Premier unsure if YOLO promoters given more funds for Kartel concert

The government has faced renewed scrutiny over financial support for the Vybz Kartel concert, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley unable to confirm whether additional funds were allocated to event organisers YOLO Promotions.

During a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley was pressed on whether the BVI Tourist Board had provided an additional $50,000 to YOLO Promotions, despite prior assurances that no further government funds would be given beyond the initial sponsorship.

“I’m not aware of them being given anything else,” Dr Wheatley said. “I’d have to double-check on that.” He noted that the Tourist Board independently provides sponsorship for events but did not confirm at the time, whether additional funds had been approved.

“Typically, the tourist board does provide sponsorship on their own for events,” he said. “Persons write to the Tourist Board, they request money. So I would have to check with the Tourist Board to see if they’ve given YOLO any additional money.”

The government’s initial $220,000 sponsorship of the event, revealed last year, sparked intense controversy. Critics, including members of the parliamentary opposition, argued that public funds should not be used to support an event featuring a dancehall artiste who previously served time in prison. Last year, the UK-based Privy Council dismissed the murder charges against Kartel on appeal.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton previously questioned the expenditure, pointing to financial shortfalls in other areas of government. “We have people suffering, but we’re spending money on a concert. It does not make sense,” he argued in a House of Assembly debate last year.

Former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith also distanced herself from the decision. Despite criticism, Dr Wheatley has defended the investment, arguing that the concert will stimulate the local economy.

“Most likely, the same money that the government put in sponsorship to help make the show a reality, the government will get back that money in taxes,” he said previously.

Event promoter Steve Parillon of YOLO Promotions also defended the government’s role, stating that the funding benefits multiple sectors. “This is an investment to the country. This money is not going into our pockets,” he said in an earlier interview.

Parillon previously disclosed that he “pressured” the Premier into investing funds into the venture, despite the prospect of a public outcry about the funding. “I don’t want people to think this is the Premier’s idea. It was not the Premier’s idea. I persuaded the Premier, you understand? I persuaded him. I pressured him.” Parillon said at the time.