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No fight between UK and VI Gov'ts – Hon. Vanterpool

-Says UK encouraging VI Gov't to keep working on Cruise Pier Project
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool has dispelled claims that the UK instructed the discontinuation of negotiations with Tortola Pier Partners (TPP). Photo: Telegraph.co.uk
Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool admitted that the UK Government has been advising on matters relating to the Cruise Pier Development Project and improvement of the ports in the territory. Photo: VINO/file
Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool admitted that the UK Government has been advising on matters relating to the Cruise Pier Development Project and improvement of the ports in the territory. Photo: VINO/file
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has been said to be having a strong relationship with the powers that be in the UK. Photo: VINO/file
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has been said to be having a strong relationship with the powers that be in the UK. Photo: VINO/file
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In a recent exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool sought to dispel claims that the National Democratic Party (NDP) government has been having a strained relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) government and that the UK had a hand in the discontinuation with negotiations with Tortola Pier Partners (TPP) over the Cruise Pier Development Project.

“You can quote me on this, it is a mis-understanding with the relationship we have with the UK Government.” According to the Minister, the UK government has been very supportive of what the VI government has been doing especially by giving "guidance".

“With the relationship we have... I think we are going in the right direction as we have in the past,” said Hon. Vanterpool.

As it relates to the Cruise Pier Development Project, Hon. Vanterpool said the UK government has been very supportive. “They have been giving advice as a big country, which has dealt with TPP and so on. They have been very helpful in the discussions.”

The Minister for Communications and Works said that the UK government has been very instrumental in advising on matters of attorneys among other things as it relates to the Cruise Pier Development Project. He added that the UK Government has been backing the VI Government in recognizing the need for the improvement of ports and airports.

“We have a good relationship with them," he noted while adding that when the VI government made the decision to discontinue the negotiations with TPP, the UK was informed of the decision and why.

“And they had advised us to keep working at the project and when we reach to a point when we need their approval we will go to them,” said Hon. Vanterpool.

“It not like there is a fight between UK and ourselves. We have a very, very good relationship, the Premier and the powers that be in the UK have a very strong relationship on a regular basis…” he added.

The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) announced last Friday, September 27, 2013 that it had discontinued negotiations with Tortola Pier Partners as conditions precedent to the agreement were not concluded in a timely manner.

8 Responses to “No fight between UK and VI Gov'ts – Hon. Vanterpool”

  • ooooo (03/10/2013, 09:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is just damage control from this prevaricator
  • elvis (03/10/2013, 09:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    And dem treating the governor so bad in cabinet
    • qc (03/10/2013, 15:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      hush as you dos not be in cabinet to tell the tail
    • reality (04/10/2013, 08:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is just the reality. The Virgin Islands belongs to the UK. We have a right to chart our destiny and advance from this Colonial regime. Our own will not do to us any worse than what the UK and the clandestine clans here will do to our children under this continuous arrangement. It is time to prepare ourselves for a different partnership arrangement with the UK, moresoe, it is time to think about charting our own ship. Stop saying that we can't do it without them. We did when they thought we would die. Virgin Islands, we will never die, we would rise to the challenge and advance this country. The mind is a terrible thing to waste and whatever we focus on the most will be our reality tomorrow. Let's start thinking people least we live to regret this state that can never be the ultimate for our people.
  • Me (03/10/2013, 10:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    With all due respect Hon. Vanterpool needs to stop and shut up. He is making matters worst as the people are not stupid..........we don't believe you,,,,,,,,,,,something is just not right. hopefully it will all come to light soon!
  • trust and obey (03/10/2013, 19:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    does anyone still beleive anything from the NDP..for real now
  • Sicko (03/10/2013, 20:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sick to my belly of the rhetoric coming out of the NDP
  • Wakeup!! (04/10/2013, 08:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are we always blaming the Government? Look beyond and see that these stories and bloggs are here to divide our people so that another group can come in and conquer. The thread running through the fabric of these blogs and stories are just putting us against each other while we ignore the real issues and threats facing our country. While we are here blogging 'thud', three groups of persons in the Virgin Islands are planning their advancement while we are busy pulling each other down. Look around and ask for enlightened eyes to see. It is real and that is the fight we must combat. This is the time to unite as Virgin Islanders and let us look for solutions to help us address the issues that we are confronted with but more especially, let us find solutions that will keep Virgin Islanders as masters and leaders in their own country. Stop this in-country fighting; this is what the 'enemy' want. Virgin Islanders are not Virgin Islanders enemy. Can't you see? Lord, lift the scales from our people's eyes that they may see clearly!!


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