Private sector funded themselves during Asia trade mission
Amid public disapproval of the government’s million-dollar travel budget, Trade Minister Lorna Smith made sure to emphasise that the government did not pay for private sector delegates who recently joined the trade mission to Asia.
On June 12, Minister Smith spoke at a press conference to mark the end of the trade mission to Asia. She made sure to inform the public that the government did not sponsor the members of the delegation who work in companies within the financial services sector.
“I want to especially thank our private sector who funded themselves to participate in the Mission and sponsored the events,” Smith said as soon as she stood to address the press conference.
Smith said the trade mission had 11 sponsors from the local financial services sector, adding that these firms also provided some speakers who helped to promote various aspects of the BVI’s financial services sector in the Asian market.
With the numerous problems facing the territory, the Natalio Wheatley government has come under fire for their $2.8 million travel budget, which many believe could be better spent on the failing public infrastructure. The criticism grows with each international trip, but the members of the government continue to travel, saying they need to be physically present at international fora to secure opportunities for the territory.
In the meantime, Minister Smith said the Mission to Asia was long overdue, revealing that it has been over four years since a government-led delegation visited that region.
She said the big gap was due to COVID-19.
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SO tell us how much of our money was spent by those who did not “fund themselves”
So why don’t you go and ask them that question in person.
They still would not answer.
Thank you to the Private sector for funding your trip to China and bringing back very useful information. Thank you for not dipping into the taxpayers purse. Ms. Lorna and the other ladies, you look awesome. I have to give it to the gentleman as well. He looks awesome as well. Kudos to all of you.Thank you for the useful and informative information.You guys did well.
Nice picture, their faces look happy I wonder what’s in their hearts and minds. At some point it will manifest itself. If their actions positively impact the territory, they should be compensated and accorded the highest accolades. No one nation can truly build itself, respect all nationalities and become the people the Creator intended.
Lorna should have been the Premier. She seems to be the only person fit to run the Territory. This Premier is incompetent and have no knowledge of what it is to run a Territory and a budget.I WILL REPEAT IT, HE IS INCOMPETENT.
He gives me the impression that his intelligent quota like the content of my cistern is dangerously low
Evident and he has to know
but taking these VI on
clown ride to satisfy his childish ego.
I second that.I think they did a wonderful job. They bought back a lot of informative and knowledgeable information. Great job.
When did the private sector ever rely on the government? I believe this is why it is called a private sector. Meanwhile, what we waiting to hear is that the overpaid, non productive members of government funded themselves to show their commitment to the people and the preservation of the public purse. We know hogwash when we see it but nice try this time.
Can we comment on Ayana’s dress? This is beautiful Ayana!
Yes, the dress is saying something. It looks great on her and she is wearing it well.
Aren’t 2 of them named Ayana? Which one do you mean?
Devil and Rebel souls.
Who paid for the nephew’s trip?
My grandmother have that dress also. She wears it on special occasions. Serious!
Each of you guys have a great job and eat with golden forks and spoons…so please hush