VI has 'healthy reserves’ & SSB Fund ‘is very robust’- Gov Jaspert
Governor Jaspert noted too that the United Kingdom is also facing its own challenges due to the impact of the pandemic.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement to the Territory on Saturday, March 28, 2020, had said Government was trusting that the Governor is able to assist the Territory with accessing these funds to match what the VI was making available to its unemployed population as a result of COVID-19.
Cabinet asked to show plans to help people
According to Governor Japsert, in a statement on March 30, 2020, he agrees with the Premier on the importance of protecting the best interests of the individuals and businesses of the Territory, many of whom he said are facing, and will continue to face, significant financial hardship.
He added that countries and Territories around the world are assessing their own public finances and making arrangements to support their people and he believes that as a Cabinet, it also needs to consider what urgent measures it can take here.
“To this end, I have asked Cabinet to set out, as a matter of priority, its plans to ensure that individuals and businesses receive the support they need, both immediate and longer term. I am pleased that this work is actively underway. I am also pleased that the Government has also begun to address the current expenditure and is looking to address internal financing arrangements.”
‘BVI is proudly self-sufficient’- Gov Jaspert
Governor Jaspert also said the VI needs to recognise it is starting from a strong position.
“We have healthy reserves and the Social Security Board Fund is very robust. Citizens are cooperating well with the current ‘lockdown’ – one of the measures our Government has taken in an effort to slow the spread of the virus in the Territory.”
It should be noted that the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) Government in particular, has in the past accessed money from the Social Security Board (SSB) Fund for projets.
Mr Jaspert continued that Cabinet is currently doing an urgent assessment of public finances and putting together plans on new measures, including what assistance will be available to individuals and business.
“The impact of this pandemic may change in the future, but I recognise that it is important that people and businesses are given some initial reassurance from our Government on how they are supported in the face of economic hardships. I am encouraged that like the other Overseas Territories, the BVI Government is developing its own plans to respond to those in need and I am looking forward to hearing these necessary developments in Cabinet. I know, like sister Territories, BVI is proudly self-sufficient, and will be considering every resource to support our people.”
The Governor said; however, he would like to emphasise that the UK stands with the people of the Virgin Islands and has already offered its support to this Territory.
“Since the outbreak of the virus, experts from the UK’s public health organisation have provided remote support to BVI via regular teleconferences to discuss disease management techniques and medical equipment.
“Later this week, I expect the first batch of testing kits (480 tests) to arrive in the Territory - more than doubling our current testing capacity. This will be the first of many packages of equipment from the UK. Whilst the UK and indeed the whole world struggles with accessing necessary medical supplies, I, as Governor, will continue to lobby for more on behalf of the people of the British Virgin Islands.”
UK needs to see VI plans first
The Governor added that Premiers and Governors from across the Overseas Territories are speaking to the UK Government about their needs on an ongoing basis and the UK Government made a formal request for detailed information from all Overseas Territories on March 17, 2020 and the UK Government is now expecting the VI Government to set out its overall plans for minimising the economic impact of COVID-19.
“As fiscal management and social security are responsibilities of the BVI Government, the UK Government needs to consider the request made on Friday in the context of our own BVI Government plans.”
UK has its own problems
Governor Jaspert said it was also important to acknowledge that COVID-19 is a global challenge and the UK has not been spared.
He said as of Monday morning, March 30, 2020, more than 1,400 people had died in the UK.
“But, despite the immense challenges, I am pleased that the UK remains committed to supporting its Overseas Territories in ways that it can.”
The Governor said over the coming days and weeks, he hopes to work with his colleagues in Government on the robust plan “for that will support all the people of the British Virgin Islands.
“As always, my priority is your safety and security.”
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31 Responses to “VI has 'healthy reserves’ & SSB Fund ‘is very robust’- Gov Jaspert”
Thank God for Fahie a wise man for this trying time
You UK fellows are not going to leave us on a dry donkey island & reap the rewards without being responsible for your actions.
The sun never sets on the British Empire especially when it comes to maintaining their colonies. This is not a world where they can go out and claim new land especially in the Americas as they did in the past.
I do not support bashing the governor AND you have to understand the UK still benefits from this relationship, in addition to their being a population of originally British residents who also will benefit from the VI being economically stable and safe.
"And why should the tax payers of the UK foot the bill?"
As Bob Marley said if you know you history you wouldnt have to ask me
15m $ gone into health department what is being used with that whole 15,000,000
In essence,UK in sufferation too, and you are not yet barefoot, besides you are responsible for your fiscal matters and rejected previous generous financial offers of a guaranteed lowcost loan. You want no cost. Reminder, you.are responsible for your fiscal matters and me,I am here only for your safety and security. Uk owes you no more but here are some test kits(we need those so good thing) and if we find some masks be on the look out..
Let whoever wants to grow do it in peace and whoever wants to come sample from abroad after this pandemic let them come. Watch as poverty dissipates. When the poor IN the VI are no longer poor AND involved in farming then we all will have a better society.
It is a problem that will not go away through continued failed policies stemming from American society.
Dont include America in the export list until it is federally legal.
5% of profit to the farmers ha ha ha funny coming from the government that was locking people up over a plant that black people knew of from Africa. Make it 50%
Now they realize its medical. Took a while. Took all their credibility.
Let us visit the Arawak community and ask them what they think of these matters. Oh wait they are dead. DEAD because the European-slavery system was extremely harsh on them.
There are some people that need a history lesson. Because they come online as talk oh what did you VI-landers ever do for the UK tax payers. UM? Our ancestors gave their lives, their labor, the dignity of their women, and their freedom.
Slavery aside the UK as a 'mother country' is an asset, we however need to be able to think for ourselves. Realize their agenda, work around it, and with all due respect to all parties, government stop trying to be white. The last set tried hard. Appreciate our cultural differences in the region of authentic Rastafarianism & Afro-consciousness.
Religious freedom is for a few not for all. Rasta cant light a joint without persecution and we used to have a ban on them from entering the country based on their hairstyle.
Christian society we claim to be but Genesis 1:29 doesn't count. Who are we trying to impress by scorning these things god or man?
Its the cool kids clique in high school. In the end it doesn't matter and makes you miss your potential as you are not true to yourself or in this case your people.
Andrew went recently added 2,000 more to be eligible for whatever lil bit the VI can give so the soup will be really watered down.