Bryan Pushes for Line of Credit Extension, Confronts Financial Management Criticism
At Monday’s press conference, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. defended his request to extend the government’s line of credit to $150 million or secure a new $50 million credit line, responding directly to criticism from Sen. Kenneth Gittens, who has called for more transparency and questioned the government’s financial management before approving further borrowing.
2024-09-10 19:49:12 - VI News Staff
Gittens, among other senators, has raised alarm over the government’s handling of $50 million previously allocated for retroactive wage payments, of which he said only $2.5 million has been disbursed. In a recent press release, Gittens also questioned why, despite federal hurricane recovery dollars and Epstein estate settlements, infrastructure issues remain and WAPA continues to struggle with fuel costs. “WAPA can’t even afford diesel to keep the lights on,” Gittens wrote last week, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars must be carefully accounted for before more borrowing is considered.
Taking aim at Gittens’ remarks Monday, Bryan emphasized that the government’s revenues are generated through taxes, liens, and other means, not directly handed over by the Legislature. “The Legislature doesn’t fund the Government of the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said. “They authorize how we spend the money, but it’s misleading to suggest they provide us with funds directly.”
Addressing the claims about retroactive wage payments, Bryan clarified that the $50 million Gittens referenced was an authorization, not a lump sum sitting in the government’s accounts. “What they did was sign an authorization saying that if we have $50 million, that’s where it should go. It doesn’t mean the money was already there to use,” Bryan said