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$2M raised by TRC allocated to EE/LL Sewerage Project

- 'We do not punish people for not voting for us,' says Premier Fahie
$2M raised for the government’s coffers by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) will be allocated for the commencement of the long overdue East End/Long Look Sewerage Project. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has announced his administration’s plan to fast forward the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project despite it being in an Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) stronghold. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has announced his administration’s plan to fast forward the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project despite it being in an Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) stronghold. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn is the Representative for the Eighth District and was also in Government and remained silent when his National Democratic Party (NDP) took monies ear-marked for the East End/Long Look Sewerage project and forwarded to the Pier Park Project, which saw overruns of some $40M. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn is the Representative for the Eighth District and was also in Government and remained silent when his National Democratic Party (NDP) took monies ear-marked for the East End/Long Look Sewerage project and forwarded to the Pier Park Project, which saw overruns of some $40M. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has announced his administration’s plan to fast forward the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project despite it being in an Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) stronghold.

Premier Fahie said thanks to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), the project that had been pushed on the side by the NDP will be addressed.

“In these trying times, the TRC has stepped up to the plate and pulled its weight in a way that has never been done since the inception of the Telecommunications Act 2006. As a result of the diligence of the Commission, $2 million has been raised for the government’s coffers, which will be allocated for the commencement of the long-awaited, long overdue East End/Long Look Sewerage Project.”

He added: “The people of East End/Long Look will be happy and relieved to see the start of the project in the very near future now that some funding is coming into place. The people of East End/Long Look have endured inconvenience and exposure for far too long. They endured heartbreak in seeing the eight million dollars allocated under the previous administration being re-directed under that said administration to the Tortola Pier Park Project.”

No discrimination

The Premier said his government does not discriminate against persons in the Territory and will help the people as per their promise.

“We are not vindictive, we do not punish people for not voting for us. We are the government for all the districts and all of the people, and we are fair in how we operate.”

Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn is the Representative for the Eighth District and was also in Government and remained silent when his NDP party took monies ear-marked for that important project and forwarded to the Pier Park Project, which saw overruns of some $40M.

Historic

Premier Fahie said it is his understanding that since the Telecommunications Act came into force in 2006, “I am advised that this is the first time in the history of the Commission the TRC’s budget has been approved and laid before the legislature.”

He said the Act is clear that the sources of revenue for the Commission is levy and royalties.

He explained that the royalties are currently calculated at three per cent of the gross telecommunications revenue of each licensed operator.

“I can confirm that this sum has been collected from each of the four licensed operators for the 2019/2020 year and because of this collection, the TRC is able to transfer surplus funds to the Consolidated Funds with the assignment to the East End/Long Look Sewerage Project. The industry levy is calculated via a process and formula and is also supposed to be collected from the four licensed operators. However, I am advised that since the inception of the Commission, and the Telecommunication Act in 2006, the industry levy has never been conducted by the Commission.”

He explained that this non-collection of the industry levy has led to the Commission operating solely on royalty revenues collected and not having the industry levy money to serve its operation or to apply otherwise.

This year, he said he had advised the Commission that the industry levies are to be collected so that the TRC can do its work.

He said work in that regard has commenced and the sum to be collected is in the region of $4 million, which will be transferred to the Consolidated Fund.

9 Responses to “$2M raised by TRC allocated to EE/LL Sewerage Project”

  • Sewers (22/06/2020, 08:53) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply
    The TRC has a mandate from this VIP administration to drastically IMPROVE the internet here and LOWER the internet provider fees. Why is the TRC involved with a sewer project? Please stop the TRC from all these distractions and force them to do their main job: improve internet and lower the fees!!!
    • To Sewers (22/06/2020, 17:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      While I respect your opinion I must say that you are not speaking sense. The money to the East End/Long Look sewage project from TRC has nothing to do with TRC role to push for better internet. As a person that lives in East End I am thankful for this money to start this project.
  • BIG M (22/06/2020, 12:21) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Marlon needs to find the money for the sewage in East End.
  • Halleluia (22/06/2020, 13:52) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    To God be the glory. Whether TRC, Malone Penn or even Social Security Grant. Please people stop the fight and let us EE/LL resident be liberated once and for all.

    We are greatly suffering for all these years. We need this solution like last year.
    My concern is if $8 million was diverted how will $2 Million complete the project.

    Der Social Security, please do your civic usual kindness to goodness and help liberate us residents from EE/LL. Hoping the Liberator will put a hand or a voice in helping to liberate us. Its been an enormous suffering situation for too long. Please God is Great.
  • opposition (22/06/2020, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Election is going to come and go and we are going to be still walking in filth
  • Okay now (22/06/2020, 17:27) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    The NDP should be dam shame of themselves.
  • facts (22/06/2020, 17:32) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    I was not a big fan of VIP but I have found that they are doing plenty good things for the people. We have to respect them and appreciate their positive efforts. I am going to give VIP a chance and my support.
  • tosh (22/06/2020, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    qhat happen to the original money for he sewrrage boy some body going o jail trc chek before you catch the legal bg


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