Between 2017 and now, Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley estimates that the Government of the Virgin Islands has paid $36 million in rent. According to Premier Wheatley, this money could have been used to build a second government complex.
The Premier’s comments came in response to questions about what the government is doing to cut costs or save money, particularly in light of the need for funding to finance infrastructural projects. He highlighted reducing rent costs as a significant part of these efforts.
Premier Wheatley further noted that the government will likely need to build another government complex to house offices that will remain in rented spaces following the transition back into the Admin Complex.
He also pointed out other potential areas for cost-saving, although he acknowledged that some of these might be ‘scary’ for some members of society. One such area is the pension system, which he described as a major ‘unfunded liability’. He suggested that it might be necessary to move to a contributory scheme.