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Gov’t can look into electricity subsidies, fuel cost cutting- Shaina M. Smith-Archer

BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVIVVHA) Chairperson, Ms Shaina M. Smith-Archer has called on the Government to implement measures to cut the cost of electricity in the VI. Photo: Internet Source
2 / 2: Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says his government remains in talks on the possibility of lowering the cost of electricity for consumers. Photo: GIS/Facebook
2 / 2: Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says his government remains in talks on the possibility of lowering the cost of electricity for consumers. Photo: GIS/Facebook
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI - BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVIVVHA) Chairperson, Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer has called on the Government to implement measures to cut the cost of electricity in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Smith-Archer raised the matter on JTV’s the Big Story with host Cathy O. Richards on August 16, 2022.

“I don’t know how it can be done, I know we have seen other jurisdictions in the Caribbean where governments have done subsidies to households. I don’t know if they did it for businesses, where over a certain amount of kilowatts the government will take up the tab,” she said.

While calling on the Government to shop around for more fuel sources, Smith-Archer said the VI is in a place where coming out of the pandemic, it has learned to be innovative.

“Long terms, fossil fuel is not going away… the news shows billions of dollars in profits that the oil companies have made over the last year, and it makes up for the loses they had over the years,” she added.

Dollar buying less - Smith-Archer 

Smith-Archer said; however, that with inflation and the decrease in the local buying power, a dollar is buying less than it could buy a year ago.

“We could do certain things for a period of time, hope it gives a particular result, but the important thing is you have to actively be doing something,” she said, regarding the rising cost of fuel.

Dr Wheatley, during a July 22, 2022, press conference, revealed there are ongoing discussions among himself; Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and other entities, including the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC).

“We are having discussions right now about what can specifically be done about electricity and seeking to lower the cost, but persons must understand the cost is directly related to the high cost of diesel fuel, petroleum, and of course, the electricity corporation would have to pass that on to consumers,” Premier Wheatley had said.

9 Responses to “Gov’t can look into electricity subsidies, fuel cost cutting- Shaina M. Smith-Archer”

  • Give her a chance to put her money where her mouth is (24/08/2022, 08:43) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    I feel she will do a better job than those other 3 who are in there
  • Citizen (24/08/2022, 09:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VG woman said "people asking me who come they don't hear me, well I am working". She cannot talk and work at the same time, she just cannot multitask. LOL
  • Hospitality (24/08/2022, 09:36) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ask her where the culinary team money that disappeared at BVICCHA. AND what has she done at BVICCHA ?? JUST TALK. EVERYBODY THERE RESIGNING EVERY WEEK
  • minimum wage (24/08/2022, 09:39) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    when you realize that your electricity is higher than your salary....start buying candles
  • ?? (24/08/2022, 10:11) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Unfortunately government still can do so much. Please promote cost cutting measures. Plug out unnecessary gadgets (tvs, displays, chargers, etc); reduce number of lit bulbs at each fixture, use energy saver bulbs, open windows and reduce use of fans and airconditioners, ensure that the fridge is closed at all times, timer and motion sensor on lights, timer on hot water heaters, and turn off lights when leaving a room. These tips should go a long way in reducing your light bill.
    • Lilly (24/08/2022, 13:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      ?? Good advise, but they seem not to be working. I have tried them all. The fuel charge is too high.
  • testing 123 (24/08/2022, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Rt Oneal at times gave a break to the people

    It is the Virgin Islands Parts that have a big hand in the Financial discomfort

    VIP forcing those so-called Statutary bodies to make sure that everybody pays regardless of your current Financial situation

    those pencils pushers who sits behind the desk in various government offices have not one thing to worry about because even when them on vacation they gets paid while some of use lost our jobs due to covid 9 some of us lost revenue due to lockdown and curfews
  • ... (24/08/2022, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    she the just come around close to election time sweet hear them aint going give you a chance...count how much vote you get the last two times compare if the numbers going up or down
  • LCS (25/08/2022, 10:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about alternative energy? BVI has sun most of the year, sea, and wind. In countries where summer is only 4 months a year, solar panels are everywhere. Governments are offering REAL incentives for citizens to install these. Citizens can also sell the generated excess to energy companies, which alleviates expenses. Why can't we? In Barbados, several Taxi Stands have covers with solar panels. They offer shade and keep cars cool while generating power at the same time. Why can't we? Instead of spending $ 1 million in Adm. Building elevator, install solar panels on government buildings roofs and generate your own power. Stop the talk and go find out how others do it and implement it instead of hiring good for nothing Consultants who don't have a clue.


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