No fireworks for Tortola Pier Park opening - Premier Smith
This was stated at a 'One on One' press conference held yesterday February 10, 2016 at the Premier's Office conference room in the Central Administration Complex.
Premier Smith was asked by members of the media what the cost for the opening of the pier park is expected to be.
“That I cannot tell you. You will have to speak with the Minister [Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4)]. He is totally in charge of that,” said Premier Smith.
He went on to say that the Ministry of Communications and Works has been allocated certain sums of money for the entire year and the Minister spends it according to the needs and demands in the Ministry. “So he will be able to account for that and I am sure we will be informed later,” he said.
Pressed on whether there will be fireworks and the cost of same for the opening on February 16, 2016, the Premier responded, “There won't be any fireworks.”
At the opening of the dockside development in April 2015, the Government was said to have blown over $100,000 in the festivities and fireworks, which alone cost about $43,000, drawing the ire of citizens and residents who all said that such a sum of money could have been better spent to pay outstanding bills for persons who have been waiting month after month and turning up to the Treasury Department only to hear those dreaded words – 'Nothing is here for you'.
23 Responses to “No fireworks for Tortola Pier Park opening - Premier Smith”
Where is this government's priority. They are a big disappointment. I for one voted them in because I felt there was too much half-way projects to allow another government to muck up, so I felt it fair to just let them finish what they started and boy did they cut our tails. Additionally, the other party had too many people who I felt were no better. We are screwed because greed and arrogance is reigning high in this place
so they cant pay for it.
just offer free wings and fruit punch to the public *while it last*
the Ministry of Communications and Works has been allocated certain sums of money for the entire year and the Minister spends it according to the needs and demands in the Ministry. ...“So he will be able to account for that and I am sure we will be informed later,” he said.
Dear Premier, I don't want to know what money is spent AFTER it is spent. I want to know BEFORE it is spent. It is obvious that the minister can't stay within his "allocated sums of money". We see that repeatedly, yet no audit or accountability. He is totally irresponsible and the people have to fix his messes. SHAME!
Lots of people are afraid of victimization and are afraid to blog. They want a listening ear