Opposition proposes gov’t borrows to tackle infrastructure, slow economy & crime
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), on behalf of the Members of the Opposition, has proposed the Government and Opposition work together to find ways to address economic and other challenges affecting the people of the Virgin Islands, including borrowing money to fix infrastructure.
2023-10-26 19:02:35 - VI News Staff
Mr Skelton made the calls during a special Opposition press conference held at the Office of the House of Assembly (HoA) Conference Room on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
“We are extremely concerned at the level of crime that is presently in the country. We are also concerned about the infrastructure of the country: Healthcare, water, electricity, roads and ports. The economy is also sluggish and we need to be able to jumpstart the economy so that jobs can be created,” he said.
Hon Skelton added, “We are encouraging the government and I am not here to bash the government… I am here to lend my voice and my support to programmes and policies that the government is willing to implement to advance the cause of this country. We are encouraging the government to go out there and borrow the level of funding that is required to fix the infrastructure of this country,” he said.
The Opposition Leader added that members in the districts continue to complain about water woes, where water still can't get to homes, including in Virgin Gorda, referred to as the hub of tourism in the VI.
Hon Skelton also said he understands fixing infrastructural problems is not a quick fix unless there is military-level funding where issues can be solved overnight.
Crime an issue - Hon Skelton
Touching on crime, he said the Opposition is extremely concerned and has met with Police Commissioner Mark Collins on the matter.