ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The absence of a comprehensive economic strategy and revenue mismanagement in government agencies were among key issues raised during the 2025 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly (HoA) on December 18, 2024, by Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.
During his fiery remarks before the Members, Hon. Turnbull vehemently lamented the persistent lack of a cohesive plan to address the territory’s socio-economic challenges.
“All I have been asking for is a plan,” he said, highlighting the government’s tendency to react to issues instead of presenting proactive solutions, and called for a targeted strategy to address pressing concerns, particularly the hemorrhaging of funds in revenue-collection departments of the Administration.
“This is something that we should be in crisis mode to address; Develop a plan and start somewhere,” he urged.
Revenue Mismanagement
Hon Turnbull during the debate expounded on what he described as troubling inefficiencies within government agencies responsible for revenue collection, describing them as plagued by resource shortages and deficiencies.
These challenges, he argued, significantly impair the Territory’s ability to meet financial goals and service its obligations. “The hemorrhaging in these departments is alarming. Without intervention, this will continue to impact the overall economy negatively.”
The National Health Insurance (NHI) program—implemented in 2015—again came under fire for being underfunded from its inception, a situation, he said, is exacerbated by being riddled with systemic abuse.
Hon Turnbull also sought to outline several of the issues, including, employers deducting contributions from employees but failing to remit them; private healthcare providers exploiting the system through inflated billing practices and a general lack of compliance from some residents required to contribute.
NHI under financial strain
These challenges, he posits, have resulted in significant financial strain on the NHI, making it unsustainable in its current form.
Additionally, Hon Turnbull also viciously criticised successive administrations for ignoring recommendations from multiple studies, including a costly review in 2024, which had reaffirmed longstanding concerns.
“The NHI has become a drain on the economy; We need to fund it properly, eliminate abuse, and create a surplus that can be invested for long-term sustainability,” Turnbull stated.
As such, he proposed finally establishing an investment committee, similar to the Social Security Board, to manage surplus funds and ensure the program’s viability.
