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Sr Magistrate blasts Gov’t for poor roads & alleged reckless spending

- Magistrate Tamia N. Richards decries deplorable road conditions in East End/Long Look, thick bush & non-working asphalt plant
Senior Magistrate Ms Tamia N. Richards has blasted the Government for deplorable road conditions, reckless spending, and the non-working asphalt plant to repair said roads. Photo: VINO/File
In the video posted by Deen Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman' it was highlighted that several areas have poor roads including thick roadside bush not being addressed. Photo: Facebook/File
In the video posted by Deen Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman' it was highlighted that several areas have poor roads including thick roadside bush not being addressed. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Senior Magistrate Ms Tamia N. Richards has blasted the Government of the Virgin Islands for deplorable road conditions, reckless spending, and the non-working asphalt plant to repair said roads.

The Senior Magistrate in a Facebook comment on an October 16, 2022, video highlighting poor roads and bush in the VI, further said there is no more time for excuses as it has been 5 years since the passage of Hurricane Irma and monies were found for other projects.

5 years since Irma- Magistrate Richards 

“I understand that the asphalt plant was destroyed since Irma, hence the need to purchase a new one and bring it online. However, it's been 5 years since Irma and this administration found time to take from Social Security $40m for fishers and farmers who did not fish or farm.”

The Senior Magistrate was responding to what is believed to be an official response from the government over the state of the roads and other matters.

However, Ms Richards alleged public monies were further used to purchase official vehicles and pay for gas and maintenance of said vehicles, “award their cronies Crown land grants, give their cronies inflated public contracts. So hell yes, when they were busy helping themselves they could have found time to do things that helped the public generally! Yes, I said it.”

She further said that whoever has a problem with her statements, can "take it to the Lord in prayer".

According to Magistrate Richards, the VI is in a deplorable state and it is more noticeable as the government has reportedly drained the Territory's resources and has millions to engage in short-term fixes to make it look like the VI has addressed its underlying problems.

Maintenance plan needed- Magistrate Richards 

“When money was in abundance through the Territory, instead of keeping workers on the payroll to keep the roadsides clean, we used bush-cutting contracts. These contracts were awarded to the few personally selected by Ministers and persons in authority. Such contracts cost the Territory more in the end and do not represent a real plan for maintaining the roadsides”.

The Senior Magistrate reminded that when the bush is trimmed, it naturally grows back, hence there has to be a maintenance plan. She added that she has lost her patience with the situation while noting that the government has had long enough time to find solutions.

51 Responses to “Sr Magistrate blasts Gov’t for poor roads & alleged reckless spending”

  • Listen (17/10/2022, 12:25) Like (96) Dislike (0) Reply
    I total agree with Ms.Richard.
    • Bigger heads (17/10/2022, 17:36) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      It’s about time people speak up roads are terrible government don’t care I think if they stop getting taxi payer money to buy vehicles to drive up an down an have them drive there person vehicle they will feel what poor people is feeling
    • BUSY BEE (18/10/2022, 11:54) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      D@mned Straight!
      Right on Ms. Richards!
  • Woman (17/10/2022, 12:34) Like (54) Dislike (0) Reply
    lady richards: very nice and i will continue saying when it come to homeland development not very much gets done, government in and governments out. from the west side and for many years the dump site continues to populate the atmosphere on the west and not a dam thing get done…..i will also continue saying, you only hear from your political representatives just before the election: sometimes you think they move into your house but after vote day they forget where you live: we need a change in the leadership of our country: not expecting miracles just do right by the people: shift the political focus from the foreign affairs issues and get home affairs up to speed……





