ROADTOWN Tortola, BVI, April 15th 2011 - Hon. Harrigan’s efforts in office were also acknowledged by At Large Representative Hon. Keith Flax, who rallied support for Harrigan to be given another term in office to complete the work that he has started.
A report on his many accomplishments in the three and half years that he has been the district’s representative was done at the meeting held at the Long Trench Community Centre and noted he had done more than just build roads and retainer walls but also projects that may not be seen as tangible evidence but made a difference in the lives of people.
The district rep. noted that his district, just like every other districts, gets $120, 000 that has to be utilized for the many areas that need attention including infrastructural development and maintenance, education, health and social development. He added that a lot of his attention has also been placed and would continue to be placed on the development of young people and made special reference to the Learning Resource Centre in the district as a perfect example of what he has done for the youths.
“But with such limited financial resources ladies and gentlemen, I cannot, I repeat I cannot attend to every area or help everyone in four years. I am aware of the many areas that need attention and of the people who need assistance. The money that we had before was not enough and now it is even worse because of the economic crisis that we have and I continue to beg for your patience and indulgence as we continue to struggle throughout this financial and economic crisis.”
Among the tangible projects that Mr. Harrigan said he has been able to do were the repair or construction of some 10 retaining wells, 13 roads, 2 box drains and six ghut draining.
Mr Harrigan also noted that Government needed to be commended for not laying off any workers or imposing salary cuts as many countries have done due to the global economic depression. This announcement drew applause from the audience that numbered close to 50 persons.
“… Puerto Rico is going to lay off another twenty five thousand shortly. The BVI so far, with the limited resources we’ve had, hasn’t laid off anyone as yet but it is tight.”
At Large Representative, Hon. Keith Flax, described Harrigan as an industrious and dedicated individual who works tirelessly to bring improvement to the 5th District. Flax also emphasised that funds available to the districts are limited and revealed that when the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) took office it was met with a debt of some $40 million.
“I am asking you to give the Honourable Elvis Harrigan a fighting chance because he has been working for this district. I know he has met with a lot of challenges…Give him your support…I want you to be grateful and show that gratefulness when that time comes. Give him the opportunity to serve you better.”
Mr. Flax added that with the experience that Hon. Harrigan has received during his tenure so far and the good team that he has he (Mr. Flax) was optimistic that Harrigan would be able to accomplish a lot more if the opportunity is given to him.
Residents also acknowledged that the Territory was doing well under the circumstances that the world was facing an economic meltdown and also that the Virgin Islands was hit with two natural disasters last year. Among the suggestions were that a review of priority projects be done since they felt that certain works, especially regarding roads, were in need of urgent repair and that should Government develop the attitude of doing consultations with the people before embarking on major projects or deals that would affect them significantly.
Article taken from Virgin Islands News Online
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