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BVITB should lead talks with Gov’t on gay rights & marriage– Businessmen

Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Ms Sharon Flax-Mars has declined to comment on the suggestion that the BVITB should be the lead advocate for gay rights in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Sections of the business community are calling on the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) to lead talks with the government of the Virgin Islands to consider policies and laws that would allow gays the right of marriage and free movement within the territory. Photo: BVITB
Sections of the business community are calling on the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) to lead talks with the government of the Virgin Islands to consider policies and laws that would allow gays the right of marriage and free movement within the territory. Photo: BVITB
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Sections of the business community are calling on the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) to lead talks with the government of the Virgin Islands to consider policies and laws that would allow gays the right of marriage and free movement within the territory.

This was the heart of a tense discussion recently among businessmen mainly from the yachting and taxi industries. While most of the business persons (two women were among the group) declined to have their names or their businesses mentioned at this stage, they said they were prepared to publicly support the BVITB if the need arises.

Contacted for her opinion on the recommendation, Director of the BVI Tourist Board Ms Sharon Flax-Mars declined to comment on the subject.

According to one of the businessmen who had no problem with his name being mentioned, Mr Brian B. Gomes, it is imperative that government tap in on new and other existing avenues to boost the tourism industry given the changing trends of the economic market.

“We are seeing daily, and just couldn’t understand what the Premier was thinking when I read that he said the economy is robust, things are drastically changing, things are not like they used to be ten/twelve years ago not even as it was two years. Things have really changed and it is important that we take advantage of every little avenue to generate a wider income base.”

Gomes, supported by at least three others in the sailing and yachting industries, said in many instances they have seen revenue slip past the VI because gays are not allowed to wed in the Virgin Islands.

“Look, these guys spend big I know what I am telling you. Out of ten tours that I may get at any given time, at least seven (7) may have about four (4) gay couples. And that is one thing they always want to do, get married here, some have very massive beach wedding plans and things like that but what, they have to do it elsewhere because it’s not legal here,” Mr Gomes said.

Gomes related to Virgin Islands News Online that he will soon be migrating to take up a prominent position in the UK. “The position I am going to take up is with an organization that advocates for gays and what I’ll be doing is working in marketing. That includes finding the best destinations in the Caribbean for tours, parties etcetera for gays and I would want to have the BVI on the top of the list for most of the market opportunities. So I have reasons to want to see the (VI) government be more open on the issue.”

Another businessman said he firmly believes that gays do enjoy the freedom of movement in the Territory without the fear of being discriminated. “I have never seen or heard of anyone in the BVI attacking or being aggressive to any gay person and we have them local and those who come to visit but with the law it gives them more freedom. They are free in a sense but they still have to be closeted to an extent.”

It was also said that lesbianism seems to be more favoured in the Virgin Islands. “We have so many of our young girls, even a great percentage of our mature women who are lesbians and they even cross dress and no one has any objections. They are in the police force, they are among the teacher populations, they are in the church tithing, the young schools girls into it and no one seems to be bothered by them and its growing bigger and bigger every day,” one woman noted.

The big question was why lesbians seem to be more accepted in society than the men. The view was unanimous, however, that once the law provides full freedom for male gays they will eventually be freer to be their true selves.

76 Responses to “BVITB should lead talks with Gov’t on gay rights & marriage– Businessmen”

  • qc (09/09/2013, 08:38) Like (12) Dislike (10) Reply
    enough of this gay ting boss
    • ... (09/09/2013, 09:27) Like (1) Dislike (30) Reply
      How are you going to rid the BVI of them when everyday one is born. Learn to live with the differences in this world.
  • weed (09/09/2013, 08:51) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    we do not want them here for we will chase the old pirate them out of town!!!!!
    • polo (09/09/2013, 11:50) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      im not against the botty man lifestyles as everyone has choices and that's the choice they made. i feel for them, they are vulnerable and need help, so we do not want them in the BVI.
  • LEVITICUS (09/09/2013, 08:59) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    and the word in the HOLY BIBLE say's (Leviticus (13) IF a man also lieth with mankind,as he lieth with a woman,both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surly be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

    if you as the minister agree to some sick madness, the lord will deal with you as well. All churches should be keep this fire burning for this ever taken place in the Virgin Islands.

    we already have too much or ungodly going on in the islands, why add more to it?
    your readying this today because you were born by a woman, with sperm of a man. (no other way you was here)
    If some of out BVIslanders want a gay life and be happy, then we the BVI should give them of the Dogs islands.
    Enough of trying to justify why an ungodly thing should be ok in the BVI. but uk rules, what they say goes, for them they selfs are not godly people. Its a prime reason why they never want us to learn the Bible.

