According to Mark Vanterpool health workers may be paid late.

Deputy Premier Dancia Penn had made the announcement at her October 10 campaign launch.

This is according to Leader of the Opposition Dr. D. Orlando Smith, who was speaking at a National Democratic Party (NDP) tent rally last evening October 13, 2011 in Baughers Bay, where he pointed out that after 34 years of fiscal freedom, the Territory is at a risk of losing that, which is not right.

“The VIP Administration has now caused us to submit [our budget] to the UK Government due to their mismanagement and wasteful spending up to this day, and now ladies and gentlemen they want to represent us at London. Are we sending the VIP to the United Kingdom to simply take a slap on the wrist and do as they are told? A NDP Government will remind the UK of our fiscal responsibility between 2003 and 2007. We left a healthy surplus in the treasury,” Dr. Smith charged.

The suggestion of sending the Territory’s budget to the UK was recently confirmed on October 10 in Parham Town, when 8th district representative Dancia Penn, QC disclosed that the UK Government has proposed that the VI submit its budget two months before it is passed by the House of Assembly.

“Isn’t that something the Premier or the Governor should have told the people? Is that the kind of regard that they have for the people of this Territory? That is wrong!” he declared.

Dr. Smith further stated that the same Government that “got us in this situation wants to represent us in London. I simply could not believe my ears. Can we really think of giving them that responsibility? No we cannot”.

Meanwhile, 4th district candidate Mark Vanterpool opined that Hon. Penn’s “tongue slipped. That [statement] was supposed to come out after election because they knew about it since July. They had the letter since July”.

According to Dr. Smith, he understands that the VIP Government is signing multimillion dollar contracts fast and furious over the last few months leading up to the general elections.

“Not only is this irresponsible to commit another Government to this level of expenditure, but where is this money suddenly coming from?” he asked supporters.

The party leader recalled that he recently asked the Premier and Finance Minister how much contractors were owed and was notified that the figure stood at $27M.

“For months our contractors have been suffering, and I ask again where is this money suddenly coming from? Is it the Caribbean Development Bank loan promised which has been held up in the United Kingdom?”

To this end, he warned contractors to make sure the VIP does not leave them holding the bag.

It was hinted by Vanterpool and At Large Candidate Ronnie Skelton at last evening’s meeting that salaries for health workers will be late again this month.

The 4th district candidate stated something is going on with the finances of the VI, because “the people who are taking care of our health ain’t getting paid”.

He read from a memo that was allegedly issued by the Financial Comptroller of the BVI Health Services Authority to staff regarding the late payment of the October 15 salaries.

According to Mr. Vanterpool, the memo stated, “I do not like to be the bearer of bad news. However, payroll will again be late this pay period. It is due to situation beyond the control of the Finance Department. We are doing all in our powers to speed the process and will bring word to you if there is a change in the situation.”

The 4th district candidate added that he doesn’t think Dr. Smith ever sent out a memo like that before and he does not think he will send out any in the future.