HoA repeals 'offending sections' of controversial 'Greedy Bill'


The bill was referred to as the 'Greedy Bill' as it granted lawmakers questionable lump sum payments, gratuity, and guaranteed salaries for an extended period, leading to widespread public criticism.
At the Continuation of the Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) called on legislators to not return to the rhetorics of the 2023 campaign trail in the VI, as he called for the full support of those in the HoA towards repealing amendments to the Act.
“The reality is the amendments made during the last House of Assembly were excessive. And I went on the public record and apologised.... Madam Speaker, I apologise for supporting that bill, those amendments,” he added while noting that a promise was made to the people of the VI.
“What we have done here, Madam Speaker, is we have repealed those sections of the bill which were problematic. These are the sections of the bill where depending on your tenure or service, you get additional salaries,” he noted.
The Premier went on to detail some of the additional sections of the bill which he considered excessive.
Eligible members given the opportunity to forgo benefits – Primer
“Madam Speaker, it was excessive and so we have repealed those sections. And, Madam Speaker, we have given everyone the Members of the House who are eligible, the opportunity to forgo those benefits which became eligible for, the last House and now this House,” he went on to say.
The Premier added, “And Madeam speak I know it will come up, so I’ll just say here… It's important that you do not take away the rights that you have given. From a legal standpoint, that is problematic. So what we have done here is provide individuals with the option of forgoing”
Dr Wheatley said he has already pledged to forgo certain benefits and will be satisfied with just receiving a lump sum payment under the Act.
More details to follow.




18 Responses to “HoA repeals 'offending sections' of controversial 'Greedy Bill'”
He promised pre election to repeal the greedy bill NOT parts of it and not to amend it.
Poor us.