Untold Stories! 2019 Buju concert still has unpaid gov’t debt

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that a 2019 concert headlined by reggae star Mark Myrie, aka ‘Buju Banton’, remains a financial burden for the government, with debts still unresolved some five years later.

The Premier disclosed that the government had pledged financial support for the show but failed to fulfil its obligations, leaving outstanding payments. “There was even a contract and it wasn’t fulfilled,” Premier Wheatley admitted during a recent interview with JTV. The government’s involvement in the Buju Banton concert was part of an effort to boost tourism in the BVI by attracting visitors from neighbouring regions like the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and beyond. However, despite the significant potential for economic benefit, the government’s financial support fell short.

Premier Wheatley explained that while a certain sponsorship level was promised, the government did not follow through with the total amount. “A certain pledge – and I don’t want to say too much because it’s a personal issue – but a pledge of funds was made to the promoter and it was not fulfilled,” he clarified. “There was even a contract and it wasn’t fulfilled. And that’s the reason why you have unpaid bills because the government did not fulfil its full obligation as it pertains to supporting the show.”