We need our money Mr. Premier – letter writer
- Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 at 9:06 AM
The Virgin Islands Party government of the day continues to disappoint the people.
I had an instant headache when I read a press release on bvinews.com about government signing a contract worth almost $100,000 to do a feasibility study for drag racing in the territory.
This is a government that is said to be broke, unable to pay its debt lately, and is seeking to borrow more and more money; then why are they continuing to irresponsibly sign contracts for projects that are not priority?
It will be no surprise if government finds it difficult to pay public service salaries in the next 10 months. However, the government’s reckless management of the country’s financial resources is driving us into deeper mess.
It is no secret that most governments, especially those in the region, are struggling due to the global recession. We have seen and heard news that our once well-off British Overseas neighbours Cayman Islands are flat broke. We have also seen and heard of financial crises in Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat and Bermuda. Not to mention the other independent Caribbean islands like Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica and a few others who are stifled by low-economic inputs and outputs.
So wouldn’t it be obvious that any responsible government would prioritise spending and cut costs where necessary? Unfortunately, the government of the day does not realize that because each week or at least every month, there is news of a new contract worth thousands of dollars being signed to pave guts, cut grass, do studies, etc. Talks about austerity measures by the Premier were just mere lip service.
Adding insult to injury the Premier is discussing plans for a mini hospital on Virgin Gorda when we are unable to complete the new Peebles Hospital which has put this territory in deep, deep debt. Recently, the contractors for the project were fired, and reports are that the government owes them $30 million. The NDP needs to shut up on this because they started this mess in this first place and should share the blame. Conditions at the current hospital are deteriorating while we argue and fuss over a white elephant.
But no, the government, who seemingly has a secret piggy bank went ahead and bought land for almost $1M to facilitate a new mini hospital on Virgin Gorda and furthermore had a public meeting.
This government does not have their priority straight.
My business is owed thousands of dollars which we are unable to collect for months now, plus a few other businesses – from restaurants to auto companies – are owed millions.
I no longer have mercy on this government because you cannot be broke and signing off on contracts for monies you claim you do not have.
But BVIslanders, we will all sit and watch the mess and talk, but do nothing. Election is next year, so government is signing away on contracts like the previous governments so to make it seem as if they are doing something. But we are not fools because our pockets are hurting. The economy is almost dead. And government is not putting the money in areas where it is most needed.
I publicly urge the Premier to find monies to pay the businessmen and women who have been suffering for months now due to unpaid invoices from government. We have bills to pay and families to feed. The next time I call the Treasury for my money, I will not be easy on whosoever answers the phone because the recent developments by government in signing away contracts like crazy indicates that Santa has come early and I need a dip in the bag.
Enough said.
A concerned citizen
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22 Comments
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We need a riot….NEXT YEAR LETS TAKE HIM OUT!!! We Pray a group of ppl who smart enuff to run a country in a recision.
ENOUGH SAID,
This is outstand!! I agree with you wholeheartedly. Ralph is looking forward to retirement. So he is making sure that there is sufficient medical care is available for him. Next, The whole government thinks its constituents are stupid.
That new hospital project is a financial sink-hole. There was absolutely no reason to try and build such a massive project on that site. The hospital could have been completed with twice the capacity for in-patients and out-patient care; adequate parking, and state of the art equipment and technology all under the current expenditure. Further, it goes against all reason to embark on another hospital project without first completing the current project.
The issue is old thinking and institutionalized prejudices: “everything” must be in Town. That’s one reason we will continue to experience paralyzing congestion. There are other areas on the outskirts of town that are suitable for the new hospital.
You clearly know what it means to prioritize and how business processes work. But the government does not have a clue; their actions and track record bear evidence to that fact. There is neither long term commitment nor vision. They are only concerned with spending and maintaining quid pro quo.
I shocked to read about feasibility study for drag racing during this time that the government is claiming there is no money.
We must show government how to prioritize and the difference between need and want.
The entire cabinet must go!
To: Concerned u. First off, to me it is not even a matter of who gets the contract because all who have eyes can see the government is yet again giving their supporters a little bit of what’s left in the cookie jar before election time comes around. Secondly, all those things you’ve mentioned that were done, they were no favours to us from them. That’s why people VOTE. Please note, none of those things mentioned can you say belong to Tom, Dick or Harry personally. They are for the benefit of ALL the people of these Virgin Islands. However, the concern is: In times like this why can’t our government use what little common sense or intelligence and see what is going on around the globe including Natures Little Secrets and exercise due caution when it comes to the peoples’ business and get their priorities straight. $100,000.00 could very well go far in clearing up some debts or be used for far more important things. No one is saying to forget this particular initiative but this is not the time. People like you and others I hope will really get yourselves politically educated if not for your sake, for the sake of future generations. Voters of this territory need to think Country and not self. The way this little territory is heading is frightful enough. Voters of this terrotory need to wake up and educate yourselves POLITICALLY!!! Don’t be fooled. Think for yourselves. Your future generation lives depend on the decision YOU make today. Be Very Careful!
