No regrets! Premier hails successful Vybz Kartel show
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has declared the Vybz Kartel concert a resounding success, dismissing objections over the government’s $220,000 investment in the event.
In an interview with ZBVI radio, Dr Wheatley said the concert achieved its primary objective—boosting tourism and stimulating economic activity in the territory.
“The show was a huge success. I have to congratulate Steve Parillon and the other promoters. It was a massive amount of effort. There was lots of movement and lots of challenges, but in the end, he was able to pull off an extremely successful show,” he stated.
The government’s financial backing of the event had drawn criticism from some residents and organisations, including the BVI Christian Council. However, Premier Wheatley maintained that the concert aligned with the government’s tourism strategy.
No regrets
With the event now over, Dr Wheatley said he sees no reason for regret.
“Why would I regret our business community making money—our rental car agencies making money, our hotels being booked, vendors making money, the barber shops and the hair salons? Do you think they regret making the money?” Premier Wheatley questioned.
The concert, which was headlined by Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel and featured several local and international acts, reportedly drew large crowds, including visitors from outside the BVI. Local businesses also benefited, according to Dr Wheatley.
“Absolutely. This is what we envisioned. This is what we call tourism. This is investment in the tourism product. We had so many persons come from abroad. One lady told me she came from Alaska. And we had persons come from all over the United States and from several Caribbean countries,” he said.
“The rooms were rented, the rooms were booked, cars were rented, persons bought clothes, they bought food, the bars did well,” he added.
Despite opposition from some quarters, Dr Wheatley stood by the decision to invest public funds in the event. He insisted that such spending was necessary to grow the local economy.
Incident-free show
Addressing concerns about security, the Premier stated that the event was incident-free.
“Everybody came out, they had a good time. During the show I had no indications of any incidents, any fights, any disputes, anything like that. I know some persons were expecting a lot of trouble and a lot of problems but it was all love, Black-on-Black love,” he said.
Asked whether he would approve similar investments in the future, Dr Wheatley remained firm.
“Yeah, well, it’s a definite strategy for building a tourism product. And it’s not just shows like these. It’s Spring Regatta, it is the Caribbean Baking Awards, it’s the Pink Show, it’s the basketball, it’s cricket. Hopefully, we can organise something for cricket. It’s sport fishing, it’s the Scrub Island Invitational, it’s the North Drop Open. It’s building these events that have the potential to bring guests from abroad,” he explained.
“Some persons seem as though they want to take all the money that you spend on tourism and spend on other things, but I’ll say to you, if you don’t spend any money on building your economy, you won’t have money to do all the other things we need to do in society,” he argued.
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Were there even 50 ‘tourists’ that came in for the concert? If so, then the the Govt and TB subsidized them at a rate of over$5,000 per person!
Is this the hill this Premier is really willing to die on?? He was man enough to admit that the firing of Hon. Smith was a misstep but he doubles down on a show that so far no one has given firm numbers on but by most anecdotal accounts did not achieve the finincial ojbective projected. wow.
It was closer to 400k that the government gave to this show. The Premier is missing a screw somewhere. People are concerned about all the needs we have in the country that are not being addressed but yet he could find 400k to give a private promoter. And he is now spitting in the face of the people who are having a hard time just living by telling them he will do the same thing again. The arrogance and disrespectful behaviour of Natalio is on full display.
This man is tone deaf. But because he believe he was able to get Fraser and Lorna to support him he believe he has the next election all wrapped up.
Ok Guavaberry…
She has been on point in her calculations for the last 6 months. Things that she predicted and people laughed at her ALL came through. Right now she is batting a 100%. She made me a believer thats for sure.
Wow, Premier now a pop-star on stage.
He was in his element, that is where he preform his best.
You miss the part that the issue is not just about money! You celebrated and enriched a convicted murderer who hasn’t served his time and was not found innocent! Think about his victims and their families! Have you no morals? Additionally that show didn’t reach 2,000 people, when they said 5k. Flat out lie! Half the people sleep on people couch and shacked up 6 to a room! These people can’t afford to vacation in the VI! Why spend the Pennie’s we have catering to people who can not afford to be tourists here? A set of people came in Saturday and left right out Sunday. They didn’t spend any time or set of money here because they can’t afford to! You are catering to the wrong people! But yet you tell the USVI Guv that BVI isn’t targeting the masses but instead focusing on the wealthy who could afford to stay in the BVI. 2 different things coming out of you. Clueless! Nothing about that show was a success. We sold our souls for a few dollars. The numbers are far far below what is being reported. We just made a murderer much richer while our community and infrastructure is poorer!
Sorry to tell you, but you are WRONG! While there weren’t thousands from overseas, there were quite A LOT of persons from USVI and US Mainland here for the weekend and they SPENT MONEY! These people were at the bars, restaurants, hotels, rental cars etc. and they spent money. I own multiple business and have friends in business as well. I was out ever single night from Thursday to Sunday and the place was buzzing with activities. These were not broke people, these people spent money. The problem is you think the right tourist for the BVI is the white person that look like they have money, say it with your chest! Just because you didn’t make money and you are not a fan of the Premier, means you can make up your own facts. Where were you this weekend? Were you around to understand the impact or you’re just talking from your ass? You are still upset because you didn’t get the big TB job and you’re on the outside struggling, you will be fine. The irony is that many of the same demographic that attend things like Anegada Lobster Fest that you boast about are the same ones that came for the show. So they are broke in Tortola but okay for Anegada.
