Opposition Leader Marlon Penn does not expect Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley to call an early election, arguing that the Government first wants to spend more of its $100 million loan.
“I think he has to get some of this money spent,” Penn said during the Talking Points programme on Monday, August 17.
Penn renewed his claim that the loan is being used as a “political slush fund”, alleging that spending is being heavily directed towards side roads in government-held districts.
“All you have to do is go into government-led districts and see how the money is being spent,” he said.
Premier Wheatley recently stated that the $100M was not enough, and that the government needs more money to address other issues.
While acknowledging that the timing of an election is the Premier’s prerogative, Penn said he does not foresee one being called soon. Elections are constitutionally due by mid-July 2027.
Turning to the state of the Territory, Penn questioned whether residents are satisfied with the Government’s performance.
“The BVI is at a crossroads,” he declared. “We see the failing infrastructure, we see the inability to manage the resources of this Territory and we see an economy that is struggling, where people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”
Penn said the National Democratic Party (NDP) is assembling a team and developing plans covering economic development, infrastructure and social services.
He said the party remains in good standing and will soon begin rolling out its candidates and presenting its ideas for public discussion.
“I think he has to get some of this money spent,” Penn said during the Talking Points programme on Monday, August 17.
Penn renewed his claim that the loan is being used as a “political slush fund”, alleging that spending is being heavily directed towards side roads in government-held districts.
“All you have to do is go into government-led districts and see how the money is being spent,” he said.
Premier Wheatley recently stated that the $100M was not enough, and that the government needs more money to address other issues.
While acknowledging that the timing of an election is the Premier’s prerogative, Penn said he does not foresee one being called soon. Elections are constitutionally due by mid-July 2027.
Turning to the state of the Territory, Penn questioned whether residents are satisfied with the Government’s performance.
“The BVI is at a crossroads,” he declared. “We see the failing infrastructure, we see the inability to manage the resources of this Territory and we see an economy that is struggling, where people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”
Penn said the National Democratic Party (NDP) is assembling a team and developing plans covering economic development, infrastructure and social services.
He said the party remains in good standing and will soon begin rolling out its candidates and presenting its ideas for public discussion.
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