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Has the Recovery Agency Board been named?

According to senior National Democratic Party (NDP) sources, the Independent Recovery agency includes Chairman Dr Robert A. Mathavious (left), the CEO of the Financial Services Commission; Lorna G. Smith OBE (right), the wife of Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL). Photo: VINO/File
Mr Russell Harrigan (left), the Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board and Ms Sachkia Barnes (right), a former public relations consultant for Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), are also said to be on the Recovery Agency Board. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Russell Harrigan (left), the Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board and Ms Sachkia Barnes (right), a former public relations consultant for Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), are also said to be on the Recovery Agency Board. Photo: VINO/File
Civil servant and musician, Eustace Freeman aka ‘Boss’, has announced on his Facebook page that he is on the ‘interim recovery board which was put in place to oversee and aid the recovery and rebuild efforts’ of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
Civil servant and musician, Eustace Freeman aka ‘Boss’, has announced on his Facebook page that he is on the ‘interim recovery board which was put in place to oversee and aid the recovery and rebuild efforts’ of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- There seems to be confusion over whether a Recovery Agency Board has been set up by the Dr D. Orlando Smith (AL) led Administration.

The Agency has been demanded by the United Kingdom Government in a high level framework document in exchange to support loan guarantees to rebuild the Territory following the destructive hurricanes of September 2017.

Why the need for this Agency Board?

In other words, because the UK mistrusts the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration for its history of lack of transparency, alleged corruption, lack of financial accountability and reckless spending, the Agency is to oversee all loan recovery funds.

The loans for the post Irma and Maria recovery are to be managed by this Agency in a separate account under the authority of the Chair of the Board, according to the ‘High Level Framework for the UK support to the BVI Hurricanes Recovery,’ a document leaked to the media some two weeks ago.

A call last night to our senior NDP sources claimed that this Board and the names recommended have not reached Cabinet, however, it is our understanding that Premier Smith has selected a few persons who have been meeting.

The Board so far are:

According to senior NDP sources, the Independent Recovery agency includes Chairman Dr Robert A. Mathavious, the CEO of the Financial Services Commission; Lorna G. Smith OBE, the wife of Premier Smith; Russell Harrigan, the Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board; Eustace Freeman aka ‘Boss’, civil servant and musician, and Ms Sachkia Barnes, a former public relations consultant for Education Minister Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL).

The other members on the Development Agency Board are not immediately known at this time.

It is unclear when Premier and Leader of Government Business Dr Smith will make an official announcement on this Agency Board that reportedly has not yet been approved by Cabinet.

44 Responses to “Has the Recovery Agency Board been named?”

  • Hmmmm (06/02/2018, 14:13) Like (65) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Premier wife should not be on this Board no matter what they say. It needs to be void of all political heavy handed influences.
    • big girls rules (06/02/2018, 14:21) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      At least you all have a sexy picture of boss
    • WDH (07/02/2018, 08:19) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes, I agree. It look like she dey only educated person in the whole BVI. What happen to the rest of the 29,000 other people? Dem need to stop tis BS. Why whenever it have board to set-up tis the same ole people dem choosing? Dey rest aw we mussa cow, dog and cat.
  • Not again (06/02/2018, 14:16) Like (42) Dislike (1) Reply
    Now I understand why Fahie wants a detailed account of all loan monies especially that $65 million. We the people need to know because the scammers are at it again. It is all about the money not we the people.
  • Well my people (06/02/2018, 14:18) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply

    You see the politics that's playing with our loan monies that we have to pay back? Outside of Hon. Fahie the rest elected is fast asleep allowing this wicked wi**h and some ministers to rob us blind.

  • look who they picked (06/02/2018, 14:19) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
    More corruption again
  • bvi (06/02/2018, 14:20) Like (62) Dislike (1) Reply
    BVI PEOPLE please wake up from your sleep and slumber and stop this madness. Some of these recycled people should NOT be on this Board. CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!!
    • dog (07/02/2018, 23:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I so agree! the people making up this board are heavily in favour of big development and some of them even own crucial parcels of land in road town. Rebuilding in many places will have to be from scratch. Do we have any regulations, zoning, setback, height restrictions, community considerations? infrastructure experts? Environmental protections? traffic control? ARE THERE ANY ARCHITECTS/ CITY PLANNERS/ ENGINEERS/ HISTORIANS/ COORDINATORS on this board? No. There are financial planners who control Hong Kong and monies, tourist and businessman/ publisher, and Public Relations? really?

