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‘Gov’t’s finances are sound as any in the world’- Dr Smith

- said Government is not broke & over $60M in Reserved Fund
Despite the evidence indicating otherwise, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) is maintaining that the National Democratic Party (NDP) has been strategic and frugal with tax payers money. Photo: VINO/File
Members of the Opposition Hons Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, Julian Fraser RA (R3), right, have often complained of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government’s unwillingness to answer questions in the House of Assembly or giving accurate information whenever they decide to respond to a question. Photo: VINO/File
Members of the Opposition Hons Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, Julian Fraser RA (R3), right, have often complained of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government’s unwillingness to answer questions in the House of Assembly or giving accurate information whenever they decide to respond to a question. Photo: VINO/File
Governor of the Virgin Islands, John S. Duncan OBE had embarrassed the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration by saying they were ‘reckless in spending and has no priority.’ Photo: VINO/File
Governor of the Virgin Islands, John S. Duncan OBE had embarrassed the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration by saying they were ‘reckless in spending and has no priority.’ Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With approximately $50M overspent on the Cruise Pier Project, $7.2M given to a defunct airline for direct flights and some $1.6M on a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School, to name a few controversial spendings, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) is maintaining that the National Democratic Party (NDP) has been strategic and frugal with tax payers money.

Delivering a live ‘Mid-term Report' this evening, July 10, 2017, on local radio and television, Premier Smith claimed that the objective of the NDP is to “use the people’s resources wisely and strategically, to invest in the future and to build strong foundation for prosperity to benefit our children and their children.”

According to him, his Government pledged not to waste tax dollars but rather to put them to work for the people.

“We see the results in the strong state of our Government’s finances,” Premier Smith stated, adding that this year the VI will achieve an important milestone by fulfilling its commitments under the Protocol for Effective Financial Management which it entered into with the United Kingdom in 2012.

“Under that agreement we committed that our Reserved Fund will be equal to 25% of our recurring expenditures and this year we will hit that mark with over $60M in our Reserved Fund, there to meet the needs of our people on a proverbial rainy day.”

Governor paints different picture

It should be noted that Governor John S. Duncan OBE has stated both publicly and privately that the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government has not managed the Territory's finances wisely as they now claim.

He had previously insulted the Dr Smith Administration by saying that they were “reckless in spending and has no priority.”

Governor Duncan later imposed direct rule via sec 103(b) of the VI Constitution by stripping the Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) and the House of Assembly of their power to determine how monies are spent.

He ordered the Financial Secretary and Accountant General to take over $1.8M out of the Consolidated Fund and provide monies for the police, courts and hiring a few British QCs.

Gov’t not broke

The Minister of Finance, who has been criticised in that role by his own party supporters and told to give that portfolio to Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), said the VI achieved a good financial standing in the face of a difficult 2016 when the Government’s revenues took a hit due to the global attacks on the global financial industry.

According to him, the future outlook of the VI is bright.

“Despite what some have falsely claimed, Government is not broke. Government’s finances are sound as any in the world.”

He further claimed that Public Debt currently stands at 19% of GDP.

Mistakes have been made

During its first term in office (2003-2007) the NDP was heavily criticised for not communicating to the people and being transparent in their actions.

Now serving a second consecutive term after being re-elected to office in 2011 and winning a snap election it called in 2015, the party continues to be criticised for not levelling with the people, especially on major projects.

Further, the Members of the Opposition have lamented the party’s unwillingness to answer questions in the House of Assembly or giving accurate information whenever they decide to respond to a question.

Premier Smith has admitted that a communication problem exists, and just like the party did after its defeat at the polls in 2007, promised to fix it.

“As in the case of all human endeavours, mistakes have been made. In particular we have not done enough to communicate at all times to the people of the Territory about our efforts and that is something will be fixed with more regular updates and communications.”

It remains to be seen if Premier Smith can now be trusted as a man of his words.

28 Responses to “‘Gov’t’s finances are sound as any in the world’- Dr Smith”

  • foy (10/07/2017, 21:50) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Be very, very careful with these new LIES
  • so tell me (10/07/2017, 21:54) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Shame on you Premier - may you be voted out of office, may you be without anymore opportunities to tell tails out of school.

  • Raaaatid (10/07/2017, 21:55) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply

    Th**f1ng scumdrell ah go dry di well!

    • Leave it to Beaver (10/07/2017, 22:12) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
      JUST GIVE THE DAMM PORFILIO TO RONNIE FROM HERE TELLING LIES
  • Scary Mary (10/07/2017, 22:00) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The BVI people have too much personally at stake to look at the shiny, smelly object which is the NDP brand now disastrous in stumbles.
  • ... (10/07/2017, 22:04) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need to shame the backbenches out of their silence on this matter too of the pain and suffering on the ground.

