After eight days of deliberating as the Standing Finance Committee and two days of public debate, lawmakers unanimously passed the 2013 budget Tuesday evening in the House of Assembly.
During the debate on Monday and Tuesday, some representatives gave broad overviews of their recent accomplishments and plans, while others chose not to speak at all.
Overall, there was general agreement that the Virgin Islands economy faces continuing challenges for the coming year and beyond.
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith said these challenges mean the VI needs to diversify its economy and push some government-supported entities, such the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Festivals and Fairs Committee, to look beyond government for more of their funds in the coming years.
“Madam Speaker, we know that we are still in a time where money is not as ready as before,” Dr. Smith said.
Opposition member Alvin Christopher (R-D2) agreed, and said the financial challenges go back throughout his tenure in the legislature.
See the Dec. 20, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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