I have to start from scratch, previous gov’t blew over $50M in excess revenue
Despite the territory collecting more than $50 million in excess revenue last year, Premier Andrew Fahie has suggested that he inherited the Ministry of Finance portfolio somewhat at a disadvantage.
That is because the previous National Democratic Party administration squandered most of that additional monies, the Premier said on Tuesday.
“You (I as Finance Minister) still end up have to start from scratch,” he said during the Honestly Speaking radio talk show this week.
“Last year [the BVI] performed extremely well for financial services. I think there was an extra 50-something million that was collected but then when you go to the books, all of it was just about blown in election projects,” the finance minister added.
He did not specify the election projects the excess revenue was used to fund. Notably, a major road resurfacing project kicked off in the territory during the course of the elections. It is not clear if the aforesaid excess revenue funded that project.
The Caribbean Development Bank which is currently a major lender to the territory said in an economic report that the BVI recorded an increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) last year.
GDP grew a little more
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Absolutely irresponsible.
This is pure political fabrication to make himself look like a hero.
Lock up those responsible!
Hon Fahie, just pass the whistleblower law as promised and provide a cash reward for those in the know to point out where our money went. That way we can claw our money back from the political pickpockets. And then you can have a big pot of reclaimed cash to start with.
He was the one campaigning like a broken record saying that the country broke. So he should have already had a skelton budget to put in place. Now holding your head and saying you have to start from scratch shows exactly how unprepared you are to lead this country. Its one thing to be outside the kitchen jumping up and down all night “but now is the time” … you in the kitchen now, so show us how much better you are …. we are waiting GREEN team – greener than a new blade ah grass!
JW done make a big blunder with his first task. We waiting for CSC too – All ah dem need to go si dung! None to help the other …. yes Carvin, there’s nothing to smile about!
New lie new day. How is it he can say that the former government spent in excess of 50M but can’t say what the actual balances are in the government accounts when he took over? How is it he is not saying what these elections projects are? That was not 50M worth of road paving that Mark did so come again Premier and there were no major works happening before election except for the recovery. The answer to the financial position is a simple question that I’m sure he could ask the financial secretary and he will get an answer to give to the people. No money there but you could hire security guards to follow you around. No money but C****e got a big contract. You have now said you will put increments in the budget for this year. Where will you get the money from to pay it if there is none? Lies lies and lies. Can’t wait for the other lie tomorrow.
Well if this post is true, I hope the opposition leader has the questions ready for the next sitting. Hon. Marlon has a big job ahead of him.
Thank you. Was wondering the same thing.
$350k for the Overspend to consult on offshore services!!!
YOu sound like a dam A**ho**.
If you have nothing to say just STFU
So what do you call that fiasco they building down West End. Irma gave them a grand opportunity to get it right and yet again just months before election, they building crap that cost an arm and a leg.
Can only speak for where I live, but I am sure there are more.
What nonessential crap are you talking mister man from the 1st district?
What building are you talking about?
This must be the opposite loosing side. Isn’t this the election tricks project to get the westside voters to elect the NDP government back to power? The 1st district was for the longest time in the house asking for a completion date. And the same can’t makeup his mind senator keep giving false dates…?
This man been in the oppression for so long and you mean to tell me he has not learned anything?
So AF as the Minister of Ports, there should be no delay in telling us when the westside port will be open… smh!
Everyone with sense knows that the NDP squandered our hard earn tax dollars. That’s why we voted them out. They need to be investigated.
The NDP blew the ~$300M authorized and appropriated maintenance and operations and capital budget plus ~$50M excess revenue. Wow! What was the money spent on and what is there to show for it? Hon Premier, the findings in the Ministry of Finance is very likely to be present in other ministries as well. Stop the busy as a bee activity. This village idiot and town crier has and is advocating that you proceed with deliberate speed and call a territory-wide standdown and conduct a government-wide assessment to ascertain where the territory is at. Without it, government will be shooting in the dark, operating without a compass…….etc.
Understand the haste to be quick out of the blocks but haste makes waste. Yes, the electorate wants to see quick change. But there is an obligation to be responsible and do the right things. Address the territory on your findings and the need for a standdown and their patience and understanding. Tell us, is the territory broke?
I am getting sick of this blame game now man. I thought this new government would’ve hit the ground running but instead all we are getting is a bunch of prayer meetings all over the place and promised salaries.
How the h**l they going the ground running and your d**n Govt spend all of it. Ayo hide the d**n books from us and lied and to think to come trust ayo again. never NEEEEEEVER
He did not specify the election projects the excess revenue was used to fund.
