VG Hospital is in Johnson’s Ghut – PPA charges
PPA At Large candidate Shaina M. Smith believes there should be no more borrowing until the Territory's finances are in order. Also in picture is PPA At Large Candidate Elton Callwood. Photo: VINO
LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI – The People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) says if access to health services is a priority for every Virgin Islander then the facilities would have already been in place because money is obviously not the problem but noted that the problem was about mixed up priorities.
Speaking at the Stickett in Long Look on Saturday evening October 29, 2011, PPA At Large candidate Shaina M. Smith said the Virgin Islands economy has not grown in the last three years, but yet leaders seemed to be more concerned with “putting concrete in the ground or giving foreign investors’ concessions while the quality of life for Virgin Islanders slides off daily”.
“Our priorities are all mixed up and we need to get them straight. Quick example: If you think about it, VG’s Hospital is in Johnson’s Ghut to a tune of more than $6M. Why? Because of mixed up priorities. If access to health services is a priority for every Virgin Islander then the facilities would have already been in place because money is obviously not the problem.”
Ms. Smith said the PPA has a vision for the Virgin Islands where the economy is diversified through eco-friendly development and Virgin Islanders are in the driver’s seat of that development and enjoy a high quality of life. She said the first thing that needs to be done is to implement financial management reform in the public service. “It is critical that we reduce the wastage of money in order to have funds to spend on what is important. Administrations have spent billions in the last decade and my question to us is where are the billions in results for us the taxpayers? We work too hard to have our tax dollars spent on frivolous projects that only benefit a few.”
Some $6M has been spent on Johnson's Ghut. Photo: VINO
According to Smith, Government’s procurement system also needs an overhaul especially the tendering process to ensure there is fairness and transparency in the awarding of contracts.
No borrowing until financial house in order
Noting the need to increase government revenue, Ms. Smith said this needed to be done by reviewing existing fee and tax schemes and introducing new revenue streams. “One idea would be to introduce government bonds. These funds could be used to build medical facilities or school facilities on all islands. Borrowing should only be done when necessary. We are already over $150M in public debt, and we advocate that there should be no more borrowing until we get our financial house in order.”
According to Smith, the issue of borrowing and unnecessary spending needed to be checked as the consequences would be a step backward where the Territory could find itself on budgetary aid after over 40 years of being self-sufficient. “That is not the positive direction that the country needs to be moving in. Sound fiscal policy for both central government and statutory bodies are needed to prevent this to rein in the wanton spending. Statutory bodies need to become self-sufficient so that central government can invest in capital development.”
Ms. Smith also said she was not of the opinion that the United Kingdowm needs to “come in and take over because things are so bad”. “Here is what I say to that: our forefathers had the ingenuity and innovative ideas to bring this country to the point where it is, and we as their successors need to continue their legacy through a new vision and not disappoint them.”
12 Responses to “VG Hospital is in Johnson’s Ghut – PPA charges”
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why these perfect pack of a$$$es (PPA) picking on my government? these headless chickens better don’t let me turn on them
PPPPPEOOPLE WHEN THE YOUTH IN DUGS KILLING AND CRIME WE DOWN THEM .NOW WE HAVE SOME HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ,WE HAVE TO ENDOSE THEM’ PEOPLE LET WE DO THIS THING’ YOUR DISTRICT MINISTER ,THEM PPA ALL THE WAY. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THESE BEAUTIFUL BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
PPA you guys make ALOT of Sense, VIP’s priorities have been mixed up FOREVER!!, Wish you guys had more in the Party.
Shaina is absolutely correct!! That project will cost over $10mil and still won’t stop the flooding!! Purcell NEVER flooded that bad until Omar and his brother in law (contractor/manager) tampered with it. Between Purcell Ghut and Green house it’s almost $20million dollars which we have seen ABSOLUTELY NOOOOO BENEFITS!!!!!! And now everybody blaming stalled projects on the measly $15mil that’s held up with CDB. NONSENSE!!! OH, and who could forget the tents and million dollar fence being errected at the High School!!!!
Purcell will never be a priority?!!!!!!!
As a Purcell Resident I find difficulty in understanding why is it always a problem when someone tries to do anything to upgrade the Purcell area. We are not just animals in there but contrary to what most believe we are people too. Its ok for every district to get something good but whenever it Purcell there is always a big stinge.You talk about the Ghutt which is an attempt to alleviate the flooding while at the same time improve the road structure in that area, you talk about the community center , you talk about Johnson’s Ghutt road, you talk about every damn thing that goes on in purcell.Now Shaina and the rest of purcell haters , why don’t you tell the truth.Is it because that the purcell area is one that is populated with island people as you people say? I am not for or against any political party but if it was’nt for the present representative that we have now only god knows what Purcell would look like.
tell dem shaina…its ah pity you will not make the grade
Shana sweetheart news flash for you and your team especially Khoy. Money is a problem we are in a world recession and unless we get some more foreign income along with offshore finance we will be in trouble. Money dont just fall out from thin air you guys are not ready you are living in a false world. Very false. You all cant even articulate what you want to say much-less lead.
The stupid spending has to stop. nothinh from nothinh leaves nothing and the govt is doing nothing. change must come. P crumble ur playing all sides in this just like the common opportunist but time will tell. Hope you have a lot of toilet paper after the 7th. In fact you probably won’t need it because constipated persons like you don’t give a Shyte.
Good Look Sha
Shaina you make a lot of sense
I go back you my love all the way. This time i voting for principle
to purcell resident you know ur talking jokes. why is purcell flooding worst and worst everytime we have heavy down pours?/ I live purcel too. Ms. Smith is right about what she is saying. maybe you ge them white envelope hand outs and satisfied with the ill rep.