Premier says he needs permission to reveal ESHS’ anonymous donors
There is a growing public call for the government to name the anonymous donor whose offered $4 million towards the Elmore Stoutt High School redevelopment project, but Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said he would need permission to reveal the person.
According to reports from now dismantled Fahie administration, the donor had already given $2 million for the project and had pledged another two.
Speaking at a press conference last Friday, Dr Wheatley said he would have to investigate whether the donor wants his name revealed and once he gets an answer, he will respect the person’s wishes.
The Premier noted that the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) receives donations all the time and there is a structure in place for people to donate.
“No one donates directly to the central government. The RDA was set up specifically for the purpose of providing a transparent means for persons to be able to donate to these projects. We are grateful for their donations. Of course, you know the BVI was devastated in 2017 by hurricanes Irma and Maria and many persons have come to our aid,” Dr Wheatley said.
The Premier said that given the controversial arrest of his former boss and political leader, Andrew Fahie, he wanted to reassure the public that the donations will be used properly for hurricane recovery projects and they are from a legitimate source.
“Certainly, the BVI government continues to be strong, continues to be reputable. And we do want to send a message to our donors that they can have confidence in sending money to our project because it really is for the good of the Virgin Islands and if we are talking about Elmore Stoutt, that is directly related to our children and of course, we do not want our children to be in less than adequate conditions. So, in addition to our government revenue and in addition to our loans, we do need persons to donate to some of these very worthy, worth projects,” the Premier said.
Dr Wheatley was further asked whether he believed making the donors known was a matter of public interest given the Commission of Inquiry findings in this area and also given the sum of money being donated by one person. However, he said this was something he had to discuss with the RDA.
“Because if I understand it now, if somebody is making a donation and they want to remain private, that is also their choice as well. But I can assure you that the donor funds do not have anything to do with any illicit activity or any illegal activity and I have law enforcement confirm that to the public if that is necessary but these funds are legitimate funds and they are legitimate business persons that provide the funds and I will not reveal the name of the persons until I get clearance to do so,” the Premier said.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Again, just like the secret list of fake farmers and fisherman that you did nothing about. At least these names are donors not thieves. However what is the source of their donations? Hopefully not the proceeds of smuggling crimes.
There is no donor you fools. This was made up BS to get the project moving so that pockets can be filled. Soon enough there will be a report of being over budget the amount of the donation. These people think they are the smartest on the planet. What we see is the dumbest and most crooked people on the planet. You all want these third grade crooks to continue or kick them out and let the Brits start us fresh.
“No one donates directly to the government “ he says.
Except the taxpayers, but you care so little about them you forgot.
D**b as a rock.
…to help tie his shoelaces.
I agree. Also would these donors expect something in return from the Government, hence the secrecy surrounding the donations. People, nothing in life is for free. Everything comes at a cost, EVERYTHING, AND THIS ONE HAS A HUGE PRICE TAG.
It should be public knowledge. Why is it a secret?? He or she didn’t give it to a private person. They gave it to the government as representatives of the people but we can’t know who gave it??
UK, you ain’t reach yet?? This is the kind of foolery they’re still going on with. Anyone who gives any amount to the government needs to be known so we can see what they may or may not be getting in exchange for their generous “gift”.
why are you so nosey?. What benifit will it be to you or others who want to know. Wow
It’s the Colombian Parcel Service. They want nothing in return.
The donor have the right to donate anonymously if they choose to. Who is you to order them to reveal themselves if they choose to remain anonymous?
Charities are forced to disclose their funding by the BVI’s money laundering prevention laws.
What makes this different, and for such a large amount?
Secrecy is still the norm it seems
….after all … we are natures little secrets…
Maybe it’s West Bank
Accountability and Transparency!
Unfortunately, due to current conditions and issues within the Territory. All monies needs to be disclosed in order for the trust in Government be gained.
Maybe it’s your mother
How is it that Non profit organizations, which are audited by the FIA, and in some cases have to produce audited financial accounts, ACCORDING TO THE LAW, are not allowed to have anonymous donors. This goes against all those money laundering, drug dealing, terrorist financing rules non profits have to comply with. How is it that the government and the members of the house who signed all those bills into law do not have to be transparent as the Premier has said when it comes to their donors. It appears as if non profits have to follow laws which prescribe transparency but the government does not. Same story, different stink.
Minister, this is nobody business but the donor’s business. If he or she wants to remain secret, it is their right. Mind you all darn business and stay out of other people own.
It’s not their right.
It’s illegal.
If I had donated that kind of money I would not want the public to know. Once people know you have money, you don’t get a break from the begging.
you can just donate through a trust or a company if its legitimate.
This new government done starting to show signs of being more of the same thing… I don’t know what we expect its the same people who lead us here is wha gonna fix anything?
I am one of those persons who wish to donate significant money to our country to help in specific areas that are important to me, and which I believe money can make a difference.
Like the anonymous donor, I too wish to donate to education among other areas, but wish to remain anonymous.
People like me are not unusual. My money is legit.
I can understand that everyone is looking for smoke about everything at this time, but lets not get to the point whereby a genuine donation turns into something suspicious or criminal. That’s not good, as all that potentially does is discourage people like myself.
Not every person who donates a significant amount of money wants their name to be plastered in the media about it.
Again, I am one of those persons. I cherish my privacy and security, and I certainly don’t want people hitting me up for loans once they know I’m holding like that.
As far as you the public is concerned, I am poor. Let it remain that way.
