Untold Stories! 2019 Buju concert still has unpaid gov’t debt
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that a 2019 concert headlined by reggae star Mark Myrie, aka ‘Buju Banton’, remains a financial burden for the government, with debts still unresolved some five years later.
The Premier disclosed that the government had pledged financial support for the show but failed to fulfil its obligations, leaving outstanding payments.
“There was even a contract and it wasn’t fulfilled,” Premier Wheatley admitted during a recent interview with JTV.
The government’s involvement in the Buju Banton concert was part of an effort to boost tourism in the BVI by attracting visitors from neighbouring regions like the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and beyond. However, despite the significant potential for economic benefit, the government’s financial support fell short.
Premier Wheatley explained that while a certain sponsorship level was promised, the government did not follow through with the total amount. “A certain pledge – and I don’t want to say too much because it’s a personal issue – but a pledge of funds was made to the promoter and it was not fulfilled,” he clarified. “There was even a contract and it wasn’t fulfilled. And that’s the reason why you have unpaid bills because the government did not fulfil its full obligation as it pertains to supporting the show.”
The government at the time was led by Premier Wheatley’s predecessor, Andrew Fahie, the now-convicted former leader of the Virgin Islands Party.
In addressing the issue, Premier Wheatley expressed his commitment to resolving the outstanding debts. However, he did not specify the amount outstanding and could not specify when he would make the payment. Despite the delay, he emphasised that the government has a responsibility to uphold its contractual obligations. “I’m not going to say how soon right now, but I will honour it,” he stated.
The unpaid debt from the Buju Banton concert comes amid broader concerns about government spending on entertainment events in the territory. The Buju Banton show was part of an initiative to diversify BVI’s tourism product by incorporating entertainment tourism, which involves hosting major concerts and festivals to attract visitors.
Buju Banton’s performance was seen as a significant opportunity due to the singer’s international popularity and his inability to perform in the United States at the time. However, the government’s financial shortfall has raised questions about handling public funds for such events.
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and that was 8000 guests probably 7500 residents …. and now we have thia show again!
You “don’t want to say how much, a personal matter” If it was tax payers money used then it is not a “persnal matter” and we should be told how much of our money was wasted.
After this financial mess you again give the same promoter nearly quarter million dollars of our tax money.
Shame on you premier.
So your government committed money to the promoter for Buju as a means of entertainment tourism… You have not fulfilled at obligation some five years later, but a cheque could be written upfront for Steve????????
Say it louder!!!!!!!
Same old story… VIP incompetence.
Mr. Premier, why such obstinacy with this issue without a more solid basis of evidence? It would be far more prudent to have a comprehensive analysis done on the actual viability of this sector rather than relying on anecdotal advice, no matter how persuasive it may seem.
Decisions of this magnitude should be grounded in data, not in what people want to believe or what sounds good politically. Without a serious evaluation of costs, benefits, and long-term outcomes, you run the risk of pouring resources into something that simply won’t deliver results.
Wheatley wake up and grow up this is the height of madness giving away the financial resources to a bunch of street thugs where is your common sense this foolishness must stop. BVI people are such coward idiots.
so before paying off the debt you know about, you pay for another concert?
Yeah, Yeah … BRIGHTEST PREMIER IN THE WORLD. HE SAY HE’S A DOCTOR. WHONDER HOW HE MANAGED TO OBTAIN THAT.
QUOTE: Premier Wheatley explained that while a certain sponsorship level was promised, the government did not follow through with the total amount. “A certain pledge – and I don’t want to say too much because it’s a personal issue – but a pledge of funds was made to the promoter and it was not fulfilled,” he clarified.
QUESTION: Huh?
TRANSLATION: How could a pledge made by the Government (on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands) be classed as a “personal issue”? If its a personal issue, who is the “person” responsible for paying the outstanding debts? And why even mention it if its “personal”?
And if its not “personal”, then why only now 5 years later are we even learning something (not much) about it, not being given details about the initial commitment or the debts outstanding, and being given a vague guarantee that the Premier “will honour it”?
Huh???????
The money left the treasury, just didn’t get to the creditors. Head coach provided “ support” for concerts stage lighting etc skimming off the top of Government support and yet it still carries on . Government ie the tax payer looses the thief’s laugh all the way to there banks.
Where are you? We need you back man!