Vybz Kartel concert: 'Some persons can’t even find a place to stay- Premier
Premier Wheatley told Cathy O. Richards on The Big Story on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, that people will witness the impact of Entertainment Tourism on the Virgin Islands (VI) this weekend.
“When we talk about Entertainment Tourism, we talk about what happened with the Buju Banton concert, we’re speaking about what happens with our festivals and we’re speaking about what happens with events like the Vybz Kartel concert which is coming up,” he said.
Dr Wheatley explained that people will be flying into the VI, and are going to fill up hotels, Air BnBs, and villas.
“Some persons can’t even find a place to stay, so they’re staying with family members and friends. They’re going to rent cars, they’re going to spend money, yes they’re going to pay environmental levy, they’re going to pay departure tax, and they’re going to support our economy,” he added, “Now if you think about tourism, this is what tourism is.”
'Entertainment Tourism is nothing new'
The Premier went on to say that entertainment tourism is not a new technique, as it is used worldwide.
“If they think that the Virgin Islands government is the only government that’s putting money into music festivals, they’re fooling themselves. I’m going to stand by my record; we’re going to grow tourism, we’re going to grow the amount of visitors that we have…the numbers will speak for themselves,” he said.
Premier Wheatley said he, along with his government, will continue working on this strategy and is hopeful that when it is all “said and done, people in the Virgin Islands will understand what we are seeking to do”.
‘You have to spend money to make money’
Richards asked the Premier if he believed the amount of money pumped into the show, through his office’s sponsorship, was justifiable. “Yes, absolutely,” the Premier responded.
Dr Wheatley expounded that some persons may not understand how much it costs to put on an event such as the concert carded for Saturday and its success is dependent on government support.
“Without it, the events- quite honestly- will not happen, and that’s going to go for the Cane Garden Bay Music Fest, which [the] government is going to be supporting, and that’s going to go to other events that we’re going to be supporting and guess what? When you stimulate your tourism product, you’re going to get the money back, you have to spend money to make money,” he said.
Rumoured $50K BVITB sponsorship ‘absolutely false’
Premier Wheatley also dispelled rumours that the BVI Tourist Board invested an additional fifty thousand dollars into the concert.
“That’s false, that’s what you call inaccurate journalism,” the Premier said and cautioned people from getting their information from sources that don’t have “verified information”.
When pressed about it, he said the Tourist Board would have to answer that, but he highly doubts such an amount was given to YOLO Promotions.
“They’re run by a board, and they have a managing director, and he on his own would consider sponsorship requests. I’m pretty sure he put something in but, fifty thousand dollars, I highly doubt that,” Dr Wheatley said.
According to Mr Steve E. Parillon of YOLO Promotions, artists for the concert on Saturday will begin to arrive in the VI today, Thursday, March 13, 2025.
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47 Responses to “Vybz Kartel concert: 'Some persons can’t even find a place to stay- Premier”
And concerts crown the evening's soul,
The Premier beams, the numbers shine,
Hotels packed—oh, isn't it divine?
"The numbers speak," he boldly cheers,
As cash and crowds erase all fears.
A concert here, a fest right there,
Surely millions float in air!
But hush, dear digits, don't you shout,
Your voice means nothing clouded in doubt.
For "numbers" lie, oh can't you see?
When "numbers" aren't ever released in actuality.
Rumors dance, a fifty grand,
"Falsehood! Lies!"—a quick backhand.
"Trust the board," the Premier cries,
While figures slip through blurry ties.
Oh spend away, invest, rejoice,
Let music drown each doubtful voice.
For who needs facts when Vybz are sweet?
Just count the guests and tap your feet.
The crowd may dance, the night may gleam,
While 'verified' truths drift downstream.
And only when the cash is flown,
Will numbers speak... or groan and moan.
Cockroaches can always find a hole on which to crawl
PEOPLE make resevations/ book in advance..
Doesn't say very much when Quantity rules over Quality.
How many will be hiding out and not returning to their holes is cause for concern,in my op nion. Throwing out the garbage is an.ongoing battle in these Vi.
Parlance through RT in ma birthday suit. Cap
PS. Ms. Lorna did state that we needed better roads.
People argue that he has changed, but partial obedience is still disobedience. You cannot serve two masters. This is not just about spending money; it's about the values we promote in our society.
We live in a time where slackness and moral decay have become socially acceptable, and yet, when concerns are raised, the so-called Christian Council suddenly appears, acting as if they are trying to make a difference. Their efforts feel hollow and ineffective.
Premier Wheatley, wiser decisions need to be made regarding the artists and events we endorse. And as for the Christian Council-you all are a joke.
Some persons can't find a place to stay is EXACTLY why we should have NOT had this event and CLEANED up our d@$) country!! Besides the beaches, there is NOTHING to do here anymore. That money should have been invested to help get some attractions back up and running. Prospect still sits there rotting away, how about fixing that gold mine? I swear this is the dumbest premier we have ever had. THE DUMBEST! Stop wasting our damn money on $#!* and if you don't know what to spend it on, then you should not be Premier. These are the darkest days in our history. We really need to get rid of baby Andrew quick.