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 Crown Lands Management Bill, recently introduced by the Virgin Islands government, under the leadership of the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, is set to transform the utilisation and safeguarding of land resources for the future.
“At the core of this bill lies a commitment to transparency and the interests of the community,” declared Premier Wheatley. “We have carefully crafted these regulations to reflect our historical context, current challenges, and aspirations for the future.”
The bill sets out strict criteria and processes for the disposal and leasing of Crown Lands, ensuring decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of the community. Key components of the legislation include sustainability, affordability, suitability for development, eligibility criteria and responsible management.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive Land Use Plan, a strategic tool to guide future land allocation and mitigate the adverse impacts of unsuitable development.
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, echoed Premier Wheatley’s sentiments, urging residents to familiarise themselves with the bill’s contents.
“The Virgin Islands Crown Lands Management Bill is crucial in shaping our collective future,” remarked Dr. Smith-Berkeley. “It is imperative for every member of our community to engage with this legislation, as it holds the key to our development and prosperity.”
The bill, which governs the administration, management, development, and use of all Crown lands, has already garnered attention and anticipation among residents. To encourage public participation, the government has made the bill accessible on the official Government of the Virgin Islands website, bvi.gov.vg, inviting feedback and comments from citizens.
A stabbing incident that occurred on May 12 at His Majesty’s Prison, resulted in inmate Shakeel Ryan being transported to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, another individual has been apprehended and is currently being questioned at the Road Town Police Station.
Ryan, who is incarcerated for conspiracy to murder, remained hospitalised at the time of publication.
Circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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.
Virgin Islands Set for Crown Land Management Overhaul with New Legislation
Stabbing Incident Leaves Inmate Injured at His Majesty’s Prison
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