Skelton Urges Focus on Construction Activity
Territorial At-Large representative Ronnie Skelton told the House of Assembly that prioritising construction work in the 2026 budget would deliver faster economic relief and generate revenue for the British Virgin Islands. He warned that spreading resources across too many large projects risks delays and limited local benefit unless public service capacity and planning are strengthened.
Territorial At-Large representative Ronnie Skelton has urged the government to prioritise construction activity as a practical way to stimulate the British Virgin Islands economy and put money into residents' pockets quickly. Speaking during debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill in the House of Assembly in December, Skelton said the size of the national budget required clearer priorities to produce visible, immediate benefits.
He warned that spreading scarce resources too thinly across numerous projects could dilute impact, especially given public service bureaucracy and capacity constraints. "Construction is one of those things that really gets people going — people going to the supermarket, repairing their house, paying their light bills, paying this, paying that," Skelton told lawmakers.
He argued that construction generates quick, multiplier effects across households and local businesses, helping to sustain demand in the face of rising cost-of-living pressures. While acknowledging the appeal of large-scale, transformational projects, Skelton cautioned they carry complex challenges and can take longer to deliver benefits to ordinary residents. "With massive projects come massive problems," he said, pointing to possible strains on labour, immigration and accommodation if the territory is not prepared for significant inflows of workers or contractor needs.
Skelton recommended a focus on targeted, achievable construction projects that translate budget allocations into tangible outcomes for people who are struggling. He said the government must ensure spending decisions reach those most in need and that the public service has the systems to execute capital plans.
He expressed concern that ambitious capital allocations in previous years often went largely unspent, eroding confidence in the budgeting process. Targeted construction work could include small- to medium-sized public works — from road and drainage repairs to upgrades of community facilities and affordable housing — that create jobs, support local suppliers and boost government revenue through renewed economic activity.
Skelton said this pragmatic approach would demonstrate progress, restore public confidence and help households cope in the short term. "It needs to happen," he told lawmakers. As the government finalises the 2026 budget, residents and businesses will be watching whether officials adopt a more construction-focused, execution-minded strategy to deliver quicker, more visible benefits across the territory.
Primary source: BVI News