Premier: We will write off BVIHSA’s debt

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced plans to write off nearly $20 million owed to the government by the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA).

Dr Wheatley indicated that this would improve the Authority’s financial standing and ensure better health services for residents. During the budget debate in the House of Assembly yesterday, Dr Wheatley emphasised the need for financial relief for the BVIHSA, which has faced significant challenges due to its mounting debts. “About 90% of that debt is owed to the government, primarily through unpaid taxes,” he explained.

According to the Premier, writing off this debt will provide a much-needed equity infusion and allow the Health Services Authority to operate more effectively. “One thing I will discuss with the Ministry of Finance is about writing off that debt,” he told legislators. “Let’s just write off that debt because, as we said, when you have somebody who’s drowning, you don’t throw them a weight. You don’t throw them an anvil. You throw them a life jacket. It’s called equity infusion through tax relief.”