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Dr Pickering has lost his way - Mandinka M. Crabbe

-said Deputy Premier & 7th District Representative Hon Kedrick D. Pickering has turned his back on the people
Businessman and contractor Mandinka M. Crabbe (left) said Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), right, needs to stand up for his people of the Seventh District who have repeatedly voted for him. Photo: VINO/File
Contractors during last evening's meeting at the East End/Long Look Community Centre. Photo: VINO
Contractors during last evening's meeting at the East End/Long Look Community Centre. Photo: VINO
Local contractors are concerned that a Chinese company with no local partners may be given the multi-million dollar contract to design and extend the runway at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island. Photo: VINO
Local contractors are concerned that a Chinese company with no local partners may be given the multi-million dollar contract to design and extend the runway at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island. Photo: VINO
EAST END, Tortola, VI - Businessman and contractor Mandinka M. Crabbe has said that Seventh District Representative, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering needs to stand up for the people who have elected him consistently since 1999.

He was speaking at the conclusion of a meeting of concerned contractors who felt the need to voice their concerns regarding a number of issues which they felt needed addressing, chief amongst them the concern that the airport expansion works may very well go to a Chinese company to the detriment of local contractors.

The meeting took place last evening May 26, 2016 at the East End/Long Look Community Centre.

According to our sources, two companies made the final list on the airport runway extension project. They were China Communications Construction Company Ltd, and IDL Group, who merged with Sir Robert McAlpine Holdings and local partner ADC of the Virgin Islands.

The Chinese company has no local partner and it is expected that the Government of the Virgin Islands will seek its own funding for the project. Government also had given all companies the option of providing funding for the project in the design and build tender.

According to information received from our sources, China Communications Construction Company Ltd’s bid was approximately $154 Million and IDL Group, the Sir Robert McAlpine Holdings and local partner ADC bid, was reportedly $199 Million.

Minister must stand up for the people

“In life you must have the courage to stand up for your people...you must have the courage to stand up for what is right...you must have the courage to defend your people and to move forward,” Crabbe said.

He said the Minister should not turn his back on the community after all of these years that they stood up for him.

“Election after election, every four years we guarantee him a seat...his Long Look people stand up for him...it is time for him to stand up for us.”

According to Crabbe, the Minister used to be known to them as the ‘Freedom Fighter’. “But the Freedom Fighter has lost his way...we will always love Dr Pickering, but we want Dr Pickering to do the right thing...and if he fails to do the right thing we have to discipline him.”

We don't want to hear about the Chinese

Crabbe was adamant that Dr Pickering cannot come to the community and speak about foreign contractors coming into the territory. “We don’t want to hear nothing about the Chinese...they are not good for the country...everywhere the Chinese go it’s a problem, look at Antigua, the project there start out at one thing and now the cost tripled,” he stressed.

“We are asking for two things - justice and work for our people. We have a lot of hurt going on in Long Look. We have a lot of unemployment. He is the Minister of Labour and unemployment is high. We have the greenhouse where he could pay a little attention to, that could employ all those young boys off the block. He needs to put his focus back on us and stop fighting for things we don’t want him to fight for. We want him to start fighting for jobs for our people,” he said.

Crabbe said that the Minister needs to get back on course as he is off course in his actions as Minister. “Right now the economy is hurting and the people are hurting. When people are hurting it could lead to a riot,” he said.

