Questions remain unanswered regarding how much of the recently approved $100 million loan will benefit the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, as no clear indication has been given on the extent to which these islands will receive support.
The loan, the largest ever borrowed by the Government of the British Virgin Islands, is intended to address several infrastructural issues across the territory, including improvements to roads, water, sewage systems, and public facilities. However, concerns have been raised about whether this funding will be equitably distributed among all islands.
During a press conference on Monday, September 30, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley was asked to clarify the percentage of the loan that would be allocated to the sister islands.
Premier Wheatley responded that no specific percentage was available at the time but assured that the loan would be directed toward addressing critical areas that require attention, some of which include issues on the sister islands.
Primary Focus on Tortola
The premier highlighted that the loan would address water issues affecting several communities across the territory, as well as sewage problems in areas such as East End/Long Look, Cane Garden Bay, and Road Town. He also listed several facilities that will benefit from the loan, most of which are based on Tortola.
While he mentioned that some projects on the sister islands have already been completed, this raised further concerns about why such a significant loan appears to be mainly concentrated on the development of Tortola, leaving questions about the allocation of resources for Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
As the government moves forward with the implementation of this loan, residents of the sister islands are left hoping for more clarity on how they will benefit from this historic funding.