BiWater Asked to Return $2.9M Sent for Generator
Melissa French, Staff Reporter
July 29, 2010 11:07 am AST
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Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser.
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
General Manager of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), Leroy Abraham has confirmed with BVI Platinum News that Chairman of the BVIEC´s Board, Allan Parker has requested that the $2.9M sent to BiWater AEWT in August of last year for the purchase of a generator be returned.

A cautious Abraham who said he prefers not to divulge further information on the matter and referred BVI Platinum News to Mr. Parker, said "Mr. Parker requested that the monies sent to BiWater for the purchase of the engine be sent back...That is all I will say at this moment."

When asked when the request was made, the General Manager said he wishes not to comment further on the issue.

Efforts by BVI Platinum News to contact Parker were unsuccessful.

Earlier this month during a sitting in the House of Assembly, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Julian Fraser stood by the decision to source a generator for BVIEC through BiWater AEWT.

The generator has not been delivered to the Territory as yet; neither has Government made the full payment for the new equipment. At the time, when questioned by Opposition Leader, Dr. Orlando Smith about the purchase of the generator, Minister Fraser said that he welcomed the opportunity to respond to the various questions.

Minister Fraser revealed that BiWater AEWT was not asked to purchase a generator for the BVIEC. Instead, the Minister noted that BiWater offered to assist the BVIEC with the purchase of the generator.

The Minister further revealed that the BVIEC was advanced $4,130,000 in two separate installments for the purchase of the generator. The Minister confirmed that BiWater AWET received the first installment on August 24, 2009 which amounted to $2,940,125. BiWater offered to supply and install a 4 megawatt generating set with a delivery period not exceeding six months.

"The Corporation was asked to use their sources to match this offer and was unsuccessful in their efforts. As a matter of fact, their best offer was between 12 to 18 months delivery," Minister Fraser stated while responding to questions posed by Dr. Smith.

BVIEC
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
Under the water purchase agreement between Government and BiWater, Government is obligated to provide electricity for the proposed plant. According to Minister Fraser, "huge penalties" will be levied in the event that Government does not honour the electricity conditions in the water purchase agreement.

The Minister reminded that the money for the purchase of the generator was appropriated in the 2009 Budget Estimates and approved by all 13 Members of the House, including the Opposition Leader.

The Minister noted that as soon as the BVIEC decides to advance the agreement, the schedule will be reactivated and a shipment date could be re-established.
Copyright 2010 by VI Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Readers' Opinion ( 66 Opinions )
The opinions of users on this website.
TREASURER
July 31, 2010 - 5:02 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
To Banker; the money has indeed been returned to Electricity Corp., less seven dollars. The problem is, not many of us understand the game of CHEST less we would understand that Bi water has bigger fish to catch. My only hope is that those who are involved in the game understand that it is not... more
Banker
July 29, 2010 - 10:34 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
My people the monies have now been returned to BVIEC from Biwater. I have yet to confirm if any interest was added to it. Thank our lucky stars (for now!)
Abby
July 30, 2010 - 12:54 PM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Parker should resign now and leave them in the ****.
Queen Mary
July 29, 2010 - 2:37 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 3 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
A return of $2.9 million PLUS INTEREST!!! which would be close to another million even with conservative interest. compounded .
This is Emancipation time for certain. Melee cant done, Truth seekers reaping a harvest.

