Premier Wheatley Blasted for Quarter Million Dollar Concert and Surprise Press Conference Invitation 

An invitation to the press came at 3:00 p.m. for a press conference to happen on the same day at 3:30 p.m.  The invitation which was for a ‘special announcement’ to be made by the Premier, came late in the afternoon and set the territory abuzz concerning the nature of the announcement. 

Speculations were that the press conference could be in relation to the Territory’s standing with the United Kingdom: an announcement in relation to the Order in Council to be specific. 

At the press conference held on Friday, the Premier announced the ‘Nonstop Concert’ , a celebration of American Airlines’ nonstop flights to the destination. The initiative was announced as a jump start to major events under the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITB) aiming to attract visitors to the destination. 

However, the Territory was left questioning the Premier’s leadership and his ability to evaluate the priorities of the Territory, while others suggested he operated below the standards of the Office of the Premier, as he turned party promoter despite the BVITB recently employing an Events Manager. 

At a time where the country is riddled with infrastructural issues, an ill-handled incinerator, mounting derelict vehicles and the looming possibility of UK takeover, many questioned the necessity of the event. Others have inferred that the nonstop concert is a facade created to shield the Premier’s victory party for winning the seventh electoral district race during General Election held April 2023. The $250,000 alleged victory celebration would be completely funded by the people’s purse, while fulfilling other campaign promises. 

“To hold a free $250K party is a slap in the face of the people,” remarked one outraged resident speaking to our reporter anonymously.

Territory’s Infrastructure Crumbling

Persons are concerned that the Premier’s priorities remain misguided as complaints continue to mount regarding the state of roadways in the Territory. Post election, the territory’s water supply has gotten worse as most of the Territory is without water at any given time. Power outages have also increased, as have dumpsite fires and hazardous conditions at the Pockwood location. 

Ignoring Pressing Matters

Since being elected, the Wheatley-led Government has not made any statements regarding the rising cost of living or the issue of a minimum or living wage. Increments remain outstanding for many Civil Servants including workers of the BVI Airport Authority. Just days before the inaugural AA flight, workers in the airport tower reportedly took industrial action forcing the closure of the airport.

Emancipation Festival Happening Around the Corner

During the Question and Answer segment of the press conference, Guavaberry Media asked about the budget for the annual Emancipation Festival slated to begin on 28th July to 11th August, one month after The Nonstop Concert. The Premier commented that the budget for the Festival is $500K, compared to the $250K for the one-day nonstop concert. The Virgin Gorda Easter Festival which happened in April, is paid for from the $500K budget and received only $60K for their three-day annual event.

Hypocrisy Or Misguiding

Guavaberry Media further asked about the Emancipation Festival being free to the public to attend. The Premier dismissed the option citing the high cost to put on the emancipation celebration. The VI’s annual Emancipation is held in celebration of the end of slavery in 1834. It commemorates the freedom on 5,133 enslaved Africans. 

Major performance nights of the 14-day Festival are not free to the public. Tickets can cost as high as $40 per night, while the Premier, Dr. Natalio Wheatley has seen it fit to host a free celebration at the cost of $250,000 in celebration of a flight that landed on June 1. By the time The Nonstop Concert happens it will be one month after the inaugural flight landed. 

Pending Protests

Since the press conference on Friday, members of the public have expressed their disapproval and outrage over the event and frustration over the Premier’s leadership. There are members of the public calling to protest the event’s taking place. 

The Nonstop Concert will feature Konshens, VIBE, Rock City and other acts.