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‘I have not & will not be involved in corruption! – Hon Mark H. Vanterpool

- said cost escalation of cruise pier development project due to design changes, high quality work
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) said that he can sleep well at nights knowing that he has not been involved in any form of corruption whatsoever with regard to the cruise pier development project and demanded proof of same from anyone making such allegations. Photo: VINO
Nothing that the government might have made mistakes along the way, he is confident and comfortable that he is not involved in any corruption on the project for which the final cost may exceed $82.9 million. Photo: VINO
Nothing that the government might have made mistakes along the way, he is confident and comfortable that he is not involved in any corruption on the project for which the final cost may exceed $82.9 million. Photo: VINO
A section of the development still under construction. Photo: VINO
A section of the development still under construction. Photo: VINO
The Minister said that regarding the call for an audit of the project by Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, he is in complete support of it. When asked whether he should proceed on leave to facilitate the audit he said that people could make all of the allegations of corruption that they want but these must be supported by evidence. Photo: VINO
The Minister said that regarding the call for an audit of the project by Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, he is in complete support of it. When asked whether he should proceed on leave to facilitate the audit he said that people could make all of the allegations of corruption that they want but these must be supported by evidence. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) said he can sleep well at nights knowing that he has not been involved in any form of corruption whatsoever with regard to the cruise pier development project and demanded proof of same from anyone making such allegations.

The Minister was speaking today February 2, 2016 at the Training Division Conference Room, Wickham’s Cay.

Honourable Vanterpool said he was elected to office to serve under Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith to execute the ports portfolio and he hopes to serve to the best of his abilities.

“I am urgent about carrying out that portfolio and I am not fearful about carrying it out,” he said.

Nothing that the government might have made mistakes along the way, he is confident and comfortable that he is not involved in any corruption on the project for which the final cost may exceed $82.9 million. The Minister pointed out that there were several changes to the original designs and these accounted for some of the costs blowing up. He said that the monies spent can be justified by the quality of the work delivered.

Dismisses Hugh E. Darley's allegation of corruption

The Minister dismissed allegations of corruption levelled by former project developer Hugh E. Darley whom the Minister acknowledged helped to move the project forward in the early stages by providing guidance and drawings.

“None of my members of government are involved in any corruption that people are alleging. If you are making an allegation of corruption prove it. Bring your proof, bring your information and prove it,” Minister Vanterpool said.

He said until the proof is presented then he would not be paying attention to any of the allegations being levelled.

“So anyone listening to my voice could rest assured that Mark H. Vanterpool has not been and will not be involved in any corruption. I have to do a job and I will do it and when the people of the territory think that they have had enough of me they will say thank you very much and let me go. So I am very comfortable,” he said.

Mistakes might have been made

He acknowledged that in the Government’s rush to get the project done by the deadline given by the cruise lines some mistakes in procurement and other areas might have been made.

“But if someone accuses me of corruption or taking the Government’s or taxpayers’ money, I would even take time to respond because I know that this is not so. I have seen things written but I don’t pay attention,” said the Minister.

So sure was the Minister about the cleanliness of his hands that he said his mother would be proud of hearing him declare his innocence.

In support of audit

The Minister said that regarding the call for an audit by Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, he is in complete support of it. When asked whether he should proceed on leave to facilitate the audit he said that people could make all of the allegations of corruption that they want but these must be supported by evidence.

Challenges anyone to test the project

The Minister threw out a challenge to anyone who is interested to seek assessments from independent evaluators about the financial and engineering integrity of the project as executed by the Government under the Minister’s stewardship.

“I can let you go on the dock and touch and feel what we have done…get independent estimates from other persons and see what we have produced there isn’t worth $82.9 million,” he said.

The Minister said that when the tenders went out and bids came in, five engineering companies estimated that they could build the dock for a cost of $35 million on average.

“These are professionals…if five of them [giving us an average of $35 million] and somebody else come and say they could build it for $23, then saying I am corrupt because I built it for $35 million then I don’t need to listen to that. If you are making allegations then base your allegations on fact,” Honourable Vanterpool said.

The Minister is adamant that the Tortola Pier Park will be ready in time for the opening on February 16, 2016, save for some aspects of the works that are still ongoing.