Cromwell Smith should be knighted.
When?
July 30, 2010 - 1:07 PM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
When yuh considering Cromwel Smith/Edu Ben Car or whatever he calling himself these days for knighthood, yuh gone tooooo far......If he gets knighted it will open the gates for every ........ in town!
Student
July 29, 2010 - 2:33 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
if u think that ya'll are going to become a run down n poor country b4 i finish getting my education make i can't further myself yuh damn lie!!!!! ya'll better get it together n cut dis foolishness!!!!!!
Student
July 29, 2010 - 9:54 PM AST ▪ Like ( 3 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Based on your grammar, I would keep on studying !
Yada
July 29, 2010 - 10:55 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 4 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Do we have an amateur running BVIEC's board or what? He really believe that Bi-water or its associate will return this money? He is either smoking something or he is a very desperate person at this time.
Really
July 29, 2010 - 1:32 PM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
No he is not an amateur. He is simply doing his job. Get your facts straight. Do you think that he would just up and send the money just so. Find out who is really behind this before you start making your remarks.
Money returned.
July 29, 2010 - 2:13 PM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Dir. Wilfredo Pilley said this morning that the money was already returned. Have not heard it anywhere else? Does anybody know if it has
peter crumble
July 30, 2010 - 10:58 AM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
To money returned. Dr. Wilfredo Pilley (Devon Osborn) will know, he is the press secretary in the Premiers Officer.
yea
July 29, 2010 - 10:46 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 5 ) ▪ Dislike ( 9 ) ▪ Report Abuse
The heat is on!
Why
July 29, 2010 - 10:06 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 6 ) ▪ Dislike ( 11 ) ▪ Report Abuse
As Luther B sang: "Why you want Buy-Water when the ocean belongs to we? Somebody wake up Ralphy, this is the height of hyprocosy.
why
July 29, 2010 - 10:00 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 3 ) ▪ Dislike ( 10 ) ▪ Report Abuse
why dont platinum put out a monthly popularity poll for all politicians
stupz
July 29, 2010 - 9:53 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 2 ) ▪ Dislike ( 4 ) ▪ Report Abuse
who to blame who to blame; everybody looking some body to blame
people the fat cats are in all the parties and all the countries, it is just about who stupid enough to get caught. NDP will not necessarily be a saviour. The bible as old as it is speaks of TEMPTATION which is obviously what... more
FED UP #1
July 29, 2010 - 7:01 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 7 ) ▪ Dislike ( 12 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Well this is the beginning of things to come.All third (3rd) Distr top guns,starting with Frazer.And all because the NDP has ask for an inquiry into the mess with Biwater every body going start pushing the blaming game.So LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE:;;
DING, DING, round 1.
Natural Empress
July 29, 2010 - 6:21 AM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 2 ) ▪ Dislike ( 2 ) ▪ Report Abuse
All I can say is that the day Fraser becomes the next Premier, SEA COW'S BAY WILL BE THE NEW CAPITAL OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. You would swear Fraser is the premier now. Welsah.

Oh one more thing, them were saying that the NDP was selling out the country but from my knowledge they NEVER... more
NDP Manifesto released!
July 29, 2010 - 9:27 AM AST ▪ Like ( 9 ) ▪ Dislike ( 4 ) ▪ Report Abuse
We don't need to see what the NDP manifesto is, LB and others have said that ITS THE SAME, Beef Island going through no matter what we say, because its "good" for us (and wonderful for the BVI Investment Club - all those new 5-star hotels and marinas for them to be the local partner... more
RESPONSE TO NDP Manifesto
July 29, 2010 - 11:00 AM AST ▪ Like ( 5 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
I dont see a thing wrong with me investing and owning something in my own country. So if you want to join come on over. Until then stop talking stupidness. You still with this crab mentality. I am for whatever promotes the BVI in a positive light and brings $$$ to our shores so that the... more
NDP Manifesto released 2
July 29, 2010 - 2:31 PM AST ▪ Like ( 3 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
I don't see a thing wrong with you investing and owning something in your own country either - so long as you aren't in politics and making policy to benefit you and your investments.
Senseless Voters
July 28, 2010 - 9:43 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
SCB voters will have like them in North Sound to vote for Fraiser, then again them probally smoke the same ting.LOL

I cant beleive there is senseless voters out side of the ninth district. Plz prove me wrong.
Panday
July 28, 2010 - 9:16 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 4 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
This country reminds me of Trinidad and Tobago..... pure pandamonium
SMH
July 28, 2010 - 8:57 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 2 ) ▪ Dislike ( 3 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Hear ye! Hear ye! "AFP 28/01/10: UN declares access to clean water a human right"
The disgusting salt water that coming out my tap these days is certainly a violation of my human rights! Shame, shame!
BiWater, TriWater, NoWater, SomeVeryBrownWater, NastySaltWater...
I wonder when... more
Confucius
July 29, 2010 - 9:54 AM AST ▪ Like ( 3 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
To SMH:

Biwater hasn't even started operations yet!

If you are getting salty water, it has nothing to do with BiWater. When will people learn to read before commenting?
TO: Confucius
July 30, 2010 - 5:51 PM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
So you really think my comment had something to do with the silly BiWater story?...hmmm, not the smartest tool in the shed I see
Talk show host must be smiling
July 28, 2010 - 8:11 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 10 ) ▪ Dislike ( 13 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Oh, Boy, Mr. Maduro probably can't wait for saturday. Gods willing, I will be all ears to that show. Can't wait to hear this show. For a small country, boy we have news can't done and breaking ones at that. CNN need to tap into our news. I am sure their ratings will be off the chart LOL... more
oops
July 28, 2010 - 7:32 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 24 ) ▪ Dislike ( 22 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Mr. Fraser please put down your shovel and step away slowly from the grave that you are digging for yourself.

