Sen. George Goodwin has asked the V.I. Inspector General to audit the "Prosser bill," while Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said he too will require a financial analysis.
Pointing out that no economic or financial impact study was made before the Legislature passed the bill by a one-vote margin, Goodwin told Inspector General Steven van Beverhoudt, "I am calling on you to immediately review Bill no. 23-0060 and audit this deal to determine whether or not we the people and the government of the Virgin Islands have been taken for a ride or do we stand to benefit from this deal."
But van Beverhoudt took a dim view of Goodwin's request.
"What he wants is a financial analysis of the potential economic impact of this," he said. "In 10 days, where am I going to get all the information? It seems they like to pass the buck."
"This is a job for an economist," he added.
Goodwin said he was sure any findings by the inspector general would help the governor as he decides whether to sign or veto the bill.
Meanwhile, Turnbull issued a press release late Tuesday afternoon saying he had received the Prosser bill and intended to "conduct a thorough review" of it.
"I will also require a comprehensive financial analysis of the bill to ensure that the bill as passed is in the best long-term interest of the people," he said.
Turnbull went on to say he had had the "pleasure of meeting with both Mr. Jeffrey Prosser, CEO and president of Innovative Communications Corp., and his assistant, former Sen. John Tutein. I have found both of these gentlemen to be forthright, honest and pleasant to deal with."
"For the record," said the statement from Government House, "Mr. Jeffrey Prosser has been a good corporate citizen of the Virgin Islands and has contributed much to our communities and their charitable civic and governmental entities."
The governor said the community should not allow itself to be split by this issue.
[See earlier story, "Prosser bill passes," for details of the bill.]