An opposition politician has voiced worry that the Virgin Islands Party administration's approach to money could saddle the next elected government with severe financial constraints.
Perline Scatliffe-Leonard, who previously headed the Water & Sewerage Department and now represents the National Democratic Party in the Seventh District race, told an NDP radio audience that she doubts the current leadership operates under a coherent spending strategy. Drawing on her experience in government, she noted that budgets once demanded careful planning backed by concrete numbers. She said she fears the incoming NDP administration will find little money left to work with if spending continues unchecked. "I'm actually concerned that there won't be much funds," she told listeners.
At the heart of her concerns lies a $100 million infrastructure loan that Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has committed to using in full. Despite this commitment, critics including residents and opposition voices have pointed out that the spending has not visibly improved deteriorating roads, water supply issues or sewerage infrastructure.
NDP At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton challenged the notion that the government could realistically spend all available resources. He suggested that exhausting the funds would be implausible without wrongdoing. "There's no way they could spend $81 million. And if they spend it, you will have another commission of inquiry because they'd have to be giving away some of it," Skelton said.
The Premier has responded to criticism by noting that major projects demand thorough preparation and that contractors receive payment in stages as work advances. He has also signalled that the government may need to borrow additional sums to tackle other pressing needs.
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