  • about time (17/10/2022, 12:37) Like (67) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is the kind of person the bvi wants. Not afraid to speak her mind. Run Tamara run.
  • WHAT!!!! (17/10/2022, 12:45) Like (45) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you correct on every point but so much more , schools closed down unsafe, how long does it take to get a part for Pockwood Pond insinerator
  • plantation slave (17/10/2022, 12:48) Like (47) Dislike (6) Reply
    We need her to run for the 7th
    • @Plantation slave (17/10/2022, 19:10) Like (2) Dislike (42) Reply
      Who’s going to vote for her the people she put up Balo and their families?
      • DEDE (18/10/2022, 09:32) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
        She did not put them there. They did it to themselves and if their families are mad it should be at them and not her. Don’t commit crimes if you don’t want to the the time.
  • Me Too (17/10/2022, 12:51) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Me too
  • facts (17/10/2022, 13:17) Like (45) Dislike (2) Reply
    We need more people like her to speak up for real, this island goin to the dawgs because of greed, hate and ego.
  • hmm (17/10/2022, 13:17) Like (14) Dislike (45) Reply
    The roads them ain’t no worst than the magistrate court!
  • @ WHAT!!!! (17/10/2022, 13:23) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    ASk m ALONE HE WAS IN CHARGE OF FIXING IT THEN HE WENT INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD AND WE SEE WHAT NEVER HAPPENED , AND ALL OF A SUDDEN HE WANT TO GO TO WAR WITH THE GOVERNOR AND HIS OWN GOVERNMENT TELLING THEM WHAT HE WANTS / ANOTHER FAKE
  • Me (17/10/2022, 13:34) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Now this is someone who can take forward us for myy support is with her
  • Down West (17/10/2022, 13:35) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    On point magistrate Richards. You should not be afraid to express yourself once you are speaking the truth. It’s about time that the people from every cross section of this territory stand up and speak out for what is wrong. This government must go. They are not working in the best interest of the people at all.
  • Matee (17/10/2022, 13:55) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yep, you hit it girl.
    Money for all the unessarary things. Look now, for more than 2 yrs, the special needs school bus parked up at Althea Scatliffe Primary School. Now they licenced it, they can't find money to insure it and get a driver. So it's down there by the Creque Building. The school needs the bus. They probably want a the Lion's Club to do it too. Come on Lion's, Roar!
  • Staying independent (17/10/2022, 13:55) Like (12) Dislike (22) Reply
    Surely the judiciary should steer clear of politics
    • Local (17/10/2022, 14:30) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      @staying independent it sounds like she's planning to run for election. If she have the stomach and the country at heart go for it
    • ....... (17/10/2022, 15:01) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      ......steer clear you say, somebody needs to speak up, cause its beyond ridiculous.
  • UK Own (17/10/2022, 14:10) Like (20) Dislike (5) Reply
    Yes Tammy For Premeir ! More Balls than all the Men in The House! At least the Green Flags aint Silence you Like the Christian Council.Keep Talking T.
  • Eyes, Ears and Mouth (17/10/2022, 14:20) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hello CSC. Good day to Mr. CSC. Where is he? Has the Lord not spoken to you lately?

    Seems like he forgot to add Ms. Richards to his list of First Woman Chief Minister in BVI? Hey CSC, wake up me son. Has your list of first been exhausted already or is the Lord not speaking anymore since prophet Fire came to town?
  • Funny (17/10/2022, 14:42) Like (5) Dislike (32) Reply
    she been listening to a stupid radio host and thinks she is relevant, she will find out, needs to stick to what she is good at and do that properly.
  • Sad (17/10/2022, 14:48) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    I guess someone decrying the conditions of the roads qualifies one to run for politics? And become premier? That's the height of the standard now? Sad.
  • point (17/10/2022, 15:32) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    All these politicians and their friends seeing other young people with more money and assets than them and they go in politics with a competition and hate mindset.
  • old (17/10/2022, 15:54) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    The road must be fixed before election.. Then your all could talk to us. To much talking and no action. We the people have enough.
  • The Reaper (17/10/2022, 15:56) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only now your eyes open……Decades past long time…..Lock them up!!!!!!!!
  • Not my vote (17/10/2022, 16:08) Like (15) Dislike (33) Reply
    She need to go sit down with her foolishness when she got have our young man locked up for some weed
    • @Not my vote (18/10/2022, 09:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Did she lead them to do what they did that resulted in them being up Balo? Wrong is Wrong nuh? Guess it should only apply to Others breaking the Law!
  • Socrates (17/10/2022, 16:08) Like (5) Dislike (12) Reply
    Is it not the norm, practice, etc, for the judiciary to not be publicly engaged in politics?
  • DOUBLE STANDARDS (17/10/2022, 16:16) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
    Hope archer write she up like he did Kisha Penn public officers are not to get political
    • Agree (17/10/2022, 19:17) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
      She got no business meddling in politics. looking position in government mean she got to resign as magistrate or all local criminals getting loose.
    • Hold the government accountable (17/10/2022, 19:32) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply

      @Double standards why must Archer write she up? He needs writing up too for his d*****-st****** behavior and for calling himself Deputy Governor. He needs to stop being biased. Tamia had a right to speak out about the nonsense that is going on in this BVI. We need more people like you, Tamia. Why should we be always afraid to speak our minds? Why should we always be afraid of victimization? Why do we like to oppress each other in this country? When the Uk take over we will regret how we treat each other in this country. Mark my words!

