About this episode

Host Neville James discusses Virgin Islands fiscal history with guests Lolo Willis and Arthur Salomon, focusing on economic challenges and the need for better leadership.

Part 1 - Host Neville James is joined by guests Lolo Willis and Arthur Salomon as they reflect on Virgin Islands fiscal history, including rum industry revenues, the 2008 Diageo deal, and long-standing challenges with tax refunds and government debt. The conversation also revisits past labor actions, particularly the 2000 teachers’ strike, and highlights how political decisions, economic dependence, and lack of diversification have shaped current financial struggles. Throughout, Willis and Salomon stress the need for stronger leadership, better-qualified decision-makers, and collaborative strategies to expand the tax base and build a more resilient economy for the Virgin Islands.

People in this episode

Host: Neville James

Guests: Lolo Willis, Arthur Salomon

Topics covered

• Virgin Islands fiscal history
• rum industry revenues
• government debt
• tax refunds
• labor actions
• economic dependence
• leadership

Keywords

• Virgin Islands
• fiscal history
• rum industry
• government debt
• tax refunds
• teachers’ strike
• economic dependence
• leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Virgin Islands

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