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Sold out? Rules for hurricane loans demonstrate mistrust of NDP

- Even the United Kingdom Government does not trust the current Administration to manage post hurricane finances; Imposed stiff rules on loans
The United Kingdom Government of Theresa M. May, right, seems to have much distrust for the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government of Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), left, handling funds intended to help rebuild the Territory following hurricanes Irma and Maria in September. Photo: VINO/The Independent
The $65M Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan was passed in the House of Assembly (HoA) on December 20, 2017 despite some five votes against, with an NDP Member Hon Delores Christopher (R5), right, joining Opposition Members Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), centre, and Hon Julian Fraser (R3), left, to vote against the loan. Photo: VINO/File
The $65M Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan was passed in the House of Assembly (HoA) on December 20, 2017 despite some five votes against, with an NDP Member Hon Delores Christopher (R5), right, joining Opposition Members Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), centre, and Hon Julian Fraser (R3), left, to vote against the loan. Photo: VINO/File
Two NDP Members, Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, and Backbencher Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), right, abstained from voting for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan in the House of Assembly on December 20, 2017. Their abstention is virtually a no vote. Photo: VINO/File
Two NDP Members, Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, and Backbencher Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), right, abstained from voting for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan in the House of Assembly on December 20, 2017. Their abstention is virtually a no vote. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following hurricanes Irma and Maria that destroyed the Virgin Islands (VI) and the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) regime of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), who has admitted via answers to questions in the House of Assembly (HoA) that the NDP Government left the country broke following the 2015 snap elections, now comes a new twist.

After the September 2017 hurricanes, Premier Smith went on a whirlwind tour seeking loans and grants to rebuild the Territory, which he said will cost over $3.6B.

While there were commitments and pledges so far, he was only able to secure one loan from the regional agency Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

NDP divided & embattled

The $65M loan which was passed in the HoA on December 20, 2017 despite some five votes against, with an NDP Member Hon Delores Christopher (R5) joining Opposition Members Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon Julian Fraser (R3) to vote against the loan.

In addition, NDP Members Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Backbencher Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) abstained, which is a no vote.

It is clear to many that the NDP has lost the moral authority to govern and are embattled with daily infighting, with no regard or respect for the leader Premier Smith.

Documents obtained by our newsroom show that the United Kingdom Government does not trust the NDP with the loan funds which they committed to back with guarantees. In fact, in many conversations both by the local Government and others in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, they are very skeptical about leaving any of this money in the hands of this government because of the history of financial mismanagement, reckless spending and alleged corruption.

It was the former Governor John S. Duncan OBE who said publicly that the NDP has mismanaged the public's resources, has no spending priority and has engaged in reckless spending. In fact, in a letter obtained by the media, he cited an example of reckless spending.

New rules; We will control the $$$$- UK

In order for the Territory to get any money they had to agree to a new set of rules. They had to agree to good governance and transparency in all ministries, according to the document obtained by our newsroom. The UK wants an Investment Development Agency Board to manage the money, taking it out of the hands of the politicians.

The UK is to have an additional representative on the investment board, and the VI cannot get any loans going forward unless they adhear to these polices where the UK will manage the hurricane funds.

The Board via the UK appointed Governor is to have monthly updates on how the money is to be spent, fiscal forecast and must implement public sector reform, which many have argued means public sector layoffs.

Who to blame for financial mismanagement?

The measures, already signed off by the Smith Administration, has tied incoming governments' hands for years, according to a senior NDP Cabinet Member, and many believe that Hon Smith has sold the country out, taking us back to grant-in-aid.

Two HoA Members, Hons Ronnie W. Skelton, (AL) the Minister for Health and Social Development and Julian Fraser RA, a former government minister, spoke out against the terms of the loan.

The Opposition Leader Fahie reminded the HoA that “the NDP has themselves to blame, as if they do not police themselves, someone will do it for you in a way you do not like.”