41 Responses to “‘I have not & will not be involved in corruption! – Hon Mark H. Vanterpool”

  • ann (02/02/2016, 16:40) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please Mark stop!
  • good (02/02/2016, 16:41) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    All we need is BCQS or some other reputable firm to evaluate the project and tell us its worth then that will put all the BS to rest. No way that dock could be built for $23 Mil.
    • r@t fink (02/02/2016, 17:07) Like (47) Dislike (1) Reply
      BCQS was involved in this project, producing some of the high valuations. We want independent auditors, not parties who may have to cover their @sses.
  • Gecko (02/02/2016, 16:42) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    no, just in over your head.
    • Gecko (02/02/2016, 22:48) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mark is in over his head. he was not prepared for the job and didn't do any oversight.
  • .......... (02/02/2016, 16:42) Like (62) Dislike (2) Reply
    He reminds me of Richard Nixon " i am not a crook"
    • +++ (02/02/2016, 22:56) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
      Saying this project had some mistakes is not good enough. Because we are left with the consequences. Corruption doesn't necessarily mean that the person knowingly didn't perform well. It also means that the path was strayed from and as a result, protocol was ignored. The bottom line is he was responsible and should be reprimanded or at least replaced. He was not qualified to run such a project and saying "mistakes were made" after the fact isn't good enough. Remember "it is easier to say sorry than to ask permission to begin with". Unfortunately, too many people plow ahead and then say sorry (if that) and then people forget. (AND Nixon WAS a crook though he didn't think so)
  • Xxx (02/02/2016, 17:16) Like (63) Dislike (1) Reply
    All the spin in the world not going to help..money missing
  • 2 cents (02/02/2016, 17:30) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok MARK we know better bossie
  • Building Courage (02/02/2016, 18:13) Like (57) Dislike (1) Reply
    What is really being said here? Am I reading correctly? Protocol and Procurement Standards have been developed over years and years of Projects undertaken, and have been designed to minimize debacle like what has been unfolding with the Pier Project.

    Any general project contractor or project manager who bids for major projects know that there are standard practices that must be adhered to in order to minimize major mistakes and outrageous overruns. There are: “Timelines,” CDs, change orders, cost-plus sub projects, exclusion estimates, general conditions or common costs and others, that must be negotiated and agreed upon beforehand, less there be chaos and loopholes for unethical elements to maneuver. Anyone can suddenly double the labour and/or transportation cost because of a pressing deadlines, or charge $5.00 for a nail because of its urgency, etc.

    Everyone connected with this Project should be held accountable, and the public should be reimbursed by those who took advantage of the loopholes in the process, if not for the sheer consequence of gross negligence and incompetence.

    Hire and allow those who know how to do the job, do the job, and stop pretending that you (those who have all allowed this to happen) are masters at everything. This is yet another example of playing in the big league with small league standards.

    There has really been a feeding frenzy associated with this project- with the public being misled and deceived in the process from beginning to end. Oh! It has not been completed as yet. One Big Fiasco!
  • Charley Rose (02/02/2016, 18:23) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am in full agreement for an audit to be carried out on the Pier Park. When the dust is settle and the information is gather then we will see if Minister Vanterpool will be exonerated. Where there is smoke there is fire. Blowing your own trumpet will not help the cause. I do hope the public will be given some protection so that they can speak freely with investigators.
    If there is evidence of incrimination of the Minister then I think it must be made public and he should step down.
  • Amethyst (02/02/2016, 18:30) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply

    *** is crooked to the bone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But he is not alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Hard Drug (02/02/2016, 19:15) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I guess no TT a'int get suck either. Someone holding the money in trust for someone, when I point you whistle.
  • VG Realist (02/02/2016, 19:44) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply

    Mark, saying it doesn't make it true.

  • 13 million gone (02/02/2016, 19:47) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Three new houses build out of this well sah crook is joke
  • Shhhhh (02/02/2016, 20:21) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply

    Between you and I, I heard that if 40 yds of concrete was ordered for a certain project from a plant up the road then 30 yds went to the project & 10 yds went to the B****T Bay Palace while the certain project certified that all 40 yds was delivered to the project...but that is between us.

