VIP gov’t solved many of BVI’s longstanding woes, says Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended his administration’s track record, arguing that while some residents complain that key reforms are taking too long, his team has still managed to tackle several longstanding problems that previous administrations failed to address.

Speaking recently in the House of Assembly during debate on the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, Dr Wheatley said many of the initiatives now being implemented had been discussed in the territory for years without ever becoming a reality.

“We might say it’s been taking long, but before we got here, it wouldn’t happen at all,” the Premier said. “It wasn’t just a matter of happening slowly, they just didn’t happen at all. And now they’re happening.”

Dr Wheatley argued that his administration has introduced several measures aimed at improving the lives of ordinary residents, particularly lower-income workers and vulnerable families.

Among the achievements highlighted by the Premier was a $30 million salary increase for public officers, which he said significantly improved wages for many workers and, in some cases, nearly doubled salaries. He also pointed to increases in social assistance benefits, saying some benefits rose by as much as 160 per cent.

The premier also defended the government’s decision to raise the minimum wage cautiously instead of dramatically increasing it in one move. According to Premier Wheatley, the government had to balance workers’ needs against the ability of businesses to survive.

“If you raise their payroll too much, they might have to lay off workers,” Dr Wheatley said while noting that government wanted to take a “measured and responsible” approach.

The Premier further highlighted government’s basket of goods initiative and revealed that officials are considering increasing the tax exemption threshold from $10,000 to $15,000 to help residents keep more of their earnings.

Record-breaking tourism numbers

On the economy, the Premier said the BVI continues to experience record-breaking tourism numbers, particularly in the cruise sector. He dismissed claims that cruise tourism does not benefit residents, arguing that hundreds of taxi operators and their families depend on the industry for income.

The Premier also praised the government’s RATED Programme, which employs residents to maintain roadsides and public spaces throughout the year. According to Dr Wheatley, the initiative has provided jobs and relief for hundreds of unemployed people.

Despite these accomplishments, Premier Wheatley’s administration has continued to face criticism from sections of the public and the political opposition, particularly over the high cost of living, longstanding infrastructural challenges and what critics describe as an overemphasis on international travel and entertainment events.