Local News
Grants Awarded Without Transparency By Andrew Fahie’s Administration, Finds Auditor General
Millions Of Public Funds Disbursed Without Supporting Documents, Including A Medical Grant For Breast Reduction Surgery
The disbursement of $23 million in assistance grants awarded under ex-Premier Andrew Fahie‘s administration between 2019 and 2022 was done without transparency and accountability, a recent damning report from the British Virgin Islands Auditor General has revealed.
The auditors found that the grants were disbursed without guidelines by the thirteen electoral representatives with the Premier’s Office awarded forty-seven percent of the cash, while the House of Assembly disbursed thirty-nine percent.
In some cases, some persons received $50,000, while others were given $200,000 over the three-year period, the document stated, highlighting that there was no communication between ministries which resulted in grants being awarded for the same purpose by various ministries through programmes, including Covid-19 Small Business Grant and Premier’s Office Assistance Grants.
One listed example of poor oversight and double awarding of cash was the case of three fishermen from the First Electoral District – Fahie’s former District – who received funds from the Premier’s Office and the official Covid-19 grants programme for farmers and fishers. They were awarded $49,000 from the official programme, and over $75,000 from the Premier’s office.
Additionally, the auditors found that a former legislator also received cash totalling $109,500 for monthly living expenses and that $2.6 million was listed for higher education, but $790,000 was given without any documents to show that applicants were indeed enrolled with institutions.
Persons also applied for medical assistance without supporting medical evidence, auditors shared, noting that in one case, a grant was awarded for a breast reduction surgery without any medical diagnosis or referral.
The report stressed that there was no verification in the application process for grants with representatives and ministers responsible for giving the final approval for the disbursements.
Some 250 applications were assessed by the House of Assembly showed that a mere ten percent of the documents were submitted with supporting documents.
Auditors described the grants system as an unauthorised welfare programme with more than $1 million given to public officers, or a family member, which was a clear conflict of interest.
The report concluded that funds were not equitably distributed across the territory with several cases of preferential treatment such as the Premier’s Office giving thirty percent of almost $11 million to residents living in his former District.
The audit was one of the recommendations of the 2021 Commission of Inquiry which was held to investigate government corruption at all levels.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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