66 Responses to “Dr Pickering has lost his way - Mandinka M. Crabbe”

  • long lookian (27/05/2016, 07:20) Like (80) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now you feel our pain. Teeth and Tongue fall out.
    • the rock (27/05/2016, 15:08) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      i was thinking the same thing, when u were eating your belly full the guys on the block was not even in your thoughts young man, with foolish remarks like " we will have to discipline the minister--try him next election, I bet u fall on your face, my thoughts is that it should be put on the whole and improve the ferry system!
      • tony (27/05/2016, 18:03) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
        Well Mr. Crabbe you need to take a stock and check how much worker you and your father have working for you all and then check how much is local. Start from here first. I hate to see socall businessman blaming Government ministers. This need to stop. Not because you vote for a minister mean that you can threatening
        his position because that's what you doing. You need to get the country at heart and not your self. If you have the people at heart and the country then start by employing LOCAL.
  • SKN Massive (27/05/2016, 07:22) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    DR Pico, unite with your people, do not let Tortola become the dumping ground for Chinese steel and other products that nobody else buy because they are inferior. Big up to your constituent for voicing his concern.
    • Chinaman (27/05/2016, 08:31) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      Excuse me!! The steel frame for the big building at Fish Bay, where did that come from? and where will the steel frame for the Virgin Gorda hospital and Myron's new school be sourced? Ask the Chinese Doctor. Don't mess with him.
      • wtf? (27/05/2016, 09:49) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        Speaking of the VG Hospital...why isn't anyone working on the project? Been sitting there empty for a while now...
        • Chinaman (27/05/2016, 10:33) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
          The Chinese Minister has that under control. As soon as the steel frame arrives from China the project will move forward.
          • Reply (28/05/2016, 00:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
            WHOOPS... allyuh go kill me oh me belly
          • wize up (28/05/2016, 06:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
            @chinaman: is the Chinese minister from fish bay because I understand the PWB equipment were purchased from the Chinese Minister with your tax dollars
  • Born local (27/05/2016, 07:23) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
    well sah once Pico give them an eat they will come back to the gravy train
    • hand & mouth (27/05/2016, 13:12) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
      LOL you ain't like. When they were leeching off of certain politicians, things were great and him and his pops were all smiles....but now things get sour, so they upset LOL
  • Saddened from afar (27/05/2016, 07:49) Like (32) Dislike (4) Reply
    As bad as Kedrick tis we aint want myrun to be no dam Premier
  • wize up (27/05/2016, 08:39) Like (76) Dislike (5) Reply
    nothing personal however when mr crabbe was being given most of the government money you never heard anything from him but now someone else get an opportunity to make some money mr crabbe wants the world stop turning: my personal point is; you Never hear one word from some them when them getting their craw full however when things are not in their favor the whole of the BVI must start a revolution...
    • Yep (27/05/2016, 10:17) Like (38) Dislike (1) Reply
      Is this another trade license contractor? Has a trade license, hire a few guys, gets jobs because of inside contacts but has no clue about the field? Why is he speaking?
      • @ yep (27/05/2016, 11:07) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
        Couldn't have said it better myself! WTF has Mandinka built? These paper contractors are all the same - no knowledge, experience and the finished product is over-priced and under-valued. But these EE/LL wannabees smell the corruption and the stench of public funds to siphon off - they MUST get theirs or all hell bruk loose. Pico yah goose getting cooked and a nice hog-plum sauce is waiting on top of you.
    • Belonger With A Broader Perspective (27/05/2016, 17:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @wizeup Couldn't have said it better my friend
  • wishing well (27/05/2016, 08:39) Like (30) Dislike (6) Reply
    Please listen to your people Dr Piko.
    Just the other day i read a news article wich said that the Chinese were selling plastic rice to Africa. It only got discovered when an increasing number of cases of stomach and abdominal problems kept happening they linked it to the rice. Which they found out w as plastic. Cheap prices and cheap labour is not always the best. You get what you pay for. Let's learn from the mistakes of others. No Chinese and their products please.
  • Art Lover (27/05/2016, 08:51) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    The paintings in the background are beautiful! Does anyone know who is the artist?
  • justice (27/05/2016, 09:50) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
    that's exactly what doctor PICO is doing.. looking out for the people,, locals $.199.000.000 millions, china $ 154.000.000 millions, you do the math. {locals to dam greedy}.$ 45.000.000 millions out of tax payers monies.... THE PEOPLE
  • sucking up to his rich friends (27/05/2016, 09:55) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    The worst thing the NDP did was to give pico a seat. He is busy flying all over the globe doing nothing. Longlook look the same since ralph spent money on the stickette years ago. All he did was built o rocky beach where no one (not even he) would swim because it is infested with congos.
  • Bitter Sweet (27/05/2016, 09:56) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    Its a very ticklish situation but as "long looking" said now you feel our pain..... NDP have help shape and built 99.8% of all rich families in the territory. Money going to the crabbe's and pickerings , penns for years no middle class nor lower classes families geting any work or positions without a last name or a ring. so tuffing up dinka world getting into a crisis join the hurting well not really still because your broke and our broke is still on on the same scale.

    on the other side these Chinese companies do good work for cheap. we need to feel ashame of ourselves we dont have nothing to show in a land where we were always on top in the Caribbean for resources and tourism. We got a pier thank god and we desperately need a air port , i keep stressing long are the days when we look at down island people and call them island man... we are way worst than those same islands right now. Look at St.Kitts and St.Vincent air port and cruise industry.. so keep talking about you looking job to get a fat check for Mediocre work.

