Skelton adds voice to anti-Kartel concert chorus
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has added his voice to the growing list of dissenters opposing Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s decision to support a Vybz Kartel concert in March next year.
During an interview with ZBVI Radio, Skelton criticised Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s decision to allocate $250,000 of public funds to the event, questioning the government’s priorities at a time when pressing issues remain unaddressed.
Skelton argued that the funds should be redirected to more urgent matters affecting the territory. “We’ve already wasted a lot of money on previous events, like the non-stop concert and music festival,” he said. “Why is the government pouring even more money into this concert when there are so many problems that need attention?”
The Opposition Leader was particularly vocal over the financial strain on the government, noting recent budgetary errors that led to a nearly $20 million shortfall for public servant salaries and pension benefits. “Where is the money coming from? Because we have made a nearly $20 million mistake in the salary increases and budgeting that we did for civil servants and public servants increases and pension benefits,” Skelton remarked.
He also pointed out that the timing of the funding for the concert raises additional concerns, as the territory is currently in the midst of hurricane season. “We are in the heart of the hurricane season and we don’t know what’s gonna happen in terms of hurricanes, so why are we just taking up money and in these difficult times trying to keep a party?” he asked.
Skelton questioned whether the government’s priorities align with the needs of the people, especially small businesses struggling in the current economic climate.
The concert, sponsored by the Office of the Premier and promoted by YOLO Promotions, has also drawn criticism from other government officials. Deputy Premier Lorna Smith and Minister of Communications Kye Rymer both disapproved of the decision, highlighting the lack of cohesion within the government. Critics have suggested that such events should be privately funded rather than using taxpayer dollars.
Skelton reiterated that the government should focus on economic recovery and infrastructure improvements rather than costly entertainment events. “The economy is the most important thing in this country: small businesses generating jobs, mom-and-pop stores. That is what kept us going for many, many years and here we are ignoring the small businesses,” he stated.
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KARTEL ALREADY BOUGHT A BRANDNEW PORSCHE OUTTA DEH DEPOSIT PAID TO HIM
BRING THE VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE NOW
The community needs to march to House of Assembly that day to show their no confidence as well.
We got to get rid of this SPREEMIER and his government fast
This lil boy only doing @ssishness wid our money.
The Premier needs to be stopped there is always a shortage of funds to do anything sensible in the country, but when it comes to do these shit festivals, money seems to appear, as if we have a money tree hidden somewhere. The people need to rise up and stop this man now, also finance department needs to put there foot down and let him know that no Allocations of funds will be given for these Private sessions, force him to fire the entire department, because you will win handily in court.
you are correct ,we do have a money tree here and it’s called * TAXPAYERS * / meanwhile the hypocrites using the UK – the GOVERNOR AND THE COI AS A SCAPEGOAT TO HIDE THEIR WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENTS /which is ( NOTHING ) but ( BULLSH*T ) / and our wannabe opposition ( LEAD AH ) who should of been the first to holler out , what the * LADY LORNA *hollered out / strangely , before he and his side kick destroyed the NDP with their badmindedness / were hollering out our leader ” SLEEPING AGAIN ” / NOW LOOKS HE’S DOING JUST THAT or maybe it’s the SIDE EFFECTS OF THE DREDDED *COI* and the owner of the third , is nowhere in sight , we shouldn’t be surprised anymore of what the * LADY * DID / .EXCEPT FOR THE DUDE ON HIS YELLO SITE / BUT WE ALL KNOW HE GOT A SERIOUS MENTALITY PROBLEM WITH HIS OVERGROWN EGO THATS IN OVERDRIVE
Others destroyed the VIP too. The real VIP that remained were Carvin and sheep but they are no longer there.
I agree with hon Skelton this is non sense
Holler all you want you saw the photo of YOLO signing documents with Vybes Kartel its a done deal. I am just waiting for the aftermath. How come after all the COI recommendations and implementation the Premier is still able to on his own give away that amount of money without the approval of Cabinet. We need to hear from the governor on this matter its quite confusing to say the least.
The governor has no say in how they manage our money.
Who is advising the Premier on these things?
WIGGY
Natalio wheatley is behaving tone deaf , deliberately blind,,numb , and not feeling the electorate., etc. A leader has two main resources to get things done a) people, and b) finance. Few organizations have the financial resources available to do all the things they need to, meeting electorate demand. Consequently, leaders must prioritize, demonstrate maximum budget efficiency to deliver the best services to the most people. The VI has a myriad of needs, ie, roads, health, education, etc and has limited resources, Thus, spending scare resources on entertainment/concerts are definitely not a priority; it is wanton and reckless and is poor leadership and management. It is a disappointing performance, which may shorten a political career. There is time to turn things around, starting by listening. If he wants to check what people are waxing about, check the basketball court,, softball field, dominoe table, bars, taxi stand, barber/beauty shops, churches, etc.
….is on a retirement working holiday. He will not rock the boat and is amazingly quiet on almost everything since his arrival (apart from the videos he posted sometime back).
Da Guv is not concerned with local interests. He is here for the sun, sand and sea before he retires to the Isle of Wight….we are on our own set a drift!
Althea Scatliffe could start building with that $250,000.
are you crazy too ❓️ what have they done that was in the best interest of the BVI ❓️ or the sister islands , now might be a good time to get a check UP ( no offence