‘We shouldn’t have to beg’- Premier to big businesses
Hon Fahie was speaking at the Commissioning and Handover Ceremony of the newly constructed Enis Adams Primary School in Meyers Estate on September 9, 2019.
The massive hurricane resistant 2-storey structure was built through a $2M donation from Mr Haycraft, the founder and former majority owner of Road Town Wholesale Ltd. The previous structure for the school was demolished after suffering major damages in the hurricanes of 2017.
Mr Haycraft was one of the first businesspersons in the VI to come forward to assist in a significant way following the devastation of the VI by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The VI Belonger, who came to the Virgin Islands from West Sussex, England, in 1960 to work as a boat captain and subsequently ventured into small business, had initially pledged $1M towards the rebuilding of the school, but in keeping with his word that “financing is guaranteed, right through to the last brick, no matter what it costs,” injected another $1M to see the steel-framed, hurricane resistant 2-storey building to completion.
He had previously disclosed that he chose to help rebuild the Enis Adams Primary School because his wife, many years ago read to the students there and she loved the view from the classroom in which she was reading from.
‘Now is the time’ to give back
And according to Premier Fahie, the territory has been good to a lot of business people and the business people have to be good to the Virgin Islands, especially in a time of need.
“And I am challenging all those who are here, all those who have more money than we can ever dream about counting, come to the table and do what you have to do for the Virgin Islands, because the Virgin Islands has been good to you.”
He said such business persons have to now return that favour and be good to the Virgin Islands.
“We shouldn’t have to beg, we shouldn’t have to ask. It should come naturally, like what Mr Haycraft has done and a few others have done.”
The Premier continued that since taking the seat of premier he has been “knocking on some of their doors” and saying “now is the time and this is the place, the VIP Government has a plan and you must understand that you have to play your part.”
14 Responses to “‘We shouldn’t have to beg’- Premier to big businesses”
It is, however, highly frustrating to not be welcomed by the BVI into its society, having to apply each, and every year for permission to live in the house I own here, and run the business that makes a contribution to the well being of this society, and yet the Premier is asking for more obligation and no security.
Your comment only goes to reinforce that unwelcome feeling.
That is all I am going to say.
My employer has reached out to many schools to donate small amounts and principals have given a list of stuff to purchase and say buy these DONT give money because it goes into the treasury and it is impossible to get it out
Haycraft a very good hearted person and serious business man. I still think he and the government made a mistake selling Rite Way to these Canadians. So many good people got victimized.. .. Its become a liar's Paradise. Who can lie the best get the opportunities.... Sad...
And go on, tell me how the expats have not helped rebuild this with toil and money... absolute rubbish. They have been shoulder to shoulder with us When it would’ve been easier to go.
And for investors, tell me which person puts money into a place where they have no rights LOL! You sound deranged.