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No Expats! BVITB wants locals applying for Tourism Director post

-as Board accepts resignation of Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus
Following a leaked email revealing that the current Director of Tourism, Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, intends to call it quits at the end of the year, the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) in accepting the resignation, has already advertised a vacancy for the post. Photo: Facebook/File
The BVITB also said the success of the Virgin Islands as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world over the years is predicated on the strength and resources of the territory and that is will take leadership and innovative strategies to build tourism in the COVID-19 era. Photo: GIS/File
The BVITB also said the success of the Virgin Islands as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world over the years is predicated on the strength and resources of the territory and that is will take leadership and innovative strategies to build tourism in the COVID-19 era. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Following a leaked email revealing that the current Director of Tourism, Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, intends to call it quits at the end of the year, the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) in accepting the resignation, has already advertised a vacancy for the post.

"The Board also takes this opportunity to put all eligible Virgin Islanders on notice that the post of Director of Tourism will be advertised immediately to ensure that the BVI continues to develop and maintain its competitive edge in the global tourism market," the BVITB said in a release. 

Flax-Brutus thanked for services 

They said Mrs Flax-Brutus’ resignation will become effective November 15, 2020, and thanked her for the many years of service to the territory. 

"COVID-19 has presented the BVI with the opportunity to be innovative in developing strategies that are in sync with the New Regular. However, with a strong tourism product as the BVI has and dynamic leadership, the Territory will triumph in the face of this challenge." 

"All Virgin Islanders who are interested in joining this journey are encouraged to ready themselves," the Board reiterated as an indication that applications are now opened to locals. 

The BVITB also said the success of the Virgin Islands as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world over the years is predicated on the strength and resources of the territory and that is will take leadership and innovative strategies to build tourism in the COVID-19 era. 

Innovative strategies needed - BVITB 

However, the coronavirus pandemic has already affected and is forecasted to have greater adverse impacts on the tourism industry. 

Just last week Friday, May 8, 2020, on public radio ZBVI 780 AM, Commissioner of Police, Mr Micheal B. Matthews said that COVID-19 curfew breakers could directly impact the territory's crime rate, noting a spike in figures could potentially affect VI's tourism product.

"What we don't want... is the first things that the tourists look at... isn't that place where crime went through the roof last summer? So I think the context [must be] absolutely clear," he said calling for avenues to report curfew violations as separate from overall crime rate figures. 

56 Responses to “No Expats! BVITB wants locals applying for Tourism Director post”

  • Qualified Local (16/05/2020, 13:24) Like (30) Dislike (15) Reply
    I am in favour of a qualified local, qualified and local being the operative words.
    • bvi (16/05/2020, 14:41) Like (19) Dislike (62) Reply
      We have a lot of smart locals Here no island people need to be holding no big positions period
      • Slave mentality! (16/05/2020, 18:14) Like (67) Dislike (11) Reply
        Keep rejecting the "island people" and accepting the Caucasians as being worthy. People who look like us are never good enough for the BVI. This is why the others will come and rob you of your beaches and prime real estate and segregate themselves while you sleep and worry about island people. Fools!
      • Ms wize (17/05/2020, 04:44) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        Smart is different from qualified
    • check please (16/05/2020, 15:22) Like (65) Dislike (22) Reply
      last time I checked she married an ISLAND MAN as brutus is NOT the continent last name. Many of the people from the continent married to the ISLAND MEN AND WOMEN because their own people from this CONTINENT don't want them. all because they cant cook cant clean and most importantly CANT WUK THE BED.
      • You sound stuck in ish (16/05/2020, 20:21) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        Your mind is as deep as a puddle with that kind of thinking lol if that be the case why "island" ppl marrying the continentals?
  • Clap calp (16/05/2020, 13:29) Like (6) Dislike (41) Reply
    Good move. All expats and island people need not apply... we don't want we tourism money getting send down island
    • GG (16/05/2020, 14:34) Like (44) Dislike (3) Reply
      My goodness sweet heart are you living on a rock?... This is an island... It’s great that a local holds the post but do you really have to show your ignorance?...
    • Agree (16/05/2020, 14:41) Like (9) Dislike (31) Reply
      Yes them island people will send all the money back down the island
      • @Agree (16/05/2020, 15:20) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
        Which money? Is there a money tree here? Let's see how long you will see a Cruise Ship at the Pier. Wait for the pinch..wait for the news
      • @Agree (16/05/2020, 15:34) Like (47) Dislike (1) Reply
        CODVID 19 will take care of all wickedness. Every Country realized that they could bleed and their blood is red. Supposed this country never had a single case? Island people don't own the hotels, restaurant Taxi Services, shops boats etc. They are the maids, cleaners, cooks among other low paying jobs. When the Tourists don't come where would the money come from to pay them to send down Island? You are so blind with hatred to realize what is happening. In your own word " Mehson go sid down"
      • ? (16/05/2020, 16:07) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
        Hello Agree you need to check what the money says. its not BVI YOU MOMO.so shut the hell up please and go and read a book.
      • wooow oh boy (17/05/2020, 15:25) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        well guess what it's your husband's money we are sending down the islands' lol
    • No Worries (16/05/2020, 15:13) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      The keyword here is "Tourism'. It means to some extent, that people come from outside the Territory (just so your small mind could understand) would visit here and spend money because it is not grown here. Here is the thing, no tourism money will come in. COVID 19 took care of that so of course, no Tourism money will be going down Island. Where will the money come from?
    • Big Slick Willie (17/05/2020, 12:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is it alright to send that money UP island. How much of your precious Tortola money (which is NOT it's own currency by the way) is sent up to universities in my continental United States?
  • True (16/05/2020, 13:43) Like (15) Dislike (34) Reply
    Ra Skelton is the choice, he has the training, the local knowledge and knows how to talk to people on all scales of society and business. He is very qualified for this post and hopefully he applies and get the position.
  • @clapclap (16/05/2020, 13:57) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    yet you want expat and down island people to come here and spend soend spend...what will eventually grund this place to a halt with tourism is the absolute hatred that is constantly displayed by BV islanders to "outsiders". the term " want cake and eat it" springs to mind..so be careful what you wish for people.
  • born here!!! (16/05/2020, 15:13) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    Do you all have to make everything about island people so???

