‘APOLOGY LETTER’ FOR FYRE FESTIVAL: Billy McFarland reportedly sends letter to govt

FYRE Festival organiser Billy McFarland reportedly has sent a letter to the Bahamas government in which he “profusely apologises” for the disastrous event, claiming he wants to make things right with The Bahamas.

Mr McFarland admitted he was “completely wrong” and said he regrets his actions.

The apparent attempt to make amends comes after Deputy Prime Minister and Exuma MP Chester Cooper said the government will not endorse or approve any event in The Bahamas associated with the convicted felon, whom he dubbed a “fugitive”.

Billboard revealed yesterday that Mr McFarland’s representatives gave the publication a copy of the letter claimed to have been sent to the government in response to the minister.

The letter read: “I am writing to you to profusely apologise for my actions five years ago. I was completely wrong and I wholly regret my actions. I’ve now served my punishment in prison and now that I am out, my main focus is how I can right my wrongs and how I can make The Bahamas and Family Islands, a region I care so deeply about, whole again.

 “Over the years, and particularly since my release on August 30, I have been in constant touch with the people throughout the islands. Their generosity and kind hearts have been a constant guide and motivation for me. I have been re-engaging with the families of the islands to see what I can do to begin making amends.

 “I don’t have much right now, but I am committed to make these families whole as soon as I am allowed. I ask for guidance on whom to speak with to begin my journey to do right by the incredible people of The Bahamas and Family Islands. I truly acknowledge the hurt I caused to the people, and region, and I will spend the rest of my life working to right my wrongs,” Mr McFarland wrote.

 Several international media outlets recently reported that Mr McFarland has a new venture, with plans of returning to the country to host a “treasure hunt” that will be the focus of an upcoming documentary. He also had been teasing the hunt on TikTok.

 According to MixMag, Mr McFarland is heading back to Exuma, the original site for the failed 2017 Fyre Festival, to launch “PYRT” which will “see participants take part in a treasure hunt where they track down bottles containing messages”.

 Mr Cooper released a statement on Monday explaining no application has been made to the government for consideration of any event promoted by Mr McFarland or any entity or parties known to be associated with him.

 The minister also said Mr McFarland is considered to be a “fugitive” due to several pending complaints made against him with the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF).

 The Tribune spoke to Elvis Rolle on Sunday as his business Exuma Point Beach Bar and Grill did catering for the failed festival. He said he has not been paid as yet and is owed money by festival organisers. He is one of many people on Exuma who claimed that they were shafted by Mr McFarland.

 While Mr McFarland alleges in his letter that he has been in touch with the people throughout the islands, Mr Rolle said: “From the time they left the country, I haven’t heard nothing from them.”

 Meanwhile, in reaction to the apology, Mr Cooper told reporters yesterday: “As I’ve laid out yesterday (Monday) in my press statement, I believe there are several complaints with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. I think he should have a conversation with them.”

 Asked if the government would reconsider its position if Mr McFarland presents funds owed to persons in Exuma, Mr Cooper indicated that this is a police matter.

Comments

Emac says...

Yep, same crooked person operating under the same crooked government

Posted 16 November 2022, 7:43 a.m. Suggest removal

Flyingfish says...

If he is a fugitive like they say if he lands here he should be arrested. I'm sorry, seeing as the man committed the crimes in this country he should have served a sentence here first.

If the people decide that they will not pursue charges if he pays them that is on them. However, idk how a mass fraudulence can happen here and we don't hold the person responsible here.

Posted 16 November 2022, 8:12 a.m. Suggest removal

ScubaSteve says...

He definitely needs to be arrested the minute he lands in the Bahamas!!!!

Posted 16 November 2022, 12:11 p.m. Suggest removal

stillwaters says...

He and the FTX guy seem to be on the same page...both apologizing, pretending to be humble....both promising to make amends to the Bahamian people....both trying to suck up to the government to be allowed to continue their dirty work. Will they be allowed to bulldoze their way past out government officials by appealing to their super egos and giving more shingles?

Posted 16 November 2022, 10:10 a.m. Suggest removal

tribanon says...

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

Posted 16 November 2022, 6:47 p.m.

bahamianson says...

If being a fugitive should warrant an arrest, he should be arrested as soon as he tries to land. Actually, he should be on a government Stop List.

Posted 16 November 2022, 10:39 a.m. Suggest removal

ScubaSteve says...

Agree 110%!!!

Posted 16 November 2022, 12:12 p.m. Suggest removal

Dawes says...

If he is a fugitive then we should ask for extradition from the US. We send many Bahamians to the US for breaking their law, so it should be reciprocated.

Posted 16 November 2022, 3:23 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

According to The Colony's Street Corners' Best Talkin' Policemans'-minded Gossipers.

Just because of past confirmed crimes committed on and orchestrated from The Colony's soil --- 'if was by a foreigner on an Bahamas Out Island.

Under Bahamian criminal law ---- won't necessarily result in Comrade "Fraudster" Billy McFarland's, anytime soon being arrested or charged with a series of money scheming crimes.

In The Colony, unlike the locals whose asses get hauled into the back of the policemans' vehicle, ---- foreigners' and House seated MPs, residents of Gated Communities and once-upon-a-time Billionaires,'' are politely invited to grant consent to a policemans' sit-down interview.

**'Tis spoken as the truth** --- Yes?

Posted 16 November 2022, 5:56 p.m. Suggest removal

SP says...

This pirate will be back here in short order!

Posted 16 November 2022, 7:35 p.m. Suggest removal

John says...

Do like the Americans do: roll out the red carpet for him and give him a special invitation and warm welcome. Then roll him straight to Fox Hill and make him wushu he had a tent to sleep in or even homemade sandwiches.

Posted 16 November 2022, 10:47 p.m. Suggest removal

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