  • remove (17/10/2022, 16:32) Like (10) Dislike (23) Reply
    needs to be removed from Judiciary if she wants to meddle in politics, which is what she is doing
    • You fed up . Me too (17/10/2022, 20:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Coming out hot, hot. Firing shot. Shot. Shot. They are the big 3. We are the small Axe sharpen to cut them down.. The truth is an offense but not a sin..Take courage battle will be won..
  • Rubber Duck (17/10/2022, 16:48) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let's hope a few of them find themselves up before this lady once the many investigations are complete.

    They arent going to get much sympathy
  • (17/10/2022, 17:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    She lives sea cows bay can’t win in d7
  • look (17/10/2022, 18:11) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I going long look to give this woman a medal. No job is going to shut my mouth the woman got back bone and if all who vex try to push her around I going stand up for her. When you push people for to long and they can't take it no more people defend them self and others who are afraid to speak truth. I appreciate the fact that you who have to deal with issues that arise from some of these poor conditions we are all facing speak out. Thank you
    You are first human long before job title came in effect don't mind the noise with some comments. There are more for you than they that are against you.
  • Falalalalalalala (17/10/2022, 19:08) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    I have noticed that this magistrate has a lot to say lately. When the other public officer who had her say was written up. Waiting to see how HR and DG will deal with her. She should focus on bringing her cases up to date that are years behind before she criticizes. She needs to get her own house in order.
  • schupes (17/10/2022, 19:17) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    The asphalt plant down from the NDP administration. How come she wasn’t blasting them. The too political. Them give away 7.2 million dollars I didn’t hear her then either.
  • Now we found a leader.. (17/10/2022, 20:03) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well said Ms. Richards. Courage with intellect, compassion and wisdom gift of a true leader. U have joined Ms Webster on my true honourable list...
  • john public (17/10/2022, 21:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmm I am sure this was a private conversation made public...
  • Interesting (18/10/2022, 03:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is very interesting who the former minister of health is all over the place calling for a million-dollar report, but he could not find a few hundred thousand dollars to fix the incinerator to protect our health. Talking about priority.
  • Roads? (18/10/2022, 03:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The roads from east to west is deplorable, simply put. There is a not so recent reclamation of lands at the foot of Tower. Who authorized such reckless reclamation? They have destroyed the natural run of off water when it rains with no provision for drainage, now whenever you get a good shower of rain the water is up to the car window. Needless to say, what is left of the road is deteriorating rapidly and with another two good showers we are going to have another crater out west. THERE IS NO POINT IN THROWING A COPULE SHOVEL OF ASPHALT ON IT WITHOUT GETTING A DRAIN IN PLACE. Similarly, the great PWD is constantly shoveling the debris off the road by the dump and throwing a couple shovels of asphalt on the road as the runoff from the dump is constantly destroying the road in Pockwood Pond and the only government department that I think, have an engineer on staff, cannot come up with a simple fix. God help us.
  • The System (18/10/2022, 06:18) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply

    She one sided, rude and needs to be reassigned to another country for a year or two to see what the real world to learn better court room management and judgement without bias.

  • cnn (18/10/2022, 06:46) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply

    Let she run a lot of them going get the &*%@ boss we not voting for them they are not people persons

  • Speaking Out (18/10/2022, 09:34) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The lady is speaking out as a concern Citizen. She is not presiding in chambers or court. This nonsense about Civil Servants not partaking in Political Affairs should be null and void. This is 2022 and the Territory is only so Big. Come on! Ain't they the same Civil Servants working the Polls on Election Day? Aren't they the Civil Servants makes up the mass amount of registered Voters. If the local voters who are Civil Servants aren't allowed to speak up as concern Citizens then there will be no CHANGES and the People will continue to suffer. Stop looking at Politics along Party affiliation and look at Individuals doing their job as the Voters selected them to do.
    It's about time someone who is in charge of a Government Departments speaks out from a personal standpoint. ENOUGH is ENOUGH!
    The People tired of the BS from One Administration to another! Just GREED GREED GREED
  • aye aye aye (18/10/2022, 14:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    hundred of people were making the same noise and it never mek news. hmmm
  • bad mind (18/10/2022, 17:13) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply

    The roads have always been bad and spending has always been unaccounted for or reckless, why say something now? Obviously looking for a position in government. Well, if that’s the case hurry up and leave your current position so locals can have their children back in their homes from up the hill.

  • again (18/10/2022, 17:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    In total agreement with Ms.Richards.Ralph Oneal has in hiding a asphalt plant in VG long before Irma. Our roads in VG is deplorable.Do we have a public work team in VG?I only see bush cutters
  • Runako Francis (18/10/2022, 22:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is concerning that the Senior Magistrate should enter the arena. Having bereft herself of the judicial cloak, she is now fair game.
  • Hmmmm (20/10/2022, 15:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you for speaking about this matter. Taxation without representation. We also need signs to be re-erected.


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