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Gov't spent under $100K not $1M on palm trees– Premier clarifies

- following misinformation circulating in the public domain
More than one hundred (100) palm trees were planted throughout Road Town and its surroundings as the Government of the Virgin Islands moved forward with initiatives to develop a pedestrian friendly capital city. Photo: GIS/File
The palm trees were planted along Waterfront Drive, Administration Drive and the Market Square. Photo: GIS/File
The palm trees were planted along Waterfront Drive, Administration Drive and the Market Square. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has stated that the cost for the 100 palm trees was below $100,000. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has stated that the cost for the 100 palm trees was below $100,000. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has sought to clear the air on the cost of the over 100 palm trees planted around Road Town in August as part of the beautification initiative of his Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration.

He said, the cost of the palm trees was “way under a $100,000, it was $97,000 and change for all the palm trees, and I just put that in there as a disclaimer… and not the million that people on the street are saying because it seems like its campaign time, a little earlier than normal.”

He added: “We spent $26,000 with contractors putting them in, so that is the exact figure, but when you look and see how they have uplifted the town.”

The trees were planted along Waterfront Drive, Administration Drive and the Market Square.

The Premier's remarks were made during the official Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Road Town Market Square on Monday, October 12, 2020.

A more 'pleasant' capital city

The planting of the palm trees has transformed the landscape of the capital city aesthetically in a significant way.

Premier Fahie said he is proud that the capital is becoming more pleasant.

“Today is a sweet moment that we are thinking of our town the way some people were not thinking of it.

“That we want the town to be more aesthetically pleasing not only to tourists but to us, So that we can carry up the value of the property when they are appraised, and the value of the town and the value of us in terms of our value because a town reflect what people think of themselves and the value of themselves, not only where you live!”

Within a nine-month timeframe, the 'modernised' Market Square is expected to be completed and further uplift the town in the Fleming Street area.

33 Responses to “Gov't spent under $100K not $1M on palm trees– Premier clarifies”

  • yess (13/10/2020, 12:20) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    You don’t have to prove nothing premier wrong just the Vip administration
    • Accountability (14/10/2020, 01:47) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      Every government official should be held accountable. So yes, he needs to prove how he spends our money.
  • trrefdrfds (13/10/2020, 12:21) Like (22) Dislike (11) Reply
    It was funny man walwyn who came up with those allegations that the palm trees cost one million
  • Windy (13/10/2020, 12:47) Like (46) Dislike (6) Reply
    the NDP and the wobbla trying hard for something to sick on the VIP about financial mismanagement but for some reason its not working

    we have not forget the 1.6 m wall and the 7.2 Mi plane and the 50 M over run at the ports BAM BAM BAM
    • VI Gyal (13/10/2020, 14:30) Like (29) Dislike (29) Reply
      All were the intention to better the BVI economy and protect the children. Somehow things fell apart. Palm trees at this time was not wise. Some families hungry.
      • @VG Gyal (13/10/2020, 16:18) Like (13) Dislike (10) Reply
        Could not have said it better, some people /children are struggling and hungry, timing is dead wrong
      • @ VI Gyal (14/10/2020, 02:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        a wall was pure politics not a dam protection when children were gong to bed hungry??? boss go sit down
  • Joshau (13/10/2020, 12:49) Like (22) Dislike (17) Reply
    Why not try uplifting the lives of your people. Palms trees are not your greatest resources the people are. Beautiful town, poor people, hungry people that is like a tomb painted well on the outside but within are full of dry bones. Don't give us a fish, teach us and help us to fish honorable Premier.
  • Rabsat (13/10/2020, 12:53) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
    Its okay to plan ahead of the opening of the country! Beautification counts.
  • Vip (all the way) (13/10/2020, 12:56) Like (26) Dislike (9) Reply
    Up lift the community up the people that you all negect.....stop worry about town and palm trees how could you up lift town with belongers home less dont know where there next meal coming from ..........that money could of been used better .......now town has been up lifted as you say........only ayo contractors have mouths and family come on
  • .... (13/10/2020, 13:14) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    tell us how may tree and the cost per one
  • vip (13/10/2020, 13:33) Like (8) Dislike (16) Reply
    VIP you guys better start taking these allegations seriously cause the NDP done start the propaganda campaign against the VIP government and if you all dont wake up and defend, this will be a one term government.
  • finicky (13/10/2020, 13:39) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    I like the new palms but a couple of them are leaning badly - probably not planted deep enough or need bracing stays-.
    At any rate situation needs to be corrected.
  • ausar (13/10/2020, 13:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice!