The election is over. Give us the facts in your report and get on with the people’s work. God bless you and the BVI!
The F***ING Government is not broke. You all can keep believing that S**t from the I was born to Local Parents.And before you start about NDP supporters, This is a VIP voter.
It had enough money remaining to make the man of the cloth chief of staff though?
the man of the cloth was them mouth piece. Remember the 300,000 after school program wha come to naught??? and america greeed??? stay tune !!! the grasshoppers in dem own camp!!! more to come …stay tuned – dam disgrace!!!
Fahie need get his head from in that cloud of lies. Like he still feeling ndp even though he won.. trouble for us. Muster, please concentrate on rebuilding this country and rid your mind of ndp if you can. There is plenty money in the treasury and consolidated fund. Stop trying to mamaguy the people and speak the truth. There is plenty money to pay increments and to do projects. Ndp did not blow all that extra moves and you know that, I really wonder what your plans are? Himmm
He saying country broke. Then use the same money to make it look like he performed such a miracle. There is money in the treasury and Consilidated Fund. Andrew please stop the games and the nonsense.
There is no money, but there is enough money to pay public officers a significant portion of their increments?
@Wow… if someone reports the current position I don’t think that you can consider that the blame game. If he didn’t report the current position, then we would say he is hiding something. The people have a righ to know; you have a right to know and I have a right to know.
The current position is not broke. He needs to stop this crap.
Stop you crap! The blame game is over and so are the elections, you wanted to be the man now man up and get to work.
We want proof. What was the total summon the consolidated fund? List the election projects, the contractors and the contract sums. Lay it all out
Country not broke. We want an aduited financial report. This piece piece talking here and there will not suffice. Get a proper report and bring it forth to the HOA and the public. You can say anything. That same money you can take and use it telling you the NDP overspend the amount. If the country is broke where will the money be coming from for all the projects and prMoises. Come on now Premier I voted VIP but not for you to come with no hog wash.
🙂
Nonsense the past VIP Government squandered millions upon millions of dollars the newly elect government needs to get going to fix the territory that they claim is broken and stop blaming the previous Government.In time to come another Government will blame the VIP Government everything takes time.
Like any job one goes in, that one has to clean up all the s**t of his predecessors. So, please get to work and stop complaining in this drip feed manner. People want money, power and fame but don’t want the work, the responsibility and the accountability that goes with the aforementioned qualities. Whining doesn’t help. And furthermore, it is not an “I” it’s a “we”. It was 8 of you elected to form the government, get together!
I gather that over 50mil was generated in excess revenues but of that total amount generated, 50 mil of it was used up. Maybe the last budget was so undervalued and did not properly take into account the country’s deficits so some funds were allocated there. Interesting to see what portion of the excess was actually allocated to election projects. What is an election project anyway… Ha ha… Would this be evidence of a greater crime? Lawd ah shoulda look out for the white envelope them.
Government has a consistent revenue stream from tourism, taxes, court fines, financial services and from services that government provide. That’s how government can pay increments, salaries, rent and other various expenses. Fahie never said the government was broke. He said he has to start from scratch because the excess money ($50 million) was spent. For example he started with $100 to gamble. He won $50 bet again and lost the $50 now he back to square one. Broke would be losing the $100 not losing the $50 profit.
Anyway if government was doing as well as the doubters claim why would NDP have to use $8 million dollars that was already allocated for the East End Long look Sewage to fund the Pier Park?
Government can have $50 million in their operations account but then have $200 million in debts. They can make $100 million in revenue but still have $200 million in debt.
It was also reported that there was $20 million in lawsuits in the last 2 terms. These are unexpected cost that you dont plan in your budget before it actually happens.
NHI is operating at a loss. In January Marlon Penn advised that the cost of the hospital now exceed $114 million and couldn’t confirm what the final cost would be as works are still ongoing.
There was over $20 million in consultancies and CDB loans that have to be paid.
Pull yourself together… One time the country is broke… the next MVW lying/misleading the people about the 60 million in profit that was reported on the campaign trail…now they spent they excess money that you claim was never there.
If I was foolish I would be confused. Since the country was broke and in dire straits according to you (on the campaign trail) preparation should have already been made to go in and start from scratch.
If you are starting from scratch which budgets or projects are being cut in order to afford the increments that has been promised to be budgeted for and paid out.
You’re promises and reports about the finances of the territory still do not align now that you hold the office of Premier and have access to the information. If the country is broke be transparent and present the requisite evidence instead of dropping doom and gloom on one news site or/at an event and promises on/at another.