    • Aha (03/02/2016, 05:18) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is why an experienced forensic auditor is needed. No regular auditor will do. Ask for a Forensic Auditor.
  • Political Observer (02/02/2016, 20:39) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Corruption is a serious accusation and should not be made without supporting evidence. Nonetheless, corruption aside, what is MCW saying about a project that was estimated at $35M but to date approximately $83M ($48M over budget) has been expended. This may not be criminal behavior but it is surely gross mismanagement of scarce taxpayers dollars and incompetence.

    This is not Dion Stoutt's finest hour as a project manager. All players on this project must be taken to task. Some good people that made inadvertent bad decisions were fired for less. Someone needs to be held accountable. We need to stop spinning what happened and pretending it is not a BIG deal. It is a BIG f....g deal. A commission of inquiry is needed. Governor wimped out last summer in denying the request for one. But he must awaken from his slumber and commission one to chase the money trail.

    Still asking who reviewed the design for constructability and maintainability? Did someone evaluated and compared the bid with government estimate for fairness and reasonableness? Did the escalating cost raise any eye brows and cause for a stand down? Did not the exceptional change orders jolt anyone that something was rotten in Denmark? Or it was full speed ahead regardless of the cost? Who was looking out to see that tax payers were getting value for money? Was the MCW advised about the skyrocketing cost but paid no attention? Was this gross over budget evident before the election ( though it probably would not have altered the results)?
  • tek we 4 @$$#$ (02/02/2016, 21:00) Like (38) Dislike (0) Reply
    A fisherman never say that his fish stink
  • investigaters (02/02/2016, 21:01) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is what we expect him to say.
  • The NDP (02/02/2016, 21:10) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    A set of mistake makers.
  • Mark I believe u. (02/02/2016, 22:10) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    You should be ashamed. How come you let _CSC out smart you..You getting all the blame and all the fame and no millions to show for when you get old..thought you smarter than that..CSC is the real deal.
  • not! (02/02/2016, 22:23) Like (2) Dislike (40) Reply
    I trust both Mark, Cluade and the NDP
  • wize up (02/02/2016, 22:24) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    so where does the project manager fits into this whole scenario...I am just asking
  • Disgruntled tax payer (02/02/2016, 22:51) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thieves!!! The sad thing is no one goes to jail. This whole thing will dissipate into thin air.
  • legend (02/02/2016, 23:09) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    I'm a BVIdlander that lived in the territory for many years, but relocated elsewhere as a result of this same nonsense, I no longer promote myself as a proud BVIslander, everyone in the party is in bed with each other and sometimes literately, no agency to hold them liable and responsible for their crimes against the populace, greed have taken over, that will be the down fall of your country, its no longer mine, they believe their brains are larger than life, within 5 years the territory will fall, remember this.
    • wize up (03/02/2016, 04:43) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      @ legned: as a belonger you should be in your territory fighting for the cause but you choose to run away then expect things to get better; some of the residents of the territory are non belongers and will not fight your battle for you.....you also said everyone in the party is in bed with each other and something literally( what do you mean by literally in bed with each other)..
    • Long gone (03/02/2016, 17:54) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Legend: You are right. I was there and left. Stay the h#ll away. Don't go back!!! I discourage others from going back, every chance I get. They will NEVER change. (don't know if this will get posted) Pray for them from afar. Best we can do from here.
  • i told you so (03/02/2016, 01:57) Like (1) Dislike (17) Reply
    I told you all mark is a good man he will never steal a penny
  • Well Well (03/02/2016, 03:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    On Jan. 26, 1998—15 years ago —Bill Clinton famously told the nation, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky."
  • Ques (03/02/2016, 04:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why wait until now to talk?
  • Trail (03/02/2016, 04:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell us about the big houses that went up during the projects. There must be a commission of inquiry. Too often the same pattern is seen. If a certain mayor speaks what will happen? Do not destroy this country.
  • Grinch (03/02/2016, 07:37) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply

    Bill Clinton: I never had sexual relationship with that lady. Let's see how long he stick to this story.