34 Responses to “Sold out? Rules for hurricane loans demonstrate mistrust of NDP”

  • 911 (21/12/2017, 20:33) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Wow smh
  • The obvious (21/12/2017, 21:00) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    With all the mistrust home and abroad along with internal division. Quick Election is the only solution..
    • @ the obvious (22/12/2017, 06:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree 100%
    • Hmm (22/12/2017, 06:50) Like (14) Dislike (12) Reply
      Quick election to vote in who? VIP barely had a full party last elections. Both VIP and NDP has disappointed and has stolen from the people.
      • @hmmm (22/12/2017, 09:15) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
        Speak for yourself. NDP disappointed us and we now know that they lied on the VIP.
  • WOW!!! (21/12/2017, 21:26) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh my God.....now we need a financial secretary and deputy that knows accounting....that should have also been one of the requirements. Too much foolishness in government and it's statutory bodies.
  • oh god (21/12/2017, 22:01) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    If it is so that this present govt mismanaged public funds and the UK have this evidence, why leave them. The governor want on the Million dollar wall, the Treasury change 5 account generals in 5 yrs, 3 Auditor generals in 5 yrs, the last one pack up after 5 weeks on job, what did he saw that scared him off? FBI looking into who buy the mega yacht and who a $3m mansion while the TPP was building, they say materials ordered the time. Thing2talk in the BVI.
    • Gasson (22/12/2017, 04:24) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      And dont forget four Ag chief immigration in four years. They sickening.
  • Just don't understand (21/12/2017, 22:25) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why the BVI water and sewerage will not give notice when cutting water. Am came from work all sweaty and dirty and just can't have a shower. Why East End is out of water? It is time civilization exist here. Ensure water is supply without unnecessary interruption. Am so dawn fed up with this. Nothing seems to be right ever years now.
  • Well Sah (21/12/2017, 22:27) Like (32) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hon. Fahie has been warning the BVI for the past 6yrs about the poor accountability of the NDP. Now we all have to pay the price.
  • just asking.. (21/12/2017, 22:27) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    So why did that same cabinet member voted for the bill?
  • tretretrete (21/12/2017, 22:30) Like (30) Dislike (4) Reply
    Not a man can't say that Fahie has been telling the zzzz leader & his sticky fingers gang to police themselves or someone will police them in a manner we all will not like. Now the NDP put us back into slavery.
  • Yes (21/12/2017, 22:30) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    No different to what we the people have been asking for. Its transparancy! Nowhere in the requirements state that they can tell us what to spend the monies on. It simply state that for the purpose of good governance, value for money and accountability certain safeguards should be put in place. We should all be happy about this afterall the govt asked for it based on the way they have been running things lately. Nobody will cosign a loan with you without knowing you will be responsible with the borrowed proceeds as they will be on the hook if you cant pay.
  • Not good (21/12/2017, 22:31) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is what happens when corruption in government goes unchecked.
  • island man (21/12/2017, 22:34) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    7.5 million gone in some Swedish back perhaps. No one is in jail for such crime. This mine could have finance all the school rebuilding and road resurfacing throughout the islands. Thieves!!!
  • pete (21/12/2017, 22:41) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    makes sense. If I was UK I would want to monitor the money as well given the dire situation ripe for embezzlement and mismanagement. We are talking BILLIONS of dollars. What's a couple of hundred thousand here or there?
    Finances should be overseen by a different minister, NOT the premier who has too much to do.
  • tola (21/12/2017, 23:01) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    UK good moves these NDP is wicked ....uk ayo need to remove NDP fully
  • wize up (21/12/2017, 23:43) Like (5) Dislike (23) Reply
    The U.K. Gives this terrritory nothing: all they wish is to get their hands on your tax mone: if you wish to sit back and think should the U.K. Come we will be better of keep fooling yourself.....if you personally have evidence the current administration is envolved in wrong doing turn it over and let's prosecute them: some of simply bent on talking pisss about our own people while comes to be the BVI and live large: put up or shut up....if you have evidence take it to DPP she from the U.K. ( if get vex because of this, who gives a fu($)
    • @wizeup (22/12/2017, 07:59) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      If the BVI was in a position to go out and get the money without the UK guarantee they would have. Sadly they cant do it on their own. Further no matter the situatiin as a dependent Territory UK backs all out borrowing whether directly or indirectly. The UK has made it crystal clear that if we want to cut loose we can do so. Imagine our recovery after the hurricanes if we were independent? Think before you speak.
      • wize up (22/12/2017, 22:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@ wize up: you acting like the BVI is the first and only country in the world that had a natural deaser that sought funds to rebuild( the U.K. Gives the BVI noting and I will such a remark from the heigh hill or deepest valley)......any loan requires some form of fininical backing (you go and apply for a personal loan from any legimate bank).......... keep the faith
  • Welsah (22/12/2017, 00:39) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply

    Thanks to smith , Tola gone down the drain .. I have no respect for him anymore ... "ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) regime"

