PLM chief attacks gov't priorities on amphitheatre and road spending

The founder of the People's Leadership Movement has criticised government spending on entertainment and beautification, arguing that money should instead address the cost-of-living crisis facing residents.

Mark Vanterpool took aim at two projects during an appearance on the Talking Points programme: an $800,000 initiative on DeCastro Street in Road Town and a planned amphitheatre behind the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex budgeted at $2 million.

"Why would you give out an $800,000 project in the middle of these crises, to take a plant from Road Town, where you can take the same money and subsidise electricity?" Vanterpool said. "Why would you plan to build an amphitheatre behind the government admin building to have these big shows every now and again? Two million dollars is in the budget for that. Why would you do that?"

He questioned the government's focus, asking: "Where are the government priorities when the people are suffering?"

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has framed the amphitheatre as a tool for developing events tourism. Vanterpool rejected this reasoning, contending that tourism promotion does not depend on building an amphitheatre on waterfront land.

He proposed an alternative: a permanent cultural and entertainment zone centred on the existing festival grounds, which would include an amphitheatre, cultural centre, library, museum, parking and accommodation facilities. "Why can't we do that and build it in a permanent way to satisfy the people of the BVI?" he asked.

The dispute reflects broader disagreement over how the Wheatley administration allocates resources. Critics have labelled the Premier the "Party Premier" over spending on festivals and entertainment, though Dr Wheatley has dismissed this as political rhetoric.

Meanwhile, residents continue to face challenges with road conditions, water reliability and general affordability. The government has stated it is investing significantly in infrastructure improvements, while opposition voices have highlighted these concerns as unmet needs.

Vanterpool suggested redirecting funds from lower-priority projects toward temporary electricity subsidies while renewable energy capacity grows. "Government is responsible for helping the people to be able to live a good standard of living," he said. "The country is calling for change."