List of offenses:

1. Stop light on a round a bout
2. Water & Sewerage service provider bidding process
3. Behind the scene generator purchase
4. Appointment of Willock as Perm... more
Stop dey
July 29, 2010 - 12:17 AM AST ▪ Like ( 4 ) ▪ Dislike ( 3 ) ▪ Report Abuse
He will be right back there. The VIP going right back in office
oops
July 29, 2010 - 10:03 PM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Please do not forget to include his most recent disaster...... the Nanny Cay / Seacows Bay sidewalk. Was half a million , but planned during the rainy season and should reach a million.......for what ?
Deh Watcha
July 28, 2010 - 6:37 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 4 ) ▪ Dislike ( 6 ) ▪ Report Abuse
So BVIEC best time to get a generator was 12 to 18 months.

We are now heading into month 12 with this "shadow" purchase and still no generator or update on its delivery. If they are asking for the money back that can mean that no progress was made on the purchase since it would be... more
These Jokers
July 28, 2010 - 5:37 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 11 ) ▪ Dislike ( 7 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Who say Biwater well return OUR MONEY and they too are in financial problems.

Boy this Minister is the worst Minister of Communication & Works the BVI voters have ever voted in.

You better work real hard to get back OUR MONEY, because the British Virgin Islands' people never approved... more
Outsider
July 28, 2010 - 8:47 PM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ( 3 ) ▪ Report Abuse
That's not a generator, that's a power plant no more power outages in we "W"ingin Islands!
One thing after the other
July 28, 2010 - 5:05 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 7 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Whether contracts, sidewalks, consultancy, and PS behaviors; the people's money out the door. Has the %&it hit the fan yet?
Brewing
July 28, 2010 - 5:12 PM AST ▪ Like ( 8 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
seems like it brewing slowly and i hope the people see beyond politics and do what is right come next election. you can't buy food in the supermarkets cause things so expensive and yet they contine to do nonsense with our tax money. they trying to fool the people all the time with their smart... more
Voter
July 28, 2010 - 4:41 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
What a government!. Thank you Platinum for keeping us up to date. It look as though virginislandsnewsonline fall asleep, so much hot breaking news going on and none aint appearing on virginislandsnewsonline.
Dr. Alfredo Pelle
July 28, 2010 - 4:37 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 7 ) ▪ Dislike ( 2 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Allan you love to be in things boy. Look how you make Fraser turn you into a &&&. Big man like you.
Hm
July 29, 2010 - 11:40 AM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ( 2 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Watch your mouth. Harmless accusations will get you nowhere. Strupes
What's the next Buddy
July 28, 2010 - 4:25 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 5 ) ▪ Dislike ( 4 ) ▪ Report Abuse
What is up with all these Breaking News? What's next buddy.? This Ministry in the news alot this week sah, a hope I aint see next the Minister on compulsory leave or Bi-Water contract quash cause this will be a shocker!!!

Leave the rest breaking news for tomorrow's headline, to much for one... more
What
July 28, 2010 - 4:21 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 6 ) ▪ Dislike ( 4 ) ▪ Report Abuse
This Bi-Water thing is becoming comical now...
Welsa
July 28, 2010 - 4:13 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 16 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Tis bout time.... BUT HE STILL NEED TO GO... .and guess wa goin happen... the Silly ppl in my village (SCB) will still vote his behind back in
welsa WHAT?
July 28, 2010 - 5:26 PM AST ▪ Like ( 5 ) ▪ Dislike ( 19 ) ▪ Report Abuse
i'm tempted to say "SHUT UP" but I'll exercise some sauhn-tuh-mah and kindly ask you who is better to represent "our" village than Mr Fraser? Yes, he has his ways, but he does a fantastic job! No politician can come true on all their promises, but he tries. I don't have a... more
Foolishness
July 28, 2010 - 11:05 PM AST ▪ Like ( 8 ) ▪ Dislike ( 5 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Because he represents you district well, that means our whole country have to suffer. This man in his power is causing a mess for the BVI! So you shut up, Foolish!
hmmmm awww boy
July 28, 2010 - 11:58 PM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
OMG @ welsa what... are u freaking serious. Ok ok ok, he has done well for SCB but for the country he has been the worst thing since slavery. SCB ppl wake up. i know u like the petty contracts and money flowing in ur pockets, but are u going to re-instate this man knowing what he has done to the... more
L
July 29, 2010 - 8:15 AM AST ▪ Like ( 4 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
He might be a good candidate for district 2, but not for the BVI. He certainly should not be running a ministry.
King Solomon
July 29, 2010 - 10:00 AM AST ▪ Like ( 6 ) ▪ Dislike ( 3 ) ▪ Report Abuse
To welsa WHAT?