  • lender (22/12/2017, 01:54) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
    Would anybody lend millions to a govt that has not issued an audited financial statement in more than 5 years, and that seems incapable of completing projects within budget and timetables? Ironic that most of the territories revenues come from financial services (or at least used to). Party is over. Time to grow up and manage the place responsibly and with accountability or face the consequences.
  • Finance (22/12/2017, 02:52) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    They should consider a good accountant ,someone like Mr. Simon Potter. We need strong smart financial management to get this country back on its feet.
    • schupes (22/12/2017, 08:41) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      What good did he do for RTW. Under his management they over extended himself and the majority of the shareholders bailed out before it goes belly up. The new owners step in and knew they had to downsize. Hurricane Irma gave them immediate relief and the perfect excuse to do what they needed to do. Schupes!
  • Political Observation (PO) (22/12/2017, 05:11) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP’s poor planning piss poor performance (PPPPP) in the world of finance is coming back to haunt it. The observations by former Governor Duncan is not sitting well with the UK:”It was the former Governor John S. Duncan OBE who said publicly that the NDP has mismanaged the public's resources, has no spending priority and has engaged in reckless spending. In fact, in a letter obtained by the media, he cited an example of reckless spending.” Based on this performance, coupled with its guaranteeing loans for the recovery effort, it is no surprise that the UK is requiring stricter control on loans. The UK’s control of recovery financial management takes the VI back to pre grant-in-aid days. With its PPPPP, the NDP has sown the seed for this regressive action. Additionally, the lack of certified financial statements for several fiscal years is another action that does not bode well with the UK. Consequently, did the VI have any choice in agreeing to the terms and conditions being imposed by the UK.

    Moreover, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Cat 5 hurricanes, mashed up the BVI. The recovery cost is approx $3.6B that for the most part has to be borrowed. This is a lot of needed cash but not too many donors are coming forward with some any serious contributions. The UK has committed to £10M in grants and £300M in loan guarantees. MSome other bloggers have advocated for a Marshall Plan, a plan similar to the one that bailed out Western Europe after WWII. Nonetheless, there is no signs of life for a Marshall Plan. Further, the huge financial needs, along with a dearth of investors, left the VI with little choice but to agree to the terms and conditions that the UK is requiring.
  • born here (22/12/2017, 06:24) Like (0) Dislike (40) Reply
    Time has COME to go independent
    • Challenger (22/12/2017, 08:02) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      lucky we were'nt independent before Irma eh? where would the help have come from. you think UK would have offered financial assistance if we are independent.
      do you really think that these islands would prosper is an independent nation ?

      UK (as any lender) has a right to require specific terms on a loan, especially if there has been a proven record of mismanagement of monies in the past. It is not unreasonable.
      If Dr. Smith had not agreed, we would have nothing available to rebuild with......what would we all be saying then....."Dr. Smith did nothing to get us back on track". It is a really difficult position to be in.
      I agree with UK, fiscal control MUST be taken out of the hands of the government.
    • Eagle and Buffalo (23/12/2017, 04:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      If there were any doubts before that the VI was not ready at this juncture for independence, the battering of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 should leave no doubt. These hurricanes severely damaged thousands of residential buildings, commercial buildings, government buildings, infrastructure..........etc; the storms also battered the fragile economic twin pillars of the economy, ie, tourism and financial services. Tourism, the workhorse of economy, was severely battered. The storm on slaught caused the delayed opening of Little Dix Bay resort, lay off of employees of the Moorings, and lay off at Peter Island, decrease in tourist ships arrival..........etc. People are hurting. Many are displaced from their homes, unemployed, without electricity, battling with insurance companies on property losses.......etc. The storm resulted in a staggering recovery cost of approximately $3.6B.

      The VI is reeling from the devastation and has to look externally for assistance. This assistance include external forces maintaining law and order, external linesmen reconstructing the power grid, external borrowing of $M..........etc. Further, in borrowing, the good faith and credit of the BVI is not enough to secure loans. The UK’s guaranteeing of loans is vital to borrowing. The BVI is in bad shape but would be in worst shape it had to go it alone. Being under the UK’s umbrella has some benefits outside of direct financial support, ie, defence, external affairs, security and confidence for economic development and investment. With the VI small size, lack of strategic resources, small population .......etc, what does it have to go independence with? Is the BVI ready for independence? Does the VI want a referendum to expedite the call for independence?

      Let’s lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff like buffaloes.

  • B V ISLANDER (22/12/2017, 09:05) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    The NDP. Years ago said the Onesl government was going to let the UK government take over if the people dont vote them out and the virgin islands party show that they are the brighter brain Mrs P said it was the NDP but we all see now that it is not so and it is the Same NDP that coast the UK to come and take over THANK GOD FOR MR R T ONEAL AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PARTY
  • disappointed (22/12/2017, 11:02) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am disappointed with Hon. Marlon Penn and Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines regarding their choice not to say yes or no when the time came to vote. Abstaining from voting is your right but it is not what I need you to do at such a pivotal time in this territory.