    Wake up BVI we going no where fast both side of the table are crocked these just bigger scale ... we need a coalition..

    • dog (27/05/2016, 10:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      interesting that BVI has "always been on top in the Caribbean for resources and tourism" even before the pier and without an extended airport. ministers are right to question the practicality of that project at this time. We don't even have other projects under control- nor do we have the money. Nor has study been done to see how Chinese workers impact the island with temporary housing, health care, education for their children, transportation etc.
  • Voter in East. (27/05/2016, 09:57) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is it these local contractors bids always higher than the overseas contractors. And you give them the contractor and "BAM" half way through the job they looking for more money. Them just looking to milk they own people and do shoddy work. Just check the east end road from hodges creek to the police station. Dinka need to go sit down.
    • just wrong (27/05/2016, 10:27) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ Voter in East - It's called "low balling" - They intentionally bid low to get the contract, with all sorts of "ifs" built in. Then when they run out of money they bring up the "ifs". Then Government has to do something to cover their butts. Pretty obvious though that they just don't have the money. They borrow from the bank for "cash flow", do stuff like charge money to drop of people at the airport, raise cruising permit fees on the industry that put the BVI on the map, raise tax on wine, beer and liquor with huge percentages. Looking at past history, even if they take the 150 million bid, we all know it will end up around 300 million.
      • Observer (27/05/2016, 10:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        And what do you call what locals do... high balling? Call one high price and then after only 60% of the project done go even higher with the price tag till they almost doubling at times?
  • ...... (27/05/2016, 09:59) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    In relations to Chinese products, you all are so silly. Most of the manufacturing in the world is done in China. America buys from China. As far as Dr. Pickering goes.....judging by what I "see" in Long Look, I've always wondered why they keep electing him. But maybe he does a lot that can't be seen.
  • Crab Cake (27/05/2016, 10:09) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pico boy you and these Chinese and white friends again. Them crabs and lettuce controlling you a long time but them Chinese will create more problems bigger than you.
  • Oh Please (27/05/2016, 10:30) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    WE DON'T NEED YOUR SUPPORT CRABBE....LOL NEITHER THE PEOPLE OF THE BVI DONT NEED YOU TO VOICE FOR US.
  • community man (27/05/2016, 10:32) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Dinka doc is a good man, why u coming on him? I think u should renegotiate ur offer with govt and give us a better deal. Like doing the job for about $150, 000,000. Or so. U will still get ur share.
  • YES SIR (27/05/2016, 10:39) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pickering will deliver a knock punch. Ayo wait.
  • Guest (27/05/2016, 10:45) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    He is standing up for the people the other 99% of taxpayers and their money that you all want, you all ain't the only f'ing people in the country. We most spend and additional 40+ million because the other bid has 2-3 locals in it? GTFOH! with that stupid s***. When done you look the road end up like how east road is. Look at that fetching work and road up East that is local quality, look at the final/not final cost of the pier and people up in that meeting but throw it to the local company again, with an already $40+ million above the other bid price tag?? He got to be crazy..
  • OhLawd (27/05/2016, 11:16) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lord, ah muccey. Trouble start now. When Picko push out that mouth on them Crabs, them going go limping across the road. Trouble start now -- evil going buss the poe, revenge going surface and anger is going to fly. How dare them go public cussing me? But be watchful. The people are watching and they are listening -- "I like my rich white friends." Do they like you, or are they just using you. Take a page out of Hon. Marlon Penn's speech and you will understand what our focus should be -- focus on elevating our peole, on ensuring that the people of the Virgin Islands is first in their country. Too many work permits being given out and our people who want to work without jobs. Shut down the scam these expat firms playing with their covert racism. The race issue will surface soon if you don't put these people in place, those with their clandestine plans of displacing Virgin Islanders Virgin Islanders, it is time to unite. Don't wait for elections. Do so now.
  • wize up (27/05/2016, 11:17) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    both bibbers have local and heavy political affiliation: this one sweet because that ting call money sure causes friendships to end....
  • chad (27/05/2016, 11:25) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    not getting involved in this NDP civil war
    • I will (27/05/2016, 14:18) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      I'm no fan of NDP buy let Mandika go hush he rass! Look how them had make a mockery of the Greenland field and Francis lettsome school while other contractors had to go fixed them shit. he lil first ripe rass need to know he place.
  • now (27/05/2016, 11:30) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    What Dinka know about construction. He does only get a few jobs to build fence around houses that someone else already built. Is the same island ppl doing all the work and getting a lil change that can barely pay their bills here in the Bvi. It's time these contractor start to show their workers a lot more respect and better salary. Remember ! Only salvation is forever.
  • Reality check (27/05/2016, 12:57) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    the crabbe's has no friends only friends they have is MONEY.
  • VI Lander Away From the Shit (27/05/2016, 14:06) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    The last time I was there the Crabbe Family benefits from everything in the 7 & 8 district, I guess the greedy having trouble getting from the Grinch, Oh sorry they aint white and the Cuban has had enough, what is next is to put a stop to that's illegal concrete plant and dirt moving below his house.
  • GREED (27/05/2016, 14:08) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem to dam greedy?
  • kmt not supporter of dr pic smith (27/05/2016, 17:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    You all want it all !all the time think airport expansion is a joke ayo shut ayo moda sk***nt ! Think this project is like patching pat holes on the road.doc smith do the right thing cause my life is at risk if that airport dont come out good!. Ayo must be willing to work with the chinese or any foriegners for the best intrest of our country! Make the dog sick dehman shocks!! Want it all ...
  • Tola Man (27/05/2016, 18:00) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Dinka is a good man and works for his unlike the street man dem who ant doing nothing with their lives so stop hating on him cause if more young men was like him the place would have bin more progressive...
  • Real (27/05/2016, 20:08) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    You all can talk what you want who cares want thing for Shure, when we east people check mandinka he deal with us straight up .
    Crabbe we got you back don’t mind them keep the fight up let us know when you need our help
    Real people always check for real people
  • block man (27/05/2016, 23:55) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    When they were eating everything was good, but now that they might not get nothing from the airport so Picko aint no good for them. That practice has got to stop only when things aint good u hear from them. He passing the man them on the block all the time and he still aint give them no work but all of a sudden he concern.
  • JACK BE STILL (28/05/2016, 00:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    the NDP stop protecting their peoples ......
  • Well (28/05/2016, 07:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dock forget where he came from look at his District still the same he is a very weak leader, he forget his people
  • chad (28/05/2016, 08:05) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am so tired of this man the last thing I could rember brass come up on the block and tell us we have to give him one more chance, Now we can’t see dock dinka what now I thought you said this time around will be different boy crabbe we under more pressure than ever, so what will we do , crabbe is you who comes and tell us ware to vote, Crabbe what are we going to do you said the man is not listening, tell dock stop F******up
  • look (28/05/2016, 08:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    Tell thieving m.... go sit down don’t come back up east with his Pull sh*t , he already take care of his town people and his drug friends with the government money, m.... we don’t like you on the east $%^& u go and treat your family better

