NDP has run the VI broke! From $51M under VIP to $6M under NDP!
Following the 2011 General elections that saw the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government defeat the then Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Administration of former Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, the incoming Premier Dr Smith took to the airwaves claiming that the VIP had left the country broke.
It turned out to be a lie as when questioned by the Opposition VIP, Dr Smith now serving as the Minister of Finance admitted that the Consolidated Fund that he met or inherited from the previous government was some 51 million dollars.
The information came out after a question posed in 2012 by now Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA, (R3).
Yesterday February 4, 2016, following a question posed this time by senior Opposition Member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in the House of Assembly (HoA) it was announced that four years later under the NDP there is a mere $6 million left in the Consolidated Fund.
What is the Consolidated Fund?
The Government Consolidated Fund is where all government revenue goes to. It’s the operations account of Government. All expenditures are paid via this fund, including projects, salaries, pensions, government operations, and compensation awarded to residents by the court.
From the consolidated funds, other accounts are created such as the Loan, Development, Emergency, Reserve and Pension Funds. Most often a separate fund is also created from the Consolidated Fund for capital projects.
In November 2013, in response to another question from Hon Fraser, Premier Smith reported that the Consolidated Fund was at $11 Million under his administration. He claimed that it was eaten up from outstanding bills left unpaid by the previous administration.
In May 2014, again to a question from Hon Fraser, he reported that the Consolidated Fund had increased to $46M.
Just before the 2015 elections, Premier Smith boasted to the people that he had $90.4M in the bank. However, after the elections he flip-flopped claiming he did not remember saying that. Our newsroom played the tape on his campaign speech to the public confirming that he did indeed say that.
Facts NDP bankrupt country
Following on from the Premier’s answer in the HoA of February 4, 2016, when it is taken into account that outstanding monies owed by Government is $13,196, 195.41 with some $11, 487, 610.46 against the Consolidated Fund, it is crystal clear according to the Premier’s information that the country is running on deficit spending and is on the verge on financial collapse.
In addition, when the daily recurrent expenses and Advance Warrants are added in it is obvious the NDP has bankrupted the Virgin Islands, according to the Minister of Finance’s information.
It’s also important to note that the Premier told the people that of December 15, 2015 the Virgin Islands public debt is a whopping $141.12 million dollars.
Last week, the Financial Secretary Mr Neil M. Smith warned Ministers of Government via a media report to follow the financial rules or else it would result in the country being bankrupt.
It is now unclear what Premier Smith will tell the people in his Budget address of 2016 when he delivers it on Monday February 8, 2016 from Parliament.
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54 Responses to “NDP has run the VI broke! From $51M under VIP to $6M under NDP!”
Lies upon lies ...there is so much inconsistent information and spin they putting out to the public.
But when they are questioned on the inconsistencies, they have the heart to victimize and disrepect those who are rightfully seeking answers to reasonable questions.
Still another 3 years more to go with this foolishness...and why the Financial Secretary still has a job is beyond me. The last Financial Secretary got arrested and sent to jail for much much less. Talk about unfair. Clearly, the FS is in bed with these fellows...cronyism in its finest form.
Heavenly father, help us. Save us from this lawless bunch. People rise up...we have enough time to put together a good list of solid candidates for the next election. The time is now while these politicians are still playing the fool.
However, I am seriously concern with the kind of statements being made by a particular Minister in the House of Assembly last evening (Feb. 4th)- “On being negative about the Pier Project.” There is one thing to be negative and something and the other- “Thinking Critically.” Show us some proof of such grave mistakes and “supposed errors” being made on any major project anywhere in a developed country in the 21st century, without some level of accountability, legal and/or court actions. This entire project was cloaked in lies and deception from the beginning, and that is why it has not turned out well. This is the 21st Century; people are more educated and aware of their surroundings and what is happening around the world. Stop presenting weak explanations. We will all eventually discover the truth because our people do not intend to accept any “foolishness” from our elected officials anymore.
Every Minister representing the peoples’ interests must be held accountable for any and all unscrupulous actions being undertaken on our behalf. “Enough is Enough!”
For too long our elected officials have been working for the interest of the few, and possibly themselves. Commingling the people interests with their private interests and others without recourse. If this continues, what do you think will happen eventually if not addressed. Our country will end up with two classes of people. The small group of Aristocrats by default (ruling class) who has obtained most of their wealth through unfair business practices, (in the stock market it is called, “insiders trading”), and undisclosed conflict of interests. Thus allowing an atmosphere for unfair competitive advantages for the rest of the players in the market as well as new entrants to the market, which is, and has been, supported by our Governments of old and new. Democracy you say, or some form of Dictatorship! Then, there would be the rest of the people who have to work in their businesses for low wages, and in some cases- under duress,-or in their homes as maids, nannies, and gardeners, etc. A splendid Utopia for the small group of embolden, self-serving Aristocrats by default who run the country, publicly and privately.