  • trrefdrfds (10/07/2017, 22:09) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    As the Smith Government sink deeper into the swamp of their own making, No Drama Andrew Fahie is looking pretty good in comparison to the steady stream of corruption and double dealing that will sink this current administration.

    Thanks Governor for telling us the truth! the real deal
  • not broke really? (10/07/2017, 22:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow.
  • james (10/07/2017, 22:18) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr. Smith and his new high price publicist are spinning so hard it's making me dizzy.
    • lord o. (11/07/2017, 05:04) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Doc if you just admit that you have made some mistakes, some very bad decisions. Apologize to the people. Swear to be more careful, more responsible and better Stuart of the people's money..and to engage the Masses in government Decisions with major project
      .The people will forgive you. The people love you, they hate your naivety and lies...Just come clean...
  • Welsah (10/07/2017, 22:19) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    When this is all over, can we reset after the next snap elections and start pretending this was all a bad dream?
  • vip (10/07/2017, 22:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So Lavity Stoutt was wrong it's the BVI that will be left on the ash heap of history.
  • WTF- Breaking news (10/07/2017, 22:23) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    This just in; The BVI is no longer Broke and the NDP has properly manage our money
  • Ummmm (10/07/2017, 22:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    and why aren't I paid??????
    • Jacperlance (11/07/2017, 07:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was wondering the same thing. The BVI is not broke, we are in a good financial position, $60 mil in reserve, yet people cannot be paid, government struggling to pay monthly salaries, schools in need of basic supplies and the list goes on. But here is the premier trying to paint a good picture. Show us the records premier then we will take you at your words
  • limit (10/07/2017, 22:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    boy o boy even da whales stop coming here , they probably here bout sea taxes
  • Gitano Jr. (11/07/2017, 03:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man tripping.at least a jelly fish will sting you.
  • Street reporter (11/07/2017, 04:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    When your own supporters, your people, the people who love you have nothing good to say about you...What more one can say to convince you that you are bad...
  • Political Observer (PO) (11/07/2017, 04:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Hon Premier Daniel Orlando Smith, MoF, is highly optimistic on the state of the territory. However, no amount spinning at the 30,000' level can change the reality at 30' ground level. The Premier's assertion does not match the reality on the ground. What is the 'lil man' on the street feeling and experiencing? What is the reality on the ground? Is quality of life and standard of living trending upwards? Is cost of living stable and trending downwards? Is violent and property crimes on the decline?

    Premier Smith claimed that the objective of the NDP is to “use the people’s resources wisely and strategically, to invest in the future and to build strong foundation for prosperity to benefit our children and their children.” Can the masses really say that government actions met this assertion? Does the BVI Airways, Tortola Pier Park.......etc pass the duck test? “Despite what some have falsely claimed, Government is not broke. Government’s finances are sound as any in the world. What does masses say?

    "............... Governor John S. Duncan OBE has stated both publicly and privately that the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government has not managed the Territory's finances wisely as they now claim." Who is telling the truth, Guv or Premier? Was the Guv use of Sec 103 (b) of the constitution though an embarrassment to the government an over reach? Was it a precursor ( direct rule) to a looming action? Was it a reminder of colonialism or imperialism?

    Moreover, is the Premier spinning like a top or exerting strong leadership? What is strong leadership? Strong leadership is facing and embracing the reality on the ground and standing tall and accepting responsibility and accountability, i.e., the late former US President John F. Kennedy and Bay of Pigs failure. Is the Premier standing tall with his state of territory message?



  • Dat so? (11/07/2017, 08:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    As any in the world? Without audited statements since the last election? With every public works project over bid and past deadline? Dr. Smith might as well tell us he knows where the pirate treasure is.
  • bvi (11/07/2017, 10:16) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man take us for fools
  • Myron & Ronnie (11/07/2017, 11:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    he better step down before he gets pushed out
  • today (11/07/2017, 14:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If finances are sound then why not pay the outstanding bills .
  • wet (11/07/2017, 22:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can accept a "rookie mistake". What I cannot accept is after 6 years still making the same mistakes!!!
  • Tadow (12/07/2017, 07:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Premier Smith, YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME, YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME BUT YOU CAN'T FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME. YOUR GOVERNMENT IS INCOMPETANT .
  • W*F (14/07/2017, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Orlando is DELUSIONAL.
  • Stppps (14/07/2017, 20:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this man an idiot or what .


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