Extensive verification process for ESHS redevelopment project donors
Premier Andrew Fahie has sought to allay public concern by announcing that the verification process for donors to the Elmore Stoutt High School Redevelopment project is extensive and ensures the money received is legitimate.
He noted that whenever someone comes to the government saying they want to donate, the money is not simply taken like that, regardless of the government in place.
The Premier said the government has a process and it will be used to ensure donations are legitimate.
“There is a process. The process involved a test that is done to ensure the person is not dealing in illegal activities and the source of funding is coming from a legitimate source of funding and the person is not wanted or anything in any other country,” Fahie said.
The Premier also said a full financial character litmus test is conducted and when that is completed the government moves towards the donation.
“But the donation always has some sort of stipulation, not only by the government but by those who are also giving the money. Because no one gives four million by just writing a check and telling you to have a nice day. They want to know that their money is hitting the target and there is no leakage of money inside the public purse when they place it there,” Fahie added.
He said with projects done by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) it passes through the Ministry of Finance. Fahie said the project is known as improving assets and once completed the money goes straight into the account of the RDA.
“The RDA has done a splendid job with the Ministry of Finance by giving the donors a full breakdown of how the project is going in totality showing what money the government has put in, what money they have put in and how much money the project has spent in the budget so far. How much is left to be sent so if more money is needed, they will say. It is one of the most transparent processes you could ask for donors, and we will be expanding on that for this campaign which you will see,” Fahie said.
Meanwhile, Fahie said the $4 million donated by the private individual towards the project was done through the person’s company. He noted that in due time, the person will be revealed, and he sought to alleviate fears by saying the money is legitimate and from a legal source.
“We have seen where persons have come in and assisted with the first part of the funding for the Elmore Stoutt project, now the move with a purpose project, with a private donor which was properly vetted, and it is someone that lives here, and they have donated $4 million. So far, they have given $2 million with two more to come,” Fahie said.
He added that while he does not think the project will have any leftover money from the donations. However, Fahie said if that were to happen, his government would make a cut-off point.
“We don’t need to have persons’ money there sitting down and just asking for asking sake. That is not what it is about. This is a project to bring our country together and invest in an institution that has done so much for many of us,” the Premier said.
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It’s simply called a background check. The drama to say anything is “extensive”
Pls.Andrew we are concern.If this person or company is part of we the people of the BVI we still need to know who is.so.generous.Again you ask for 70 donors and one came fort to that amount now now pls.we are not that duped.Ur education minister said the donor came after the request now you said the money was donated before Andrew it seems fishy.We just needs to know don’t with no later gaff
Deputy Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said the government received $4 million from a single anonymous donor to help fund the $11 million Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) redevelopment project.
Premier Andrew Fahie has sought to allay public concern by announcing that the verification process for donors to the Elmore Stoutt High School Redevelopment project is extensive and ensures the money received is legitimate.
How do you verify an anonymous donor?
Sociopaths have lifelong patterns of deceitfulness for personal gain. They lack remorse and empathy and are wizards at rationalizing away.
What a joke
Ok, so what am I missing. DR. Wheatley said that they have all the funds already, So why do they need more donors.
Did someone really give you $4M in secret? Expecting the government to use the money wisely?
You expect us to believe that?
When the late P Haycraft (may he rip) donated to the Meyers School, we all knew about it. And the fine result is there for all to see. I’m guessing he hired the contractor himself to get it done right.
Yes, and supervised it every step of the way. The result was that it was a successful project completed on time and on budget, and is now standing strong when other schools are still in ruins. Mr. Haycraft knew the key was keeping government’s grubby mitts out of it as much as possible.
Hi cousin, hi bro — verified.
Weird government.
When handing out money they don’t verify anything.
But when receiving money all of a sudden they are worried.
I was going to say the exact same thing: the government likes to conduct lots of checks on anyone who wants to donate money. But when it comes to them spending taxpayer money they are happy to waive tenders and sign contracts with anybody with no due diligence at all.
Nothing is wrong with background checks and compliance checks.
To me any donation to government that is over $50,000 should be stated to the public. The funds are not only for government. THe government was placed their by the people.
When the Premier was in oppposition these are things that he would always oppose, but here he is doing worst.