Small parts of Economic Response Plan already in motion- Premier Fahie
Intentional approach
This phased approach is an intentional one by the Andrew A. Fahie (R1)-led Government since “no one has the playbook” on recovering economically from COVID-19 and it is keen not to make the mistakes of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government following the devastating hurricanes of September 2017.
“Already, we have been announcing and executing part of the Economic response recovery, which is phase one. We will now share phase two on May 28 which focuses on businesses and much local spending and savings,” Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) disclosed in a statement today, May 18, 2020.
Phase One
He said Phase one of the economic response plan is focused on equipping students and teachers who are in need of equipment to be functional in online learning, which has now become the “new regular”.
Cabinet recently announced it has decided that Infinite Solutions be awarded a contract for the supply of 500 laptops in the amount of $138,800 to facilitate online education.
Additionally, Government has waived the stamp duty on the sale or transfer of property to Belongers.
“We recognise the need to ease some of the financial burden of those of our people who would be in a position to purchase property during this COVID-19 era in a manner that encourages the properties to remain in local hands.”
A Fishing and Farmers stimulus of $2M has also been approved by Cabinet.
“We have the free water and free water delivery to Water and Sewerage Customers who have interruption in services from the Government's water distribution systems until June 1;
“We have the House to House Garbage Collection and recycling initiative, valuing about $800,000,” Premier Fahie listed.
No ‘Band-Aid, quick-fix solution’
He said those decisions have been made in the best interest of the people, and Government will continue to do so, including in a carefully calculated manner, despite a handful of critics wanting to see a full-fledged plan and more haste exercised.
“I am not going to let anyone rush this Government into a Band-Aid, quick-fix solution,” Premier Fahie has responded to those critics, adding that “We have to learn from the mistakes of the previous Government in 2017 following the hurricanes, so that history does not repeat itself and we DO NOT compromise the future advancement of our people and this Territory.
“So I am not worried about those who are saying bring a plan now! The point is, as you can see, small parts of the plan are already in motion, and even though we have the financial protocols to contend with, we are pushing forward for the people.”
The Protocols for Effective Financial Management remains a stumbling block for the Virgin Islands as it seeks to recover and develop since the hurricanes of 2017. The United Kingdom, while refusing to provide financial support to its Overseas Territory, has also refused to budge on the protocols, which affects the Virgin Islands borrowing capabilities.
This has also effectively prevented Government from rolling out a full-fledged plan, a plan that would end up meaning nothing if there is no money to put it into action.
Premier Fahie has reiterated that he is not going to put this Territory and its people in a compromising position “where we roll out a red carpet and then find ourselves in a position that we cannot get out of, where others would now be policing us,” but rather Government will remain laser-focused and steadfast in purpose and diligent in action.
“We will get through this together.”
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22 Responses to “Small parts of Economic Response Plan already in motion- Premier Fahie”
My employees are leaving the island and even when/if we reopen we will not be able to handle to volume as we do not have any staff.
Don't waste no more time going college.