Unfair! At-Large Reps need more $$ for projects
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy “Budda” Mather has called on the government to allocate more funding to the four At-Large representatives so they can spearhead critical projects across the territory.
Currently, each At-Large representative receives $10,000 for civic projects. But Mather argued that this amount is unfair, especially when compared to district representatives, who each receive approximately $200,000 to carry out community initiatives.
“Two hundred thousand dollars per district—so if my math is correct, that’s about $1.8 million versus the four At-Large representatives who get $40,000 to share among ourselves. Premier, that’s unacceptable. I’ve argued about this in Standing Finance, I’ve asked about this over and over,” Mather said during a recent question period in the House of Assembly.
He urged Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley to consider allocating additional funds for the At-Large members in this year’s supplementary budget, as well as in the 2025 national budget.
In response, Premier Wheatley said he does not have the authority to unilaterally approve such an allocation, since budget approvals are a collective responsibility of the House of Assembly. However, he encouraged Mather to continue advocating during the appropriate stages of the budgeting process.
“On my own, I can’t pass budgets, but we do have a SAP (supplementary appropriation) and I would encourage members to advocate for what they want when it comes to the House,” Premier Wheatley said.
Although he acknowledged the Premier’s response, Mather said he will continue pressing for increased funding for At-Large representatives and noted that the system itself is due for review.
“The At-Large seats started in 1994/1995. That’s some 30 years ago, and a lot can be done to get it where it needs to be,” Mather said.
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Press em Mather. Both of them know who the premier is he never acts alone that is an excuse.
” ..budget approvals are a collective responsibility of the House of Assembly.” yet he single handedly approved over $200,000.00 for Vybz Kartel. Let that sink in.
Again this pleb named N* try’s to skirt his responsibilities by hiding behind ‘policy’ when he doesn’t desire a change for the masses; only when he benefits personally!
Wtf can $10k per AL rep do for the country when to MS in districts have $200k and don’t do squat! Yet we got money for concerts that have no ROI in real terms. Funds for sporting events that pop up for personal gains yet use gov. funds.
Mather press that clown and his brigade harder dread!
Not until we some accounts you don’t.
We need trasparanecy and accountability.
When the toddlers can start to show and tell, and get their first maths book to record accounts in and out then maybe you will be given real money.
HOA need to start growing up or find some grown ups we can vote for.
Let’s find out where the last 8 years $3,000,000,000 dollars went.
Any news on the concert money. Or still trying to hide dirty tricks and candy swaps for that $250,000 sleepover party.
@BuzzBVI – But the AL reps do not have any funds per se. I am sure they can provide breakdowns of their allocations spent to date; unlike the incumbent government ministers/cabinet.
Ask the Finance Minister for those accounts and records (The Alliance have been lobbying for those) as he seems HELL BENT on evading at any and all costs financial transparency (see BoA scandal, music fette etc.).
So while I may agree that the books need to be seen by the public, it is the wasteful and troubling spending by the MINISTERS that has the place upside down!
Fifty grand, per, at-large representative, is a great place to start!
GET IT GOING, dear, Premier Wheatley!
The premier unilateral authority only activates when he need money to do absolute nonsense with.
Is this the same discretionary funds that were supposed to go away entirely because of the COI recommendations he talking about?
I probably fell asleep. $200,000.Per Month? What Projects do they work on? I have NEVER heard any Politician since 2019 talked about Projects they did for their Districts without asking the Government Ministers to come fix. I stand to be corrected.
Gosh!!! I never knew these people were still getting Money to #hief…. Lordie… Have they been reporting the Projects they worked on with the 200K?
And the thieving goes on, on and on. VI people so stupid bad.
They keep electing people who only see government as an open vault and purse to thief from, espcially now this modern generation.
Keep saying, we VI’s frig, because people now view the peoples money as their personal bank account..
The at large voting system has failed the BVI.
Your statement is a bit misleading. The way in which the sitting government through the district system still has greater power than territorial representatives, will give the impression that the system is failing. At the end of the day any system, if not correctly administered will be destined to fail. If you listened closely to the Premier’s responses, you can see where the power lies, and how it is used to “undermine” those not in power or have them “fall in line”.
What are the projects the at large representative is working on that needs money? please enlighten and educate me.