Small businesses neglected while gov’t funds concerts — Walwyn
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has accused the government of failing to support struggling small businesses while spending hundreds of thousands on entertainment events.
In a recent episode of The Pulse of the People, Walwyn questioned why only $75,748 was allocated in the 2025 budget to the National Business Bureau, the body responsible for supporting small business development. He contrasted that with the nearly $300,000 spent to sponsor a recent Vybz Kartel concert.
“Are these the decisions of a responsible, caring, people-centred government?” Walwyn asked.
He described small businesses as the “backbone of a dynamic and inclusive economy,” saying they create jobs, promote innovation, and generate local wealth. He called for the government to offer grants, affordable loans, advisory services, and other support to help small businesses thrive.
“But today, many of our small businesses are barely staying afloat,” he stated.
Walwyn’s comments form part of a broader criticism of the government’s economic management. He said the administration has missed key opportunities to build a strong and resilient economy due to a lack of strategic planning.
He noted that the Public Finance Management Amendment Act of 2012 requires the Minister of Finance to publish a strategic financial plan within six months of a general election. The Act also recommends forming an Economic Advisory Council to guide policy decisions. Neither has been done, he claimed.
“As this government embarks on its third year in office, it has failed to fulfil either of these fundamental responsibilities,” Walwyn argued.
He also highlighted tourism and agriculture as two other neglected areas. Despite tourism being a major income earner, Walwyn said no clear development plan exists, resulting in declining visitor arrivals and a lack of hotel investment.
“We are left with nothing more than hollow promises and sweet words of nothing from the minister with responsibility for tourism,” he explained.
Turning to agriculture, Walwyn said farmers still lack a formal plan, consistent access to water, and government support.
“What kind of caring government allows such a critical industry to languish on life support with no roadmap for revival?” he questioned.
Walwyn urged residents to demand better leadership and economic policies that focus on real development.
“Will we continue down a road of missed opportunities and empty promises? Or will we take the wheel and chart a new course together toward progress and prosperity?” he asked.
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We know this already Myron. S!0wW@nde is a terrible Finance Minister but what would you do different. Hard to tell with your Alliance having no stated objectives.
I believe his suggestion is in the criticism. He is saying more money must be given to support businesses which therefore means that he would give more support.
I appreciate what you are highlighting but I trust you would also agree this statement is somewhat cookie cutter blah. Of course we need more capital. If he wants to highlight his superior leadership let’s start taking about sources of finance at a reasonable cost of the capital and the application in real terms not theoretical
It’s easier to control the mob with shows and spectacles. Rome did it
The accidental premier is doing it
Who is Northam and when are they going to finish the Hodge’s Creek road? This is ridiculous!
the road is a disgrace, 6 months to do a road is b.s
With today’s resources, it’s very easy to find information about the company’s owner. It appears your intentions/motives may lie elsewhere.
Ahhh yes, you seem to be one that may well have feasted on the all-important cookie jar that’s only available to a select few! Protect who you need to protect – the rest of us just want the f-ing road finished in a timely fashion!
road built wrong look how close the cars are when the pass side to side…keep ur corner
So true. I always say that Vybz Kartel quarter million USD could a give farmers their water catchment and the hospital could a get it’s oxygen storage room, and all that non stop party money could a facelift the BVI, and don’t talk about them flights to go meet white colonials abroad for instructions knocking champagne glasses together while the BVI see no benifit from these travel. Now Fraser get the opportunity to travel he singing natalio Wheatley tune.
Walwyn is living in dreamland and doesn’t seem to realize that in order to win an election and form the government you need a team, not a dream.
Myron , I’m a small business owner and the vybes kartel show boost my business over 100 % for that weekend so yes the concert help the small businesses of the BVI.
I think you’re missing the point. So one weekend of business satisfies you? What sort of business you running?
I hope you made enough to float you to the end of the year. If not, that’s the point. Vybz Kartel took away a whole lot more than you made. We have to stop being tunnel vision as a people. How can you believe that bringing in a foreign artist for a weekend will grow your small business and help your business to thrive into the future? An uptick in business for one weekend due to an influx of persons for a musical concert cannot be the solution for growing small businesses in this jurisdiction. So if you are not mature enough to know that, stay out of grown folks conversation. Please.
Have the mysterious Northam gone with the money. No work done for month and our donkeys are all getting worn out on that dirt track.
One donkey died after falling down a hole on the ridge track last week.
We going have no donkeys left.
Is that the the plan, the vision?
A Dark, Tinted, Sun Chair filled beach paradise with dirt tracks and tired donkeys,rich corrupt politicians and elite families, no small businesses but concerts to keep the masses happy.
The Road is a Disgrace? Are you Dreaming?
The whole Territory is a Disgrace!!! When I travel and am asked the Question: Where are you From?
I reply jokingly, “Oh I am from Mars”. Then everybody laugh. I will not be caught Dead saying “I am from the Virgin Islands… They Killed it for Us Man…
I dig what the Hon. Walwyn is saying. What exactly are Natalie’s priorities as Finance Minister? Funds for his Pork Projects (trips galore, parties of all sorts etc.) seem to be top; while infrastructure and raising the quality of life for the majority is not on his agenda.
Yet we have some corners of the public heaping fake, false praises on this failed lame duck government. VIP has strangled the life blood out of this territory by malfeasances and mismanagement at every corner and Ministry!!