s general ability to assist in stimulating the economy as examples.

Walwyn insisted nothing was happening in the economy and said despite boasts by Premier Wheatley that cruise ships were coming in, he argued that this “money isn’t being felt anywhere”.

Premier Wheatley in response, said he did not share that position.

“I do not agree that the reforms in and of themselves are having the effect that [Walwyn] says but I do think we have to constantly review our policies to make sure we strike the right balance,” Dr Wheatley said.

Premier Wheatley said this was to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of public services and that residents were protected from any abuses of public funds and anything that could be considered an abuse of good governance.

Dr Wheatley previously argued that the implementation of COI-recommended reforms has taken a toll on the government’s resources, including on public servants whom he said are forced to work day and night to meet tight deadlines. However, the Premier has not conceded that there is any similar toll on the BVI’s economy.

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