  • Serpico (03/02/2016, 10:24) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    In one mouth Mark saying that a part of the high cost was "High quality work" then with a forked tongue he saying the potential users of the buildings at the pier park were changing their designs or what ever of the space they want to rent. Hmm. This is CORRUPTION Inc. you better believe it. Corruption is bad in and of itself but GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION is a HELL of a next thing. Shame on ALL involved in this. Remember we are MINORITY PEOPLE in this country. Seize the time to come straight. Premier publicly lying, what kin of message you are sending to the youths of the VI.
  • ? (03/02/2016, 11:17) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    As usual, nothing will happen, nobody will go to jail and things will remain the same.
  • Company (03/02/2016, 12:21) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can tell something about people by the company they keep. Even if Mr. Vanterpool is completely innocent of any corruption and cronyism, it beggars belief that he is not aware of such, making him complicit, and thus not completely innocent. His statements might be more believable if regular updates on cost escalation had been provided, and if there was a record of actions to control the escalation of costs instead of allowing costs to go from $ 35 M to $ 89M, and then announcing the overruns. Follow the money....Lastly, even if Mr. Vanterpool is totally innocent, the buck stops with him. That is the price of leadership, and that is why captains in olden days went down with their ship.
  • B Savage (03/02/2016, 13:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Listen this man have a NICE PRETTY FRIEND he has to look after and keep under control. Its is a lot of PRESSURE for him he has to cut corners.
  • Building Courage (03/02/2016, 15:11) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    My concern with this entire Fiasco! Is the possible “impact” on our future generations for such grave “mistakes or supposed errors” of public funds that will have to be paid back in someway or the other?

    At a building cost of $241.00 per square foot and counting, add-in interest and other supplemental costs, this has become some of the most expensive parcel of real estate in any developing country, not withstanding the Hospital project and others.

    When and how are these projects expected to be paid back? For instance, if the expected cruises ship passenger head tax of $15.00 has to be renegotiated at a lower rate due to prior breach of contract. How ironclad are these agreements with the Cruise Liners?

    Furthermore, at the building rate of $241.00 per square foot and counting- what agreements do you have with these tenants for the customized design changes? Are they shouldering the costs for such changes in their leasing agreements, or is it all on the tax payers backs; and what are the rental charges to recoup the building cost, plus design change cost, plus supplementary cost, plus maintenance cost, plus interest; and for how long? Do we intend to experience added taxes levied against our people to pay for yet another debacle? Like parking meters all over Roadtown and designated locations or taxes on already high priced food and material goods purchased, or drastic increases on already existing taxes, or some that could be cloaked in crafty pass through charges on already burdened tax payers?

    Our People require Answers! Cannot drift off to sea and declared missing any longer! Must be Accountable for the Present and for Generations to come! THE BUCK MUST STOP SOMEWHERE!!!
  • Building Courage (04/02/2016, 10:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    An Exercise in Diplomacy-

    Go back to the Governor’s explanation the online news sites posted on 17/03/2015, he made his points quite clear- The request could not come from the representative of any political party nor Opposition ministers at the time. He could not be the one to tip the scales in the favour of any Political Party. In other words, as he posited, “It is therefore inappropriate for any political party to seek to use the Office of the Governor to gain political advantage…”

    The “Proof is now in the Pudding!” Cannot be ignored any longer!

    What we are talking about here:

    * We are talking about Breach of Financial Protocol.
    * Misleading and deceiving the public (and possibly other institutions) by deliberately withholding pertinent information in order to carry out inappropriate and unaccepting acts with the taxpayers’ money without due diligence.
    * Deliberately withholding of information from the public and compromising due process in a democratic society in exercising their Rights of participation, fairly and informatively.
    * And they are today, not being forthright with the public and still engaging in the practice of secrecy and/or vague responses.

    A “Commission of Enquiry” or an in-depth Forensic Independent Audit cannot at this juncture- Be Denied!
  • Boo (04/02/2016, 23:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I like the headline, but when is the last time a mason told you he put up a crooked wall or a fisherman that his fish were stink? If we all had dimes for every time politicians who oversaw crooked dealings or where crooked themselves professed their squeaky cleanliness we would all be millionaires.

    I am reminded of the three monkeys on the branch who could neither hear, see, nor speak. We the voting and taxpaying public are not those monkeys. Yo Guv, you still sleeping? can we have an independant COI now? Please?


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