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by pltm
(PLTM) - Days after some members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) led government questioned the financial stance of the Territory’s economy, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith has maintained his position that the Territory is doing well.
Premier Smith made this remark while speaking over the weekend, February 25 at the District Address Party for Hon. Melvin Turnbull, District Two Representative.
It was just last week during the budget debate in the House of Assembly, when Hon. Delores Christopher, Fifth District Representative took the floor and slammed the claims of the Premier, which spoke to a robust economy.
"Our economy is robust---I really didn’t look up the word, but I believe I know what it means, but I believe that it is not as robust as we saying it is,” Hon. Christopher said in the House.
She further questioned, “...What is the state of our finances in the Territory at this time?"
Hon. Christopher’s remarks were generally in response to comments made sometime earlier by the Premier, where he stated that the economy is robust and financially sound.
To shut down critics, Premier Smith took advantage of the opportunity to note that despite challenges, the BVI continues to make strides.
In a comparative analysis between the British Virgin Islands and other countries across the region, the Premier was confident in stating that the Territory is doing well.
“…I won’t call name; many countries around us are having some challenges. Now I won’t say that we don’t have challenges, but we are working hard on those challenges and doing as good as we can under the circumstances,” he told the gathering over the weekend.
He added, “We are doing well.”
Premier Smith went on to highlight two major initiatives implemented by his government---the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme and the cruise pier park and dock, noting that he is extremely proud of both.
As it relates to NHI, he shared that his government strongly believes that everyone has a right to healthcare, thus the basis of their efforts.
“We are not turning back despite what the opposition has said and we instituted that programme. I can tell you it is doing well and many people who couldn’t get healthcare are now able to get.”
Speaking on the cruise pier park and dock, the Premier highlighted that the Minister with responsibility for the project was able to reel in major income by negotiating and doubling the head tax of each passenger.
“You can imagine if we have 500,000 visitors each year and you can double the amount from $7 to $15, that’s a good piece of change there for the government to do other things.”
In a calmer tone the Premier noted, “It is true that the development went over what was planned, but in the same token, I can think of many programmes that there was some bit over. We are having investigations to ensure that everything was done in good order; that will be ready soon.”
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