If the country is broke, I am not sure that your first priority should be to “regularise” expats statuses as this will circumvent a revenue stream in the country.
Its time to hang up the blame game of election season unite with your team, get it together and move “ONE DIRECTION… FORWARD”… that is still your slogan, right?
Problem is have you figured out how to do that or just how to point fingers about the bad and take the praises for the good?
All these NDP supporters still cant get what NDP done to them now they trying find fault on every thing vip do or say
If NDP used the $50 mil where you getting money to hold cabinets in Virgin Gordy or for transpiration irnsecuriry or to pay for an audit or for the same increments coming later in the year?
Where he get money from to attend redhead’s funeral?
Country broke and this man is the first premier to have his own personal security and promised increments. Wow
Marlon, Myron or Dr Smith need to tell their supporters that campaign season is over. The election is over. Spamming the blogs with negative comments about Fahie or the current government doesn’t change the election results. None of the people that are commenting have access to or have seen the books so how can you state that the Premier who has access to and have seen the books is lying? Campaign season is over. Do y’all really plan on being miserable for the next 4 years and bombarding articles about government with misinformation and pessimism. By now you should know that elections are not won based on how many likes you receive on BVInews. Please allow the government to do their job. At the end of the term we will judge them based on their performance not by the comments of the miserable.
Mr. Premier rarely does an opposition party come to power and findings things on a silver plater. The VIP wining was evidence that something was wrong with the encumbent government. Voters don’t change government just the hell of it. The NDP was of the opinion that it was not going to be returned to power and it surely was not going to leave the next government a bed of roses. The VIP had every reason to assume that the financial situation was going to be problematic. The Premier should not have been surprised with the financial situation. Nevertheless, he has to play the hand dealt. If during the process malfeasance is found, it should, perhaps, be referred to the judiciary. The VIP and other opposition parties campaigned that they should be the choice to change course and right the ship. The VIP won so let’s get at it.
Andrew always speaking about god and he hire security guards.codda fool me.
That security firm is owned by one of his candidates and cronies
You said you going to clean up. Just clean up and shut up! Enough complaints already man.
Starting from scratch n you spent close to 100k for the first HOA meeting in the complex? Start from.scratch n you just inked for a consultant? Start from scratch n west end ferry terminal getting an upgrade? You mussy starting to scratch to A×× instead.
Bunch of liars.
Mr. fahie you just reach in office divert your focus on the previous gov. from what they did or not, and do what you said you will do for the country, don’t deceive the public with fictional stuff, we watching.
How much of the 50 million the VIP spent on the election campaign. Andrew is a d**n l**r. The Government is far from being broke. Keep it up Mr.my parents were born here and your crew. In due time you all will see who the real Andrew Fahie truly is.
How does the article translate to ‘the country is broke?’ Is that what he actually said. To me, he is saying start from scratch to build up surplus revenues. Start from scratch as in putting policies in place and implementing them to adhere to financial protocols. Start from scratch as in reviewing internal procedures or processes in terms of authorising payments or making sure systems are in place so that budgets are realistic and spending is monitored.
I did not hear anybody say that the country is broke except the people who maybe reading the thing wrong.
Finally someone who read the article for what it said and not putting words in the man mouth. Better yet they needed to listed to the clip for themself. We here in the BVI enjoy calling down each other in the blogs because no one can see us.
You blnd or playing blind? The man said all the money was spent on campaign projects which means he is claiming we are broke but WE AINT STUPID. NDP said they left money n its evident MONEY WAS LEFT CAUSE MONEY BEING SPENT. Andrew stop the madness and focus on the country. Talk season done work season start.
Ah wonder if at least 10 of these comments don’t belong to MVW himself. It can’t have so many people that can’t read with understanding. The man never say the country “Broke”. Chupes.Thank you the Hon Premier. You promised transparency and you are giving just that. Nobody have to like it.
Are you all trolling? I thought Fahie campaigned on being a good steward of our finances given the circumstances? Additional security? You all nearly kill the previous premier for the vehicle he used. The missteps have started, careful you only get one term!
We put them in there to tell us what they left and how much . Every NDPerson on here ” go sit down and blog with common sense . If he didn’t say what he met you would be on his case . Give him a chance . Think and listen before you write crap.
NONSENSE .
The truth is not intended to be popular. The truth doesn’t change with time. The truth offends some people. Lies repeated often does not become truth. The country might be broke, The country might not be broke. The truth is Fahie never said the country was broke. The truth is some people that read BVInews have agendas and some just lack comprehension skills.
