British Virgin Islands government needs to re-allocate resources

Saturday, November 15, 2003

ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. Orlando Smith has restated his Administration's commitment to re-allocating Government's financial resources in accordance with the most pressing needs of the territory.

Addressing the Legislative Council on November 7, Dr. Smith recalled that, when his Government took office in June this year, there was over-expenditure in many projects.

He explained that, consequently, the Administration found it "absolutely necessary" to re-evaluate and re-establish what would be the new Government's priority areas for distributing the territory's financial resources.

Responding to comments made by some members in relation to requests for projects in their districts, Dr. Smith emphasised that Government's most "significant obligation" is to the people of the BVI, regardless of the specific geographic areas in which they may be living.

Acknowledging that he "fully respects" the responsibility of the various district representatives to make submissions on behalf of their constituencies, the Chief Minister reiterated that he is always willing to listen and evaluate projects being proposed by legislators.

Dr. Smith promised that his Administration will continue to adopt an "open and transparent" approach when appraising district-initiated projects, but he stressed that Government will keep on listening to the "hopes and needs" of residents throughout the territory, taking into consideration available financial resources, before final decisions are made.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance, Health and Welfare Mr Ronnie W. Skelton echoed similar remarks, saying the territory's financial and technical resources must first be channeled to address priority areas identified by Government, which are the health and social services sectors.

"The social agenda of the territory must be addressed urgently," he said. "We want to be frank and honest - our health services are not up to scratch and we must pay attention to improving these sectors as quickly as possible."

Minister Skelton made it clear that the present Government will not waste resources "paving guts and building sidewalks" when the country's health and social services need urgent upgrading.

He reminded legislators that Government endeavoured, from the time it took office, to do its best to deliver on promises made during the elections campaign, adding that this commitment was renewed on numerous occasions during the recently completed series of community meetings held throughout the BVI.

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