The 2016 Budget was passed at the Seventh Sitting of the First Session of the House of Assembly to the tune of $330,846,500.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE wrapped up the debate following contributions by members of the House on Thursday, March 31.

Premier Smith thanked all members for their contributions on the merits and principles of the bill entitled, Appropriation Act, 2016.

With the passage of the 2016 Budget estimates, the Government of the Virgin Islands is now positioned to move forward with key public infrastructure projects.

Premier Smith emphasised that his Government is taking steps to ensure that the BVI meets its requirements under the Protocols for Effective Financial Management by the end of the 2017 financial year.

He affirmed that the Government remains committed to ensuring efficient use of the fiscal resources, on its path towards economic growth through shared sustainable growth.  

Key contributions to the debate were made by Members of the House of Assembly, including Junior Minister for Trade and Investment and Representative for the Eighth, Honourable Marlon Penn; Minister for Communications and Works Honourable, Mark Vanterpool; Representative for the Ninth, Dr. The Honourable Hubert O’Neal; Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie Skelton; respectively, and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Julian Fraser.

Click here to access 2016 Budget Address by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE