Lawmakers will release an “interim report” by the Public Accounts Committee on the Ports Development Project at their meeting Thursday, according to the order paper for the sitting, which was released Monday.
Lawmakers are also set to approve a loan of $22 million from FirstCaribbean International Trust and Merchant Bank to fund sewerage works, and up to $35 million to extend the cruise ship pier and develop 4.3 of land “in the cruise pier vicinity.”
The PAC is headed by Opposition Leader Ralph O’Neal, who is joined by opposition legislators Alvin Christopher (R-D2) and Andrew Fahie (R-D1). Government backbenchers Alvera Maduro-Caines (R-D6) and Marlon Penn (R-D8) also sit on the PAC.
Mr. Fahie was appointed to the committee in November, after Julian Fraser (R-D3) resigned. Mr. Fraser said then that he felt remaining on the committee would hinder his ability to advocate for increased transparency regarding government’s now-dissolved partnership with Tortola Ports Partners to extend the cruise ship pier and develop the surrounding area.
Other reports scheduled to be tabled include the BVI Health Services Authority’s latest budget, and the Education and Culture Ministry’s 2012 Annual Report.
Also during the meeting, Mr. Fraser is set to ask Premier Dr. Orlando Smith about the territory’s finances for this year, and about the territory’s compliance with Protocols for Effective Financial Management requirements to obtain official approval from the UK for certain high-value projects.
Mr. Fraser is also set to ask Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool about production at the territory’s water plants, and to ask Health and Social Development Minister Ronnie Skelton about estimated costs for the territory’s planned National Health Insurance.
See the April 17, 2014 edition for full coverage.
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