Fraser: Greedy Bill Not Greedy
During a House of Assembly sitting on August 13, 2026, Hon Delores Christopher Fraser defended amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act, 2005 that allow the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to adjust its rates. Fraser criticised politicians and residents who complain about costs while spending at public events and urged transparency and public engagement as infrastructure needs grow.
Hon Delores Christopher Fraser told the House of Assembly on August 13, 2026 that accusations the recent amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act, 2005 were “greedy” have proven unfounded. Speaking during the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House, Fraser defended the change that gives the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) authority to amend its own rates and argued the measure is necessary to address long-standing infrastructure problems.
Fraser used pointed language in his remarks, saying, "I am convinced that among the lowest forms of human existence, you would find a politician somewhere around there," while also calling out residents who criticize certain costs of living yet continue to spend at events such as the Emancipation Festival. "These people are speaking from both sides of the mouth.
They go into the village having so much fun and expect the BVI Electricity Corporation to suffer when the money is out there…There is no shortage of money," he said. The minister also claimed the Premier was pressured into providing additional funds to pensioners, and urged citizens to raise concerns directly: "If you guys have a problem with the way things are going, say something; we will fix it; but don’t just go out there and make people believe that we don’t care." Fraser added that while some politicians deserve criticism, others show the courage to take hard decisions for the public good.
Highlighting infrastructure priorities, Fraser told the House, "We all know that our infrastructure is in terrible shape and has to get fixed…When it comes to water and electricity and money, we should spare nothing." He stressed that improvements to water and power networks require capital investment and that the public must understand this financing is how projects get completed.
Fraser noted his personal familiarity with water issues and said he has experienced both praise and criticism in public life. The House of Assembly subsequently passed the amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act, 2005. For BVI residents, the change means the BVIEC has clearer authority to adjust tariffs, a move likely to prompt ongoing public debate about affordability, service reliability and how best to fund long-term infrastructure upgrades.
Fraser’s remarks signal the government’s stance that funding and tough policy choices will be pursued to stabilise utilities and address ageing systems.
Primary source: VINO