Money for Non-stop Concert is not “new money”
Amid the public’s cry that the $250,000 earmarked for the Non-Stop Concert could be better spent, Premier Natalio Wheatley has moved to assure residents that the funds were set aside months ago.
The Premier said the $250,000 was earmarked for the Tourist Board when he announced the 2023 budget back in December 2022. He said the funds were initially set aside to host the return of Music Fest in 2023.
However, he said Tourist Board advisors suggested that the Music Fest should be held in 2024. Because the money was already set aside, it was suggested that the funds be used to host a show in 2023 to mark the commencement of direct flights from Miami to the territory.
“As you can understand, the direct flights from Miami gives an opportunity to build entertainment tourism,” Premier Wheatley said on the Morning Braff radio show recent;y. “That means somebody can fly directly from Miami to the BVI just to go to the concert — just for one or two days. You have people coming from St Thomas, St Johns, St Maarten and St Kitts. That’s the kind of thing you want to help stimulate your economy.”
The Premier also clarified that the upcoming Non-Stop Concert will not cost $250,000 in all likelihood.
“I have full confidence in the Tourist Board to spend the money responsibly and spend it well and they will have to report within their structure how they spent the money. It doesn’t mean they’ll use all the $250,000. In fact, they’re actually putting a portion of the funds towards marketing of the flights between Miami and the BVI,” Premier Wheatley explained.
Though residents have criticized the decision to host a show amid many challenges residents are experiencing, the Premier said the event will bring much needed income to businesses in the community during a time when the tourism season is slow.
He urged residents to support the show and help to build entertainment tourism in the BVI, as revenue earned could help to build critical infrastructure. The Premier likened the Non-Stop concert to the St Kitts Music Fest, but added that everyone in that country is supporting the return of the show and is helping to market it.
“They are invested in the success of the St Kitts Music Festival and then we have some of our very own people – instead of promoting our event to make it a success – we have our very own people telling us to boycott it. Does that make sense? Is that a patriotic action for us to take? This is Team BVI right now. Everybody needs to come out to the event to make it successful,” the Premier explained.
The Non-Stop Concert is set to be held on June 30 at the Festival Grounds in Road Town.
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Liar liar pants on fire. If you are not careful your b.lls will get scorch like Andrew. We don’t believe anything that comes out you mouth slowman.
Who this f**l think he is fooling. What is in a budget is only a budget. It may not be newly allocated money but it is actual money that should have been spent on things of greater importance. You could have re-allocated this money to the ministry of communication and works to help to buy asphalt to patch the roads. Stop trying to justify foolishness. You are making yourself look more stupid than you look already. The BVI is in trouble. Look at who we elected to lead us. Me got to be insane!
MALARKEY
Does anyone know how the civic and social infrastructures in st. Kitts stand?
How could he compare his charade to the St. Kitts music fest? This man right in his head? Anyway it suit us right. We ain’t had no call voting them back in. As for that tr—or Lorna who cross to them to make it worse for the country!
is going to fly from Miami on AA for a 1 day free concert on Tortola. Premier is dreaming.
Wa happen to Althea Scatliffe? We have so much things in the territory that needs attention. Who cares about a stupid concert? smh
This guy thinks we are fools.
.What does it matter when the money was allocated it didnt have to be spent on a concert , we need
roads to drive on not donkey tracks.
What a load of crap…. Does this man really think people are going to spend that kind of money to come here for a free concert with a s**tty a** line up especially so close to festival what offers better entertainment…. rubbish
This man should be taken out of power as soon as possible.
He lacks basic understanding of finances and funds.
This is not new money he says… You can spend every dollar only once regardless of where it sits in the budget. If you are wasting 250k now it doesn’t matter what the budget says, it is still a waste.
Some projects that our community needs:
– Roads
– Education
– Waste management
– Marine conservation
– Healthcare
No, this baboon keeps justifying spending money on a dumb concert.
If it is not new money it must be old money. Where did Minister of finance find all that old money to play with? Rob de bank?
Lord send help for this nation.
