'BVI not a begging society'- NDP Gov't told UK while refusing aid
The NDP Government had told the UK the "BVI is not a begging society," UK officials told the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government envoy led by Premier Fahie, who had travelled to the United Kingdon to negotiate better terms surrounding the £300k UK loan guarantee proposal for the Virgin Islands.
Hon Penn asked for proof
The revelations came following an inquiry from Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) for proof that his political party government refused the UK grants.
"Mr Speaker, the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance mentioned in a broadcast after his return from his recent trip to the UK that the former administration refused Grants from the United Kingdom for the people of the Virgin Islands for the rebuilding of the Virgin Islands. Could the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please provide proof of this refusal of grants by the former administration to this Honourable House of Assembly?," Hon Penn asked at the Eleventh Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on October 17, 2019.
Premier Fahie, on his return from the UK in September 2019, had stated it was shocking to learn that the opportunity to access grants following the 2017 disasters was not taken up by the previous administration.
“This would have allowed families displaced by Irma, many of whom are still not living in their own homes, to obtain money to rebuild their homes – money which they would not have had to pay back," the Premier said.
Information was accurate - Hon Fahie
According to Premier Fahie at the October 17, 2019, sitting, "I reported accurately to the people on what transpired in London during our meeting with officials of the UK Government and other stakeholders."
He said on more than one occasion during the series of marathon meetings that the VI engaged in, "it was mentioned in our discourse that it was a surprise that the BVI did not do as other territories that were devastated by the 2017 hurricanes did and pursue requests for grant funding."
"When the question of grant funding came up, they were told that the BVI is not a begging society, that is what I was told, Mr Speaker... Had I known beforehand that this comment was going to be made that I would have asked for it have been recorded," he said.
While no physical proof was presented, the Premier said there are several persons who can support the information obtained on the trip, "We were also told that the senior official' in this country – and I want to be clear that it is not anyone in this Honourable House – turned away aid that was offered by another jurisdiction to help the people of the Virgin Islands."
Further, Hon Fahie revealed that the refusal of grants came at a time during the aftermath of Irma when persons were at the 'height of their distress and suffering.'
No Naming & Shaming
However, even as the Premier detailed the shocking details, he made mention that he would not be naming the senior official, "This is a small society... and you can imagine the acrimony that would be poured upon such an individual if they were identified to the public, they would become a social outcast," he said.
"What we as a territory have to focus on today, is getting our fellow Virgin Islanders back into homes, keeping them dry," he noted.
There were no follow-up questions from Hon Penn who had originally asked the question; however, according to the Fourth District Representative, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), without presenting proof, the past Premier, Dr Smith, had literally 'begged for help,' however, he faced a number of factors.
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15 Responses to “'BVI not a begging society'- NDP Gov't told UK while refusing aid”
Thank god we vote them.out
Us needs to get tired for real. A generational curse,this begging and taking.
Chances are what Us lost was charitablly handed to Us in the first place.
Us..useless.
What has Us given to others
Ive yet to see a ThanKYou blog from Us ever and we know that plenty has been given free and clear to Us while sumahwe always wuk save and scrimp and do without for a rainy day.
Look around. Research the Caribbean archives. None of them are slouches, His father baked and sold bread,hisgrand father great grand father all worked hard even at menial tasks. Education their priority .
No handouts in their gene poll then or now.
Nothing is free. You pay big time.