I do not know what the writer “Concerned u” is trying to say. The writer of this letter could not have written it better. The government is making a mockery out of it’s people. They are acting like they have alzimers or going crazy with some of their actions. I am neither for or against any government because they all have their flaws but I would not agree with any government when they are not acting in the best interest of their people. To Concerned u, tell me if it’s fair for people to be working in a government facility and not being paid for three months and no one seems to care. These people have bills to pay and children to support. Too many small business are crying because they cant collect monies owed to them for services provided. For months invoices are hung up in the treasury and no money for them to be paid but they signing all kind of non-priority contracts. Come on, does this seem like a government who knows what they are doing? They have a problem with prioritizing. Our country is in deep financial ciaos and the road looks long. Some of us seems to be a bit naive as to what is going on. To the writer of this letter, dont blame the clerks at the treasury for they are doing their best and sometimes becomes frustrated themselves. I have my problems collecting as well but I understand their frustration. A change will come.
This is just another way for the VIP Government to put money into their supporters pocket. Tortola people need to ask who is the person behind the consultation firm…then they will understand why the money is being spent
In my opnion the drag racing event should be a private venture. Let the persons who want this here go out and pay $100,000 to do a professional study and prepare a business proposal to the governement. The government can decide if the proposal suits selling/leasing these persons land to start up this event. The banks can decide if they will assist these persons with financing. Personally, it is a crock and the government is showing poor decision making in financing this study for an event that will not interest 90% of the population. The $100K should have been used to clean up the sewage that is stinking up Road Town these days worse than it ever has before. Has anyone been to the area by Le Cabernon and Craft Alive? What about down by the Shell Station? OMG one cannot even hold their breathe long enough to pass by without having to breathe it in!
Let me ask a serious question? Isn’t this the same consultant who was doing the consultancy job for the Tourist Board? now the same person is backi again consulting for Drag Racing track. What is wrong with these people, Did we ever see or get a report in reference tp the Tourist Board? Couldn’t the guys who wants to have that track look around to find a suitable place etc? what a ting!
Some of you writers should study and look at the proplems facing this country in a complete way before you go on a rampage bashing governments wether past or present. Despite challenging enocomic propbelms facing our country our government still has an obligation to take care of its people. that right is owed to us as citizens. What would some of you want a government who does nothing for its people but continue to tax them or one who constantly looks for ways in which it can help its people. I would choose the one who is trying to help. Everytime someone makes an accusation against the government you all are quick to take the side of the accuser without investigating the facts. You all need to stop this because it is bringing this country down. Some of you ever stop to think that even if you all bring down this government the new one will be so afraid to make a mistake that you wull end up with a government that does nothing. What will you all say then. I have plenty of confidence in my government after all this is the government (VIP) that give us The Financial Services Industry, The Community College, The Criseship Pier, The new and Improve International Airport, The Deep water Harbour, The Four Lane Highway, An educational System that puts us or par with the rest of the world, The Horse track. The Electricity Corporation where in 1989 after hurricane Hugo was able to bounce back in record time while our rich neighbours (USVI) took longer, and i can go on and on. I will agree that these are hard times and some tough decision have to be made but I have trust in this government to do the right thing and make the right decisions a few mistakes will be made and thats acceptable if they are small. Another thing many of you are forgeting of choosing to ignore it is not all the problems that this government is facing are of their making many were inherited from previous administrations and they now have to deal with them. To the writer who is owed money sometimes when you are doing business with the government you all can drop your prices and give good service. I know for a fact that many businesses when it comes to the government they jack up their prices. I will give you all one example it is cheaper for an individual to walk in to anyone of the computer stores and buy a computer of simial specs than what the government pays fot it and they are buying by the hundreds. No business is willing to give the government a break but they will come and bash the government over everything.
The sad thing about that $1000,000.00 dollar contract is Government has no good cause to be in the middle of what should be a private business venture. I am a small business owner and I had to do my own research get a loan by putting up land and what cash I had. If it succeed I win if not I loose on my own strength.
Why did this race track thing not have a basic BUSINESS PLAN to first see if the numbers add up?
10 acres of land @ 1,000,000.00 just for the land
track for the cars @ $500,000.00
Garage & Office Space @ $300,000.00
Yearly maintenance of facility @ $75,000.00
Electric bill @ $50,000.00
Seating for patrons @ $200,000.00
Safety equipment @ $100,000.00
Insurance Policy @ $50,000.00
Management team salary @ $150,000.00 per year
Starting price tag investment $2,425,000.00
Can you get a return on your investment??? or Should tax payers pay for another man’s foolish dream.