What does it matter when the funds were allocated? Where does the BVI Tourist Board get funding?
Does it make sense that the Premier is advocating for a “non-stop concert”. It certainly does not make sense to a lot of residents, but that does not stop it.
Furthermore, why would government want to be involved in a music fest. Meanwhile, the infrastructure where people are being invited is in a fragile state. That is for the local businesses to get together and do because it will benefit them more. BVI government need to learn the roles of a government and try stick to them.
Natalio Wheatley from where do you come with this crap? This is who you all pick to run this country after it was in trouble from the same party. Instead of trying to fix these islands you are trying to bring more people in even a school child knows better you should be a shame of yourself. Do you really think a whole lot of people will pay over a thousand dollars plus to come to your party? All the people who speak out against it should boycott it. The money could be spent for a lot better things than a party.
Who is responsible for Tourist Board funds? Did the board approve this? How does this really promote tourism?
he done commit and send deposits to all the entertainers…all he can do is try to soften the blow to his reputation by making up stories/excuses for making such a stupid decision at the worst possible time of need. His head is in the chopping block and it now has to stay there or he/we will lose all that deposit money. What a joke. you cant make this stuff up.
Take the mic from this man! No matter how much time you address this matter, it still comes off as poorly organized and a waste of public monies!
I don’t understand why he insists on having this concert when the public is so against it. What am I missing here?
You can’t expect to brain wash us ALL the time sl**man. You have outstanding increments for your civil servants and you wasting $250k on an event what you feel is necessary THIS TIME OF THE YEAR? It have sooooooo many other IMPORTANT issues SUCH AS ROAD, WATER, ELECTRICITY, JOBS, EDUCATION ETC within the territory that needs more attention and this is what you decided to do with extra funds that the government has to throw away….(ting2talk) Mr. Sl**man I really think you need to put alot of stuff into consideration especially in these crucial times. It have single parents suffering, you have civil servants such as police officers, doctors, nurses, fire & ambulance officers, TEACHERS just to name a few who needs raise of pay and this is what you doing with $250k. Ayuh have a good day because….I have plenty to say.
In the last 24 hours, naming the Festival Village after a gun toting former politician (along with their associated family and friends) who’s own reputation is far from appropriate, and now doubling down further with such an idiotic statement only tells you just how far we continue to fall! I am completely blown away by the willful ignorance that is shown by our elected leaders. It is now getting far beyond the point of disgrace!
cant turn back –
Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars could be better spent. Free concert is not necessary at this time. August festival is just around the corner.
I just have to laugh, so many complaining and yet we only have ourselves to blame. How did we reelcet him?
So whether its new money or old money… how is still not a waste of money?
You will never figure out that this is a VIP victory celebration disguised as an airlift concert. Y’all have been the subject of so much mental abuse that one more won’t make much of a difference. Anyone who tries to bring y’all out of the darkness is quickly cut down while y’all stand by like the idiots you are.
So if you find a $50 in your pants pocket you going blow it on FOOLISHNESS or PAY BILLS!!!
Recently someone donated paper to ESHS that the School said they were really in need of, Willard Wheatley Primary is seeking donations for assistance, other Schools are lacking supplies, and other areas of the Territory are crying out for help but you’re going to blow money on international artists that DO NOT NEED IT!!!!
A guilty conscience needs no accusers but he can’t SHUT UP trying to justifying his narcissist ways!!!!!!
The TB Director is a puppet on a string. ABSOLUTELY SPINELESS!!
NOT ONE TOURIST INTERESTED IN THIS EVENT!
It’s LUNACY
Ret@rd&d…my IQ levels just dropped after reading one sentence. Hope is nought.
DEAD MONEY
This is going over like a lead balloon. Thinking borrowing from a successful campaign have photos of Fahie with a big smile saying“ This Coke’s for you”.
The entire board is a puppet on a string. They are the ones who have to agree to spend our money. It’s a statutory board.
You have a good list but why is nobody talking about fixing our biggest health hazard THE INCINERATOR!!! Ppl come for the concert to get sick here