Senator Samuel Carrión regrettably is unable to support the $200,000 allocation request made by  Governor Albert Bryan; as the General Fund has severely exceeded its capacity. This asks,  although well intended, is impractical and fiscally irresponsible, as it would further stretch the  finances of the local government. 

“I genuinely sympathize with the urgent need for support and solidarity in the face of the  widespread destruction impacting our neighboring Caribbean brothers and sisters. However, I also  understand, all too well, the frustration and hardship of residents of the Virgin Islands and our  Government’s own significant financial shortcomings.” Carrión Said. 

As a local Government, Senator Samuel Carrión firmly believes that our people are our first priority. Financially, this includes but is not limited to; ensuring we are able to meet the bi-weekly  payroll for all GVI employees, stay current with our obligations to pay GVI operational utilities,  continue to make vendor payments for various mission critical services and many other  obligations. It’s been almost seven years since Hurricanes Irma and Maria and we still have  displaced families, blue roofs over homes and an overall infrastructure in need of repairs. The  relief aide allocation request unfortunately does not align with the current dire needs of the GVI  as well as the GVI fiscal capacity. 

“I wholeheartedly encourage and support any community-based recovery efforts that can be  coordinated between the private sector, private citizens, community organizations and non-profits  that have the interest and financial flexibility to provide humanitarian aide to those affected by the  hurricane that are in need, but as a government we just can’t, due to our budget deficit and  outstanding obligations, Senator Carrión concluded.”