Christian: Prudent Spending Eliminates New Taxes
Former legislator Archibald C. Christian has stated that prudent public financial management and stronger enforcement would eliminate the need for new government taxes and fees. Speaking on the Talking Points programme, Christian argued that authorities should focus on holding negligent individuals accountable rather than levying broad public charges.
Christian has asserted that the government would not need to implement new taxes or raise administrative fees if public funds were managed with greater discipline and existing regulations were properly enforced. Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme in response to concerns raised by co-host Damion C.
Grange, Christian argued that stronger fiscal management and increased public awareness would resolve budget shortfalls without burdening residents. He contended that administrations frequently adopt a reactive approach to public management rather than actively safeguarding public resources.
According to Christian, the government often reacts to difficult situations instead of effectively managing existing assets. He noted that if the administration managed public affairs properly and spent taxpayer funds with precision in the appropriate areas, public concerns over rising taxes and levies would not exist.
Christian specifically pointed to the issue of abandoned and derelict vehicles across the territory to illustrate his point. He questioned why law-abiding motorists should bear additional administrative costs when abandoned vehicles remain registered to specific individuals or corporate entities.
Citing examples of vehicles left in public spaces such as the hospital parking lot for years, Christian maintained that authorities should actively track down registered owners and enforce removal penalties directly against them. Under current regulations implemented on September 1, 2025, vehicle owners in the Virgin Islands are required to pay a mandatory derelict vehicle disposal fee at the Department of Motor Vehicles during annual licensing.
The fees are structured by weight: Category A vehicles weighing 1,500 to 3,000 pounds incur a $60.00 charge; Category B vehicles between 3,001 and 6,000 pounds pay $85.00; and Category C vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds are charged $125.00. Meanwhile, the Recovery and Development Agency continues to execute its Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project.
Launched in 2025 to clear hazardous and unsightly wrecks from communities and recover public spaces, the initiative resulted in more than 500 baled derelict vehicles being shipped to Miami for final disposal in May 2026.
Primary source: VINO