      allocations of funds per business? Who are well-connected? Do tourist businesses get priority over grocery stores and local businesses? How big are the buildings? are they going to comply with hurricane standards? IS THERE A MASTER PLAN FOR ROAD TOWN and not every man for himself? This board has many conflicts of interest and no one is watching out for the citizens. this is the pier project all over again.
    • HAHA (08/02/2018, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Recycled !
  • pure politics (06/02/2018, 14:25) Like (40) Dislike (1) Reply
    The same communication consultant what was with bald head during the 2011 elections then was with him in his Ministry afterwards then move to the Premier office and is now with this recovery board, this is highly questionable. This needs an investigation. Governor you sitting there and drinking these people cool aid also so please wake up and stop this collusion.
    • @ pure politics (07/02/2018, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You missing the part that she was the lead flight attendant for BVI Airways..........
  • Jack ah tell you (06/02/2018, 14:29) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    I will start to go on to fb and make my mouth big and talk plenty about this NDP government and see if they will shut me up too and put me on a major Board to manage million of dollars so I leave them alone.
  • ... (06/02/2018, 14:31) Like (38) Dislike (0) Reply
    His wife again? Smh
  • Come off (06/02/2018, 14:32) Like (48) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please tell the Premier to take his wife off of this Board. It is not right and please do not try to justify it neither. This nonsense needs to stop.
  • conclusion (06/02/2018, 14:34) Like (47) Dislike (1) Reply
    This bold face NDP Government is truly the most corrupt government in the history of the BVI.
  • shhh (06/02/2018, 14:41) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    Between us I hear that this is a interim Board to direct how the money will be spent from the $65 mill CDB loan money so by the time the real Board is formed the money done gone to try to help the NDP win the next General election. Oh yeah, a few projects will be done also to make it look good and the marketing sound good. Here we go again. ROBBERY!!!!
  • WHY? (06/02/2018, 14:44) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is every senior public servant, the DG & Governor afraid of the woman that wears the pants. She named every person that should be on the Board to control it for the one who should wear the pants and bald head alone to look good at the expense of we the people. Get her off of this thing ASAP!!!!!!!!
  • sorry (06/02/2018, 14:48) Like (41) Dislike (2) Reply
    I must appologize to Hon Fahie because I was one who didn't agree when he stated that there will be an attempt by this government to use this $65 million loan from CDB to try to win the next elections. Once again he has turned out to be correct. Fahie needs help to fight this massive corrupt bunch. GOD send us help.
  • Youth (06/02/2018, 14:51) Like (46) Dislike (1) Reply
    When it comes to money the ndp cannot be trusted.
    • VICKIE (06/02/2018, 17:56) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      When I were warning you all during the last election you all bash me. I told you all then and I am telling you all again this party is for themselves. People of the BVI we are in a lot of trouble with this //////////. I am asking the governor to help us to know how they are spending the money that we have to repay. Residents of the BVI let us bind together and demand accountability this time.
  • BVI Airways (06/02/2018, 14:55) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    Most of these people is who gave us bvi airways and seven million dollars later the money fly away and the plane still hasn't fly and no one is investigated and no one has gone jail. Now here they come again. The recovery money will be recovered in pockets but the people will never recover. There's no justice in the BVI. The Governor is a HUGE DISAPPOINTMEMT.
  • Observer (06/02/2018, 14:58) Like (50) Dislike (3) Reply
    At first I had high hopes for this new governor but now I realize that the NDP is out smarting him and still getting rich. You really can't send a boy to do a man's job. GOVERNOR YOU LET THE BVI PEOPLE DOWN!!!
    • @Observer Hmmm. (06/02/2018, 16:46) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hmmmm. I agreed. The Governors are disappointing. Hope they are not been fed with the Money Cake..
  • critic (06/02/2018, 15:17) Like (51) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where is the Independence on this making with the exception of Dr. Mathavious, no one else independent, political cronies of the NDP, a joke or what. Governor you sit there and allow this crap. Only the doctor will be independent. This a fake board to fool who, Governor pls get objective minded ppl to on that board if there going be any. We not serious about nothing in this place. Political nonsense.
  • Out spoken (06/02/2018, 16:01) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looking at the make up of that board, it remains the same old khaki pants. I think the UK should also put that board together. I respect Mr. Mathavious but it will appear to me that the NDP, still don’t want to be transparent in their dealings. Sure there are others who can serve on that board and serve it well. The make up of that board is questionable
