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Stop being naïve! Edmund Maduro on Gun Creek Development

Talk show host Edmund Maduro believes the proposed development of Gun Creek by Government is a good idea and believes Virgin Islanders should embrace the plans, regardless of who may be funding it. Photo: VINO/File
Residents of Virgin Gorda were updated on the plans for Gun Creek on April 10, 2013 at the Robinson O’Neal Primary School in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. They also used the opportunity to express their many concerns and suggestions and to also have their burning question of who will fund the development answered, amid “rumours” that prominent developer Mr David Victor Johnson would have a hand in it. Photo: VINO/File
Residents of Virgin Gorda were updated on the plans for Gun Creek on April 10, 2013 at the Robinson O’Neal Primary School in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. They also used the opportunity to express their many concerns and suggestions and to also have their burning question of who will fund the development answered, amid “rumours” that prominent developer Mr David Victor Johnson would have a hand in it. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Talk show host Edmund Maduro believes the proposed development of Gun Creek by Government is a good idea and believes Virgin Islanders should embrace the plans, regardless of who may be funding it.

Government sees Gun Creek, which was designated an official port of entry on March 1, 2013, as having massive potential for business in the field of tourism and is proposing to develop the area by constructing a wharf and other buildings that Virgin Gordians in particular could eventually own and set up businesses, whether restaurants, hotels or retail shops.

Residents of Virgin Gorda were updated on the plans on April 10, 2013 at the Robinson O’Neal Primary School in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. They also used the opportunity to express their many concerns and suggestions and to also have their burning question of who will fund the development answered, amid “rumours” that prominent developer Mr David Victor Johnson would have a hand in it.

“It is something that is worthwhile looking at because as longs as the money is reasonably obtained in terms of the paying back, if it has to be paid back… and I understand it is all being done for BVIslanders. If that is so then what is wrong with it?” said Edmund Maduro during an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

Mr Maduro noted that Gun creek is one of the areas that has the most boats in any open area or ports and it would be a good thing to have development done there. He also said he still needed to see more details of the plans but the fact remained that the project will benefit Virgin Islanders.

“I don’t care where the money comes from. Money has one colour and the effort behind that development is all for BVIslanders. I believe we must stop being naïve. I have been talking about this for the last 20 years that we need to have some kind of development between the locals and investors. ..All the people have to do is to make sure that the terms and conditions are above board etcetera…I am totally against discrimination of any sort, I don’t care whether you are white, black, yellow or green,” Mr Maduro stated.

The talk show host also said he believed the development should not be only for residents of North Sound but for all Virgin Islanders.

“I don’t have anything against the development as longs as it is going to be as I understand it and that it is it is going to be developed for the benefit of British Virgin Islanders,” Mr Maduro concluded.

Meanwhile, Virgin Gordians said at the meeting that they felt development was needed but the concerns were that the conceptual plan needed to be adjusted in several areas. Others felt that Government needed to take their time and not rush to develop the area and then it fails to realise its potential. And of course the lingering question was who is going to fund the development.

Noting that he would like to cut straight to the matter of importance, a resident stated “Most of the people are here this evening because the rumour is that Mr [David Victor] Johnson is going to be in control of what happens down at the Gun Creek.” He also opined that Mr Johnson has a “voracious appetite for land” and noted that the gentleman reportedly has some 300 acres up at Oil Nut Bay...six other acres elsewhere and has applied to get 12 additional ones at another area in Virgin Gorda.

“My question then is this; Is it true that Mr Johnson of Oil Nut Bay is going to be in control of our lands, further additional lands in the North Sound area and at Gun Creek?”

Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith rose immediately to address the concern by stating that the proposed development had nothing to do with anyone else but people from North Sound and Virgin Gorda, who he said would be the investors and owners. “To be specific, Mr Johnson will have nothing to do with this development, not in control of this development...It is something that we see has potential for business opportunities for particularly the people of North Sound.”

Another resident had said “I am not calling name as to who will fund it and who is doing this and who is doing that but there is a saying that goes ‘when you ride on the back of a tiger you end up in his belly’ and I hope this is not the case.”

One gentleman wanted to know about a timeline for the project to get underway. His concern was that if the Territory is facing financial constraints “where the money coming from” to fund the project. “Whoever funds it owns it...So as BVIslanders we are very cognisant that we have Mr Johnson at the back end...and then we have the Ata Khan on the other side with the dock...If we are going to build I want to know for sure without a shadow of a doubt that place is owned by the people of Virgin Gorda.”

Melvin Clifton had said North Sound was very important to him and a lot others and noted that it is the last “holdout” for Virgin Islanders. “We want development, we want to make sure there is development and jobs creation but we also want to make sure that this development is for the people of Virgin Gorda, for BVIslanders.”