Have anyone ever asked, “Why are so many of our people abandoning their homeland? And it has nothing to do with money.”
The alienation of our people is intentional; it is less threatening to bring in people to work who are deemed easier to handle. Our people who are aware and wish not to participate in these “cult-liked” practices pose a threat to the status quo because we will not put up with such tactics and such disrespect; and once forced, we will defend ourselves. “The Blood of Our Ancestors Run through Our Veins! One should never forget: Let us not forget the minister who rug was being yanked from under him by the new management of a particular Charter and Hospitality company- and was saved by the people, and the other whose business was on the brink of bankruptcy and was also saved by the people. Remember their publicly expressed Outcries! How soon do we forget?
Diversity of Cultures in any developing or developed country is important for the pooling of perspectives and ideas in which to grow the economy, as well as for a deeper appreciation and enrichment for life as human beings (one cannot survive in a bubble, for all would not sooner suffocate). But when it has become so disproportionately disadvantaged, as a consequence of our people leaving for reasons we all know are occurring, and their birthrights becoming endangered by the dominant culture- We Must Change Course, or else everything that has been held Dear and Sacred, that has made us a People (culture, traditions, customs, values, standards, etc)- everything our ancestors fought and stood for- will be destroyed and replaced by the dictates of the dominant culture. So much is being lost already. Hence, our country is not the first and will not be the last if we do not adapt and embrace new paradigms, shift the course, turn a different direction, and embrace the path of truth, transparency and accountability.
Today we have a missing young lady, missing now for over a week in an island that is just 28 square miles, and still has not been found- Care for Our People- Whatever we can do to help find this young lady and bring her back home to her family- Please Help! Gunshots being echoed in our main streets of Roadtown- Robberies everywhere- Bad elements running drugs all over the Virgin Islands’ waters- Government officials who are not accountable to the people: lack of transparency and accountability by our public representatives for their actions, etc.
There is a price to pay for economic growth- yes, but the vision and its tone that is shared and agreed upon by the people and the entire country-is communicated by its Leaders (verbally and nonverbally, and through modeling what is expected by example). Is this the direction we are all in agreement with? There are some who think not.
“You Can Trust and Believe,” no one will be insolated from this culture of dysfunction that has been allowed to engulfed and has now permeated our countries. “It Starts from the Top-Down.”
Now- where do we go from here?
We need to “Stop” observing the tree (immediate windfall of opportunity and instance gratification) and what the few can harvest/garner from it. Take a few “Steps Back” and observe what the Forest has for us ALL and Our Generations to Come. Let’s Leave A Legacy That We All Can Be Proud Of.
The World is changing. People are becoming more aware. The practices of the old have to change as well. Today is the Day for “Authentic Leadership” with “Uncompromising Ethical Values.” Some people do not appreciate being deceived by the people we have elected to represent us. And Yes! I Do Vote.
We need to adapt and embrace “Learning and Effectiveness Paradigms.” Our people need to appreciate and embrace a heterogeneous “ethno-relative” culture without alienating our most sacred values. And we need to get away from the old/antiquated xenophobic/ethnocentric paradigm. Moreover, it has to be “Balanced” proportionately” to produce harmony, understanding, cooperation, and a deeper love for each other and others. It is very difficult for our people to comeback home to a hostile environment infected with such myopic mentalities and behaviours.
In the Marketplace, we need to adapt and embrace “Fair Business Practices” and get away from the archaic discriminatory-and-unfairness practices, as well as the access-and-legitimacy practices that have been the dominant behaviours of the day. The Markets are exponentially becoming more Global. Let us make sure we are truly ready for the impact. It’s cannot be, anymore- the Virgin Islands- and the rest of them.
Take Heed! What we do not accept today- May Become “Our Reality” Tomorrow. WE MUST CHANGE COURSE WHILE WE CAN!
Wow!!
Mark TT Monster best Omar entire career in one project
Captain, this ship is sinking
Captain, these seas are rough [oh yes]
We gas tank almost empty
No electricity, we oil pressure reading low
Shall we abandon ship?
Or shall we stay on it, and perish slow?
We don't know, we don't know
Captain you tell we what to do." [Woh woh]