Skelton tells gov’t: No more parties!
As some sections of the public continue to speak against the government’s drive to revive music festivals, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has urged the government to stop hosting “parties”, as the community has experienced enough of those celebrations in recent times.
“Mr Premier, we cannot keep another party. We had three parties over the weekend. Spring Regatta, basketball — they are all parties because we go out and have fun. We don’t need another one, the 70th festival is coming up. It’s three or four months away so let’s keep the big party then. But there are a lot of problems in the country,” Skelton expressed.
Skelton also bemoaned the numerous problems in the community, especially those in the health and small business sectors, as he urged the government to take action by providing the resources that residents are in dire need of.
He told the House of Assembly that small businesses are struggling and have been approaching him for loans to resuscitate their operations.
“The small businesses that we’re here talking about, they’re coming to me for loans. I’m not a bank, I don’t have those kinds of resources. I try to guide them to the Small Business Bureau but when they get there they are told that nobody is in those positions so it makes no sense to come there. But there are small businesses out there that need assistance. We have to start putting resources where they need to be,” Skelton said.
Since last year, the public has been calling on the government to abandon music celebrations and redirect the financial resources to the numerous problems residents are facing in the community.
However, the government has not relented and continues to push music festivals which Premier Wheatley says help to boost the tourism product and assist small businesses who supply goods and services when the events are being held.
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somebody finally open their eyes , hopefully they stays open , because we tired of hearing the COI songs
If you have to tell a ruling party this in this day and age, then we are done for.
Priorities of the country must supersede the hobbies of these elected timewasters. We are hemorrhaging much-needed funds that can be better utilized.
You think it’s easy to stop a boyish mind premiere from want to gyrate and rock and prance?
WE ARE DANCING AWAY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WHILE OUR COUNTRY IS GOING TO RUINS
they have money for parties but can’t fix our water issues, roads and sewage problems
CAN ANYONE RECOGNISE THE F**L WHO IS WASTING OUR MONEY IN THE CROWD?
” He told the House of Assembly that small businesses are struggling and have been approaching him for loans to resuscitate their operations.”
The government should not be giving loans, the most they should do is back loans after a good vetting.
But I am boycotting the MUSIC FESTIVAL the Premier is throwing. A big waste of money that can and should be used for more important things in the Territory.
I too will be boycotting the Premier’s music fest. I refuse to support something that is not BENEFICIAL to the Territory. STAY CALM PEOPLE, THE GAVEL IS GOING TO GO BOOM! AT THE END OF MAY.
Spring Reggata is not a party..it’s a sailing event that’s been around for ever..Gov never gave a s₱₱@about till recent years..and now believe they can turn it into some inclusive thing them can talk about
@ One Love. Well said. Spring Regatta is not a party. It’s an event, planed and executed by private individuals, volunteers with participating sponsors. As far as we know the only Government involvement are the Premier speech on opening day and the sitting Governor on closing day of events.
We not broke ayo deaf!? Just don’t have no money for important things. After my first class tickets and hotels pay for we gon see if it got anything leave back to fix the roads or help small businesses with. #bragadam #watchmeworkbaby
Why is the government financing a music fest to begin?
Why cant some private entity fund this?
IMO, the government should not be involved to this extent. Let some private investor finance this.
And paying for horse track.
If small businesses have no money after high season, let them fail. It’s a hard truth, but if they can’t make money in high season, they never will. At this time of year they should have built up reserves to carry them through low season. And they should have paid in all taxes and employee deductions to SS and NHI.
Some are not good business people and never will be. Lending them taxpayers’ money is a bad idea.
Struggling is joke….importing stuff customs killing you…running ac for the comfort of customers and staff electricity killing you…start doing something you fellow BVI Islander start doing the same thing and then bad talking yah business.. all and all out here built for the tough government only care every 4 years everything thing else is left on deaf ears
throw yah parties big man thats how yah same friends going get paid
Is a success despite goverment’s efforts, not because of it. It’s a major tourism event that brings money into the country with a lot of international exposure for the BVI…
I understand what the the Hon is trying to do with entertainment but because nuttin else is being done eg roads etc..it makes what he is doing look bad..but how y’all think ask music fest is on the level it is..we got to start some where
Think deeper
“Resident”, do you really believe this country actually want the water, roads, and sewerage problems, fixed?
I SAY,NO!
Because, if they did, the most competent, and efficient contractors, regardless of where they’re from, would have been hired to conduct such services!
After fifty or so much years, of seemingly competent, infrastructural repairs, the verdict is in: this country prefers badly constructed roads, sewerage systems, and water distribution issues!
GO FIGURE!
Road dem in shambles. #frontendgone
I am and so is a lot of other people who is trying to find out what deal was made by Kye Rhymer and Natalie Wheatley with the Governor of the USVI to put the dagger in our backs. What is in the dark shall come to light, what goes in the wash shall come out in the rinse.
Agreed, Ronnie. Now tell us what is your plan, other than taking a nap?
Camel face doing music festival for west, west have All them pay off to get his stupid music promote they throw party and spend money to kill man