The government has faced renewed scrutiny over financial support for the Vybz Kartel concert, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley unable to confirm whether additional funds were allocated to event organisers YOLO Promotions.
During a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley was pressed on whether the BVI Tourist Board had provided an additional $50,000 to YOLO Promotions, despite prior assurances that no further government funds would be given beyond the initial sponsorship.
“I’m not aware of them being given anything else,” Dr Wheatley said. “I’d have to double-check on that.” He noted that the Tourist Board independently provides sponsorship for events but did not confirm at the time, whether additional funds had been approved.
“Typically, the tourist board does provide sponsorship on their own for events,” he said. “Persons write to the Tourist Board, they request money. So I would have to check with the Tourist Board to see if they’ve given YOLO any additional money.”