LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS GET COPIES OF 2001 BUDGET
In a continued demonstration of the ruling administration’s commitment to open government, almost all schools and libraries in the territory have now received copies of the 2001 budget.
“We are currently awaiting a few more copies from the printers to complete the distribution,” Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal announced during an April 9th press conference. Copies have been sent to libraries and public and private schools on Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola.
He is encouraging all students and the general public to read the documents and become thoroughly familiar with their contents. “At this time of significant and rapid development, it is critical that the public become involved in how their tax dollars and other collected revenues are being spent.”
The BVI Leader encouraged the public to become involved in observing how departments spend government revenue. He referred to the just ended successful Public Service Week, a feature of which was open house, where civil servants invited the public in to view their operations and “displayed a sense of great pride in how they carry out their duties.”
He tasked the public with helping departments maintain their accountability, by providing feedback. “With the recent launch of three service charters and more to come shortly, civil servants are documenting their commitment to service.”
Chief Minister O’Neal re-stated his commitment to instituting measures to create greater financial accountability and vigilance from public servants. He solicited the support of the public, in not only observing how government revenues are spent, but also by providing suggestions and other comments through the various channels available.
“As the Minister of Finance, I urge everyone to note that now more than ever, your tax dollar is vitally important to building the future of the BVI,” Hon. O’Neal pointed out. He reported that government has recently improved the collection of departure tax at the airport and is conducting a Customs Modernization Project.
Mr. O’Neal noted that the territory
continues to invest in important projects such as the new airport,
the Beef Island Bridge, new postal facilities and a new Learning
Resource Centre. He said the public needs to be aware of the
levels of investment in order to fully appreciate the significance
of these projects.
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