Local News
Virgin Islands Achieves Record-Breaking Cruise Visitor Numbers in First Quarter
The Virgin Islands celebrated a historic milestone with the highest-ever recorded number of cruise visitors in the first quarter of 2024, totalling 393,605 passengers.
Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, today, April 18, during a press conference, highlighted this unprecedented number of cruise visitors underscored the significant role of maritime tourism in the economic resurgence of the Virgin Islands.
This achievement marks a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Minister Rymer attributed this surge to strategic engagements and partnerships within the cruise industry, emphasising collaboration between government and private sectors.
“Partnerships are crucial, not only for the government but also for locally owned businesses,” Minister Rymer noted, highlighting success stories like JDS Candy’s, a small Virgin Islands business supplying products to cruise lines.
Reflecting on a recent delegation to the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 conference in Miami, Minister Rymer emphasised the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of the BVI’s cruise sector. The delegation, comprising key stakeholders such as the BVI Ports Authority, ECB, Romney Tortola Pier Park, BVI Tourist Board, and local private sector partners, facilitated crucial engagements with industry leaders, fostering relationships and staying abreast of emerging trends.
“Our cruise business is not only integral to our economy but also crucial for tourism and job creation,” Minister Rymer remarked, citing data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlighting the sector’s significant contributions to the hospitality industry and government revenues.
An upcoming Bria study, expected as part of the partnership with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), aims to provide insights into cruise passenger spending patterns, enhancing strategic planning and resource allocation.
Exciting developments on the horizon include the addition of Four Seasons to the cruise portfolio, offering bespoke luxury travel experiences, and the return of MSC Cruise, enriching the destination’s offerings with smaller luxury lines and exploratory journeys.
Looking ahead to the 2024 and 2025 cruise seasons, Minister Rymer projected continued growth and increased calls to ports, emphasising the government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement and visitor experience optimisation.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of the cruise industry, sustainability and personalised experiences remain paramount,” Minister Rymer concluded, urging continued support for industries and collective efforts towards future prosperity and growth in the Virgin Islands.”
The retaining wall at the Social Security-funded homes in Joe’s Hill Manor Estate sustained substantial damage after heavy rains inundated the territory on May 7 and 8, leaving significant damage at multiple sites across the area.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far, but efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of all affected areas.
In addition to the damage at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate, the torrential rains caused widespread flooding on the streets, with businesses on Flemming Street bearing the brunt of the floodwaters. The situation was compounded by erosion, landslides, and flash flooding on Virgin Gorda, rendering access to North Sound via Valley impassable and posing hazardous conditions for residents.
As a result of the adverse weather conditions, several banks across the region, including Bank of Asia (BVI), CIBC Caribbean, First Bank Virgin Islands, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) and VP Bank (BVI), were forced to close their doors.
In a precautionary move to prioritise public safety, all public schools across the territory were closed. However, as of today, May 9, they have reopened, except for Elmore Stoutt High School, which will resume face-to-face sessions on Friday, May 10th, 2024.
Reports from Virgin Gorda paint a picture of extensive and hazardous conditions as landslides render access to North Sound via Valley impassable.
According to reliable sources on the ground, the situation is dire, with the road above the water plant showing signs of significant undermining and potential separation.
Authorities are advising against any travel through these affected areas, emphasising the imminent danger posed by the unstable terrain.
“Vehicles are stranded, and the road near the water tank is dangerously undermined,” sources revealed to JTV.
Further details indicate that individuals in the Valley area are unable to proceed beyond Hazel Point, while those north of Mango Bay face similar restrictions, unable to advance beyond the Savannah Bay lookout. Additionally, access to Handsome Bay is obstructed due to a vehicle blocking a drain.
Residents and travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution and heed all safety advisories until the situation stabilises.
Stay tuned to JTV for ongoing coverage and updates on this developing story.
In response to severe weather conditions, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association has declared the closure of various banks across the region, including Bank of Asia (BVI), CIBC Caribbean, First Bank Virgin Islands, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI), and VP Bank (BVI).
This precautionary measure, effective as of today, Wednesday, May 8, prioritises public safety above all else.
In a statement released today, the BVI Bank Association expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the closures, assuring the public that updates regarding delayed openings would be promptly communicated.
As the weather situation unfolds, residents and visitors are urged to stay tuned for further developments. The safety and well-being of all individuals remain paramount during this period of adverse weather.
Heavy Rains Damage Retaining Wall at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate
Elmore Stoutt High School Set to Resume In-Person Classes Tomorrow
Landslides Severely Disrupt Access to North Sound via The Valley
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