Member of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Hon Mark Vanterpool (R4) said he is thankful that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fahie Government was still able to generate nearly $330 Million in revenue. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Vanterpool also encouraged the Fahie government to continue working to find new revenue streams and to be fiscally prudent in managing the funds that are being entrusted to them by the people of the territory. Photo: VINO/File

“In 2021 despite all of the concerns and issues around COVID-19 and all of the problems that we have been having that would have affected our economy, there are things that we can and could do better but in 2021 we are indicating that our recurrent revenue would have hit in the range of $329 million,” he remarked.

Hon Vanterpool made the statement while giving remarks during the virtual debates of the 2022 Appropriation Act on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, as he noted that the situation could have been worse, as the pandemic is nearing its second year.

“I am thankful’ – Hon Vanterpool 

“I say I am thankful Mr. Speaker because it could be worse and although we have fallen back over the last year or two because of the COVID-19 pandemic I am still grateful that we are able to collect $329 million or $330 million in the BVI economy and we can then use those funds to try to take care of the people of the Virgin Islands and build a strong territory,” Hon. Vanterpool stated.

He said while he wished that the territory had collected more revenue and more was done, “years ago we had less and we learn to do with less and I want to encourage us to keep working to achieve more in our revenue stream."

He said, "We have achieved those figures and we are projecting in recurrent revenue for 2022, I believe $357 million and hopefully, we can achieve those goals.”

Hon Vanterpool also encouraged the Fahie government to continue working to find new revenue streams and to be fiscally prudent in managing the funds that are being entrusted to them by the people of the territory.

Despite his high praises for the Fahie Government, Hon Valterpool was reportedly not logged in during the virtual session and thus, recorded as absent for a vote to pass the budget.