I presume the donor wishes to remain anonymous and I respect that as I would wish the recipient of my donations to respect my anonymity and privacy as well.
With my mindset, I do think we should be thanking the person who donate that money to begin, and not be speculating that something is wrong. If more people step up and do as they did, the country will be better off.
Keep yuh money boss.
I could. Maybe I should, but I certainly would not decide pro or con to take any action based on an anonymous comment on a blog post.
Our country is one that could do with some philanthropic contributions to help in many areas as I see it, and I certainly would not be deterred from putting my money where I see fit.
We have been tru a lot collectively as a country starting with the devastation and destruction of the hurricanes of 2017, followed by COVID, and now this current political drama that is unfolding.
The disgraced Premier and others may have or is involved in the drug trade that accounts for their ill gotten gains, but I am proud to say, that the money in my bank account(s) is traceable to its legal sources, and I have worked my $ss off over a lifetime to amass it there.
You don’t have to worry about mines, and I am certainly not an unwise person who will not ensure all i’s and all my t’s are dotted and crossed before making any anonymous donation.
I have noticed in this country before the Fahie scandal, there are some people who have a very nasty habit of assuming people who may have a large house, car, or business are automatically involved in the drug trade.
Surely there may those kind of folks, but to assume that anyone who has a large home, expensive car, or some business as people who are drug dealing is quite often unfounded, speculative and simply wrong and dangerous.
IMO, the majority of people in the BVI are hard working people who probable have a bank note on their houses, cars, or businesses.
The point is I am sure most of us here in the BVI can document our income and are not on some drug lords payroll.
People who donate this kind of money do not do so without having it vetted thru their lawyer(s), and ensuring that it is a proper donation, and one that is not or appear to be some quid pro quo especially from a political standpoint.
Rich people do not seek financial scrutiny of that sort.
I do ask myself however if I should. Reason being: I have been blogging here for decades, and have a sense of the attitudes of some people about certain things which can be discouraging.
For me to not do a good based on the views of blog posts on any web site, would be stupid of me. If I did, I should really just need to “Keep yuh money boss.”
There are good people in the world despite all the negativity. The question around this anonymous donation is only occurring imo because it was given under the former disgraced Premiers’ watch, so now everything he has done is now under a microscope. I understand.
Whomever the donor of that anonymous donation to ESHS, I’d say thanks’ for doing so. You have done more than any naysayers probably have. Many have probably not contributed a dime or an hour of their time to help rebuild the damaged school.
Thanks’ again. You are paying forward. I am certain your donation will prove helpful in many ways in the short and long run.
Dear mr/mrs/it/that what ever you identify as, due to the circumstances at hand involving your previous Premier, these investigations would be necessary. I personally don’t care but get yuh rass with that essay mane.
The laws speaks to donations so that is a fact. I cannot speak to what was discussed but a donor has the right to decide if the donation will be anonymous or public. Therefore, is my commentary based upon my professional experience working with donations in otherjurdictions. When a person decides they want to donate the following steps are undertaken by person or the team representing them: a background of the place(if they live outside) project, who will it benefit, insistution ( private or public),laws,discussion with their family,legal and financial team(depending
on the amount) taxes,and whether the donation will be anonymous or they want to be recognized(there many ways to do that for example ribbon cutting ceremony,naming the facity or room after them or just a thank you)and how the money will be distributed (phases or a one time donations).They have gathered all the facts before contacting the government or institution.When contact
is made additional questions will be asked such as time frame, cost of the project, some financial information, point of contact on the project, name of contractors, and etc.
Due the allegations surrounding the former leader and COI it is imperative that the new leadership provide governance in all areas of government and educate the people on using the laws. When the laws, policies and procedures are ignored it cause people to believe everything is a deal ” under the table.” My POB we must do better and find our soul again.
In time to come, if this donor want something from the Gvt.. will the public hear about it.?
The donor doesnt have any more wants or needs in this life and their family wants it to remain a private charitable donation?
THESE HYPOCRITES STILL FIGHTING IT , WE REALLY NEED TO EXPOSE WHO ALL IS INVOLVED , NEXT THING THEY WILL BE SAYING ANDY IS HOLY OR A POPE , WE HAVE PASTORS / BISHOP SO WE MISSING A POPE
When is the uk coming to takeover for the ne next 2 years can’t wait. Uk rule is a must
If he can’t say who the money come from, or that it has been audited by a reputable auditor, within 1 min of being asked, Shuwande need to just leave it on the ground. Otherwise he will be another Drew
Is it against the law to donate to government without John public knowing?
Is it a friend of Government Official 1?
If you have that kind of money and wish to make an anonymous donation, how difficult would it be to create a trust or some other entity to make the donation?
Are we not a top financial services jurisdiction?
The Eshs new campus would not be ready until maybe January.
I say this not to sound negative, but when one casting a floor 30 days plus is required for the floor to properly cure. Now they are ways to work around this but limited.
Next painting, outfitting if classes, offices, transferring of item from ctl campus to new.
I just see to many things needs to be done before those buildings are truly finish.
I forget a major fact, in a few days we heading into hurricane season.
It’s not their right.
It’s illegal.
Is the Premier out of his mind. Isn’t that money laundering. 4 million dollars anonymous donations. What is the credibility of this person not wanting his or her name to be known.
They do not want you come begging or bteaking in their homes when you find out they have money. That’s why y’all want to know the names of the donor or donor. Y’all is a set of baracodors worst than Andrew.