Local News
Virgin Islands to Establish National Tourism Policy Following Inaugural Summit
The Virgin Islands government is taking decisive steps toward the establishment of a National Tourism Policy, following the recently concluded inaugural Tourism Summit held at Peter Island on January 16 and 17. This policy aims to guide the Territory’s tourism development for years to come.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, emphasized the crucial role tourism plays in the Territory’s economy during his keynote address. “Tourism remains a vital pillar of our economy, providing employment, stimulating business development, and enhancing the standard of living for all,” Premier Wheatley stated. “As we strive to sustain this industry, we must do so with a shared vision and collective responsibility.”
The summit, which brought together over 330 stakeholders, tourism experts, and industry leaders, initiated discussions on key strategies to strengthen the tourism sector. A major outcome was the announcement of extensive public consultations, ensuring the final policy reflects the voices and needs of all stakeholders. The finalized National Tourism Policy and Plan is expected by June 2025.
The summit outlined several critical initiatives to advance tourism:
- Sustainable Practices: Investments will be made to protect the Territory’s environment, a cornerstone of its appeal as a destination.
- Empowering Local Communities: The introduction of the Tourism Investment Programme for Micro Enterprises (TIP ME) aims to provide opportunities for small businesses to thrive within the industry.
- Enhanced Visitor Experience: Plans include upgrading infrastructure, integrating modern technology, and offering targeted training programs to elevate service standards.
Junior Minister of Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, highlighted the collaborative nature of the Territory’s achievements, urging residents to view themselves as active participants in the tourism ecosystem. “Tourism is everyone’s business,” she said. “Every resident, whether directly or indirectly involved in the industry, is an ambassador for our Territory. Each interaction, from the taxi driver to the hotel concierge, contributes to the overall perception of the Virgin Islands as a premier destination.”
One of the summit’s highlights was the celebration of Peter Island Resort’s recovery and reopening after the devastating impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria. The resort’s revitalization stands as a symbol of resilience and determination within the Virgin Islands tourism industry.
Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, Mr. Joseph Smith, reflected on the significance of the summit: “This summit marks the beginning of a significant journey—a journey to shape the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands. Through your participation, feedback, and insights, we will be guided in formulating a comprehensive National Tourism Policy.”
The summit underscored the importance of sustainability, cultural integration, and economic empowerment as key drivers for a robust tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism pledged to foster a sustainable and inclusive sector, ensuring the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed among all residents.
The Virgin Islands’ renewed focus on responsible tourism, cultural preservation, and innovative solutions is expected to create a resilient and prosperous tourism sector, positioning the Territory as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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