BBC paints dismal picture of VI 6 months post hurricanes 2017
The article, captioned ‘Virgin Islanders still in shelter, six months after Irma’, not only highlighted the plight of those who are still residing in the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, but also gives insight into the lives of two residents affected by the category 5 storms and shares the perspective on development of both the Premier, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) and the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka 'Gus'.
Life in the Sports Complex
Stanton Robinson aka Mikey, age 30, was featured as one of the “approximately 20” persons still housed at the Multi-Purpose Sports complex. He reportedly told them "I don't like it in here. I don't feel comfortable in this place, (tell the government to) Please help me."
Also featured was 34-year-old Makeba Hesky who is reported as saying "It seems to me like everybody just give up on us."
The discussions on the sports complex being used as a shelter to this day as been had many times over and in many circles. While many are sympathetic to the plight of those wo are sill there, the fact remains that the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex is not fulfilling its intended use and the youths and sports on the whole in the territory are suffering.
“We really need the Sports Complex. We need to get the people out of there. They holding the building hostage. Enough is enough,” stated host of the ZBVI 780 AM sports show, Sports Talk, Mr Clement 'Tony' Donovan aka ‘Bone Crusher’ during a live broadcast of the show on Saturday February 24, 2018.
And though the BBC article states that the occupants have no where else to go, it is alleged that one person in that shelter owns two apartment buildings and another receives $2000 cheques monthly.
State of the territory
Turning its attention to the Premier, the article described the deplorable state of the Central Administration Complex, saying that “Most of the structure's windows are boarded, awaiting replacement. Inside, the island's premier, Orlando Smith, works from a sparse office while repairmen are still labouring to repair the extensive damage.”
Premier Smith was quoted as saying his "biggest priority is housing - getting those roofs back on, getting people in homes. Then of course, there is the matter of the economy. We've got to get that economy back up and running."
The article went on to describe the impact of the hurricanes on the VI tourism product, even stating that, “Two of the biggest cruise companies have stopped bringing ships to the BVI, and the reduced numbers of tourists has meant a slow recovery for the tourism industry.”
More UK involvement was expected
Two residents, Roselyn Hill and Rita Plunkett, shared their experiences post Irma and Maria. They both shared the sentiment that the expected more from the ‘mother country’.
Bishop John I. Cline, who was also interviewed, is recorded as saying "When we did need them to show that we are truly a child of the United Kingdom, I think they disappointed us," he said. "It changed our view in terms of a relationship, to saying 'are we really a part of you or is that just in name only?'”
However, Governor Jaspert allegedly told the site he is ‘proud of’ the support of United Kingdom and though they were very visible immediately following the hurricanes as military personnel, “Behind the scenes, the UK has been supporting with infrastructure, supporting with technical advisors in each of the key departments and ministries… as well as grants on specific projects - both on immediate needs, but also on longer term. (Together) we've got the electricity back on. We've got businesses back open. We've got all children getting educated, and key services are back up and running."
The article ended with a sad depiction of the state of the territory. “The island's main high school lies in ruin. Many other schools appear damaged. Harbours are littered with overturned and abandoned boats - some boats lay where they washed up on land. Roads are littered with potholes. And some debris remains strewn about.”
The picture pained is not one of a Territory that is ‘open for business’ but more of one struggling to recover, six months after being hit by the storms. Stated was “with hurricane season less than 100 days away, many residents are worried about what the next storm may bring.”
Lack of decisive leadership & priority- Hon Fraser
Meanwhile, Opposition Member Honourable Julian Fraser RA, during a public meeting at St Mary's Church Hall in Virgin Gorda on March 7, 2018 commented that the BBC would not have had cause to write such an article if Government had exercised decisive leadership and priority.
During his discourse with residents, Hon Fraser also said Premier Smith's excuse of there being a lack of building materials coming in to the Territory as a reason for Government buildings and other infrastructure still not repaired is unacceptable.
He reminded that he had asked the Premier while in the House of Assembly recently if he made contact with the shipping companies' executives; however, that question was re-directed to the Minister for the subject.
"My response was this is above the Minister's pay grade. This is an issue for the Premier to talk with the shipping companies directly. Tell Tropical, tell Crowley, that we have a country that is in need of being rebuilt. The Government administration needs certain materials, bring them on the next shipment, or if you have to, get a boat and go bring them yourself. Don't sit back here and say you can't get materials. There is absolutely no reason for our Government buildings to be in a state of disrepair as they are in right now."
Hon Fraser also referred to the proposed Recovery and Development Plan where Government allocated $100,000 to the restoration of the yachting sector as another example of a lack of priority.
You can imagine how many yachts we have strewn around the BVI, sunk to the bottom of the ocean. When you talk about $100,000, I don't know what that is for, maybe that is to police the area..."
See link to full BBC article:
20 Responses to “BBC paints dismal picture of VI 6 months post hurricanes 2017”
So soon after the devastation of the Territory by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, why is the Government focussing on trivia such as whether legitimate customers to the Government building have on closed-up shoes or open shoes (slippers); wasting so much ink and other resources printing full page coloured photo of young man dressed to death in long sleeves and shiny dress shoes. Yes, rules and regulations are essential in society, but these have to be made with understanding and common-sense to enable residents who are willing to do their part in these urgent and necessary restoration activities. What about the Rules for the House of Assembly, where the Government Accounts are to be audited but have not been done now for several years.
Meanwhile, the UK is being called-out for their apparent lack of support and action at this crucial time. Yes, the UK should have and could be doing more to assist the BVI in this recovery stage. But what is the BVI Government doing to help the people – wasting every cent they can get their hands on? Not giving account of the millions of dollars that they have squandered in the good times? What are the people of the BVI planning to do? Are the people just planning to return the NDP bunch by the ballot blindly. It is time for our people to awake from your slumber. The local Government needs to give account of the millions of dollars squandered – airplanes that never flew commercially on behalf of the people of the Territory; million-dollar wall around one school, when students were taught in trailers; etc.
The UK Government’s assistance is needed and I do not fault them for laying down their rules and expectations. Hopefully next time when the UK comes to assist the BVI, the people will stand up to the BVI Government and do not let them chase away the assistance. There was no foresight previously but hopefully lessons have been learnt. Rise up my people for what is good and right!
The government isn't acting quick enough to stay on top of the game. We're going to get buried by this is legistlations aren't made and people aren't following the law.
The backbone to every economy and nation.Pls unclude them in the recovery process and you see what a difference they will make.