Why is government’s travel budget so close to road work budget?
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacey Mather raised concerns during the 2025 budget debate about the similarity between the budget allocations for travel and road works.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, Mather questioned why the travel budget was so close to the road works budget, highlighting the significant increases in travel expenditure over recent years.
“How come the budget for travel and the budget for roads are similar and so close?” Mather asked.
He pointed out that travel expenditure increased dramatically, rising by $1 million from $1.8 million in 2023 to an estimated $2.8 million in 2024. “From 2022 to 2024, the expenditure for travel increased by more than 100%,” Mather noted.
In comparison, he turned to the road works budget. “In 2022, roads and maintenance were budgeted at $3 million. In 2023, the government allocated another $3 million, and now there’s $3.4 million,” he said, adding, “That doesn’t include the money from the loan in 2025,” referring to the recently secured $100 million loan facility.
Earlier in October, Mather had expressed concern over the government’s travel spending, revealing that current travel expenses had far exceeded the budgeted amount. He questioned whether the rising travel costs reflected misaligned priorities, particularly in light of the territory’s financial challenges.
The government has faced criticism from both the political Opposition and some members of the public, with concerns raised about frequent travel and its impact on parliamentary proceedings. However, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley responded to the criticism, arguing that while it may be politically convenient for the Opposition to focus on travel, the need for governments to travel is a global phenomenon.
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Paid large salary with non contributory life time pension after two years outrageous health plan, Free international travel , free government credit card for tax free shopping food and drink car and housing allowance Only Belongers with Dr of theology need apply anyone with real business experience need not apply.
Apparently the reason our premier travels a lot is that he enjoys the thrill of being driven on beautifully smooth paved roads at eighty miles an hour. That is 7 minutes from Beef Island to West End
When will the budget include the construction sight for an additional human retention facility. Our lives are at sanger with the vast amount of loose murderers and other criminals who that are not apprehended and retained because there is a lack of prison facility with living space. Making an urgent request
to the UK for assistance in this dire necessity would be sensible.
More so because of the rumblings claiming to desire Independence. Independence without this vital and necessary physical facility accompanied with accoutrements such as civil servant staff and uniform staff..I can’t even imagine our additional dilemma as a result. Will Social Security become the Godfather for this too? And at the expense of future retirees! BVI is in free fall. Has anyone noticed?
hopefull when you get your chance in there it won’t be as close i realise both sides talk and throw good questions when them out but when them in is like them forget everything
Wrong priority. Their priority is to travel and see the world at our expense not to develop the infrastructure of the country.
Think you nailed it. Country going no where while we keep throwing money at our leaders pockets.
BVI taxpayers paying large sums for politicians to travel the world. It may be beneficial if only they will stay and not return.
:Will Rogers
The Nat Flyboy can’t see the conditions of the roads from 30,000 feet