Senator Samuel Carrion. Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE
Senator Samuel Carrión has voiced his opposition to Governor Albert Bryan's request for a $200,000 allocation intended for aiding Caribbean neighbors affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl. Mr. Carrión described the request as "impractical and fiscally irresponsible," given the government of the Virgin Islands' existing financial constraints.
According to Carrión, the General Fund has already "severely exceeded its capacity," making the additional expenditure unfeasible. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the financial needs of the Virgin Islands, which include meeting payroll for government employees, maintaining utility payments, and addressing ongoing obligations to various vendors. Mr. Carrión highlighted that the territory is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, with ongoing infrastructure repairs and displaced families.
While expressing sympathy for the destruction faced by neighboring islands, Carrión stressed that the GVI must focus on its own fiscal challenges and recovery efforts. He encouraged community-based recovery initiatives involving the private sector and nonprofit organizations as alternatives to government-funded aid.
"It's been almost seven years since Hurricanes Irma and Maria and we still have displaced families, blue roofs over homes and an overall infrastructure in need of repairs," he said. "The relief aide allocation request unfortunately does not align with the current dire needs of the GVI as well as the GVI fiscal capacity."
The senator concluded by reiterating his commitment to the Virgin Islands' immediate needs over external financial aid, citing the territory's budget deficit and existing obligations as primary concerns.
