Where are the BVI Airways' planes? Premier Smith doesn't know
However, the Premier after his government invested $7.2 million of the territory’s tax payers’ money in starting up the airline, which has not commenced direct flights between the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and Miami International Airport, missing several deadlines, the Finance Minister fumbled and could not give a direct answer.
He said, “I would not be able to tell you at this moment in time where the planes are located in America but I can get that information,” Premier Smith said during the Eleventh Sitting of the Second Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA).
In response Hon Fahie questioned, “So the Premier is telling me we are out $7.2 million and we don’t know where the planes are?”
Meanwhile, the Premier commented that the statement made by the Opposition Leader was “ridiculous”, then he clarified, “You asked a question which is available but I cannot answer it at this moment in time. If you need that answer you will get it but not now.”
Seeking more clarity from Premier Smith, Hon Fahie asked him to confirm if the two planes are in Canada and if they are not being released because his government has not paid for the refurbishment.
“As I said earlier, I will be able to provide information as to where the planes are if that is the request, and I will provide it for you,” repeated the Minister of Finance.
Measures to regain $7.2 million
Hon Fahie during a follow up question asked the Premier what actions his government are taking to regain the $7.2 million given to BVI Airways, given that they missed the deadlines to fulfil the services that was agreed with government.
“I will reiterate that BVI Airways is currently engaged with various entities in relation to investment in the project, so it would therefore be prejudice to further discuss it at this time,” urged the Premier.
Meanwhile, in July there were conflicting information between the government of the day and BVI Airways.
BVI Airways announced in a press release in July that it was dealing with major financial hiccups which forced them to let go of an entire flight crew.
The airline laid the blame on the government for the setback for the direct flights between the Virgin Islands and Miami, but the government stated that it provided all the necessary monies to the airline.
To this day, the government and the people of the territory are awaiting the commencement of the anticipated direct flights between the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and the Miami International Airport, in the United States of America.
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16 Responses to “Where are the BVI Airways' planes? Premier Smith doesn't know”
Long time I haven't heard anything from all the naysayers on their favourite topics, Pier Park and Peebles. Why.?