‘Pitchforks’ for VI Gov’t over BVI Airways deal!
One USVI newspaper, VI Daily News, said the deal brings to mind the word ‘catastrophic’.
After missing four dates to begin direct flights between Miami International Airport in the United States and Terrance B. International Airport on Beef Island, Virgin Islands, BVI Airways announced on July 18, 2017 that it had laid off all staff and blamed the VI Government of Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) for its predicaments.
Premier Smith has told BVI Airways to get flying.
Pitchforks
According to the VI Daily News in its July 24, 2017 publication, its Editorial Board is inspired by recent events in the Virgin Islands to dish out some Halos and Pitchforks for the “winners and sinners.” Among those making the list for pitchforks was the Virgin Islands Government.
“Pitchforks to the BVI government for “investing” a reported $7 million in the fledgling BVI Airways that was supposed to provide nonstop air service from Tortola’s Beef Island to Miami. With the money gone, the jobs gone and no flights to date, we can only wonder if the airline itself will next be gone,” the publication wrote under its ‘Halos and Pitchforks’ column.
The publication further said that taking public funds- money that is supposed to serve the needs of the people- and instead handing that money over to a private business is a tactic that rarely ends well for the public.
“In fact, every time government gets into the business of doing private business, the public loses.”
“Think of GERS' “investments” in Carambola and Havensight; think of the public money the Public Finance Authority poured into the Kings Alley Hotel; think of the Economic Development Authority’s giveaway of public money in loans that it has not even bothered to collect. Those loans- to individuals the EDA is fighting to keep Secret- have an 84.5 percent delinquency rate.
“Thinking of these, the word “catastrophic,” comes to mind. Need we say more?”
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has lamented that BVI Airways may certainly never get flying with the fallout between BVI Airways and the VI Government, who had given the airline $7.2M upfront as against in stages as was stated in the agreement.
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9 Responses to “‘Pitchforks’ for VI Gov’t over BVI Airways deal!”
See A.......laughing at the NDP now. See A......... running down to the Governor telling him what is going on and how he can help him muzzle Dem Boys. See A.......... playing saint that time he well know the damage he has contributed to in aiding the Duncun to try to deal a heavy hand with the elected officials of the BVI. See A.........eyeing a top position as next Chief from West. Well meh boi, prove yourself, but don't muck up yourself with the Governor and turning our country backwards. Our forefathers who worked hard for this country will never forgive you. We the loving people of the BVI will never forgive you.
It is not in the premier pocket that is smart investment but maybe the investors get too greedy.
Wait and see the result then talk about it