    Don't forget your pass, most off all don't forget the worlds of the one true god.
    Blessed be the BVI.
    • and (09/09/2013, 10:05) Like (6) Dislike (17) Reply
      The bible talks about stoning people to death for working on the Sabbath - have you stoned anyone recently?
      • confused (09/09/2013, 12:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes, we all got stoned at the beach on Saturday.....
      • bay yute (09/09/2013, 18:36) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        well mey bpuy it is funny how people in the bvi always talkin crap bout the bible when it convenient to them.
    • @ LEVITICUS (09/09/2013, 11:47) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      You would do well to use some punctuation. I was running out of breath for a second there. In any event, I agree with your comment.
    • True (09/09/2013, 14:30) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      a guy, who worked for the church wrote that piece of fiction and probably was gay but hidden by the church just like they have done so through the centuries and keep doing so, but hey give them your 10%!
    • JACK BE STILL (09/09/2013, 23:47) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      I don't know why there even needs to be any special religious or church issues. When has the government ever, _ever_, forced any church to marry anyone? By the very nature of our Constitution and Bill of Rights yes we do have that in the vi constitution of 2007, such a thing is unheard of. When interracial marriage was a big issue in the USA, their government never forced any churches to marry mixed-race couples... though churches eventually came around of their own accord. What are these people on the bvi so afraid of? Don't they know the history of other country like the states and the other civil rights movements?
  • Mr.Man (09/09/2013, 09:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    To the detriment of society we should allow all lawlessness and scum to take place for the love of money in this so-called christian society. Makes you wann hollar
    • Mother earth (09/09/2013, 09:51) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Week after week get the same boring mantra about homosexuality as if the sky will fall if we do not hear about the churches' concern on the matter. It has reached the point of excruciating boredom. There are pressing social issues the church should be addressing, like the rampant corruption in our society. That is much more urgent to the survival of the BVI than the constant worry of God's wrath on us if we ease up on gays.
  • wow (09/09/2013, 09:04) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Too much nastiness
    • @ SMH (09/09/2013, 09:30) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Oh dear! These are HUMAN BEINGS and because we are a humane civilization they deserve our sympathies so back off the gays
  • oh boy (09/09/2013, 09:15) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    As a hotel worker, just more sh...ty sheets to wash.
    • my two cents (09/09/2013, 10:07) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Any act of discrimination meted out to an individual known or alleged to be gay, lesbian or all sexual is inhumane and intolerable
  • xxxxxxxx (09/09/2013, 09:15) Like (2) Dislike (15) Reply
    leave the people alone they have a lot of $$$$ and we in the BVI brokes
    • @ xxxxxxxx (09/09/2013, 11:25) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      The love of money is the root of all evil

      • black boy (09/09/2013, 12:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        I don't think people turn gay because they think it's cool....the mind boggles smh
  • BRONZE NAZARETH (09/09/2013, 09:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah you can bring them in so they can bring that money, the rest of society will bring the PAIN, Daniel Shepheard style or whatever that "Fairy from Fern Gully" name was.
    • Virgin Son (09/09/2013, 11:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      This lifestyle is not seen as normal by anyone so as far as me trying to be politically correct squash it.
      • Release (09/09/2013, 11:41) Like (1) Dislike (12) Reply
        Gays are here to stay get use to it!
        • cross fire (09/09/2013, 18:33) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          the ideal thing for me and how I grew up will be for a man and a woman to be together. But if a man feels better with another man it is all about his happiness. same for a lady!!!
      • Queen Mary (09/09/2013, 12:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        It is troubling, regardless of one's orientation, to see our citizens with some of deeds views so if some gays get off a cruise ship are they going to be herded as cattle mostly because of their sexual choices.
  • Rolly Fingers (09/09/2013, 09:25) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    No complaining here. I don't party or hang with moral degenerate people, stay in my living quarters and read a book. You go hang out in this society you have to encounter some type of "NOT NORMAL LEWD ACTIVITIES". A heap of so called prominent business people running around wiring money to youn men account so the can penetrate the rear. A set of NONSENSE activity
  • tola (09/09/2013, 09:35) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are a nation of hypocrites

