‘It’s Scary’ – Skelton Warns Residents Facing Serious Hardship

At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton has raised concern about the growing financial pressure on residents, warning that many are facing serious hardship.

Skelton made the remarks in the House of Assembly last week during debate on a Motion allowing the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to increase rates for large commercial consumers.

“We need to ensure that this does not cause unnecessary hardship to the least of us, to those who are going through hardship,” the Opposition Member said.

Highlighting the extent of the struggle, Skelton disclosed that several persons recently approached him for help paying their electricity bills.

“I paid some light bills during the August season, and I don’t think the people who came to me to ask for help would have come if they didn’t need help,” he said.

Skelton also expressed concern that large businesses will pass the increased electricity costs on to consumers and small businesses through higher prices for food and other goods and services.

“It’s scary. It’s scary,” he warned. “Minister, you need to pay attention to this when it’s implemented because it’s going to cause some level of hardship that probably we are not anticipating.”