The BVICCHA has issued a statement in response to an article published by BVI Platinum News about remarks made by its chairman, Jamal S. Smith. Image: BVICCHA

Chairman of the BVICCHA, Jamal S. Smith, reportedly made the statements in question in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the BVICCHA, according to a release sent. Photo: BVICCHA

In a press release sent yesterday, May 9, 2013, the BVICCHA expressed that it took note of reference made to a statement in relation to the cruise pier project made by the Chairman at a meeting with tourism officials made on March 20, 2013.

According to the release, BVI Platinum News published an article entitled “Call Made For Commission of Inquiry Into Project” on April 15, 2013, almost a month after the meeting with tourism officials.

The statement continued, “While the Chairman of the BVICCHA made those comments to a select gathering of tourism officials and members of the BVICCHA, it was the strongly held views of the Chairman being personally expressed in that forum.”

Smith allegedly stated that closer scrutiny of the cruise pier project was warranted. He also allegedly called for intervention from the Governor, William B. McCleary, to launch a Commission of Inquiry into the contract awarded to Tortola Pier Partners in relation to the said project.

The release contended that the statement made by the Chairman at that meeting with tourism officials is not the official position of the BVICCHA.

The BVICCHA attempted to assure its members and the public in the release, that to date, the Board of Directors of the BVICCHA has not taken any position with respect to the cruise pier project.

According to the release, “If and when a formal position has been adopted in respect of that project all members and the general public, through the media, will be duly informed and not merely at a forum for select tourism officials where frank views and exchanges are expected to help shape policy for the benefit of all members of the BVICCHA and the wider community in keeping with the mission and objectives of the BVICCHA.”