    Let me strongly hope that all those men who molest underage girls, and sexually assault women well get the same rejection by the BVI society
    • AC 360 (09/09/2013, 10:03) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
      If the BVI TB think they can become successful by associating with gays in just the same way people think they can live forever if they give the church 10% of their money! WE DO NOT WANT THIS THING IN THE BVI WE WILL RATHER EAT ROCKS
  • . (09/09/2013, 09:44) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    With all these gays the population will be lowered because alot of them will die from aids and there wont be plenty newborns.
  • george w. touch (09/09/2013, 10:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope all those who are against the gay people dem do not incite a new level of hate crimes in the country
    • the BVI forsale (09/09/2013, 10:19) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      No form of hate crime can be tolerated....but it does not mean i want these gay peole roaming teh streets of Ton or on our beaches
      • Yes (09/09/2013, 11:53) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
        They already are, just a shame so many BVIslanders have to live a DL lifestyle because of this attitude. I bet you know plenty gay people without realizing it.
        • BRONZE NAZARETH (09/09/2013, 13:45) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
          Well keep it DL and noboddy have a problem. Don't EXIHIBIT that "FAIRY" lifestyle on the streets for all to see. To see 2 hard back man in short shorts walking holding hands makes you throw up in your mouth.
  • 49ST Dad (09/09/2013, 11:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

    FIRE PON DAT DEH MEHBOI REAL BRIMSTONE AND FIRE wha we promoting here mehson move from here wid dah why you never say legalize marijuana let who want to smoke or drink it do so I aint read nowhere in the Bible where it say it is an abomination to deal with WEED and JUST FOR THE RECORD I DONT USE MARIJUANA.
  • queer blow way (09/09/2013, 11:11) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ayo go from here with this assishness
    • . (09/09/2013, 11:17) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      This place will be very shitty in the next 20 years or so.
      • agreed (09/09/2013, 11:40) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        We still do not want the gay tourist so they will have to make a choice or keep their lifestyle under wraps because again the majority of humans and B V Islanders find it NOT normal.
  • Why?? (09/09/2013, 11:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are the churches so silent?? Father branch weh yo deh? lets see who will be first to conduct a gay marriage.
    • my view (09/09/2013, 23:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      We need to stop trying to keep from imposing one set of views on each other that would end up with conflict and confrontation,
  • Joker (09/09/2013, 11:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I wonder how many of these same guys that are making noise against gay issues would turn down a threesome with two females. Set of hypocrites!
    • small head (09/09/2013, 11:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      gay and bi sexual people are misguided and confused and need compassion not judgment
  • Native Boy (09/09/2013, 11:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Im certainly not tolerant of the gay lifestyle. The flaboyant ones are really the ones that set mens blood a boil. No man wants to be in the company of another man whom wants sex from him. Mi nuh body!!!!
    • hog (10/09/2013, 08:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      look god destroy solomn for this so go figure
    • ha (04/12/2013, 10:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      do you seriously think that every gay man wants sex from you? you clearly think you are VERY attractive!
  • she the cat mother (09/09/2013, 11:53) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Homosexuality is more a mental disorder than anything else. These people seems like they need spiritual, mental and psychological help....so let they keep their touris dollars.