Exactly. The only place I seen the word ‘broke’ was in the comments of some of these who really lack, amongst other things, comprehension skills.
To all of you who is talking about Private Security, Andrew is the leader/President of your Country,him,the First Lady and the kids is suppose to have 24 hour Security detail.
You all are just too funny now. He needs security and his family?! From whom?? Better yet, how much is this going to cost us taxpayers?
Your right about the transparency then stop the blame game and gave the people a realistic Amount so we can see what we are working with
Who is paying for 24 hour security? Where in the BVI have you seen this before? Power hungry people trying to mimick the Vinci Premiere..
These people need to travel out and see what other leaders are doing.
What are you trying turn our BVI into?
Do you think you are so BIG that you are better than us?
Well umm tis tru, you are BIG, But that’s not the point here.
Next thing you will want us to put bars on our homes like other islands?
The BVI is a peaceful place stop creating negative perception to make people think you are under attack.
One thing i know VIP famous for is buying each ministry its own 70-90k vehicle to f**t up in so we will see how brokes the country is when these vehicles come in…
Who is paying for 24 hour security? Where in the BVI have you seen this before? Power hungry people trying to mimick the Vinci Premiere..
So that shows me that you people don’t take the leader of your Country serious. Politics is like a play thing to you all. Anyone who is elected leader of a Country have 24 hour Security.
So the leader of our country should have 24 hour security but none of our sitting magistrates and Judges are afforded the same. Stupidness ain’t sense. I would rather our magistrates be given 24 security protection not someone who will and can be replaced in 4 year or less who walks the streets after his tenure is up. Will he need security after too.
You are correct, every leader of any Country should have Security for him/her and imediate family. Seems like Coonsville BVI don’t believe in such things.
While it may be logical for the head of the territory to have security detail which they do have an assigned Police officer as their security. Furthermore, in the BVI compared to other places in the world what really is the point of having 24 hour security detail who cannot be armed. How are they really protecting you and your family?? Not even our police officers are armed daily so the security team is pointless. The state of recovery the country is in 24 hour security to follow you around with no gun, no baton, no nothing makes no sense. Waste of money what could be spent on something needed for recovery.
Are you stupid or deaf? The BVI is one of safest places on earth. It’s in your head VIP supporters. Stop destroying our reputation with your shi!!! the premier needs security. No body ain’t even studying him. It’s perception he is trying to create.
Don’t forget God Is watching and No Government can really save us y’all stop y’all nonsense Allow Prayers to diverse the enemies as we strive for a better nation wake up sleeping sinners
Instead of all these photo frenzy invading social media they need to stop using God’s name to their advantage and be transparent. Every pan knock they’re there picture-ready but you can’t be playing both sides of the fence. It’s either you plan to bring this country back to God who created the heaven and the earth and be honest with the people.
The Premier mentioned on social media that we all serve one God. I never hear more ignorance.
Other religions worship the cow and idols. This event he went to on Saturday with the Deputy is a religion that believe in gods and goddesses and it encompasses worship of such. God says we should have no other God’s but Him no matter how you twist and turn it.
The internet is there to school yourselves use it.
Government stop play with God’s name.
We can’t expect to sell our souls by being accepting of tradition and culture that does not abide by God’s laws.
You should know better.
Hon Fahie please do not start your duty as Premier being so petty. You would have seen and know that we the people are not fools and smarter than to believe that you have to start from scratch because there is no money. If there is no money, tell us how you were able to travel to the OECS meeting; tell us how you are able to hire security guards around the clock; tell us how the civil servants are still being paid; tell us how the country is still able to function. There is money maybe not as much as you would like to fulfill all the grand promises you made to the people, which was foolish to do anyway. There is money because you have been having Cabinet meetings on the Sister Islands and I am sure there was a cost – boat fees, meals, and renting of the places, etc. You also know that the spending by the sitting Government is the norm just before an election. It happened with VIP and it happened with NDP. Nothing is new!
@WE Residen this must be the opposite loosing side. Isn’t this the election tricks project to get the westside voters to elect the NDP government back to power? The 1st district was for the longest time in the house asking for a completion date. And the same can’t makeup his mind senator keep giving false dates…?
24 hr security for YOU????? LOLOLOL NObody cant kidsnap yo f.. A..
Is this too big a job for you Sir? Is your seat gonna be vacant to? Manup yourself and get to work. You applied for the job and you were hired. Show us our financial statements-you do know what those are, right?