    And we should make sure that all aspects of city life, is better aestheticized:

    Sewerage, parking, repainting of buildings, landscaping around buildings,street lighting, beautification of sidewalks,drainage around buildings, etc., etc...

    After all, our senses are better engaged, when all aspects our living, are better enhanced!

    Thank you Premier, for continuing to improve our environs, in where we all live, work, and play!
  • Forward ever Backward never (13/10/2020, 13:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nothing is wrong with beautifying the territory, but my problem is the plants are not maintained. Weeds overtake the plants, they are not watered, they are simply not cared for, so that's a waste of money.
    • Tis We (13/10/2020, 19:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      BVI Style÷
      No enforce ment.
      No maintenance
      Everythjng half ash just to claim they did something

  • Stop! (13/10/2020, 14:01) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP, VIP, Palm Tree, I really don't care. People are getting anxiety attacks, people are suffering, many do not know where the next month rent will come from. Please Please let us stop it and look into the mental and social health of this entire community. Alot of people are not going to go ask for anything because there they will get nailed to the cross, so they will keep their pride and try to work it out. Love! Show Love, show compassion one for the other. This VIP and NDP, born here and born there thing is really disheartening.
  • Outlaw (13/10/2020, 15:25) Like (15) Dislike (18) Reply
    Weather it’s 1 million or 100k, it should not happen while people are hungry and suffering. Civil servants desperately in need of a raise and retirees are still waiting on their increments that were approved so long. We need to get our priorities right.
    • Bloomberg (14/10/2020, 10:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Outlaw go shut you mudda mouth. You all forget that a system in place to so that capital can reach to the people. Government put out projects and people get jobs and the jobs feed families. The money circulating. These NDP MS online of all the media writing bull shit because they miserable that they don't have the kitty!

      Tell myron to hush he mudda rass and take some of the food and feed people if he so want to become premier. Talking shit!
  • Nickkie (13/10/2020, 15:35) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    WELL DONE!!!
  • tretretrete (13/10/2020, 16:44) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply
    Y not coconut trees....atleast we could get food put of it.
  • wow (13/10/2020, 19:04) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Funny those who saying them hungry will find money to by the new IPhone 12. Why is that?! Caused it will be a priority if yours.....
  • o my (13/10/2020, 20:43) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Nothing wrong with beautifying the place but those palm trees are ugly. Why putting up palm trees when the town is stinking also the roads are deplorable, the money for the trees could buy some provisions seeds or whatever to plant so we can have food for the future. Can anyone eat palm trees they also look very ugly.
  • tri-party opposition (13/10/2020, 22:12) Like (102) Dislike (2) Reply
    Before he go bring in investments he bringing in palm trees
  • Coconut trees (13/10/2020, 23:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whilst on the topic of trees I draw to government's attention that there are coconut trees on island that hang over sidewalks. The trees are allowed to bear fruit which can fall on a pedestrian using the side walk. The result could be fatal. Do you see the liability ? Best example is the one close to the statue of Noel Lloyd. Or the one across from RBTT ( formerly Scotia Bank). And there are others throughout the island. Something needs to be done before someone gets hurt from falling coconut(s).
  • Da Real Mcoy (14/10/2020, 00:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    A number of people didnt get any stimulus check all now.
    A number of us getting run around.
    This is the last time i voting.
    I never get any help from any government.
    They are all the same.
    all for themselves.
    i could hardly pay my bills much less to save a quarter.
  • facts (14/10/2020, 02:54) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    at least I could see the Palm tress but I am still looking for the wall, plane and the overrun at the posts. NDP must never be allowed to govern again
  • Hurricane food (14/10/2020, 04:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Until the next hurricane passes through and they come crashing down. Not a wise idea. Why not use a more local tree?
  • Guest (14/10/2020, 06:09) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    he wants ppl to hire locals but he couldnt find local plants? there are many beautiful ones here, far cheaper than $100k
    what a waste of taxpayers money
  • Heckler (14/10/2020, 07:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    each one of those trees is at least 5 grand... do the maths
  • okay (14/10/2020, 09:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the trees are a great addition to town! HOWEVER there is no way they cost under 100k... just saying
  • Kiddg me (14/10/2020, 12:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The palm trees must be thankful they have a home now.


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