    This lifestyle should not be encouraged by welcoming in them to the BVI. A lot of young people gettting caught up because they think this is cool, but the end thereof is pain and destruction. Don't fall for the lie that they were born gay, most used that lifestyle alternatively, meaning they sleep whit whoever.
  • VIlander (09/09/2013, 11:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Funny that this debate continuesyet the marijuana debate cannot happen. Sick set of folk.
    • virgin gorda (09/09/2013, 12:18) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Gays have an abnormal lifestyle and will never be treated as equal. You get use to it
  • peeping tom (09/09/2013, 12:06) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dont expect nothing from the churches because the majority of the pastors are gays themselves
  • tell the truth (09/09/2013, 13:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    gays are not born so but most will need to be detoxed, before they can be switched successfully.
  • Hmm (09/09/2013, 14:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have no problem with gay marriage and what ever but it is foolish to believe the bvi will become a mecca for gays if it is legalized. Why do we thing they goin be coming by the hundreds to the bvi to get married come on this will not help the economy it will be added customers but not no drastic economic driver
  • cgb (09/09/2013, 15:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Burn out them talks we don't want them here!
  • NICK (09/09/2013, 17:57) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don't have a problem with gays or gay marriage, I think it's sweet. I have known lots of gay couple and groups to vacation regularly in the BVI, some of them for years and years. Most of them are nice, tasteful people like any others. I would hate to see the BVI become like Provincetown, Cape Cod or Key West Florida. Those places have just become a gay parade meat market gay carnival and the place is spoiled with it. You almost feel uncomfortable in these places if you are not gay, which I guess is how it feels to be gay in a straight world, but still, I wouldn't like it for the BVI.
    • your turn (09/09/2013, 23:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Every variation on a view with regard to the issue of marriage and equitable treatment for those engaged in marriage has been aired, has been analyzed, has been discussed on these comments, now its time to here from the government
  • vex (09/09/2013, 18:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    GAY MARRAGE!!! Just the thought of it is foreign to me.
  • never again (09/09/2013, 18:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gay Marriage is the last issue the BVI should even begin to argue about...
  • Prophecy (09/09/2013, 20:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's all prophecy being fulfilled. Whether we like it or not, its going to happen. Each of us have to stand or own grown and know what kind of life we are going to live. We have to instill in our children what we feel is godly and guide them through the word God, what is ungodly in the sight of God - be it homosexuality or other. According to scripture, its going to happen, and nothing any of us can do about it
  • for real (09/09/2013, 23:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we black folks just love sex just keep it to concenting adults
  • question (09/09/2013, 23:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    how the hell she means she has no comment on such a topic she fraid Russell fire she?
  • church girl (10/09/2013, 00:00) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    i do not care what a man say all thoes GAYS going stright to hell to burn in a lake of fire
  • east end (10/09/2013, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We could not be so desperate that we let in immorality just for the green back?
  • Igno-ranters (10/09/2013, 10:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord help us people here are sad, sad.
    Don't be talking about 'if they start to bring those gays in'!! You all don't remember the Flying Cloud back in the 1980s. Sailing around the islands every day of every week. Well half of those weeks it was a gay cruise!!
    You don't know how many local man and woman are gay. GAY BVIslanders cyaaaan dun! And for the longest time.
    You religious folk be aware - you are advocating hatred and sometimes violence against your fellow humans. Be aware of that next time you drunk on your own holy righteousness.
    It's sex in the a** many of you have a problem with. Grow up. It's been happening since humans existed. Sex is not just for making babies. It is also pleasure and there must be pleasure in this form of sex or people wouldn't do it and always have done it.
    Last, no one here seems to understand that most of these people are BORN GAY! They don't choose it any more than you can choose your skin color. That's how it is for them. Discriminate if you feel ok about that but think about the civil rights movement and similar. This is no different.
    These are civil, not church weddings. Got that? No one is asking the church to marry gays. They just want to right to inherit their partner's possessions on death, to share health insurance and other bureaucracy procedures that currently same sex couples are not allowed to do.
    Let's stop this hate of things we don't understand and start making a little cash from some of these
    • yes (10/09/2013, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The most sensible post on this whole thread, thank you
    • Blak (10/09/2013, 12:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I do agree with you that people are BORN GAY. I think its how a "FISH" act in public that bothers society the most. I mean dressing and walking like a woman, don't talk about having the overwhelming mannerism of a female. Society more acceptable of gays who act,dress and have the mannerism of a male for males vice versa for a female. I mean who isn't disgusted by a "LINEBACKER" looking lesbian or worst a Prince looking gay man. For example look at Frank aka "Batty" Ocean, the man is gay but doesn't look or act gay. You only know Frank Ocean is gay because he annouced it or whenever he have to cancel a concert because of "VOCAL CORD" problems.....to much "DEEP THROATING"...PAUSE.
      • BRONZE NAZARETH (10/09/2013, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        R U SERIOUS?! Fank Ocean is GAY?! I love all his songs wow and LMAO@ "VOCAL CORD PROBLEMS to much DEEP THROATING". I'm shocked and laughing at the same time smh...whats with the "PAUSE"?
  • Blak (10/09/2013, 12:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mankind will explain any type of "immoral behavior" with the word LOVE. "oh its alright to have man on man and woman on woman its who you LOVE this and aslong as you LOVe that everything good. FOH...A rapist LOVE to RAPE, a killere LOVES to Kill and a thief loves THIEVING soooo? Does that make it right because they LOVE to do what they do? I say whatever makes you sleep good then do that, I have my opinion on this subject. If you don't want to know then don't ask, I on the other hand aint going to be "AZZ OUT" over this subject .....NO HOMO... PAUSE
  • BRONZE NAZARETH (10/09/2013, 13:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOL@ NO HOMO!
  • fish (11/09/2013, 06:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep those acts in the bedroom, I don't want to see it in public, and I'm no prude.
  • VG (11/09/2013, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a sign that the world is coming to an end the bible tells you man to man woman to woman is an abomination! Is the work of the devil, that’s why solodamangomoro was destroyed
  • black man (11/09/2013, 19:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    who cares that we have gay people in cabinet?


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