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Entire $250K budget not being spent on non-stop concert– Premier Wheatley

- says monies also earmarked for BVITB tourism marketing
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatly (R7) said with the upcoming free ‘non-stop’ concert set to boost tourism arrival numbers in the VI, the entire earmarked budget of $250k provided to the BVI Tourism Board (BVITB) will not be spent on the music festival alone. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier was at the time speaking during a June 19, 2023, telephone interview on ‘Da Morning Braff’ radio show on Tola Radio VI with Floyd Burnett. Photo: Facebook
The Premier was at the time speaking during a June 19, 2023, telephone interview on ‘Da Morning Braff’ radio show on Tola Radio VI with Floyd Burnett. Photo: Facebook
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI– Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatly (R7) said with the upcoming free ‘non-stop’ concert set to boost tourism arrival numbers in the [British] Virgin Islands 9VI), the entire earmarked budget of $250,000 provided to the BVI Tourism Board (BVITB) will not be spent on the music festival alone.

“I said to the person who asked me that $250,000 was allocated to the tourist board. It does not mean that the event cost 250,000,” the Premier clarified during a June 19, 2023, telephone interview on ‘Da Morning Braff’ radio show on Tola Radio VI with Floyd Burnett aka Heritage.

“The persons who would have to tell you how much the event cost is the Tourist Board… I have full confidence in the Tourist Board to spend the money responsibly and spend it well and they will have to report in the Tourist Board structure, how they spent the resources.

“It doesn’t mean that they use the whole $250,000. In fact, they are actually putting a portion of that money towards marketing the flight between Miami and the BVI,” he added.

On June 2, 2023, Premier Wheatley announced a free concert dubbed the ‘Non-stop’ concert set for June 30, 2023. The concert to be held at Festival Grounds to celebrate the non-stop Miami to VI flights by American Airlines, will feature Jamaican artist ‘Konshens’ as the headline act. 

More tourism equals more money - Premier Wheatley 

The premier in his radio interview further called on the people of the VI to support what the government is attempting to build for entertainment tourism in the Virgin Islands, which he said is forecasted to make even more money for the territory.

“When you make more money for the country, you have more money to put towards the same priorities you are speaking about.”

Dr Wheatley said fixing the roads, fixing the schools, and fixing the local healthcare system are just some of the priorities that can be accomplished with more revenues.

Further, the premier said in order to make more money, investments must be made. He said the non-stop concert is an investment and not the government ignoring the needs of the country to squander money on parties.

“I was recently re-elected as Premier and Minister of Tourism. Allow me the opportunity to execute the vision that I put in the manifesto… Allow me the opportunity to execute the vision and at the end of the four years, if we don't have a consistent score on tourism numbers over 1 million, then you could say you know what, you failed at doing what it is you're attempt to do,” he added.

