Controversial billboard removed!

March 10th, 2018 | Tags: billboard controversy UK Framework D. Orlando Smith division

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The controversial billboard opposing the UK Framework for the BVI Recovery Plan. Photo: VINO/File

Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) did not put the erecting of the controversial billboard past members of his own party, clearly suggesting there is a division among members. Photo: VINO/File

Newly elected NDP chairman Mr Troy E. Christopher, left, had told this news site he was not behind the billboard, while Opposition Leader and First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie, right, was also asked if he had anything to do with the billboard; however, he did not admit or deny. Photo: VINO/File

The new billboard at the Road Town roundabout today, March 10, 2018. Photo: VINO

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The billboard that sparked much controversy and further division in the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government has either run its “paid course” or has been removed for other reasons.

The large billboard appeared in the middle of Road Town, behind Vanterpool’s Pharmacy in the capital city on Wednesday February 28, 2018, asking Virgin Islanders not to support the UK Framework for the BVI Recovery Plan. It further urged the public to call their representatives and ask them to vote “no” on the recovery plan framework.

Who is responsible?

It is still unclear who was responsible for the erecting of the billboard; however, Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) did not put it past members of his own party, clearly suggesting there is a division among members.

“It could be any person, an individual or a group of persons, even persons within the National Democratic Party, my own party, I don’t know…but let us stop this petty nonsense….”

Our newsroom was told that some members were highly displeased with Dr Smith’s utterances.

And with a fight ongoing over the leadership of the party there was much speculation that indeed it could be inside persons behind the billboard.

Newly elected NDP chairman Mr Troy E. Christopher had told this news site he was not behind the billboard.

Opposition Leader and First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie was also asked if he had anything to do with the billboard; however, he did not admit or deny.

“Any wise leader knows that the voice of the people must be heard and respected,” Hon Fahie had briefly stated.

There were reports that Premier Smith had ordered the billboard to be taken down; however, when approached by this news site, he denied those allegations.

Nevertheless, the billboard, today March 10, 2018 is no longer there and is replaced with an ad for an auto dealership.

32 Responses to “Controversial billboard removed!”

long time (10/03/2018, 13:01) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
The sign was removed from last week. The strange thing is, that any sign needs the approval from the City Manager. She should know who put it there. And if not - she should have had it removed immediately as an unapproved sign. Good its gone - we send a wrong message to ppl wanting to help us
- wow (10/03/2018, 13:37) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
  The city manager has been trying to remove all billboards off the roads but politics prevents her from doing her job so that proper procedures are taken but noooooo when politics involved the public servants with specific job descriptions are no longer respected so get off the city manager & tell ayo politicians let her properly do her job.
- @ long time (10/03/2018, 13:58) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
  no sir do not blame her it needed TCP approval and none was sought, so get your facts straight.
  
  NDP in a war they have further destroyed the BVI they MUST GO
  - @@long time (10/03/2018, 18:47) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    TCP approval is not needed as the bill board was already in place. all is needed is permission from the owner of the bill board. and this goes for anyone seeking to use that or any existing bill board.
    - pat (12/03/2018, 00:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      that is part of the problem. only certain people own billboards and make money from them when billboards in general are discouraged and have rules in place governing them. Town and Country has the power to regulate billboards. No one should be favoured. They are horrible and look tacky.
    - pete (12/03/2018, 00:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      so how many billboards should be put up that are owned privately and how did they get a permit?
      how many construction/ car/ business/ political eyesores do we want? Once you start it is difficult to get them down. They should not be allowed in such a small place. They look awful and only well-connected people are benefiting.
- Positive vibe (10/03/2018, 17:47) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
  The pictures of the innocent victims of gun violence should have been plastered on that billboard. If I had the cash, I would have been more than willing to do the deed.
- Longshanks (10/03/2018, 17:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
  The sign was erected without approval from the city manager.
- To long time (11/03/2018, 09:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
  Imagine Troy said he didn't put it up and didn't have anything to do with it. That boy is all talk but he cannot be trusted. The NDP is doomed with people like him no matter who leads.
- many (11/03/2018, 16:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  @ long time. Many visitors made mention of the billboard and was disappointed by its reading. Some also made mention of the monies they have raised on board their ship to assist the redcross here. One said twice time on a ship name breamer and that's only one way. I could have seen the disappointment on their face. Vote No on UK's framework for recovery plan, they think they are helping. I'm hoping it don't become a part of BBC news headline like the report on shelter.
  