    I will say that both VIP and NDP over the years mismanaged not only the funds but have allowed department heads to also mismanage both human resources and financial resources.

    Hon. Penn and Hon. Caines you are lukewarm. Stand up and take a stand and send a clear message when it counts. You were not put in the HOA to build sidewalks, give out bush work, give out monthly cheques to seniors and to look good for upcoming elections. You were placed there to also fight for our future.

    Hon. Deloris Christopher might not have fought hard enough for her district and she should not have had to fight because she pulls the NDP out a lot of stupidness behind the scenes; but she can be depended on to place her yes or no vote where and when it matters.

    Hon. Ronnie Skelton is far from the best but he educates the people on the bigger picture. He lets us know that there are other players with a whip ready to take back power who is trying and succeeding because we cannot say NO we are not going BACK.

    All elected were place there so we can move towards self determination through constitutional advancement but you all lost focus. You only talk and seeking power but most don't have the testicular fortitude to lead individually nor collectively.

    Hon. Christopher don't ask for much and she might die politically because Hon. Vanterpool don't complete what he starts and don't have a plan in place to ensure his TEAM MEMBERS are reelected.

    Hon. Penn and Hon. Caines...find some guts like Hon. Christopher and Skelton. Find your voice and speak clear so the people can know where you stand when it comes to voting for or against things in the House of Assembly.

    Hon. Penn you want to take the high road and say that politicians fighting among self and within party and should get back to helping people and people hurting.....Boss the future of our territory is also the people's business. We the people though we are still hurting from our losses will recover in due time. When the time comes for you to roll up your sleeves and get dirty by letting your voice be heard on the international issues that seek to take us backwards we need you to vote and be a voice.

    We all know that the Premier is being guided wrong. We all know that his advisors are incompetent. We all know that the Premier is also guided by satin sheets but if the HOA take a collective stand we will not sell ourselves out. It is not the Premier who is selling out the territory....it is all of you who sit down and watch the territory go into economic slavery.

    The bible says that you are a slave to who you owe. Be careful about the decisions you make.

    We all know that Hon. Pickering waits in the shadows for an opportunity to shine. He delays his views and talk after people talk. The Strategy Man I call him.

    Hon. Walwyn likes to speak loud and show up. Help everybody and get his good name out there to ensure that his name is echoed in the minds of the people that it is he who helped and not the others. Good press or bad press Hon. Walwyn name is loud. Opportunity!

    Both Hon. Pickering and Hon. Walwyn are smart but not smart enough. I can see your tricks. You all have the gift of gab but full of tricks and I cannot trust your hidden agendas.

    All of you! Opposition included! Need to stop play politics and do what needs to be done to ensure that this territory do not go back into slavery as well as start to stand up and make changes within the Public Service to ensure that we position our Territory for Success, Constitutional Advancement and Self Determination.
    • @disappointed (23/12/2017, 07:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yours is an on point blog! I shake your hand soldier.
      I have no idea why Hon Penn and Caine want to sit on the fence. Apparently they do not know the power the back bench yields. Stop pussyfooting and stand up for the people! Abstaining is as good as a ‘No’ vote. The UK requirements will make your head spin when you read them. They know we are in desperate situation and have tightened the grip. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to speak up and fight for our country/people.
  • farmer brown (23/12/2017, 03:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ndp must go bottom line
  • @disappointed again (23/12/2017, 09:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    These are our so called upcoming leaders them cannot take a stand. What the hell is abstain. They are in the house of assembly to take a stand. This just show poor leadership with no judgement ability playing games for district votes. You all will learn when all you vote these ndps back in to frig up the future. All ndps must go even the ones who act like they distancing themselves from the party. Always remember they will not go down with you on your ship much less doc sinking ship. They all just need to give up the job but the extras they getting too sweet. The people will have to take them out or continue being conned with bad governance. So much for democracy.
  • time (23/12/2017, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you are rock bottom there isn't much lower you can go. Too many people are suffering and feeling hopeless at this present time. We as a people need to continue to speak up as our future depends on it.
    I am grateful for Hon. Skelton telling the truth about our situation. I now understand why the recovery is taking so long. I know that these are tough times but we are reaping the harvest of our fiscal iresponsibility. We lack inspirational and motivational leadership. We need vision and innovation in leadership. The government needs to listen to the people. The people are the resilience of the BVI. We will be in a worst state if businesses don't quickly get back on their feet, homes are not repaired, and schools are not rebuilt. Mistakes have been made YES! But it's time to truly unite and focus on rebuilding. Let the best financial minds come together and come up with a strategy to put us back on our feet, consult the people and listen. Communicate and tell the truth!!! We the people of the BVI deserve better.


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