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‘No actual money’ will go to farmers, fisherfolks- Hon Wheatley on $2M

- said Cabinet will make final decision on how $$ is spent
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said Government will not be disbursing any of the two million dollars allocated towards the Fishing and Farming Rapid Response Production Programme to individual farmers and fisherfolks but will instead be sourcing whatever they may need. Photo: VINO/File
The Government of the Virgin Islands launched its Rapid Response Fishing and Farming Production Programme in March 2020 to assist fishers and residents who are engaged in farming in backyards, containers and on lands. Photo: VINO/File
The Government of the Virgin Islands launched its Rapid Response Fishing and Farming Production Programme in March 2020 to assist fishers and residents who are engaged in farming in backyards, containers and on lands. Photo: VINO/File
The Fishing and Farming Rapid Response Production Programme, among other things, will assist with the purchasing of supplies for fisherfolks and farmers to ramp up production and provide the local market with the food for self-sustenance. Photo: VINO/File
The Fishing and Farming Rapid Response Production Programme, among other things, will assist with the purchasing of supplies for fisherfolks and farmers to ramp up production and provide the local market with the food for self-sustenance. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- To ensure accountability for public funds, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said Government will not be disbursing any of the two million dollars allocated towards the Fishing and Farming Rapid Response Production Programme to individual farmers and fisherfolks.

The Minister made the remark during the Honestly Speaking Radio Programme hosted by Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

The Government of the Virgin Islands launched its Rapid Response Fishing and Farming Production Programme in March 2020 to assist fishers and residents who are engaged in farming in backyards, containers and on lands. This includes the purchasing of supplies for fisherfolks and farmers to ramp up production and provide the local market with the food for self-sustenance.

Proper accountability for taxpayers $$

According to Honourable Wheatley, interested persons operating on a commercial level have until Friday, April 10, 2020 to register with the Department of Agriculture.

“The department has already received lots and lots of calls for persons who wish to participate. Just for persons to know, no actual money is going into the hands of farmers, we are dealing directly with suppliers.

"The farmers and the fisherfolks don’t have to source anything, the Ministry of Finance will deal with that, and of course, we want to have proper accountability on how the taxpayers' money was spent especially at a time such as this.”

Honourable Wheatley explained that, after the closing for registration, there will be a task force comprising of persons from the Premier’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and other representatives from both sectors.

“They will identify, based on criteria, evaluate the information that has come in and they will make some recommendations to Cabinet, and Cabinet will make the final decision about it on how this money will be spent.”

He then urged persons who are in need of assistance such as “some wire, some posts, perhaps boats need an engine, to call 468-6123 between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and provide as much information about your needs as possible.”

13 Responses to “‘No actual money’ will go to farmers, fisherfolks- Hon Wheatley on $2M”

  • What!! (09/04/2020, 09:27) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    “ No actual money “ will go to the farmers or fisherfolks Excellent decision by the minister, looking after our tax money.
  • one eye (09/04/2020, 10:56) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I support Showda 100%
  • NezRez (09/04/2020, 11:03) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is wonderful!!!! I have a small piece of land that I can start growing food right away as soon as they allow us out of the house. Wonderful wonderful news. Any little help is great!
  • woman with the donkey (09/04/2020, 11:15) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    Two long look man killed farming in the BVI
  • Followers (09/04/2020, 13:24) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    If u all find millions to pay People who not working. Why cant you all find something to give the formers who will be working... This is crazy.. What kind of boss payout millions for salary with no work to show.. then oppress people who want to work...Followers.
  • Anonymous (09/04/2020, 14:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is a good programme now they can't say he not doing something for agriculture, as money buy land
    • @Anonymous (09/04/2020, 15:40) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hold your horses.
      Talk is cheap .
      You cant farm successfully without water.
      The water situation for years now, is a hindrance to having more farmers.
      Show me the water ,then I trust and believe.
      Otherwise its politrics and cruelty to folks with farming aspirations.
  • long look me come from (09/04/2020, 21:14) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Herd Kidrick coming back in 2023 but our fingers wet and waiting for he more licks
  • musa (11/04/2020, 01:22) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Dr Pickering come on board you have done well for bvi


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