23 Responses to “Entire $250K budget not being spent on non-stop concert– Premier Wheatley ”

  • time will tell (21/06/2023, 11:41) Like (52) Dislike (1) Reply
    It shouldn't have been spent at all. How much money does Govt owe HLSCC for free education? How much will Sophie Bay Hill cost to repair? The minister publicly said he could not identify any extra money to complete projects. When will the sidewalk by Elizabeth II park be completed? Will drainage be put in that part of the road finally? The Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly needs attention. When last bed were updated? With a parent in there you would think some bias would be in order. In addition, August is around the corner. The nonstop party could have been held on August Saturday for free in the Village and the Miami direct flights could have been acknowledged in the same way.
    WE are not all stupid. Just call it what it is and done - VIP VICTORY PARTY at the expense of the general public.
    • Eldread (25/06/2023, 05:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hubris make that premier not change a wasteful decision. Like other nation launching rocket to Mars and beyond breaking scientific boundaries, but we blacks maintaining partying getting and drunkenness with funds we even try to get donated to our nation, leaving our future in the balance, we will always be behind. What sweet in goat mouth sour in it's bam bam. After gyrating at the non stop fete, the premier would get back to his office and the accountant general would point out the short fall of revenue to fix road, hospital and other important issues, but I guest immaturity as a young boy think has still hold root over premier Wheatley, just imagine what Lavity would say.
  • Fact Checker (21/06/2023, 12:12) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Re-elected as premier and minister of tourism? Bit of a stretch, as he was filling in for Head Coach the first time. I would like to see the numbers on the tourists this concert brings in. How many more villas and hotel rooms were booked after its announcement? Maybe a few day trippers from St. Thomas, but doubt if there's even $10k in increased revenue.
  • Lmbo (21/06/2023, 12:14) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    But if no Tourist coming for the event, how could it be entertainment tourism? Waste of we money. But the sheep dem will go to the event and make it seem like it was a good idea. Just like the pied piper playing music to drown the rats who only care about partying and following even pan that knock.
  • Lloop holes. (21/06/2023, 12:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Trying too hard to recall what you said Bossy. Know is we may very well ending up spending more. You said nothing cause the $250k includes the marketing Sir. So no need to say that. We ain’t brokes
  • Beating dead horse (21/06/2023, 13:12) Like (0) Dislike (11) Reply
    Spend the money, it’s an investment in our economy and a much needed boost for the slow tourist season.

    Only haters have an issue, don’t want see no one smile and enjoy the VI.
  • herbs power (21/06/2023, 13:48) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Entertainment tourism is not Konshens. Bring artists like Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Burner Boy, Melanie Amaro, Iyaz, Alicia Keys etc
  • herbs power (21/06/2023, 13:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Entertainment tourism is not Konshens. Bring artists like Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Burner Boy, Melanie Amaro, Iyaz, Alicia Keys etc
  • senagal (21/06/2023, 14:11) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    needed to find a way for senegal employees to get paid
  • PT09 (21/06/2023, 15:45) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    You need to stop talking the more you talk the worse you sound and look.
  • lol (21/06/2023, 15:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sure. Whatever he done say ….. whatever he thinks we now wan hear. Strupes.
  • Take dem down (21/06/2023, 17:33) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is sh##t like this that will bring this current administration down...listen to the people who put you in place, they do not want this reckless spending in hard times.....
  • one eye (21/06/2023, 19:39) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    we with you premier we not studying crazy Cindy
  • Not surprised (21/06/2023, 20:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    fix these roads yo
  • ....d (21/06/2023, 20:21) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    that's a man taking him self out of the blame
  • Yanky (21/06/2023, 22:11) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    That’s called a lie. You are either spending $250k on a non stop party or not because that’s what you said initially.
  • Nero (22/06/2023, 08:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Emperor fiddling while his country burns down.
  • cap (22/06/2023, 08:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Same old poli-tricks. You have clearly heard the feedback regarding our concerns, and all you have done is defend the government giving $250,000 to the tourist board for a party. The fact that you have heard our concerns, and haven’t addressed or stated a plan to correct them, shows you don’t care one little bit. I have dreams every night that the wheels fall off my car when I hit a pot hole, I spent 4 hours at the bank yesterday trying to see customer service, there were three power cuts yesterday morning when I kept losing my work because my internet and computer would shut down, I’m sick of reading about all these car accidents because who knows if I’ll be next to be hit by a bad driver avoiding a pothole? Maybe I speak for myself, but I’m pretty sure the majority will agree.
  • again (22/06/2023, 11:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He famous words are "IT WAS A HONEST MISTAKE"Mr.accidental pls.pls.stop your nonsense your not talking to kindergarden.If your on your elected votes stay there amongst themasses
  • Big Richard (22/06/2023, 11:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course it’s not. Have to skim some monies off for “friends”
  • Work work (23/06/2023, 11:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Question how many jobs can this goverment be accountable for last administration was 1000 jobs in 1000 days but can we get 150 jobs on 5 yrs the BVIHAS need about 8 to 10 EMTs to cover VG Anegada and JVD and Toronto for the 24hrs service needed to help ease the Outer island Firemen who are TIRED doing two jobs for chicken feed money so talk the talk Mr Premier.


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