Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) have publicly voiced that they are not in support of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), through the Office of the Premier, sponsorship to bring in Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel to perform in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) (left) in keeping with his tradition of sponsoring entertainment and other tourism related events has made a substantive contribution to local group 'Yolo Promotions' who will be bringing Vybz Kartel (right) in March of 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands & last.fm

Yolo Promotions announced on October 5, 2024, announced that a major artist will be performing in the Virgin Islands for the return of the Black on Black event carded for March 15, 2025. Photo: Yolo Promotions

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in keeping with his tradition of sponsoring entertainment and other tourism related events has made a substantive contribution to local group 'Yolo Promotions' who will be bringing Vybz Kartel in March of 2025.

We do not support- Hons Smith & Rymer

However, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) told a local radio station on Friday October 4, 2024, that she “was not aware of Vybz Kartel coming to the BVI…this Government has not been informed”. 

When asked if she would support it, she stated, “Absolutely not, the government has more urgent priorities such as cleaning up the country…the tourism season is upon us and the country looks like a wilderness, we need to clean our country up, we need to restore the beauty…we need to fix our infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) also told the same local radio station on October 4, 2024, that he does not think it’s the right time in terms of government involvement.

“I do not support it at this time, we are making some moves in terms of moving forward with our road infrastructure …lots happening now that should take priority over this show, it’s not the right thing at this time, it will not get my support at this time,” Hon Rymer opined.

Minister Rymer noted that the Premier is aware of his position.

Bad Timing for Premier?

The Office of the Premier continues to sponsor many events throughout the Territory to help promote the entertainment and sailing sectors and boost the economy. Events that have received sponsorship from the Office of the Premier include the One VI Music Festival, BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, Anegada Lobster Festival, Poker Runs, BVI Charter Yachts Boat Shows, A Taste of Virgin Gorda, BVI Wreck Week, Caribbean Baking Awards, various basketball tournaments, among others. Most of these events are private-sector-driven and organised.

Both Senior Ministers Smith and Rymer believe the Premier’s timing was bad as there are too many other priorities that the funds could have gone to.

The donation to the local group, headed by Physical Education Teacher and Businessman Steve E. Parillon, has already been given according to three persons familiar with the sponsorship. The group has today October 5, 2024, announced their big artiste performance is set for March 2025.

Public fight?

With the two Ministers opposed to their Premier’s decision of the Vybz Kartel sponsorship it is unclear the way forward in terms of Government cohesiveness.  However, one local political commentator warns about reading too much into this public spar and predicts that the Premier will easily survive the vote of No Conference to be brought by the three-party Opposition.