Dickson C. Igwe. Photo: VINO/File

A very personal matter involving the repossession of a home by a bank has rocked the Virgin Islands, in recent days. What transformed the matter into a scandal was the manner many thousands of dollars of assistance to the financially burdened individual was handled. The individual is also a well-known talk show host on a popular Virgin Islands radio show.

Now, cash personally handed over to the individual from monies donated to clear his debt and save his home was indeed very unwise. There was no check in place. In essence, it was throwing money into thin air and hoping it fulfills the intended purpose. There appears to have been no discussion with the bank on whether or not the bank would accept the public effort in saving the home from repossession.

Then, whether or not the money goes for the purpose intended and the home thereby saved from repossession is beside the point. The project was charity even though informally managed by media personalities. There were no safeguards and checks on the scheme.

This Writer doubts cash donated will be for the purpose intended to pay the bank’s debt, or ever refunded back to those who gave generously to assist the man. The story is that the bank is continuing with the repossession process.

Charities adopt a culture of transparency and accountability that helps prevent fraud or deception. The money, if transferred to a third-party charity to manage on the man’s behalf would have protected the cash of community-minded people with the good intention of acting compassionately.

The lesson for the community is not to fall for any scheme to aid individuals outside the orbit of an established charity that possesses the required culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability or at the very least a trusted and established organization known for its charitable activities.

It may well be a miracle if the cash in this matter ever returns to the good men and women who assisted this man. The money would have been better spent on the truly poor and needy who always need a helping hand.