Walwyn blasts govt’s ‘willy-nilly’ approach to spending

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has raised concerns about the government’s latest Schedule of Additional Provisions (SAP) to the budget, calling its spending approach ‘willy-nilly’ and questioning its purpose amid ongoing national challenges.

In a House of Assembly sitting yesterday, Walwyn expressed unease over the government’s decision to inject an additional $6 million into the budget. He questioned the timing of this provision, suggesting it might be linked to the upcoming no-confidence vote called by the Opposition.

“I am concerned because I’m seeing the willy-nilly way in which Government resources are being spent and…the willy-nilly way in which things are being done without proper planning,” Walwyn said.

He hinted that the SAP was potentially a move by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley to gain support from government ministers.

“This SAP was done as a result of the vote of no confidence…He wants to make sure that when that vote comes, that he has all of their support,” Walwyn added. Beyond the SAP’s motives, Walwyn criticised the government for spending without clear direction, especially when vital sectors like financial services and tourism face unresolved issues.

“We’ve been having challenges with our tourism product…The Premier calls out his numbers…but when you look at the numbers…we’re still a long way off from reaching our 2016 numbers,” he noted while referring to the tourism industry’s struggles.

The Opposition legislator argued that overnight visitor rates—a key indicator of tourism health—remain low, putting businesses in difficulty. The representative also questioned the government’s failure to diversify the economy, remarking that there has been little progress in agriculture or in establishing new industries.

“We’re not diversifying the economy at all,” he said while pointing to the fragility of both the financial and tourism sectors as reasons to explore additional economic avenues. Walwyn further highlighted a $20 million budget deficit due to what he described as an error in public sector salary allocations, in addition to a $100 million loan at a 6.5% interest rate.

“That loan has to be financed. Where is that money going to come from…where you have no economic plan, no tourism plan, no agricultural plan?” he asked. Walwyn credited the Opposition for bringing attention to these issues through the no-confidence motion, stating that this SAP might not have come without it.

“The ministers…should be very grateful to the Opposition members…because you would not have gotten this money had it not been for that properly penned vote of no confidence.”