  • Socrates (06/02/2018, 16:01) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is there a cadre of people (some may say cronies) that is cycled from function to to function? Surely, there must be more than 2 or 3 people in the BVI that are go to persons, is it not? Are not most of the nominees so far cronies of the government? Is this truly an independent board? Where is the contractor, civil engineering-architectural, accounting ........etc representation? Does the Opposition get a pick or two for the board? The board should comprise of no more than 5 members. Large boards are dysfunctional. The board to the maximum extent practical should be void of politics and demonstrate some semblance of independence. The picks thus far is testament as to why the UK wants a board. Since the UK is guaranteeing the loans, perhaps it should pick the board, should it not? From jump street it is demonstrating no confidence in government? Who negotiated the BVI Airways, a bruk airline, deal again?
  • warning (06/02/2018, 16:30) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    Remove the Minister of Finance wife from this Board IMMEDIATELY! NDP stop dissing we the people and having us for fools. STOP IT
    • dog (07/02/2018, 23:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      If wife is financial director of Hong Kong office and involved with BVI finances-- and they are in shambles needing to be audited, why put her back on again?
      where are the practical experts mentioned above? the contractor, civil engineer, accountant? architect? Why do you need a public relations person on it? She doesn't bring any practical expertise to the table.
  • Just Woke (06/02/2018, 16:43) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    But the Governor need to wake up and help us..Fake companies... Under cover companies. The monies end up in one pocket..
  • Street reporter (06/02/2018, 16:51) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    If the Governor ain't doing right. The Back benchers need to take over.. It need a different direction ASAP.
  • 8th district gyal (06/02/2018, 17:01) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    It seems as if the Queen herself is going to have to send a written order to make some of these people go sit down. Governor can't you see the fox minding the hen house? Come on...
  • critic (06/02/2018, 17:53) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    If you going have a decent board, these are the ppl I would suggest, Dr. Mathavious, Mr. Marvin Blyden, Mr. James Todman, Dr. Angel Smith, Mr. Anghel George (Virgin Gorda), Ms. Grace Flax-Waters (Virgin Gorda), Mrs. Pasty Lake, etc. These the kind ppl u want on that board.
  • ta ta (06/02/2018, 17:59) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mac will be fair who boss rooting for? as for the other 3 we done know their historys
  • Gosh (06/02/2018, 18:56) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Same crowd that give us the over price wall, the scam on 7.2 m and the level of bad debt we have now lord come for your world
  • shelia (06/02/2018, 23:20) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Good people on the board there is no one else ok
  • Mannix (07/02/2018, 01:09) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Put guy hill on the board. Lol
  • Disinterested (07/02/2018, 05:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this a trial balloon to see how the public will response? Why was not the full Board release at once? Is the Premier tone deaf or he does not give a damn or he did not select the members? He knew or should know that putting his wife (Lorna Smith) on the Board would create a fire storm? And raise questions at home and abroad about the Board’s independence. The VI government is not a family business and should be run as such. No doubt the First Lady could hold her own on the Board. Nonetheless, there is a cost to family for running for politics to serve the people. The territory is in crisis and does not need any more drama. If I were the First Lady, I would graciously thank the government for the opportunity to serve but decline. Having the First Lady on the Board, is just an unnecsaary distraction.
  • HuuH (07/02/2018, 08:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    But wait, the UK giving us a 6 for a 9. How is this board independent. I mean really come on. You appoint all high level NDP officials to the Board. I mean Really. This man put the Premier, his wife, on the board to keep an eye on Robert and Tall Boy put his Public Relations Woman on their to make sure he get his updates and Lord Russel Harrigan, Mr. BVIA... , Seriously. These guys so powerful they hog tie the Governor? You putting all NDP Officials to decide how to spend the UK Loan Guarantees. You putting NDP Officials to be Transparent over themselves. LOLOL Now I see it all.
  • Boo (07/02/2018, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Governor need to wake up and deal with these jokers ASAP. A Board full fo NDP cronies what do we expect?
  • Laugh (07/02/2018, 10:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI People: "WE need locals, our people, BVIslanders, Belongers"

    Locals/Belongers Chosen: "NO, NO, NO not them!!! "We don't want them (insert other foolish arguments here)."
  • 911 (07/02/2018, 21:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Compromise is not a four letter word!!


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