26 Responses to “Stop being naïve! Edmund Maduro on Gun Creek Development”

  • ... (16/04/2013, 08:09) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    tis ole sell out...dem give he hush money we aitn wah hear ah ting from he dey people dem aint wah tis project end of story
    • Overseer (16/04/2013, 08:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its not that we don't want it, it's the fact that we rather have immediate issues addressed first in our community, thats what it really is
      • under the bus (16/04/2013, 10:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        ! Give me a break! Just like the Port deal the clever NDP and there white rich friends will not go back to the drawing board!

        • ausar (16/04/2013, 13:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          “One thing about this country is that people are not stupid and people can see what is happening.
      • OnlyinVG (16/04/2013, 14:29) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
        You all have had the same rep for years..why werent your issues addressed to him? Oh, I guess you all want NDP govvernment to solved all thoses years of issues in the year and half they are in. I never heard of anyone turning down investments that can make their future brighter yet..only in VG
        • Only in VG (23/04/2013, 18:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Don't be a donkey. This will end up like Leverick Bay. I grew up in North Sound where there was this crazy man with a gun fireing shots in the air when we, as kids, passed near his home. NOT ON HIS LAND, to go to the beach. We don't want this to happen to our kids. And how many Virgin Gordians will end up with money in their pockets from this deal. Go sell Beef Island so they can offer an airport to 747's that won't come. Talk that!
  • . (16/04/2013, 08:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This guy is something else
  • Edmond? (16/04/2013, 08:24) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Edmond is normally never in concert with the Government, so this admission comes as a surprise and shows that he can be objective. I agree with you Edmond.
  • Sell out (16/04/2013, 08:34) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Edmund Maduro, you were paid, this is not you, you were paid, you a sell out, they paid you, wow i'm shock, but money talk & bull $hit walk.

    Edmund Maduro you let us down..............
  • egg face (16/04/2013, 08:42) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I strongly feel that Mr. Maduro has done a lot of damage to the BVI since he got a contract with the NDP and sold out, and that his time should be over;
  • Not On MY Watch (16/04/2013, 09:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is because of people like Mr. Maduro why we find ourselves where we are today. Sellout money grabbing lunatics who have done nothing about setting the foundation and infrastructure for this generation much less the ones coming after. The people of Virgin Gorda are not aganist the development of Gun Creek, we would like a conversation about the master plan for North Sound, which it appears this goverment is not willing to have, before we come up with plans for Gun Creek. The area has to be consider as a whole in order for meaningful development to be achieved.
    • dog (16/04/2013, 23:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      development has its potential but why do you need a golf course and tennis courts included? keep the development simple, pretty and functional. It doesn't have to be all that... but of course, Johnson will have something to say about it for "his" people whether directly involved or not. I don't understand why NDP won't even consider compromises brought up by the people. That is just plain poor governence and leadership.
  • Look Meleh!!! (16/04/2013, 09:50) Like (101) Dislike (72) Reply
    If you are going to talk about Edmund like that, then you have to talk about people like Shana from the PPA now working with the hospital project that can't finish, Devon past press sec. and a few others who were given jobs in past and present administration. Although all of these individuals have something special to offer to this country you will say that they sell out also because of a job. WELL I DON'T THINK SO! I agree with Maduro. We need to call a spade a spade and stop looking at who have and who don't. We need to get some money circulating in this economy and if the man is in favor because it will be for the betterment of the people well he is fighting for us. Yes we need other areas to be looked at and they are being looked at and dealt with but we also have to look at further development and enhancement of these BVIs so that we can boast and sustain our economy. Be reasonable people, be reasonable.
  • Jackson (16/04/2013, 09:54) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Talk about a sell out. Edmund Maduro need to go and sir he tail down. He speaks from both sides of his mouth all at once. Folk tongue
  • yes we can (16/04/2013, 10:27) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    hope this fool do not run as he will not even get the amount of votes he got the last time he ran.
  • October man (16/04/2013, 10:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can't believe what Edumund is now saying?!
  • bvi (16/04/2013, 12:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    U a sell out u will never get respect out hear again u fraud
  • Concerned (16/04/2013, 12:48) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Before they build another development on Virgin Gorda, they should make sure the ones that are already in place are fully occupied with. The commercial center in Spanish Town is still not fully occupied and this is a busy hub as well as a port of entry. More study needs to be done to establish the real demand for something like this. We don't need another white elephant in the BVI.
  • bomp (16/04/2013, 13:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    edmund is sidetracked by that contract from Doc Pickering
  • Follow my fathers path (16/04/2013, 15:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have money for you.
  • Release (16/04/2013, 18:09) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Time to call it a day, Mr. Maduro.

  • Happyday (17/04/2013, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gun Creek & North Sound deserve respect. Not the patronage of Johnson. It's not needed. Done just fine without him and all the people he brings in
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