  • Poker (28/05/2016, 10:36) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Dinka wha you doing run next election. Hands down you win that joker Pico tha wha up. Still you crabbs control he a while now so just run against he. Look all you crabbs controlling marlon too feeding he hmv ribs like a puppet. It's time one all you crabbs run or shut the f*** up. All you want all.
  • Lolo (29/05/2016, 03:07) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Dinka is a real person and a true freind once he is for u he is for u but I wanted him off picko he will cause to much trouble on the east , dinka is a man who is not afraid to help people. He will help you and show u much more love than picko. Pico that is not good you have access to the government funds
  • Check (29/05/2016, 03:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dock we can deal with any one else but get Mandinka off of you, lord Mandinka Please come off of dock, we will work it out
    Dock we don't want a War with dinka that will never end, I know he to good
  • YES SIR (29/05/2016, 03:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Picko we have to get this thing fixed dinka is a person who show no fear, most east people will only talk from a distant and come on the net and hide there name and talk , dinka is a person who will come forward, he is not the average guy that will get soft and go quiet not he
  • My girl (29/05/2016, 03:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    dock if you know you wanted to be the leader of the NDP you have to get dinka on your side he will go to war most of your team will go under a rock and hide
    dock you keep playing around your key strong people u isn't ready for this thing, dock u moving like some one has you in a trap or what, your there joking around a serious man one of your key man a man who ain't afraid to spend stop there playing around
  • thomas (29/05/2016, 04:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    dock we don't want any problem with dinka , fighting him is like fighting a blind fight you don't know who with u or who against you
  • E. Leonard (29/05/2016, 09:06) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    A $45M delta between the two lowest bidders. Are they bidding on the same plans and specifications? What is the government estimate(GE) on the project? Using the GE as reference, which of the two projects is in the ball park and is fair and reasonable? If the low, reponsible and responsive bidder is well below the GE, the government contract negotiation team should meet with the contactor to discuss the delta. The intent of this discussion is to glean the contractor's approach to meeting the requirements. Similarly, the contract negotiation team should also meet with the second lowest bidder to discuss the rationale for its bid. Further, a contract of this scope, technical requirement.....etc probably should not be awarded based on low bid but on best value. At the end of the day, if neither of the two lowest bidders price is consistent with the GE and is not fair and reasonable, the project should be readvertised.