    This is becoming really upsetting now. Remember we all need each other whether we accept it or not.

    This thing about who from hear and who not from needs to stop it is demonstrating to the world how ignorant and small minded you all can be. If you think you smart then act smart and stop acting the fool FULL STOP



    • Agree (17/05/2020, 06:39) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      @born here
      I totally agree with you. I’m a BVI lander and I’m sick of this island people rhetoric. Why do we always have to show our small minded and simple mindedness.
      The whole world is laughing at us when they read these comments about Island People. We ARE ALL ISLAND PEOPLE!!!!
  • S (16/05/2020, 15:30) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    @ clap clap we all know that u people have d first preference but a lot of u can't spell and u all don't know how to talk to people respect
    • why? really (17/05/2020, 15:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      so tortola people can talk to people any better? most of the offices you go in they are so hoggish and mean.
  • wow (16/05/2020, 15:40) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    You people really entertaining this island people talk. It’s an agenda by a minority meant to divide for future political gain. On a regular day any BVIslander does interfere with anyone of you? We have a few idiots here who may throw this talk like everywhere else in the world but trust me this y’all don’t reflect the majority of BVIslanders.
  • tretretrete (16/05/2020, 15:41) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    We all know the Skelton Dude is next in line. Let just have the cutting of the ribbon and move on.
  • @£££££ (16/05/2020, 15:44) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    You in this thing too? It is obvious that the job should be given to a B.V Islander. The alleged e-mail stated that they were placed on notice but it did not mention anything about ex-pats. Why do you think it is so important to throw fuel on an already blazing fire? My God when will this hatred stop?
    • Thanks Ms Flax Mars (16/05/2020, 17:23) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      U did a great Job.. U kno your work. U did it well.. Thank you for uour unselfish service.. Why do you have to leavr now we need you most.? Success has it draw backs.. jealousy, Envy, bad mouth,.. All these things is telling you that you are doing a good Job... Keep your spirit up.. Stay positive... U will be ok
  • trrefdrfds (16/05/2020, 15:45) Like (12) Dislike (24) Reply
    Them need send these island people home
    • stupid (16/05/2020, 21:57) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      You going to rent my five apartments when you send them home.
    • wize up (17/05/2020, 05:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who will you sleep with when they do that. You know what let me rest this
  • Local (16/05/2020, 16:03) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    Please stop this island thing. I'm a born bvilander and those comments makes me sick..
  • pat (16/05/2020, 16:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on with the island people thing but I don’t support ra he can’t manage
  • Lord o (16/05/2020, 16:49) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Firstly, BVIslanders need to learn to work together to support and respect authority and quit the jealousy, back stabbing and bad mind, Then we will see locals been successful leaders....Secondll as for Curfew brakers negatively affecting the crime rate, Breaking the Curfew shouldnt be a Criminal offence, it should be treated like a Traffic offence, offenders get a ticket and have 48hrs to pay.. Failing to pay, they get arrested taken before the court then and only then it goes against their record as a crime...Its our own policies making us look bad.
  • The Reaper (16/05/2020, 16:49) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    When the border open, Airport .fly out..I bet u all cant do that. Well if so ,I dare U ✈️ .....The money,The money
  • lol (16/05/2020, 17:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    give the people what they want,they are untitled to it.
  • We in Trouble.. (16/05/2020, 17:19) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    This is a Critical position one of great importance.. We need a good qualified experience people person in this position.. As it is the BVI already way behind, need lits of work to ketch up....Three names come to mind.. 1/ Dirk Dirky Walters, ..2/ Richy Ricky Ricardo Richardson and 3/ Brian Fahie people that do tbeir job with pride put the BVI 1st with no personal intrrest and who have proven they can take control of situtions, .
