Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

NDP Govt. budgets no funds for 'sports development' in the VI

…a critical outlet for young persons, especially during this difficult time—PS
Darel Christopher Jr a Virgin Islander cyclist that has been shining recently on the international stage. Photo: Internet Source
Sports action in the VI recently, albeit organised by a private party. Photo: VINO/File
Sports action in the VI recently, albeit organised by a private party. Photo: VINO/File
Chantel E. Malone and Kyron A. McMaster displaying his ‘gold,’ on June 15, 2018. Photo: Cleave M. Farrington
Chantel E. Malone and Kyron A. McMaster displaying his ‘gold,’ on June 15, 2018. Photo: Cleave M. Farrington
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Many of the Territory’s star athletes, returned home on June 14, 2018, to much pomp and ceremony, were handed gifts, praises and other accolades for their impressive representation of the Virgin Islands on the international stage; but, government has not budgeted adequately for the development of sports for this year.

At least this is according to Dr Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture. She made the disclosure in April last, when members of the House of Assembly’s Standing Finance Committee, examined the 2018 estimates for that government agency.

Dr Potter at the time raised the issue with regards to Youth Development and informed the Committee “that there are no funds for Sports.”

 She said “it is going to be a critical outlet for young persons, especially during this difficult time.”

There was no response or queries made of the Permanent Secretary at the time by Committee members.

Utility Bills

According to the 2018 Estimate—posted as approved, on the Virgin Islands (VI)government website—‘Sports Services’ under line item # 25444044, receives $1,800 for the payment of rent, $800 for utilities, $14,000 for supplies $92,000 for Services—all recurring expenditure such as paying the electricity bills and ensuring cleaning supplies are in stock.

The Ministry did approve $119,000 for assistance grants. There is no money set aside in the 2018 allocations for personal emoluments or social contributions, training, contributions to professional bodies, subsidies, grants and other important responsibilities coming under the ‘Sports Services’ subhead in the budget.

Champion Athletes

The Territory’s champion athletes recently celebrated by the VI Government are Commonwealth gold medal winner, Kyron A. McMaster, Chantel E. Malone and veteran track star Tahesia G. Harrigan-Scott.

A motorcade procession had been held from the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport to Road Town which climaxed at the Government’s Central Administration Complex with a photo shoot. 

The following day, Friday, June 15, 2018, there was another event for the 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes, this time starting after 2:00 PM at the A. O Shirley Reaction Grounds in the Capital City, with a procession ending at the Tortola Pier Park (TPP).  

At TPP, there were speeches by politicians and heads of sporting associations, while those in attendance included Governor, Augustus J. U Jaspert, parents, students, the media and other athletes.

McMaster was gifted $30,000 by Government while Ms Malone was presented with a cheque for $15,000 and Ms. Harrigan-Scott was awarded a plaque for her long service in the track and field area of sports.

Discretionary

It is unclear under which budgetary sub-head the National Democratic Party (NDP) government made available the monies to the athletes, though administrations across the world are allocated ‘discretionary’ funds in their annual allocations, to be used for purposes such as gifts.

 The Ministry of Education and Culture comes under the Ministerial portfolio of Honourable Myron V. Walywn (AL).  

The VI’s ‘Golden Boy’ McMaster’s, has since left the Territory and is back in South Carolina, USA, where he continues to train.

11 Responses to “NDP Govt. budgets no funds for 'sports development' in the VI”

  • ccc (22/06/2018, 10:21) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    ball head cannot be trusted with the Ministry of Finance
  • High flyer (22/06/2018, 10:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    No money for sports development but yet the children are the future...smdh
  • dude (22/06/2018, 11:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    These doctors and ppl don't know how to run a country. How could there not be funds for sports? This is a health issue. Without sports the there will be crime without a gym to play ball in the boys are hurting themselves on concrete. We like the praise when athletes do well but nothing else.
  • BRAD BOYNES (22/06/2018, 12:06) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Theyevan ever really care except for when medals are won and theven thrill of victory. Then they want to come take photos for the side show.
  • 1 (22/06/2018, 12:45) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    VIP all the way boss
  • DOA (22/06/2018, 16:14) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Honestly since Coach Mike and Mr Malone stopped their program everything dropped. Because everyone was trying to compete with them but couldn’t do it on a classy level like them
  • Real (22/06/2018, 18:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You right
  • What!! (22/06/2018, 21:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    No money fir sports but $???? for festival. Twisted priorities.
    • So what (23/06/2018, 09:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      we can't have money when its disappearing, don't worry USA cycling taking up the tab,
  • Let us be real (23/06/2018, 10:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ask any sports organization how much money they got from the Ministry in the last 4 years. You will be surprised. This Ministry is a joke. Our kids are doing so well in sports and get very little government assistance for much needed programs, equipment etc to help them develop. It’s like this Minister forget this part of his portfolio - but yet we find more than half a million to put on a festival for couple days. You know how far that $700,000could go for 4 years for sports? We need some new minds at the top - these guys don’t have a clue!


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.