Political leaders on the British Virgin Islands laid out their development plans last evening for the territory as they participated in a historic leadership debate ahead of the April 24th General Election.
The debate was organized by the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Virgin Islands Studies Institute.
The Virgin Islands Party’s (VIP) Dr. Natalio Wheatley, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement’s (PVIM) Ronnie Skelton, the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) Marlon Penn, and Julian Fraser of Progressives United (PU) were pressed by moderator Ronn Grant on topics such as fiscal policy, social welfare, the commission of inquiry, independence, and health care.
All of the leaders agreed that the British Virgin Islands was at a difficult juncture in its history as it deals with implementing governance reforms that were recommended in the Commission of Inquiry report and reconstruction from two devastating hurricanes.
In his opening statement, Fraser said Virgin Islanders “can’t afford” to have the UK impose direct rule as locals have been doing the work necessary to reform the system, including the formation of a Unity Government.
And that’s why he said it is important for Virgin Islanders to elect a competent government on Election Day.
Penn stated the NDP is not against the BVI becoming an independent country but local institutions need to be strong before that step can be taken.
“We have to particularly look at our institutions and ensure that they’re fit for purpose,” Penn stated.
He continued: “We saw in the [Commission of Inquiry] where many of our institutions were challenged…in terms of the ones that are responsible for holding accountability, good governance, and making sure that persons in the political class, in other classes are held accountable and the good governance structures that are necessary.”
“As it pertains to self-determination, we have to ensure, as I said earlier, to build those institutions, to make sure those institutions continue to be strong and robust as we move forward,” Penn said.
Wheatley committed to repealing the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021, which is known locally as the “greedy bill”. The bill was criticized for giving hefty retirement benefits to former legislators.
“I will not collect a dime on that Retirement Act in its current form and I intend, God willing, [if] I’m given the opportunity, to repeal the entire bill,” Wheatley stated.
Skelton stated his party wants to increase the minimum hourly wage from US$6 per hour as part of efforts to reduce the BVI’s wealth inequality. He noted that many businesses aren’t paying their employees the minimum hourly rate.
“These people cannot live on $48 a day,” Skelton said whiling noting that a PVIM government will also look at placing limits on what businesses can charge for food items.