  • ? (16/05/2020, 17:33) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    let’s go with sam
  • Bobthebuilder (16/05/2020, 19:06) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    Give it to Cindy. She not afraid to make the noise.
  • @clapclap (16/05/2020, 20:30) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    @S . Yes...we do have preference..labour code insists on it..." bv islanders belongers first..." i cant recall which part of the labour code specifies that...but yes..you are correct we are first.
    spelling isnt the issue ....cant hit the right buttons on the phone when typing. !
    respect......read almost ALL blogs on VINO...you think bvi shows respect to outsiders .??? i think not
  • ndp fan club (16/05/2020, 21:15) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Trefor is a good choice
  • Jah Bless (16/05/2020, 21:40) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Out if a 100% of people living in the bvi. 90% Of these people parents are from other Caribbean countries. Y dont we all jus unit together and keep the bvi a better place instead of chasing us away. Without us landlords ain't have nun. Without us alot of you'll would b living in boxes cus most if you'll have a lil education but no skills.
  • BuzzBvi (16/05/2020, 22:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah. Must be local even if they are not good and that is worse for everybody. How stupid are we.
  • BVI messed up (17/05/2020, 03:07) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    This place is so.messed up... White people get a free pass in everything.. black get oppressed.. Even when companies are laying off the blacks alway get sent home the white get to stay.. though the black can do the job the white is doing.. make it worst the whites are on permits and the blacks are not..it messed up..Labour dept has become useless so no one look to them no more ..
  • Need local Governor and Police Commissioner (17/05/2020, 06:22) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply

    We need a local Governor and Police Commissioner too. They don’t c**** about us. Sooner they go the better.

  • cline (17/05/2020, 09:09) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Bvi is one bad minded country's in the Caribbean. To much hate. And this is not a joke. We could do better than this . No Expa this don't sound good. These people help us build the Bvi.
  • biker (17/05/2020, 10:24) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why do we need a Tourist Board if there are no tourists? Just close the whole Tourist Board down until the next general election.
  • hello (17/05/2020, 11:03) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am a BVIslander. and I hate the foolish comments about island people. But be assured however, that this type of mentality is true in all the OTs that spend the US dollar. Turks and Caicos and Caynman are worst than us. I visited Bahamas the other day and was told that I could not work there. its a small island mentality that the people are fearful that they will be taken over.
  • Who dose it belong to? (17/05/2020, 11:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why are Caribbean people fighting I've r America legal note, as far as I'm concern not even Puerto Rico and usvi who is Americans I see on the American legal note, so you black people looking real dumb doing this. The money only passing through
  • Toby (17/05/2020, 11:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Claudie could do the job why not him?
  • Big Slick Willie (17/05/2020, 12:27) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    After careful consideration I would like to put my name in the hat for this vacancy. Sure I'm from Texas. Sure I'm white. But they have me all over tv's in Ghana, well known within the orphanage and NGO world, and have the personality and admin skills for dealing with global visitors. What do you say? I can step right in.
  • John (17/05/2020, 12:54) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Local police an commissioner that's recipe for too much corruption
  • Nice (17/05/2020, 16:03) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    U people need to take time out to see how many local have local working for them my be one or two bacause u all lazy and t***f u all can b trusted so far right now Island people run thing ok so just cool


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