Sources have confirmed to our newsroom that Government Statutory body, the BVI Tourist Board, has dumped another fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) of tax payers money into the controversial upcoming Kartel show which is scheduled for this weekend, Saturday March 15, 2025. The additional injection brings the total from the Government coffers to some two hundred and seventy thousand $270,000. It is alleged that YOLO promotions received some $300,000 in total.
On Friday February 28th during a press conference held by Premier Wheatley, GBMedia House questioned the Premier as to whether the Kartel show had received additional funding from Government’s coffers.
Questions To Premier From GBM:
“Last year when it came to the public’s attention that you had put roughly quarter a million dollars of the people’s money in the Kartel show, you said that no additional funds would be given to the event, was that from the Premier’s Office or from Govt funds period?” GBM
Answer:
“This is from the Premier’s Office, or Ministry of Tourism, or any other Ministry or Department of Government.” said Premier Wheatley.
Follow-up Question:
“Could you confirm if YOLO promotions was given an additional $50 thousand through the BVITB please?” GBM
Answer:
“I’m now aware they’ve been given anything else. I’ll have to double check on that.” Premier Wheatley
The Premier went on to say that ‘typically the BVITB does provide sponsorship on their own, for events.’
However, GBMedia attempted to hold the Premier to his words by reiterating that BVITB’s money is the people’s money, and comes from the Treasury, and further, that the BVITB falls within his Ministry, the Ministry of Tourism.
Both the Premier and Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith-Abbott confirmed in the press conference that they would confirm and share their findings with the media.
Following the press conference however, Editor in Chief at GBMedia made many attempts to verify the additional $50,000 injection, however, the practice of transparency and accountability were found to be wanting at every turn.
“Good evening Mr. Smith Abbott. I hope you’re well. I wanted to follow up on the question asked in the press conference in regard to YOLO Promotions receiving an additional $50k from the BVITB for the Kartel show. Can you confirm please. Thanks kindly.” Cindy.
“Good evening Ms. Rosan, I trust that you are well. Please reach out to the BVITB directly for confirmation. Thanks.” Smith-Abbott responded
“Good morning. Following up on whether the Kartel show was given an additional $50k from the BVITB. Thanks.” Cindy
“Good morning. I don't know anything about that. You need to speak to the Tourist Board.” Premier Wheatley
“But you confirmed that you would find out and bring the information back to us.” Cindy
“I would encourage the Tourist Board to engage the media on all matters of interest.” Premier Wheatley.
Email Exchange Between GBM and the BVITB:
Good afternoon,
I’m writing to seek information on additional cash sponsorship of the Vybz Kartel show given by the BVI Tourist Board.
Can you kindly confirm whether or not YOLO Promotions received a $50,000 cash sponsorship from the BVI Tourist Board for the upcoming Vybz Kartel show please. Also, when was the sponsorship given?
I look forward to your earliest response.
Kindly regards
Cindy Rosan
Editor
Guavaberry Media
BVITB Response:
Dear Ms. Rosan,
Thank you for your questions.
The BVI Tourist Board is pleased to support the Black on Black (BOB) event with both cash and in-kind sponsorship. However, we can confirm that the total sponsorship value does not amount to $50,000. Our support aligns with our commitment to entertainment tourism, enhancing events that showcase the vibrant experiences the British Virgin Islands has to offer.
Our confirmation of support was provided in February 2025.
Regards,
GBM:
Thank you.
Can you confirm the cash amount please?
Kind regards.
BVITB:
Dear Ms. Rosan,
We appreciate your interest; however, we do not disclose the full details of any of our agreements.
Thank you,
GBM responds:
Thank you.
I believe that this is a full infraction on transparency in regard to the people’s money and business.
Unless something has changed, the BVITB is not a private entity, but a Government Statutory Board, with an annual budget from the Government’s (people’s) Treasury.
I will write my article accordingly.
Thank you.
…………………………………………..
Sources have undeniably confirmed that the show has indeed received an additional $50,000 from the BVITB. A sum we understand that wasn’t a decision made by the Board, but that it was a decision made by the powers above the BVITB, and the BVITB was directed.
Transparency, honesty, accountability and integrity continues to be a clear problem under the Wheatley leadership. An image he seems comfortable standing by.
The controversial Kartel show is scheduled for this coming Saturday. The promoters have touted that this will be the BVI’s biggest show yet, however, we understand the show is struggling with ticket sales, and the buzz is buzz-less.
Most suspect that the Premier will have to bail out the event even further.
Is this another failed event under the boastful ‘Party Premier?
Guavaberry Media will keep you updated as the weekend unfolds.