Wrong person but good try. This is not just about money but having a decent moral compass. Premier is tone deaf. We sold our soul for a few dollars. And watch see if the bills get paid out more money has to be pumped in to cover bills.
Yow yow! Don’t bring me into this. I already made my position known publicly about this show a long time ago.
Yes, I, like a lot of people, am struggling (thanks to the culture of political victimization),but I am happy and at peace in my struggle. What is for me is for me and nobody can’t stop that. Jehovah knows why I didn’t get the big job like you said. He actually saved me from the mess. I see that now.
Lastly, as I have taught many students, we don’t market to race, we market to money. So the white comment is wrong and unnecessary.
Now carry on.
@LB, birds of a feather stick together. Hope Mr. Hickobottom and King Charles taking notes and hearing our cry!! Wicked
You were not there so how you figure how many people were in attendance? That place was rammed. I would go as far as to say, the numbers far exceeded 5000.
I can’t imagine 5,000 people in that space. That space cannot hold 5,000 people.
I didn’t go the show but you didn’t go the press conference either. I bet you know how much people were in the press conference or could fine out right? I guess the numbers to be less than 2500 but it might be lower. You’ve all don’t know what a 5k crowd looks like dred. The one big pic from Vybz saying thank you barely have 600 people. Count it you see if you don’t believe me.
How much money did the BVI goverenment made from the Show?
a man with big chain
diamond watch
and a ring on almost every finger
promoted with our tax (can be used for much better things) and given recognition and sang to all our youths
then when time come and the same youths get caught up in crime yall will still come and tell them dont live the fast life and stay out of gangs and crime
youths got be confused asf
parents no better
like we local criminals, drug kings and street/ghetto/scandalous women was excited to see kartel that alone is enough of a msg for me to see
but yea guys glad you had fun
can’t wait to see what yall promote and sing for easter festival
criminals getting younger and younger and forming gangs from school… but who cares right? party life issa must!
Where was this energy last year for YOUR music festival??? Until now we can’t see the financials for it! Natalie you are something else and I hope next election the people vote you out!
Tax payers paying for a concert, no vote on this, no transparency, how many tickets sold, give us immigration numbers for the last 5 days before, its assailable. I dare the government to make this public.
People are confusing two things here and that’s the problem. Many people are not fans of the Premier or the Promoter hence the backlash. Do we ask the Spring Regatta and others for all that we are asking for here? If you ask me, I did not agree with giving $200K to the promoter but if the Premier as Minister of Finance felt it was worthwhile then that’s within his powers to do. Are people really concerned about the fiscal side of things here or are these personal attacks? People enjoyed themselves, monies were made by some, it was an incident free weekend for the most part but still we are here Tuesday talking nonsense.
What an insult to the people of the BVI. That’s from your leader now tell come and show figures
He no stage with a murderer, I hope he get a job for Grant who just won his case
VYBZ , IS SAYING )> DIS IS THE YOOT MAN, WHO AH RUN TINGS YA ●¿● ( BIG Yoot )> AH TELL ARYO , AM AH PLAYER , AM BAZZDDDdddd
Did it not have a robbery, shooting and stabbing event Saturday into Sunday?
and guess what happened during this event that supposed to be good and empower the youths
the same “epowered” youths gone a robbed an artist who came to perform
but yes guys keeping bring these artist and promoting these events trying to get money and attract tourist and give criminals and them friends something to enjoy
the same youths watch this see the bling and the song lyrics about sex drugs violence and gangs and will live that lifestyle
wait till that hit the news it would really look good for our tourism project with these non stop parties but cost of living, roads, services and everything else gone to the dogs
roosters will come home to roost
i know yall see the footage being shared around
Never, would I have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would see a picture of a Chief Minister or Premier of the British Virgin Islands standing next to/promoting Vybz Kartel.
They had no business robbing the artist. That is not a good look. If an artist from the BVI went away to perform and they were pounce on and rob, how would you feel. The outside is aware of the artist being set upon and robbed.
I remember when there was a shooting in broad daylight and a young man lost his life. ANDREW FAHIE called on the churches and non-profit organizations to step in to help fight against violence. A Couple months later, he was arrested for drugs and it was revealed that he allowed guns to pass through the territory as well.
There was another shooting shortly after where a father lost his life. Everybody on Facebook put up posts about stopping the violence. A few weeks later, a local rapper launched a song with a music video that included gun violence. The SAME people who were on Facebook before started sharing the song and its message on their Facebook pages.
The Ministry of Education has recently come under fire about the violence and drugs at ESHS, calling on churches to step in to help fight against violence. The LEADER of the Government a few weeks later ENDORSES someone who was arrested for MURDER.
I can list MANY scenarios of HYPOCRISY!
WHAT MESSAGE ARE WE SENDING???!!!!!
MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING!
WHAT DIRECTION ARE WE HEADING IN???!!!
I am absolutely FED UP with this place! (And yes! I am a BVIlander!)
I pray God’s divine mercy and deliverance upon us because THAT ALONE can save us!