BVI Airways Operators wanted Locals forced out of jobs- Audit report
She noted on page 15 No. 78 that in July 2006, the BVI Airways Operator parties “incorporated a BVI limited company ‘Colchester Aviation Ltd’ which was owned 50\50 by Jerry Willoughby and Scott Weisman. The role of the BVI Company in the venture has not been made clear, as neither it nor BVI Airways made any public offering of shares in the BVI during the course of the venture.”
In 2006, the National Democratic Party (NDP) was in power [2003-2007] with Dr D. Orlando Smith as Chief Minister.
However, all through the 2015 agreement, the Operator parties promised to inject $6.0M into the project as the former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith and his Cabinet agreed to $7.0M of taxpayers money to be applied to the project in exchange for direct flights between Miami, Florida and Beef Island, Virgin Islands.
Where is the BVI Airways Operator parties promised investment?
According to the Auditor General; however, on page 13 No. 79, “At the time the agreement was terminated, the $6.0 million private investment anticipated from the Operator parties never materialised, nor had the public offering to encourage BVI shareholders.”
Despite this, Government invested in the upgrade of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, including “planned works for repaving the apron to ensure adequate parking, especially during the peak season.”
The report stated on page 17 No. 94: “In keeping with the agreement, the Customs Department was instructed to ensure that fuel surcharges and import duties were not applied to BVI Airways operations.”
Despite the huge investments by the BVI Airports Authority at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, “The upgraded facilities were never put to use by the airline,” according to the report on page 17 No. 95.
Locals must go; BVI Tourist Board, Immigration, Customs, BVI Airports Authority- BVI Airways
Another bombshell unearthed in the report is that the Operator parties of BVI Airways “continued to insist on other changes by the Airports Authority, the Tourist Board and Government departments, including, but not limited to, replacing the leadership of the Airport Authority, Customs, Immigration and the Tourist Board to accommodate their small (yet to be launched) private venture,” as per page 17 No. 95.
After the Dr Smith-led NDP administration was under pressure locally from the political Opposition and the press, they hired the law firm of Martin Kenny & Co Solicitors (MKS) to carry out an investigation. MKS “determined that the planes were resold to Tronosjet in Canada. One of the aircraft was subsequently acquired by Neptune Aviation in February 2018 and the other by Cobham Services in Australia in December 2018.” This is found on page 32 No. 191 of the report.
Project collapsed; NDP shamed
With egg on their faces the NDP regime “on 31 October 2017, issued notice to Bruce Bradley that failure to commence service by 30 November 2017 would render the Framework Agreement terminated. No services were commenced,” according to the report on page 32 No. 191.
Finally, it’s important to note that, according to Ms Webster on page 32 No. 197, “The Operator parties were required by the terms of the Framework Agreement to submit quarterly financial statements. This did not occur. The one set of statements received by the Government for the pre-operational period appears to be inflated and misleading. If accurate, the submitted statements show disproportionate spending on salaries and professional fees and indicate a misrepresentation of the information submitted to the Inland Revenue Department.”
The Auditor General concluded that “Notwithstanding, despite the Government’s investment of $7.2 million there is to date no accurate accounting of how the amounts were applied” as per page 32 No. 197.
Editor’s Note: This is the fifth of 5 articles breaking down the ‘Auditor General’s Report on Government's Financing of BVI Airways’ Direct Flights to Miami’.
Article 1: A tale of corruption, deception, no regard for Cabinet decisions: BVI Airways Report
Article 2: BVI Airways report: Was the VI Government scammed?
Article 3: Ex FS Neil M. Smith under fire; Conflict of interest role- BVI Airways Report
Article 4: Was BVI Airways deal a Ponzi scheme?- Auditor General’s Report
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40 Responses to “BVI Airways Operators wanted Locals forced out of jobs- Audit report”
themselves. how do any of them sleep at night.. Hmmn ..
Is this a science fiction novel?? $7 million and they were demanding people be fired! What is going to be demanded for the SSB $40 million??? Craziness
Lock up funny man too
“high” positions.. set of good for nothings.. Always trying to keep their knee on our necks. #BLM- Black Lives Matter..
We continue to curse her majesty representative who must be there because the constitution say there must be a governor sent by the queen of England but we have a problem with the governor doing his job.
Look how money can fool you people,to get rid of our local leaders in position,even though they too have their faults and shortcomings,but look at the depth of this corruption in the bvi.you know what?
Blame the Governor for that too.
FCO doesn’t pay for Governor. We do. We pay for a ra*** big** to rule and under***e us. Why no black Governor? You telling me no blacks in uk civil service?!! Wake up, we’re paying to be enslaved. Again!!
Why did You make me Black?
Why did You make me someone
The world wants to hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes;
The color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness;
The color of tire-beaten streets.
Why did you give me thick lips,
A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone
Who receives the hatred stare?
Black is the color of a bruised eye
When somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness.
Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure’s so thick;
my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown
and not the color of the daylight sky?
Why do people think I’m useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don’t understand;
What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me
And not know the person within?
Black is what people are “listed”,
When others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast.
Black is the end of the day.
Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
And I know this just isn’t right.
They don’t like my hair or the way I look
They say I’m too dark or too light.
Lord, Don’t You think it’s time
For You to make a change?
Why don’t You re-do creation
And make everyone the same?
(God answered)
Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?
Get off your knees and look around.
Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness.
I made you in the Likeness of ME!
I made you the color of coal
From which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil,
The black-gold that keeps people warm.
I made you from the rich, dark earth
That can grow the food you need.
Your color’s the same as the panther’s
Known for (HER) beauty and speed.
Your color’s the same as the Black stallion,
A majestic animal is he.
I didn’t make you in the Image of darkness
I made you in the Likeness of Me!
All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow
Can be found throughout every nation;
And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION.
Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool
Such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee.
You are the color of midnight-sky,
I put the stars’ glitter in your eyes.
There’s a smile hidden behind your pain
That’s the reason your cheeks are high.
You are the color of dark clouds formed
when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss
the one you love they will remember.
Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick
to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror…
The Image looking back at you is MINE!
-by RuNett Nia Ebo