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‘I did not take 1 penny from TPP project’- Hon Vanterpool

'I did not take a cent from TPP' -Hon Mark H. Vanterpool. Photo: VINO/File
In 2013/14 the NDP Government announced the cost of the project was around $45M to $50M, however it’s now over $85M a whopping $40M over run. Photo: VINO/File
In 2013/14 the NDP Government announced the cost of the project was around $45M to $50M, however it’s now over $85M a whopping $40M over run. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Struggling to explain the Tortola Pier Park (TPP) Development and the $40M costs over run and amidst corruption allegations in the public domain, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), insists “I can honestly and confidently account to you, that not one penny of your funds has been taken by myself.”

Hon Vanterpool was at the time speaking on the National Democratic Party’s (NDP), ‘Drive Time’ radio programme on September 3, 2018.

The Project has been embroiled in scandal with at least three reports citing corruption, conflict of interest and no value for money, in addition to linking the Minister to not complying with financial policies.

Hon Vanterpool noted in his speech earlier this week, that no Minister of Government, "despite the various rumours that have so loosely been spread, without any proof” have taken a dime from the controversial project.

Who do you trust?

There have been three reports on the TPP; one from a Project Manager Hugh E. Darley, another from the Auditor General, Ms Sonia M. Webster and one from the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee.

In his political speech—that many described as spin—the outgoing Minister, who announced he will not run again for another term stated, “of course, some lessons were learnt, as should always be, to be utilized in future projects. But I am pleased, as Minister, to say to you as a people, that you have received value for money with this project”.

In 2013/14 the NDP Government announced the cost of the project was around $45M to $50M, however it’s now over $85M a whopping $40M over run.

Civil society, the Virgin Islands Party and the media have all called on the former Governor to conduct a Commission of Inquiry into the project.

Former Governor John S. Duncan OBE, had refused.

31 Responses to “‘I did not take 1 penny from TPP project’- Hon Vanterpool”

  • ReX FeRal (07/09/2018, 13:12) Like (42) Dislike (2) Reply
    Of course you didn't not!! You took millions.
    • @ReX FeRal (07/09/2018, 17:32) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      BOBO, you all can say what you want, if you don't have RECEIPTS, your accusations is DOA.
      • ReX FeRal (08/09/2018, 03:42) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
        Hitler and his henchmen men murdered many Jews and they are still being hunted down to this very day. Time longer than twine. Beware of who can whisper in your ear and shut ur A$$ up.
        • NezRez (08/09/2018, 08:45) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
          Yes, and Europeans murdered and enslaved Africans and no one gives a damn and no one is hunting them down.
          • tretretrete (08/09/2018, 09:12) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
            Yes, good luck finding them. They are long dead. What you want to do - punish Europeans who are alive now, who might even be good people who give a damn? Will that make you feel better about history?
      • ReX FeRal (09/09/2018, 07:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Come u with substance. Who have receipts for stealing? Don't urinate in people and say it's precipitation.
  • FOR SALE (07/09/2018, 13:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I will sell you the bronkly bridge
  • WOWW (07/09/2018, 13:37) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why this man and the rest of the NDP crew stop lying!!
  • not a penny.. (07/09/2018, 13:37) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    .. only materials and labour
  • Advise (07/09/2018, 14:06) Like (6) Dislike (19) Reply
    Hey Mark, If there is no proof that you stole the money and you know you didnot do what they are accusing you of,then F**k what they have to say. Don't try to explain anything to these,yes,these set of diarrhea mouth people. You know how these people are and how they work. Typical Payton Place.
    • @ Advise (10/09/2018, 09:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      you well on here echoing. He must be built you a house too smdh
  • Eagle Eye (07/09/2018, 14:47) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    From the looks of your picture i believe you elmarko
  • GT (07/09/2018, 15:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You because you say so it’s so
  • Interested (07/09/2018, 16:45) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Virtually every project in the BVI run into cost overruns.The cruise pier project is no different.Flawed estimates in my opinion.Why does Mark have to say he did not take one Penney.That was not necessary.No one said he took it .
    • CT (07/09/2018, 21:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly!!! I smell a rat right there. Why did he have to go as far as to say he didn’t take any of the money? To me given his position as the minister, this would have to go without saying! So the fact that he went as far as to make that particular and very personal statement...well frankly it is still ringing in my ears. If everything about him in relation to this project is above reproach then it shouldn’t even occur to him that he should say anything on that particular point isn’t. The people of these Virgin Islands need to push for that Tortola pier park audit report to come out!!!
  • Baccanal (07/09/2018, 18:29) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    That thiefing scumdrel took millions and millions and millions more. That is why he head so!
  • Ahhhh (07/09/2018, 18:29) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    We believe you....NOT!!!
  • BRAD BOYNES (08/09/2018, 03:45) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Guiltyness maybe resting on this mans' conscience. Who asked him about stealing money?
  • me again (08/09/2018, 03:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We want to believe U
    But if not U then who ?
    We clearly DIDNOT get value for money
    Can we get a FULL / HONEST report on this project
  • not! (08/09/2018, 07:31) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yes I trust mark and the ndp
  • hold up (08/09/2018, 08:13) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    Every one of you who is calling Mark a thief is thief's also. How many times many of you have stolen things from your work place, supermarket, other people, your neighbor etc.. So how can you sit back and point fingers when you are doing the same thing.
    • Concerned (08/09/2018, 08:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Really!!!!!!!
    • Herona (08/09/2018, 09:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hold up- I would suggest you don't judge everyone by your own actions, stealing is not something that is in any way normal to any persons. Unsure of your upbringing, however our community needs answers, when your involved in a project you become responsible and accountable. This is not a lot to ask. If Irma had not happened then this corruption would be continuing on just like any other regular day.
    • Hannibal Hodge (09/09/2018, 01:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Go sucknow a darn egg ancient be gone.
  • Struggling Man (08/09/2018, 08:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The minister’s statement reminds me of a certain USA President : “I did not have sexual relations with that woman”
    The cruise ships are slowly returning and this same minister cannot get the rest rooms reopened at the Noel Lloyd park.......and residents of West End have to drive on terrible roads.........go sit down in shame minister.
    How will history record his tenure in office ?
  • Welllllllll (08/09/2018, 10:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anything that is done in the darkness, will sure nuf present itself in the light. Hey Mark, you did your Ex dirty, remember that?
  • Jessica Jones (08/09/2018, 16:41) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mark we know you did not take one penny. Try millions of pennies.
  • Joe Rudi (09/09/2018, 01:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @struggling man. In Road Town is urenamed in the alleys when a rest room in the restaurants are bz full.
  • hey (10/09/2018, 05:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Repent or meet Satan in the Inferno.


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