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Residents generally do not appear to appreciate the electricity subsidies provided to ease their bills, according to BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) General Manager Dr Neil Smith.
Speaking recently on the Virgin Islands Voice programme, Smith was asked whether customers expressed appreciation for the assistance.
“They may never tell the ministers, but you see the customers face to face every day. Do they sound like they appreciate what has been done and the assistance given?” the host asked.
“Generally no. But you expect that, right,” Smith responded.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley who was on the same programme, said residents must understand that the Territory cannot control external events affecting prices, including conflict in the Middle East.
“It's happening far away, but it's having an impact all over the world. And it's not just the Virgin Islands that's experiencing it,” he said.
He pointed to inflation affecting the United States and the wider Caribbean, explaining that governments must balance revenue collection with concessions to help residents.
Premier Wheatley said revenue is needed to improve infrastructure, operate schools and healthcare institutions, and protect the environment. However, Government has had to forego revenue to provide relief, including concessions at the ports.
The comments come amid complaints about high electricity bills, particularly the sharp increases experienced in August after the Government’s earlier three-month subsidy ended. Government subsequently announced a credit for August bills and a subsidy applied directly to September bills.
Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer announced on the September 30 edition of Virgin Islands Voice that Cabinet had approved an additional $2.5 million to extend electricity subsidies through the end of 2026.
The funding is included in a Schedule of Additional Provisions to be taken before the House of Assembly.
According to government, the earlier three-month subsidy cost $3 million, comprising $1 million monthly for March, April and May. The August electricity credit provided approximately another $1 million in assistance.
Speaking recently on the Virgin Islands Voice programme, Smith was asked whether customers expressed appreciation for the assistance.
“They may never tell the ministers, but you see the customers face to face every day. Do they sound like they appreciate what has been done and the assistance given?” the host asked.
“Generally no. But you expect that, right,” Smith responded.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley who was on the same programme, said residents must understand that the Territory cannot control external events affecting prices, including conflict in the Middle East.
“It's happening far away, but it's having an impact all over the world. And it's not just the Virgin Islands that's experiencing it,” he said.
He pointed to inflation affecting the United States and the wider Caribbean, explaining that governments must balance revenue collection with concessions to help residents.
Premier Wheatley said revenue is needed to improve infrastructure, operate schools and healthcare institutions, and protect the environment. However, Government has had to forego revenue to provide relief, including concessions at the ports.
The comments come amid complaints about high electricity bills, particularly the sharp increases experienced in August after the Government’s earlier three-month subsidy ended. Government subsequently announced a credit for August bills and a subsidy applied directly to September bills.
Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer announced on the September 30 edition of Virgin Islands Voice that Cabinet had approved an additional $2.5 million to extend electricity subsidies through the end of 2026.
The funding is included in a Schedule of Additional Provisions to be taken before the House of Assembly.
According to government, the earlier three-month subsidy cost $3 million, comprising $1 million monthly for March, April and May. The August electricity credit provided approximately another $1 million in assistance.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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