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Premier dodges questions at press conference!

- Dr Smith claims he has nothing to hide over pier project
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith was insistent that his government had nothing to hide when it came to negotiations regarding the cruise pier development project. Photo: VINO
The leader of government business was however less forthcoming when questioned about his government’s specific approach to Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) following reports that CCL will make calls at alternative ports. Photo: VINO
The leader of government business was however less forthcoming when questioned about his government’s specific approach to Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) following reports that CCL will make calls at alternative ports. Photo: VINO
Dr Smith added that his government would like to see all the cruise lines coming to the Virgin Islands (VI) and said discussions will continue in this regard. Photo: VINO
Dr Smith added that his government would like to see all the cruise lines coming to the Virgin Islands (VI) and said discussions will continue in this regard. Photo: VINO
Asked whether government will continue to move forward with berthing agreements with NCL and DCL following concerns aired by taxi drivers on October 17, 2013, Dr Smith said, 'We are moving forward with the development of the cruise project...' Photo: VINO
Asked whether government will continue to move forward with berthing agreements with NCL and DCL following concerns aired by taxi drivers on October 17, 2013, Dr Smith said, 'We are moving forward with the development of the cruise project...' Photo: VINO
Dr Smith reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of the cruise pier and said it was critical for the pier to be lengthened in order to accommodate larger ships and increase the number of cruise visitors to the Territory. Photo: VINO
Dr Smith reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of the cruise pier and said it was critical for the pier to be lengthened in order to accommodate larger ships and increase the number of cruise visitors to the Territory. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith was insistent that his government had nothing to hide when it came to negotiations regarding the cruise pier development project.

Questioned during a press conference held with members of the media today, October 18, 2013, Dr Smith said, “Everything is above board, we would not be making a statement if everything was not above board.”

Dr Smith continued, “The fact is we have engaged and will continue to engage all the stakeholders to make sure that we develop the cruise pier so that it will be to the benefit of the cruise industry and essentially the entire BVI.”

The leader of government business was however less forthcoming when questioned about his government’s specific approach to Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) following reports that CCL will make calls at alternative ports as government’s stated intention is to proceed with berthing agreement negotiations with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

Asked whether government will continue to move forward with berthing agreements with NCL and DCL following concerns aired by taxi operators on October 17, 2013, Dr Smith said, “We are moving forward with the development of the cruise project [and] we are in discussions with all the cruise lines including Carnival.”

Dr Smith added that his government would like to see all the cruise lines coming to the Virgin Islands (VI) and said discussions will continue in this regard.

Although he has not yet personally spoken to CCL since reports of their withdrawal for the 2014-2016 cruise seasons surfaced, the Premier stated that he intended to do so at the earliest opportunity.

When asked whether government had made a mis-step in approaching DCL and NCL without adequately consulting local stakeholders, including taxi and tour operators, Dr Smith said Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool, along with his ministry and the BVI Ports Authority have been in constant communication with various stakeholders from the inception of the cruise pier project.

While stating that he could not relate all the details of the discussions, the Premier said he knew there were continued discussions and said he believed that these discussions should continue.

Earlier, in addressing the issue of the cruise pier project, Dr Smith reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of the cruise pier and said it was critical for the pier to be lengthened in order to accommodate larger ships and increase the number of cruise visitors to the Territory.

“We will continue to engage all the stakeholders of the development including the cruise lines, their representatives, taxi drivers and tour operators." Premier Smith said, "I want to be clear, we want all cruise lines to visit our port and will continue to engage them to try to achieve success in the best interest of the BVI.”

18 Responses to “Premier dodges questions at press conference!”

  • tola (18/10/2013, 18:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a ndp supporter also a taxi driver dr smith you areout of touch woth this and what is going on you are bee . Left in tbe cold , you also said that you woukd speak to carnival at the earliest opportunity I say and put it to you dr smith it should have bee done already from time this happen that phone and youe ears wastobe ttogether call carnival
    • agreed (18/10/2013, 23:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      When you tell a lie long enough even to you begin to believe it which is the case with all issues with this leader. What a shame. What an out of touch leader who feels that he is on top of things.
  • BREAKING NEWS (18/10/2013, 18:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    NOTHING THERE!
  • tola (18/10/2013, 19:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    History repeated in 2003. to 2007just after the ndp got in we had lot of rain and flood also this same cruise, taxi man and stakeholders issue happen 2011 lot of rain and flood. 2013to 2015 cruise, taximan and stakeholders issue tou guys didn't listen vote out I am a supporter YOU BETTER LISTEN
  • virgin gorda (18/10/2013, 19:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    more NDP talking points
  • ABC (18/10/2013, 20:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He has nothing to hide because he is completely detached from what is happening within his Government. One could excuse Ralph due to his physical condition but he is inexcusable.
  • A real shame (18/10/2013, 20:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Poorly managed government
  • ooooo (18/10/2013, 20:47) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    he could run but he cant hide...long rope for morger {meager} goat
  • tretretrete (18/10/2013, 23:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    He waiting for mArk or myron to come to the rescue, spineless puppet
  • Tired (18/10/2013, 23:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am tired of all of this government's blunders & then coming to try to justify their ignorance with fancy speech & marketing & press conferences where they say nothing while we continue to sstruggle more & moee as a people. Lord send help from these guys.
  • All clear (18/10/2013, 23:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All signs are clear that the NDP have God angry because they are not truthful nor honest in the handling of his people. A set of wicked & corrupt people.
  • ann (19/10/2013, 07:33) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    too late for damage control poor dr. smith
  • Prayer line (19/10/2013, 07:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People let's pray for the NDP and the country the ship have hit an iceberg
  • care (19/10/2013, 09:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am however hopeful that the spin doctors are taking notes
  • Listen (19/10/2013, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first." ~ Thomas Jefferson

  • Girlie (20/10/2013, 21:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow, the same narrative, "We have nothing to hide". If you don't have anything to hide, then tell us what is behind this last folly by the NDP, to choose NCL and Disney Cruise Lines, over the Leader CCL in Caribbean cruises. Carnival Cruise Lines could swallow up NCL and Disney a thousand times, so I say that your government owe the people to explain this dumb, stupid and insensitive decision.Please stop your stupid double talk about NCL and Disney are guaranteeing more passengers. Pure Nonsense. Come again. I think this decision is for personal gain of a Few. The people are waiting for the Truth. We deserve it.
  • dog (20/10/2013, 22:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    how many is too many ships and passengers in one day? just curious.


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