Deputy Premier Hon. Julian Fraser has dismissed concerns that residents cannot afford rising costs, pointing to heavy spending during the Emancipation Festival and declaring that there is “no shortage of money” in the BVI.
Fraser made the remarks in the House of Assembly last evening August 13 during debate on a Motion allowing the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to increase rates for consumers using more than 1,500 kilowatt units, primarily large businesses.
Opposition members warned that affected businesses would pass the additional electricity costs to consumers through higher prices.
However, Fraser argued that BVIEC could not continue losing money while residents spent heavily on entertainment and other expenses. He said the corporation had reported subsidising electricity by approximately $14 million annually while fuel costs continued to rise.
“I’m sure that the village was packed,” Fraser said. “They’re going to the village, having so much fun, and expect the BVI Electricity Corporation to suffer when the money is out there.”
“There’s no shortage of money,” he declared.
The just concluded BVI Emancipation Festival was held under the theme, “Culture Rising, Hearts Aligned, VI Festival, One of a Kind.”
Fraser also pointed to some residents owning as many as four cellular phones as further evidence of spending power in the Territory.
He accused critics of speaking “through both sides of the mouth” and said the Government was taking necessary action to protect BVIEC.
“...Don't just go out there making people believe that we don't care...It’s called having the courage to do what’s necessary,” Fraser stated.
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer said 95 per cent of BVIEC customers would see no direct change to their electricity bills under the increase.
Fraser made the remarks in the House of Assembly last evening August 13 during debate on a Motion allowing the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to increase rates for consumers using more than 1,500 kilowatt units, primarily large businesses.
Opposition members warned that affected businesses would pass the additional electricity costs to consumers through higher prices.
However, Fraser argued that BVIEC could not continue losing money while residents spent heavily on entertainment and other expenses. He said the corporation had reported subsidising electricity by approximately $14 million annually while fuel costs continued to rise.
“I’m sure that the village was packed,” Fraser said. “They’re going to the village, having so much fun, and expect the BVI Electricity Corporation to suffer when the money is out there.”
“There’s no shortage of money,” he declared.
The just concluded BVI Emancipation Festival was held under the theme, “Culture Rising, Hearts Aligned, VI Festival, One of a Kind.”
Fraser also pointed to some residents owning as many as four cellular phones as further evidence of spending power in the Territory.
He accused critics of speaking “through both sides of the mouth” and said the Government was taking necessary action to protect BVIEC.
“...Don't just go out there making people believe that we don't care...It’s called having the courage to do what’s necessary,” Fraser stated.
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer said 95 per cent of BVIEC customers would see no direct change to their electricity bills under the increase.
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You see that’s your problem and that’s why you’ll never be premier again. We can see you don’t care about the people anymore, plus you already embarrassed us already with the round about stop light. So because people went to the festival mean they have money ? Did you know people also came from the USVI and maybe other places as well ? Also did you know that people put money aside as well for this ? You just felt bored and had to say something right ? SMH
Oh lawd hurry and let's get this man out! God forbid we spend a lil on ourselves to have a lil fun. He has no moral compass, no understanding for the people of the Virgin Islands. Get him and the premier out!! Both is 2 peas in a pod.
This man is a ... buffoon!! About 10% of the bvi had the luxury and will to participate in the festivities. You’re gonna conflate that with the entire populous being able to absorb blanket cost increases due to policy you push down our throats…the scb ppl that keep voting for this should be flogged!!
Fraser really don't care about people, he is not looking out for people because his pocket is full. Mehson you need to go home out of HOA.