Gov’t parties that pressed the public

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley captured among the festivities during the recent Uber Soca Cruise event in the BVI. (Photo by Andre ‘Shadow’ Dawson)

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley is facing mounting criticism for what critics call his administration’s lavish spending on entertainment.

While he defends the outlays as investments in tourism and youth development, opponents argue the territory’s urgent social and infrastructure needs are being sidelined.

Below is a breakdown of the most controversial events funded by taxpayers, along with how the government justified the costs, what was actually spent (or promised), and how the public responded.

Non-Stop Concert (June 30, 2023)

To celebrate the return of direct American Airlines flights from Miami to the BVI, the government organised a free “Non-Stop” concert at Brandywine Bay, headlined by Jamaican dancehall artiste Konshens, plus other acts such as R. City and VIBE.

Government spend: The BVI Tourist Board was allocated US$250,000 by the government for the concert. But Premier Wheatley later clarified that not all of this would go to the performance — some would support marketing for the new flight route. Government records later showed that the total cost was US$255,089.66, broken down by artistes, infrastructure, transportation, bar stock, etc.

Economic value: Premier Wheatley framed the event as a strategic “investment” — boosting visitor arrivals, generating tourist spending, and driving tax receipts. No actual figures showing profit were presented.

Community reception: Mixed. Some welcomed it as a fun, free event and a signal that the government is serious about entertainment tourism. Others questioned whether the $250K (or more) could have been better used for infrastructure, education, or social services.

VI Music Festival (“Music Fest”) (May 2024)

The government budgeted US$670,000 for the three-day Music Fest.

Economic value: Premier Wheatley argued the festival would drive money into a wide range of sectors (beauty, transport, food), not just ticket sales. He also said a study would be done by the Central Statistics Office to estimate the total economic impact. No statistics reports were presented.

Community reception: Critics called out weak attendance, with reports suggesting fewer than 1,000 people showed up for the main night. Supporters defended it as an important tourism and cultural investment.

Vybz Kartel Concert (“Black on Black”) (March 2025)

In March 2025, dancehall star Vybz Kartel performed in Tortola. The government provided US$220,000 in sponsorship to YOLO Promotions for the event.

Economic value: Premier Wheatley said the funds would be recouped through tax revenue, as visitors were expected to spend on hotels, taxis, salons, and more. Promoters also said they’re running an analysis on business impact. After the event, the Premier declared it “a huge success,” citing strong tourism and local business earnings. No reports were presented.

Community reception: Divided. Some residents praised the boost to the economy and profile, especially with over 5,000 people reportedly inside the venue. But religious groups like the BVI Christian Council publicly disapproved of paying for a concert by Kartel, given his criminal history.

CARIFESTA support (August 2025)

The government funded participation in the regional CARIFESTA celebrations. Premier Wheatley publicly defended sending a delegation to represent the BVI.

Government spend: The Premier acknowledged spending of over $200,000 to send the Virgin Islands’ delegation to Barbados for CARIFESTA, and critics counted CARIFESTA among items in a supplementary appropriation described by the Opposition as part of $1.3 million in “party” and non-essential spending.

Community reception: Supporters said cultural diplomacy raises the BVI profile and can yield long-term cultural and tourism benefits. Critics saw limited immediate return compared with costs.

UberSoca Cruise Party (November 2025)

The UberSoca Cruise, a major soca-at-sea festival, made a historic stop in the BVI under Dr Wheatley’s government this week, bringing in thousands of visitors.

Government spend: Reports suggest around US$300,000 was allocated in a supplementary appropriation to support the cruise’s call to BVI.

Economic value: Proponents argue the cruise will boost on-island spending (on hotels, restaurants, transport) and long-term tourism profile. On the other hand, some objectors have expressed scepticism on whether the BVI can truly receive a full return on investment for an hours-long visit. The community awaits a report on economic value.

Community reception: Strong backlash from some political opponents, who call it “non-essential indulgence”; mitigated by support from tourism stakeholders who see it as a strategic tourism play.

Premier Wheatley continues to defend these events as part of a deliberate entertainment-tourism growth strategy to attract more visitors, boost spending, and generate tax revenues to reinvest. But opponents say while parties may bring short-term buzz, public funds would be better directed toward roads, healthcare, water, infrastructure development and other critical projects, especially when some of these events fail to generate the promised returns.