Accessibility
Text size
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley has laid responsibility for the unauthorised investment of $2.5 million in taxpayers’ money into troubled Jamaican firm Delta Capital Partners Limited at the feet of former Accountant General Arnold Ainsley.
In an address to the Territory last evening, July 30, Dr. Wheatley declared that Ainsley invested the money in 2025 without his knowledge or approval, in breach of the Public Finance Management Act.
“This is unacceptable,” the Premier stated. “I repeat, Arnold Ainsley should have sought the required approvals before seeking to invest funds in Delta Capital Ltd.”
He said: "He was supervised by the Financial Secretary to whom the Accountant General has an obligation to provide reports on Government’s accounts and investments."
The matter became public last week when Dr. Wheatley admitted during a press conference that he only learned about the investment in April this year. The disclosure immediately raised serious questions about oversight of the public purse and how millions of dollars could be invested without the Finance Minister’s approval.
Dr. Wheatley said the Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating the matter, while the Internal Audit Department has also been asked to probe the unauthorised investment.
He further disclosed that efforts are under way to reclaim the public’s money.
“Active recovery efforts are also under way by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, should any monies be recoverable,” the Premier stated.
“There must be accountability for any wrongdoing,” he insisted, promising action wherever there is clear evidence that financial laws or regulations were breached.
Dr. Wheatley also pledged to strengthen safeguards against a repeat, stating that his Government expects strict compliance with all financial laws and Cabinet-approved policies. Any disciplinary action against a public officer, he noted, rests with the Governor, Deputy Governor and Public Service Commission.
In an address to the Territory last evening, July 30, Dr. Wheatley declared that Ainsley invested the money in 2025 without his knowledge or approval, in breach of the Public Finance Management Act.
“This is unacceptable,” the Premier stated. “I repeat, Arnold Ainsley should have sought the required approvals before seeking to invest funds in Delta Capital Ltd.”
He said: "He was supervised by the Financial Secretary to whom the Accountant General has an obligation to provide reports on Government’s accounts and investments."
The matter became public last week when Dr. Wheatley admitted during a press conference that he only learned about the investment in April this year. The disclosure immediately raised serious questions about oversight of the public purse and how millions of dollars could be invested without the Finance Minister’s approval.
Dr. Wheatley said the Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating the matter, while the Internal Audit Department has also been asked to probe the unauthorised investment.
He further disclosed that efforts are under way to reclaim the public’s money.
“Active recovery efforts are also under way by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, should any monies be recoverable,” the Premier stated.
“There must be accountability for any wrongdoing,” he insisted, promising action wherever there is clear evidence that financial laws or regulations were breached.
Dr. Wheatley also pledged to strengthen safeguards against a repeat, stating that his Government expects strict compliance with all financial laws and Cabinet-approved policies. Any disciplinary action against a public officer, he noted, rests with the Governor, Deputy Governor and Public Service Commission.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.