Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE laid on the table the report on the Deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee at the House of Assembly today, March 22.

This marked the start of the debate on the merits and principles of the bill entitled, “Appropriation Act, 2016.”

Over the next two days, members of the House of Assembly will examine the draft financial estimates for the year 2016, as indicated in the report.

Premier Smith, in moving the motion to begin the budget debate said that the budget is building on a foundation of a strong economy that had been started from previous years. He added that it is about making the necessary investments in a structure to be able to build on the foundation which was started in terms of infrastructural development such as roads, water, telecommunications and tourism development.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to ensuring efficient use of the fiscal resources, on its path towards economic growth through shared sustainable growth.

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

Notes to Editors:

• The Standing Finance Committee comprises all members of the House of Assembly and is chaired by the Speaker.