Standing in disbelief that he must now answer for the defunct $7.2M BVI Airways and subsequent deal that crumbled under the previous Premier, Dr. D. Orlando Smith’s, left, National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, dropped a bombshell that even as the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is now at the helm of government, little to no information can be found on the botched project and missing funds. Photo: VINO/GIS/File

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was at the time speaking at the Friday, May 17, 2019, Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth HoA of the Virgin Islands (VI), when responding to questioning from the Representative of the Third District, Hon Julian Fraser, RA (in photo), he revealed that the files on BVI Airways have either been deleted or have gone completely missing from both the Ministry and at the Premier’s Office. Photo: VI HoA

One of the planes on the BVI Airways Fleet before the airline went defunct. Photo: Facebook

Premier Fahie was at the time speaking at the Friday, May 17, 2019, Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth HoA of the Virgin Islands (VI), when in responding to questioning from the representative of the Third District, Hon Julian Fraser, RA, he revealed that the files on BVI Airways have either been deleted or have gone completely missing from both the Ministry and at the Premier’s office and an investigation has been launched.

NDP Cleaned Tracks – Hon Fahie

“Mr Speaker, since taking office I have tried my best to get this information requested but have been stonewalled at every attempt, I do however Mr Speaker intend to be persistent with my attempts to get the information as requested and will provide this Honourable House with the information once received,” the Premier told to the House.

Hon Fahie was answering inquiries from Hon Fraser for a breakdown of fund disbursements to BVI Airways and to provide the House with the breakdown of how BVI Airways disposed of said funds.

While the Premier was unable to furnish the House with deep insight into the spending, he pointed to some personal research and existing information supplied while as a member of the Virgin Islands (VI) Opposition under the NDP’s 8-year rule.

Hon Fahie revealed the payments to BVI airways were as follows; January 22, 2016 - $500,000; March 11, 2016 – $2,400,000; May 5, 2016 – $2,100,000; July 15, 2016, $2,007,000; and August 26, 2016, $200,000, bringing to total figure to $7,202,000 expended into the project.

“I have asked for more information on this because the information to answer this question, came mainly from myself in my record… most of the information from the Ministry either missing or was on a hard drive and was deleted and I’ve asked… to get that backup,” he explained.

Surprise & Disbelief

The premier further revealed that he saw a $200K contract to a new company signed by the NDP on the eve of the February 25, 2019, General Elections to look for the missing $7.2M funds. “I don’t want to blacklist any company, but I’ll just say it raised a red flag. But to date, they ain’t find the money,” he said. 

“This is not a joke, I’m surprised nobody have no plaque card marching about the $7.2M, I am utmostly surprised this just disappeared in thin air,” Premier Fahie said in response to a question posed by Opposition Member Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) during the Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on May 17, 2019.

“But as you ask me... I am going to give you the answers but I want to tell this Honourable House I had enough.”

While the premier noted that some figures were available, the majority on the project is completely missing, “The extra information to it [figures provided], that it was paid outside the payment schedule… The question I’ve been asking for years is how come, who authorised and why?” the Leader of Government Business implored.

Hon Fahie questioned what terms and conditions were met before each payment were issued, while noting that according to data no conditions were ever met, yet “they gone with all the money.”

“So I get confused when I hear a big thing over a Premier new Jeep for $115,000 and $7.2M gone and nobody marching, nobody angry and everybody singing Hakuna Matata,” Hon Fahie said.

Another NDP Cover-up?

The deal started in 2006, when former Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr Smith signed the $7M ‘give-away’ to the airline, in exchange for direct flights between Miami International Airport and Beef Island.

After missing three deadlines, it was revealed in the HoA by Dr Smith, that an additional $200,000 was added to the ‘pot,’ to open a Special Account.

With the initial $7M investment and the additional $200,000, taxpayers had lost a total of $7.2M with absolutely nothing to show.

With an investigation on the way, according to the Premier, Hon Fahie’s new revelation in the HoA has only but confirmed that the NDP may have orchestrated yet another cover-up of corruption that has plagued their history as a political party and Government in the Virgin Islands.