The Virgin Islands is not better off today than it was nearly eight years ago under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration, according to People's Leadership Movement (PLM) leader Mark Vanterpool, who said the government's latest promises are coming only as another election draws near.
Responding to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley's State of the Territory Address, Vanterpool argued that while residents heard about numerous initiatives and projects, many of the Territory's longstanding problems remain unresolved.
“After nearly eight years, are we where we should be as a territory?” he asked. “Are we better off than we were nearly eight years ago?... The honest answer is no.”
Vanterpool questioned whether residents are truly benefiting from the government's record $550 million budget, pointing to ongoing concerns about roads, schools, healthcare, airport expansion, transportation and the rising cost of living.
He also accused the government of allowing investor confidence to erode through delays in delivering major projects.
“For too long, we have watched opportunities pass us by, projects stalled, decisions postponed, promises repeated, and investor confidence weakened by your (government) inability to move major initiatives forward,” he said.
While acknowledging that several projects are now being advanced, Vanterpool argued that many are only receiving urgent attention because elections are approaching.
“Too many projects remain unfinished, delayed, or are only now receiving urgent attention as another election approaches,” he stated.
“The issue is not whether projects are finally beginning. The issue is why it took so long.”
According to the PLM leader, residents deserve leadership that delivers results consistently.
“The people deserve leadership that delivers consistently, not only when elections are approaching,” Vanterpool said.
He added: “Our people want progress, our people want action, our people want hope and most importantly, our people want results.”
Responding to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley's State of the Territory Address, Vanterpool argued that while residents heard about numerous initiatives and projects, many of the Territory's longstanding problems remain unresolved.
“After nearly eight years, are we where we should be as a territory?” he asked. “Are we better off than we were nearly eight years ago?... The honest answer is no.”
Vanterpool questioned whether residents are truly benefiting from the government's record $550 million budget, pointing to ongoing concerns about roads, schools, healthcare, airport expansion, transportation and the rising cost of living.
He also accused the government of allowing investor confidence to erode through delays in delivering major projects.
“For too long, we have watched opportunities pass us by, projects stalled, decisions postponed, promises repeated, and investor confidence weakened by your (government) inability to move major initiatives forward,” he said.
While acknowledging that several projects are now being advanced, Vanterpool argued that many are only receiving urgent attention because elections are approaching.
“Too many projects remain unfinished, delayed, or are only now receiving urgent attention as another election approaches,” he stated.
“The issue is not whether projects are finally beginning. The issue is why it took so long.”
According to the PLM leader, residents deserve leadership that delivers results consistently.
“The people deserve leadership that delivers consistently, not only when elections are approaching,” Vanterpool said.
He added: “Our people want progress, our people want action, our people want hope and most importantly, our people want results.”
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