You see the falacy of District Representation? If all the candidates were At Large all would have equal responsibility for all the districts therefore the whole country. With a District Representative being a Minister who is suppose to represent the whole country we have a... more
To king solomon
July 29, 2010 - 11:15 AM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
You could not of said it better. That is exactly the problem.Beening a minister he will have no problem seting up his district and himself for a next term round.key point.
What a Thing
July 28, 2010 - 4:00 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 24 ) ▪ Dislike ( 4 ) ▪ Report Abuse
This is too much breaking news for ones brain this week. This is only Wednesday...what will be tomorrow or friday.....Lord I'm holding my head.
sword armour & sheild
July 28, 2010 - 7:40 PM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
wow !!!!!! yuh is funny . lol i like it.
What a Shocker!!!!
July 28, 2010 - 3:55 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 8 ) ▪ Dislike ( 3 ) ▪ Report Abuse
What the hell I reading here again!!!! More people going be sent home. So much unfolding just before the August festivities. What a ting!!!
FCO are you watching or are you truly Absentee Land Lords
July 28, 2010 - 3:54 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 25 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Foreign and Commonwealth Office what more headlines do you need???LOL!!!
No Laughing matter
July 29, 2010 - 9:27 PM AST ▪ Like ( 1 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Remember Biwater is a British company. The British government has a history of helping British companies with the procurment of contracts all over the world. Who is to say that FCO is not behind Biwater?
Oh Yes! The scandal is unfolding!
July 28, 2010 - 3:49 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 21 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Dont ease up Keep digging because there is ALOT behind of this! Dr. Smith and Dr. Pickering keep the heat on and dont forget about the inquiry!
Indeed!
July 28, 2010 - 4:20 PM AST ▪ Like ( 12 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
We need the INQUIRY TO START! OH YES. Some of these pompous and rude ********* need to go the jail!
Raga
July 28, 2010 - 5:29 PM AST ▪ Like ( 3 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
You are missing some more ppl. the talk show hosts had a big roll 2.
Who is that
July 28, 2010 - 11:08 PM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
I would like to know who that talk show host is... Hope its not my Speak Your Mind...
Why only now?
July 28, 2010 - 3:45 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 6 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Well Fraser saying one thing and now the chairman asking for the money back. What happend to the minister saying that we would have it in six months and that we needed it urgently. pure nonesense. it all unraveling now. the talk shows need to keep this biwater thing in the media until the... more
Minx
July 28, 2010 - 5:01 PM AST ▪ Like ( 10 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Yep something stinks in this whole story. Millions gone overseas and no generator on a promise of 6 months. We didnt even have the sense to get a written contract so we haul their butts to court even faster for non delivery of the generator within the agreed time frame. So Mr Parker tell us... more
To Minx
July 28, 2010 - 5:14 PM AST ▪ Like ( 6 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Good point minx, without a contract how will they ensure this money comes back?
SHH
July 29, 2010 - 1:40 PM AST ▪ Like ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Minx you are really something else. Listen carefully, Who ever instructed the money to go had to be higher than Mr Parker. And when the money comes back you and all the others gon run your mouth as usual. Do us all a favorS*** Up.
Viper
July 28, 2010 - 3:45 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 14 ) ▪ Dislike ( 2 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Here we go again! The same Ministry, same Minister and players. Something is very wrong in this Ministry I implore the Premier to look into the dealings of this Ministry and axe who he needs to axed! In JW's words, "is there a challenge" Hon Premier???
To: Viper
July 28, 2010 - 4:09 PM AST ▪ Like ( 4 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Good One!! Lol.. Lol... There really seems to be a challenge in this Ministry.
Wow
July 28, 2010 - 3:39 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 14 ) ▪ Dislike ( 2 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Platinum u large, All dis breaking news in one day!!!! What going on in our country?
signs of the times
July 28, 2010 - 3:36 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 5 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
seems like everyone is scrambling to correct the wrongs that were done at this time. This is the right time to be in the news business cause people will read papers etc now cause this is interesting. Next couple of weeks will be 12 months since this money was sent to them so do we think they will... more
Praise for Dr Smith
July 28, 2010 - 3:26 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 26 ) ▪ Dislike ( 1 ) ▪ Report Abuse
Dr Smith really is excellent opposition. He really brings to light so many things we wouldn't find out about otherwise.
Abby
July 28, 2010 - 4:29 PM AST ▪ Like ( 12 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
Doc you realy remind me of government in the sun shine. This present government is government in darkness and corruption.
GRACIOUS GOODNESS
July 28, 2010 - 3:24 PM AST | Reply ▪ Like ( 9 ) ▪ Dislike ▪ Report Abuse
What a mess
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