Premier Defends Multiple Music Festivals in British Virgin Islands, Highlighting Economic Benefits

Premier the Hon Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, whose portfolio includes tourism, firmly defended the decision to host multiple music festivals in the territory this year during a March 22 press conference.

Addressing concerns about the frequency of such events after a decade-long hiatus, Premier Wheatley emphasised the economic advantages and global precedent of leveraging entertainment as a tourism strategy.

Asserting the value of hosting multiple musical events, Premier Wheatley dismissed the notion that the BVI should limit itself to a single music festival. “Some persons have promoted the concept that you can only have one Music Festival. Well, that’s nonsense. I’ll say that very directly,” he declared.

“The whole concept that it’s a waste of money, I believe, will be proven to be false,” Premier Wheatley asserted. “And I’ll add this about the opposition. Several of them are in government between 2011 and 2019. And they used to give plenty money to the music festival. And I find that often the opposition have selective memory… When these events happen, we should all be cheerleaders for the event, we should help to promote the events. We should be telling the world to come to the Virgin Islands as Virgin Islands patriots not playing politics.”

Premier Wheatley highlighted recent events, such as the “black on black” gathering, which attracted visitors from neighbouring regions, as evidence of the tourism potential of multiple festivals. He underscored the role of such events in bolstering tourism numbers and contributing to the overall success of the Virgin Islands.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts between the government and private individuals in organising festivals, Premier Wheatley expressed confidence in the economic benefits generated by these events. “These music festivals generate money not just for the tourist board, not just for the government, but for the entire economy,” he explained.

To measure the economic impact of the Virgin Islands Music Festival and other events, Premier Wheatley announced plans to commission a study by the Central Statistics Office. “By the conclusion of this festival, we will have some idea of the economic impact not just to the BVI tourist, but not just to the government of the Virgin Islands, but the wider economy,” he stated.

In closing, Premier Wheatley expressed gratitude to the media and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in promoting tourism and cultural events in the British Virgin Islands.

The Premier’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging cultural events to drive economic growth and enhance the visitor experience in the British Virgin Islands.