  Another visitor said "the UK is saying the B.V.I is a rich territory but you all really needs the help I feel sorry for you all".
No freedom (10/03/2018, 13:19) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
There is no freedom of speech in this place once the majority is not in favor with what you're saying. I don't give two hoot who put the sign, we need to be heard from all angles. BRO is definitely taking us into bankruptcy and 10 years down the line we will see the effects
Well (10/03/2018, 13:36) Like (11) Dislike (10) Reply
it was placed there to get some attention and to gear us up not only for the upcoming elections but to make us open up our minds and to search our hearts. Just let us not buckle down to no nonsense in the BVI from no political party but rise to the occasion to take the BVI forward
#thigsgobumpindnite (10/03/2018, 13:39) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
Whatever the intent, if the person(s) responsible for the erection and subsequent removal of the sign is not brave enough to identify themselves then the billboard is just an eyesore. After all who should the UK respond to if they get the message?
... (10/03/2018, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (15) Reply
WE THE PEOPLE SUPPORT THE SIGN CHECK THE CARTOON ALL IS CORRECT
- wize up (10/03/2018, 15:27) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
  @......: when you say “we the people” you speaking on behalf of personal crew because some of us think the sign is hog-wash
- dog (12/03/2018, 00:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  I don't support it. If the government wasn't so corrupt, we wouldn't have to be monitored by UK to spend funds properly and responsibly. The billboard is irresponsible.
wize up (10/03/2018, 15:11) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
Ask the chairman because his business associates print the dam thing....that money could have gone to some poor soul to assisti then with home repairs.....after all the stupid talk; it’s our people that suffering while a certain set playing politics with the well-being of the people: now is not the time to seek to score political points: put down your differences in the interest of the people....
911 (10/03/2018, 17:42) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
Who cares who put it up? the message is important
- wize up (10/03/2018, 18:17) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
  @ 911/ I don’t know about you but some of us sick of the various messages and rather far more action.....we have far more talk than what action
- To 911 (11/03/2018, 09:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  After the NDP done prove that they cannot be trusted nor can they be accountable they want us to join them in fighting the British. They didn't need our help when they were going with the money. I feel we need to handle our own affairs but we must be accountable at all times and the NDP has sold us out
A man (10/03/2018, 17:50) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
I remember a certain outspoken lady recently trying to speak on behalf of we the people. It was an epic fail with no more than a handful of people turning out. No one is entitled to speak on behalf of the people without the people’s buy in (generally through an election).
See (10/03/2018, 19:58) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
So a huge billboard appears and nobody knows who put it up. It gets even better . The huge billboard magically dissappeared and no one knows who took it down . Have we just all gone insane ?
- To see (10/03/2018, 22:32) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
  That's nothing new cause there were numerous signs with cats and fish that were posted all over the island and nobody knew who put them up. Strange thing is that people were defending those signs even though they didn't know the origin of them and even made fun of people who implied the signs may have some sort of demonic connection.
Boo (10/03/2018, 20:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
Poor 'lando. Has no control over his unruly party.
???? (10/03/2018, 21:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
I could have sworn I saw the same message broadcasted on the electronic billboard in Fish Bay....
- devon (11/03/2018, 07:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  Yes I saw it flashing up there the other week too !
- Who Told TAG that bill boards sell cars (11/03/2018, 08:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  These Car companies just need to hire good Sales people. Stop have friends and family and under paid non sales people trying to sell Cars. Selling is s Skill, a talent,. Good Sales people makes the differences. Bill board don't sell, can't..sell.. A sales person calling or meeting a customer or potential customer and convincing them to buy your car.. "Good Sales People Makes a difference" Ask Trump or Every billionaire they alwys say that. They look for the best sales people. Pay them well. They make you Rich. Go on Japan use car Site see sales people. I was called from Japan by a sales person when I express interest n a Car telling me the car is a great car, the last inspection was on this date a nd sending me the inspection report. I ended up buying the Japan Car.. My decision was base mainly on that phone call. Someone spending money to call to reach out.. Of course the inspection report helps.. So when 70 Japan Cars come here. Its because they have good sales people.. Of course good Prices.. Still people need the assurance that they are getting a good vehicle..
Simple solution.. (11/03/2018, 08:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
The Town Manager should seek cabinet approval to designate certain areas in town for Commercial bill boards and s certain area for Political bill boards with a time limit attached to each.. Presently we have 3 Location. The round about is prime and should cost twice the amount for advertising than the others and should be reserved for commercial use only..Non political. The other two are available for anyone..No one should be able to lease a bill board for no more than 6 weeks at a time.. Get rotation.. Have clear Procedures and policies..
@ devon (11/03/2018, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
So what is your point?
- huh (11/03/2018, 17:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  To @Devon I think he's confirming that he saw it also up at Fish Bay. SMH
cay (11/03/2018, 16:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
vino say far from the NDP civil war let them self destruct
Signs (11/03/2018, 17:05) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
Be careful what we post or put up they may very well come back to harm us. By the way did any one get to find out about those mysterious cat eye, fish, sun which you though was so creative and posted all over. Distruction came right open your spiritual eyes.

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Controversial billboard removed!

32 Responses to “Controversial billboard removed!”

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