Lawmakers Blast WICO for Secrecy Over Finances, Order Return to Committee

For the first time this budget cycle, an entity has been ordered to return to the Legislature for a second hearing after failing to provide sufficient financial details to enable lawmakers to make an informed decision.

The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) appeared before the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance on Monday. WICO is one of the last entities to present its FY2026 budget as the season closes out. A seven-page presentation by interim chief executive officer Charlene Turnbull offered updates on cruise figures and the need to improve port infrastructure and diversify offerings.

However, lawmakers were deeply dissatisfied with the fiscal information submitted to the Legislature’s Post-Audit Division as well as the details omitted from WICO’s testimony. In fact, WICO failed to provide information specifically requested by the Legislature, including staff salaries and the details of lease arrangements for which WICO is the landlord. The deficit of information became increasingly glaring as Monday’s meeting proceeded.

Senator Novelle Francis, the committee’s chair, requested information from Ms. Turnbull on the aggregate amount of per diem costs paid to WICO’s board members thus far. “I don't have the information at this point,” Ms. Turnbull replied. It was not the first question that Ms. Turnbull could not respond to satisfactorily.