It has been confirmed that Lloyd K. Black has taken up his assignment at the BVI Ports Authority. Photo: VINO/File

Last week this news site was the first to accurately carry the story that Mr. Black the reported campaign manager for the NDP in the 2011 general elections was expected to take up an assignment at the Ports Authority. Photo: BVIPA

And BVI Ports Authority's Public Relations Officer April T. Glasgow confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online today July 2, 2014 that Black is on the job officially. “Yes, [Lloyd K. Black] is officially with us,” Glasgow told this news site.

It is believed that Mr. Black, a former senior officer at the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, is to head up a Unit to manage public investment in the controversial Port Development Project.

Last week this news site was the first to accurately carry the story that Mr. Black the reported campaign manager for the NDP in the 2011 general elections was expected to take up an assignment at the Ports Authority.

However, in a carefully worded Email to this news site after not responding to our inquiry in a timely manner Public Relations Officer of the BVI Ports Authority April T. Glasgow claimed at the time that “[Lloyd K. Black] is not working at the BVI Ports Authority. There have been some discussions to have Mr. Black provide administrative support to the Cruise Pier Expansion Project team, but there has been no agreement/contract signed.”

However, Virgin Islands News Online known for its accurate and factual reporting had stood by its story along with its sources and minutes after the Ports Authority denial of Mr. Black potential assignment had several calls refuting the BVI Ports Authority claims even from BVI Ports Authority Board members.

Ports project has faced scandal with two damaging reports

It was last year that the Virgin Islands Auditor General Ms. Sonia M. Webster conducted her own investigations of the Ports Development Project.

One of the revelations in the Auditor General Report is that the developer recommended and approved by the National Democratic Party Government, the Tortola Pier Park (TPP) Group, had named the BVI Investment Club as its local partner, page 11 (61).

The Auditor General's Report on the Ports Development Project unearthed corruption, conflict of interest, disregard for the laws of the Virgin Islands, unfair practices, undue influence in favour of one developer, disregard for the established tendering process and that no one looking was out for the interest of the people and taxpayers of the Virgin Islands, putting the people at a disadvantage.

In the recent Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) report on page 31, 3 they agreed with the findings of the Auditor General's Report which were substantiated by the evidence furnished to the Committee during the Committee’s investigation of the project.

After the final PAC report was laid in the House of Assembly on Friday June 13, 2014 it became a public document.

See earlier stories here:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/update-port-authority-denies-lloyd-k-black-assignment