Alliance pushes for economic diversification plan

A newly formed political alliance is calling for urgent action to revitalise the economy, arguing that the territory cannot afford to continue relying on tourism and financial services alone.

The group, comprising opposition members Myron Walwyn, Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, and Stacey Mather, says the economy is stagnant and in dire need of a diversification plan. “Undoubtedly, we can all see an economy that is stagnant, and the appropriate steps are not being taken to revitalise it,” Walwyn told reporters during a press conference yesterday. He warned that the BVI, once a leader in tourism, has now fallen behind its competitors. “We currently do not have a tourism plan for an industry that is so vital to the everyday survival of our citizens.”

The alliance highlighted the struggles of small businesses and rising poverty levels, calling for policies that foster innovation and support local enterprises. “We see small businesses struggling to keep their doors open and very little is being done to assist them,” Walwyn explained. Turnbull echoed these concerns, stating that the government lacks strategic planning, which has resulted in an overall decline in the quality of life for residents. “This government has had no plan, no commitment to the plan, and they move slow on everything,” he said. “Or they react to everything else, which is why we are in the state that we’re in.”