    Moreover, the assumptions/rumors on the street is that the territory is still struggling from the 2007-2008 economic down turn/ recession and is experiencing cash flow and financial challenges. Additionally, the territory's debt to GDP ratio is spiraling upwards. Against this backdrop, my fellow Virgin Islanders, need and return on investment considered, have to decide if this additional debt load should be incurred at this time. Further, are there reasonable alternatives to meeting this transportation need?

    Will spending hundreds of $MM to extend the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport automatically bring dirctl flights from the US, UK, Canada, SA or the Far East? My take away from my Airline Economics class is hazy but passenger load factor (PLF) comes to mind. Every take off and landing has a fix cost and no airline will either start a route or even continue a route if it cannot cover at least its fix cost. But the airline business is a profit making business with huge capital needs and razor thin profit so no airline will be content with breaking even. Each airline has a PLF requirement; ie, it has to consistently put paying customers butts in the seats to meet it. Just like ferries have to operate at a consistent load level or taxi drivers have to conistently get enough fares or hotels/guest houses/villas has to consistently put heads in the beds or bare boat charters putting boaters aboard to stay in business so too must airlines consistently put butts in the seats to stay airborne.
  • Political Observer (29/05/2016, 11:48) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ed, olde boy and my friend, true , you are putting forth some salient points and making a strong case, but you may be barking up the wrong tree or traveling down the wrong road, for remember this airport thing is a fait accompli and a "Done Deal" for real. We are cannot things twisted. What government estimate? This is a foreign language in the current acquisition process. Bidders have and are screwing government and taxpayers for the longest. Even the blind know that government consistently award over inflated contracts. It rarely, if ever, calls contractors on the carpet for outrageous bids, unless they are not in the family. Even outsider bidders know getting government contracts are very lucrative with little to no justification. The whole procurement/acquisition process needs to be revamped.

    Scholol chiren are saying that the NDP caucus is split on going forward with this project at this juncture due to current financial problems. We need to forego personal self interest, legacy ....etc and put the national interest front and center. There are many needs but few dollars to fund those needs. Most governments and the BVI government is in this group do not have the resources to fund all their needs. Consequently, needs need to be prioritized. Thus, should running up the debt load to fund the airport extension be prioritized over other basic needs?
  • TOO BLASTED GEEDY!!!!!!!!!! (29/05/2016, 18:28) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Because ayo aint get the JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You talkin f***

    Give somebody else a chance all the time ayo gettin all, ayo wasn't talkin but now ayo aint gettin the so call big job ayo talkin. SHUT UP AYO UNGRATEFULL A**!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Then again ayo won't know where to start with a job like dis.
  • facts man (30/05/2016, 00:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    ..anxiety is spreading through the NDP that while Dr. Pcikering is struggling to find his footing over this airport project the other members are divided
  • Street reporter (31/05/2016, 13:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Picko finally came to his senses. These friends of his so call contractors for too long has disappointed him and let him down.. Just look at the Fat Hogs Bay road that suppose to be a new Road. Its like a road leading to the jungle. Lot more example like that.. Im with you Picko. Enough is enough.
  • knowledge (01/06/2016, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need experience constructors, because this is a serious matter. An airport is not building a home. Building a runway is even more complex than building a major highway/motorway, which has similar demands in terms of the need for an extremely well engineered surface, high levels of quality control in the materials used, and superior drainage. Runways, once constructed, must be capable of being kept in good repair for many years, including periodic removal of accumulated rubber and other foreign matter and at least one or two major resurfacings. However, it also is understood that runways can in effect "wear out" over time, and may require complete removal and replacement with a new multilayered runway in its place.

    The most distinguishing characteristic of modern runways, however, is the need for them to accept increasingly heavy aircraft slamming down upon them and taxiing on and off at many points along their length. Aircraft weighing over well over 100,000 pounds at landing are the norm rather than the exception at major international airports. To handle such incredible loads on a regular basis -- not to mention temperature extremes in many locations that can easily lead to "spalling" (surface erosion) if not accounted for in the materials used -- runways must be built with care and precision.


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