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'Treasury not frozen!' - Premier Smith assures

- Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA not convinced
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has denied that the Treasury of the Virgin Islands government has been frozen. However Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA is not convinced. Photo: VINO/File
It is believed there is some fiscal restrictions placed on the Treasury lately and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) believes that was the case despite the Premier giving assurance to the contrary. Photo: VINO/File
It is believed there is some fiscal restrictions placed on the Treasury lately and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) believes that was the case despite the Premier giving assurance to the contrary. Photo: VINO/File
It is not clear whether the Treasury Department currently operating without a ‘head’ has anything to do with the reports of the treasury being frozen. Government is yet to name someone to the position of Accountant General left vacant by Dr Sandra M. Besson who tendered her resignation on December 2, 2014. Photo: VINO/File
It is not clear whether the Treasury Department currently operating without a ‘head’ has anything to do with the reports of the treasury being frozen. Government is yet to name someone to the position of Accountant General left vacant by Dr Sandra M. Besson who tendered her resignation on December 2, 2014. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith has denied that the Treasury of the Virgin Islands government has been frozen.

This he did while speaking at a press conference held in his conference room at the Government Administration Complex on Thursday October 8, 2015.

"No," was his response when questioned on the issue by this news site during his press conference.

Once the Treasury is frozen it means that no public spending can take place. In some cases, the restriction can be in certain areas, say defence spending.

However, it is believed that there was some fiscal restrictions placed on the Treasury lately and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) believes that was the case despite the Premier giving assurance to the contrary.

"The Treasury has been on lockdown for the better part of a month," said Honourable Fraser when approached by this news site on the issue.

It is unclear whether or not Premier Smith presented an accurate picture on the state of the Treasury as persons are convinced of the opposite of what he put forward.

Many sources within Government have informed this news site that the treasury is on lockdown. "They can't do any purchasing right now," on source said.

It is not clear whether the Treasury Department currently operating without a ‘head’ has anything to do with the reports of the treasury being frozen.

Government is yet to name someone to the position of Accountant General left vacant by Dr Sandra M. Besson who tendered her resignation on December 2, 2014.

Dr Besson left her post on July 31, 2015, according to Government Human Resources insiders.

15 Responses to “'Treasury not frozen!' - Premier Smith assures”

  • wize up (12/10/2015, 08:52) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    great to see the member asking about the treasury because a number of us needs to get paid for sometime now!!
  • just asking... (12/10/2015, 08:53) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    you expect hi to tell the truth?
  • Yes (12/10/2015, 09:02) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    I'm still waiting to see where this $90 million in cash reserves that the NDP bragged about before elections. Where is it?
  • Well meh boy (12/10/2015, 09:29) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    His head is stuck too far in the sand.
  • it is not frozen (12/10/2015, 09:31) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    IT IS EMPTY!
  • it is not frozen (12/10/2015, 09:31) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    IT IS EMPTY!
  • ain't frozen (12/10/2015, 09:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    It dry!
  • The Auditor (12/10/2015, 10:35) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    The last time I inspected the books, there was a residue left in the Treasury. One can only conclude that POW doesn't want the Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries to have access to vital information concerning the cash flow less the media gets access to the state of affairs. This is Government in the sun shine for you.
    • Help (12/10/2015, 14:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      POW need to go home he is to damn//// we will never get the truth about the treasury the cronies are hiding for them.
    • east (12/10/2015, 21:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You DAM right POW thinks Gov belongs to him, he told treasury anyone call for money tell them contact he. He got something coming only time will tell. Allen use to think he was King of all Kings where is he today. Leave POW MAN LEAVE HE Time longer than twine
  • help governor help (12/10/2015, 12:07) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    England need to send in an accounting team to check our books properly and thoroughly.
  • online noow (13/10/2015, 11:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    they raid the treasry to buy the election its must be dry NDP must go
    • cay (13/10/2015, 23:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It took quite a bit of suffering for most over the pass 4 years before everyone wanted to settle.


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