Central Statistics Office to measure impact of VI Music Fest
Amid criticism that music festivals are a waste of the territory’s resources, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has stated that the Central Statistics Office (CSO) will be measuring the economic impact of the Virgin Islands Music Festival, which is set to be held in May this year.
The leader said the government has asked the CSO to track the economic benefits of the festival to show just how much the territory benefits when the government hosts major festivals that attract visitors from the region and other parts of the world.
Residents continue to call for the government to abandon music festivals and instead use those resources to address failing public infrastructure as well as the health and education sectors.
But Premier Wheatley said the narrative that music festivals don’t generate money persists because the BVI has never formally measured the impact of these shows.
“The challenge we’ve had is that in the past we have not had a good way of measuring the economic impact — which is undeniable. But this time will be different. I’ve engaged the Central Statistics Office to do a study of this Virgin Islands Music Festival. So by the conclusion of this festival, we will have some idea of the economic impact — not just for the government or the Tourist Board but the wider economy,” Premier Wheatley said at a press conference on March 22.
The Premier said the CSO will also collect data that will show why people travel to the BVI, adding that this will help the government with future planning.
At last week’s press conference, the Premier also reiterated that money from the Virgin Islands Music Festival and other shows will give the government much-needed capital to upgrade infrastructure as well as the health and education sectors.
The Premier gave an example of revenue-generating aspects of the festival, saying the ticket sales are expected to generate big profit for the government.
“I can tell you that for this event alone (Virgin Islands Music Festival), just on ticket sales alone, we will most likely either break even or make a profit — not even speaking about the impact on the wider economy. So the whole concept about waste of money will be proven false,” Premier Wheatley said.
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The priorities placed upon us by those we have elected is hard to understand. They are beyond blind to the fact that we are (as a people and a Territory), at an all-time low!
While the Premier is the ultimate ‘leader’ currently, the blame falls on all 13 of these elected ‘leaders’!
Good luck Central Statistics Department! Because unless you can compute Real GDP and the effects of a musical festival on the real GDP with actual net values (increase and decrease), you are just a cheering squad for crazy and stupid.
How can you be Minister of Finance or Mister for Trade / Labour and do not know what is real GDP of BVI over the past 20 years? We really flying blind Buddy!
The last music festival was OK because it was on the beach. OK, it was poorly run by Frank Baloney, but at least it had a “cool quota”. I fear relocating to town will allow the govt license spend a fortune building a venue- remember the govt loves projects so they can steal 20% or more of the funds. Also, there will be something lacking with the town venue. Better on the beach. Why not Brandywine bay? Put all that reclaimed sand to use. Brandywine Bay will allow people to come by boat, and the entrance is narrow enough to offer a gates to enter. You can charge boats an entry fee.
WE HELD SEVERAL MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE PAST AND NONE WERE PROFITABLE
WAS THE #250,000 PARTY PROFITABLE?
IS HE TRYING TO SELL ICE TO ESKIMOS?
What is the real GDP of this territory? I have never heard S!0w W@nde or Luarna in the Corna mention what this is. In fairness the typical BVIslander doesn’t even know to ask this question.
If S!0w W@nde and the A** C!0wn Brigade (including opposition) knew I think they would be slow to pay for these free concerts. I think they would give up their ministries to other people who have good sense on these issues.
Good luck central statistics office, good luck! Because I don’t think even you guys can answer what is real GDP of the Virgin Islands. And because of that I don’t think you can say what would be the economic effect of these festivals.
You underestimate the man at your peril. Expect 12 solid years of a Wheatley Premiership.
I haven’t said whether I expect him to remain in office. He very well could until the BVi public raises their game. Voters only get what they deserve out of an election, not what they want.
I only stated that if he decides to hold a concert or not, it wouldn’t be based on sound data. He doesn’t have the skill in that regard and that’s why he is using the Central Statistics Department as a scapegoat.
Like a person in the comments already said, is it all about panties, planes and parties with this guy?
Central Statistics Office? You mean the folks who produce – or don’t produce – the Census? No wonder he’s putting them in charge of this. He takes us for fools.
CSO??? *continues uncontrollable laughter* yeah right.
2037
Can we have a list of statistics the cso has produced over the last few years? census not withstanding.
I am wondering if this current Premier of these VI has or is experiencing worthlessness of any sort…he is simply a waste of taxpayers moneys, a Lil chupiddy and so forth. The conditions within and situation here has me worried and concerned, Concern that something is totally and irreversibly unbalanced and lost in this place and we are not kno wing the truth and reality of present situation. Sumting
ain right.i holding my breath and feeling ‘ afraid. Ah wha a gowan.
Al’s going to watch it and take notes because he got rhythm but what they actually need is an Algorithm .
We have a holiday in October why not used that date for our second music fest. Since we already have one at cane garden bay in June..
Education and Health are the two major issues to focus on as a territory.
Once we get 60% of this successful covered as a territory we will see less issues
Morally, Socially Politically, Economically Spiritually
We have our priorities all mixed up
.
Look at out leader. When he travels does he not observe the roads, the buildings, the esthetics of the surroundings?
Where are his eyes
Wait is it not better for someone to
Liv in the government with a wife …
Homes make the communities- communities make the territory. Leadership
Ambitious begins there