Premier’s budget numbers confused residents

Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has claimed that Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s recent presentation of the 2025 budget estimates left residents puzzled and unclear about the territory’s financial direction.

Speaking on ZBVI radio, Skelton argued that the Premier’s approach overwhelmed listeners with complex figures rather than providing a clear vision for the future.

Skelton expressed his concerns about the structure and length of the budget address, noting it lasted over two hours – a length he considered unprecedented for budget presentations in the territory.

“I think that’s the first in the history of the BVI…we had a budget address that lasted so long,” Skelton shared. He suggested that the Premier’s statements would have been more appropriate in a ‘State of the Territory’ address, where broader topics are typically covered.

A significant part of Skelton’s critique focused on the budget’s composition, pointing out that substantial sums were attributed to recurrent expenditures.

“$407 million of it is recurrent expenditure coming from different funds,” Skelton pointed out while noting that about $20 million came from different funds. He then suggested that those funds targeted recurring expenses like salaries incorrectly calculated in last year’s budget.

According to Skelton, this focus on recurrent expenses might have confused residents, making it hard to determine the real priorities in the budget.

Facts on the ground

Skelton also addressed discrepancies he perceived between the Premier’s claims and the actual conditions in the BVI, giving an example related to infrastructure work done in the territory.

“What he’s saying, for example, ‘We have paved roads all the way up to the bridge, Beef Island’, [but] when you go there, that’s not so,” Skelton insisted.

He felt this disparity further muddled the message and left residents uncertain about the true state of public works and infrastructure improvements.

People are hurting from the recent floods

The Opposition Leader’s biggest concern, however, lay in the lack of assurance the budget provided for residents facing challenges. Yesterday’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding, which left many in distress. Skelton expressed frustration that the Premier’s budget speech offered little comfort or concrete solutions for those affected.

“People out there are hurting. We just had some rains that flooded the whole country…And I don’t think that budget address did anything to alleviate people’s fear or hurt,” he commented.

Skelton emphasised the need for clarity and consistency from the government, noting that residents are seeking straightforward information on where the territory is headed and how current challenges will be addressed.