I would have done a report for you for free, You start with a business plan
IT’S TIME TO MARCH, NOT AGAIN. THEY (THE GOVERNMENT) IS SAYING WE ARE BROKE — BROKE FOR WHO, US OR THEM. AS I KNOW, TORTOLA DOES NOT HAVE A MINT, SO WHO IS PRINTING THIS KIND OF MONEY FOR A FORMER THIEF TO PLAY WITH, OR IS IT PLAY DOUGH.
I so agree with u…Im funded by the BVI Government to obtain my Bachlors degree and all I can say is when August hit ill be there to collect my cheque and Im hoping and praying that they have it ready I dont want to take them court because that will not allow me back in school on time and the cost so ill be chaining myself to the door of the admin building lol….there are youngsters as myself who are dying to get a chance to better themselves and their country Lord Mr. Premier give us a chance believe in us I know we can do it!!!!
I find it very interesting to know that our Government once again, is willing to give $100,000.00 to a former BUDGET DIRECTOR who was convicted and incarcerated, in BALSAM GUT, back in 2003, this volume of money to again play with. It’s a crying shame to know that our Government is still continuing to work with known criminals. How can they stoop to this level by insulting the PEOPLE OF THE BVI’S.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, AND WE HAVE HAND ENOUGH.
Lord u run shivers down my spine with that last paragraph….hmmmm i telling you enough said….I love the fact that this author used proper english no reason they shouldn’t take he/she serious…..the BVIslanders have spoken Uncle Ralph….I currently reside in VG and although I do agree we need proper emergency facilities, i do agree that the Government need to finish one project before moving onto another so that that finish project can draw some income to finance another…..that is common sense. I riot dont allow to to be heard just in jail we need to have a rally where the ppl can voice their concern….who with me!!!!
You tellin me ain got no water to bathe in the morning and they talking bout drag-racing study???? wtf!!! All da rain da just fall the other day and water ain running for 2 days str8! Thank God for bucket! They worrying bout ‘wants’ instead of ‘needs’! How bout they take the 100k and buy some water pumps and tanks! VIP GET RIGHT OR GET LEFT!
Yuh right.
But guess wah. They will continue doing it because they feel they is a law unto themselves. All the people who them owe need to sitdown by the doors of the complex for a couple days and not allow workers at the complex to go to work! Ah bet yuh get results! These letter writing and ting dont wuk! Hint: Take a page of the taxi man them book! Go up there, make noise, stand up and demand to see the Premier. Cause obstruction and confusion and demand to see the premier. It works! The taxi men alot of them didnt go to school but they smarter than all the letter writers tola have. They know what it takes! The government couldnt owe me cause truss me, I wudda get my money!
First of all, I feel your pain. There are companies struggling to keep staff and pay bills. Government owes money and the struggle to get paid, not just by government, but other private businesses is unending. But unless you take people to court, spend money you don’t have on lawyers to do so, what’s the alternative? There are no laws to protect us from this sort of thing that’s been going on for years. And everybody is doing it because they know they can. So the little people (who this government has sworn to uphold) who work in Treasury answering the phone and handing out checks when they have them, do not have your money. They are probably frustrated too. So giving a clerk in Treasury a piece of your mind won’t fix anything and it won’t get you your money. Did you hear the news that in the Bahamas the Prime Minister is taking a 10% salary cut? Members of Parliament in the Bahamas are taking 5% cuts. How did our guys respond to the financial crisis? First they told us it wasn’t happening here, and then they gave themselves “house” money. Ahhh Tortola, land of milk and honey. Our streets are paved in gold. Of course there is sewerage running all over it, but what the hell.
its only that, where the money gone from the hospital, thats our money too them start up about that hospital money and the stop did them find it or did it go to T&T
Maybe it’s time that we have a riot!!
All your concerns are vital, and I agree you should be paid along with others that are owed. HOWEVER, calling Treasury and abusing the person that picks up the phone is not the answer, have you seen any of Treasury staff signing contracts. YOU need to speak with the people that instructed you to work. I do not work in Treasury but I have enough sense to know they are just the payers and not instructers. Treasury get blame for alot of things but they are not the ones people should release their frustration on. GO BACK TO YOUR SOURCE, that contracted your services.
I share your concern, Concern Citizen, as any fiscally responsible citizen should.
You couldn’t have hit the nail any harder on the head …. soooooo true bull crap
HEAD ON, YOU ARE SO CORRECT, IF I KNEW WHO YOU ARE I WOULD COME AND SHAKE YOUR HAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WELL SAID
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