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‘We shouldn’t have to beg’- Premier to big businesses

- urged businesses to show gratitude to VI & ‘come to the table’
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has urged successful business persons in the Virgin Islands to take a page out of Mr Peter Haycraft’s book and give back to the territory as a gesture of gratitude. Photo: VINO
Mr Peter Haycraft was one of the first businesspersons in the Virgin Islands to come forward to assist in a significant way following the devastation of the territory by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Photo: VINO
Mr Peter Haycraft was one of the first businesspersons in the Virgin Islands to come forward to assist in a significant way following the devastation of the territory by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Photo: VINO
The massive hurricane resistant 2-storey structure for the Enis Adams Primary School was built through a $2M donation from Mr Peter Haycraft, the founder and former majority owner of Road Town Wholesale Ltd. Photo: VINO
The massive hurricane resistant 2-storey structure for the Enis Adams Primary School was built through a $2M donation from Mr Peter Haycraft, the founder and former majority owner of Road Town Wholesale Ltd. Photo: VINO
MEYERS ESTATE, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has urged successful business persons in the Virgin Islands to take a page out of Mr Peter Haycraft’s book and give back to the territory as a gesture of gratitude.

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”

  • Too true (12/09/2019, 10:35) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many thanks to Mr. Haycraft
  • ex pat (12/09/2019, 11:18) Like (31) Dislike (6) Reply
    And as a Business owner who employs BVIslanders, and owns a house and pays local taxes, I shouldn't have to beg for some kind of status to be part of the BVI, instead of having to apply to renew a work permit every year.
    • Yes (12/09/2019, 14:50) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
      Oh yes you do. Do not think for one second you can come here thinking you have privileges because you hire locals and own business. The law is the law and I hope it remains that way. I do not understand why you people feel like you are entitled?
      • Really (12/09/2019, 15:24) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        Then yes the premier has to beg for what he's currently stating he shouldn't have to. Because the business are paying their respective taxes and what ever conditions that were stipulated. It works both ways my friend.
      • @yes (12/09/2019, 15:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        That commenter was being facetious, I’m sure. In other words, the premier can’t make a statement about what business owners are obligated to do for this country, if the country isn’t obligated to do anything for them. I don’t think he/she wants to change the law.
      • ex pat (12/09/2019, 16:24) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
        To 'yes'. You are correct, the law is the law, and I am very aware of it and not expecting to break it. You will note that I made no mention of a particular status, simply that I contribute, and have done for many years, to the BVI economy, which I support wherever I can, simply because I love the place and choose to remain here.
        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.
        • Take it Easy (12/09/2019, 18:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          They really think people stupid. They only want it the way it benefits them only. Selfish and bad-minded... Be guided accordingly
  • Amen (12/09/2019, 12:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good move
  • Hmmmm (12/09/2019, 12:51) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    BIIG RESPECT Goes out to MR. HAYCRAFT We have Millionaires and Billionaires living here and this man went into his pocket and deliver this beautiful School for the BVI. Bless Your Heart Mr. Haycraft. I PRAY Deeply that the building is properly maintained and loved.
  • Never to proud to beg (12/09/2019, 14:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Effectively Mr. Haycraft was given crown land were built a building and donated the building to the Gov't. Gov't rules make it too hard to give money or donate. On top of the lack of oversight and transparency in how donated money is disbursed make others reluctant to donate.
    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
  • Kitchen Table Group Panel (12/09/2019, 14:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with Fahie
  • Zone 6 (12/09/2019, 14:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Agree with the premier come to the table big company’s local and expatriate business time to give back if you don’t want the government to manage your money do as Haycraft
  • Why. Let Rite way go (12/09/2019, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply

    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...

  • Wait up (14/09/2019, 22:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The billionaires have now been waiting over two years for the government to get out of the way so for the first time ever, we can have an infrastructure that works. They are surely loosing patience as we all should. Our governments are stealing our opportunities from us and holding us back.
    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.


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