TPP to be renamed in honour of Cyril B. Romney
The announcement of was officially made yesterday, Wednesday, February 13, 2019, by the subject Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4).
In his released, the Minister said, “I am pleased and have the privilege to be in the right place at the right time, to honour a gentleman who has contributed greatly to his country, the British Virgin Islands.” This renaming comes twelve years after the late minister lost his fight to cancer on July 19, 2007.
Before that, Mr Romney had served the territory in many capacities, from teaching to being a School Principal and even an Administrative Secretary.
Strong Political Career
In giving a brief history, Hon Vanterpool said that in January 1969, Mr Romney was the first local appointee to the position of Financial Secretary of the Virgin Islands, where he served for four and a half years before his retirement. He further served this country in his political career from 1979 through 1995.
“He was one of the most astute and successful businessmen in the Territory, being a role model for many, including yours truly. One of his business ventures as a visionary, led him to open a travel agency in 1969 and a taxi rental service in 1979, with buses and other transportation.”
Hon Vanterpool recalled that it was around this time that Mr Romney began to explore cruise tourism in the Virgin Islands.
Cruise Tourism Pioneer
“He travelled far and wide to promote the BVI as a worthy cruise destination and eventually convinced the Government, following studies piloted by him while he was Chief Minister, to build a cruise pier, hence ushering in cruise tourism in the BVI,” Mr Vanterpool noted.
The official renaming of the Pier Park is set for tomorrow February 15, 2019, which will be, “A red letter day in the BVI, as this stalwart and giant of a man will be honoured in the renaming of the cruise pier and Pier Park of the Virgin Islands,” according to Hon Vanterpool.
He further added, “I am pleased to be a part of the Honourable Dr D Orlando Smith Government to bestow this honour alongside the BVI Ports Authority. I am honoured to be in the presence of the family of the late Cyril B. Romney and look forward to his name being long remembered as a pioneer in many areas, but especially today in cruise tourism.”
Family & Residents Support Renaming
Speaking to the JTV’s Big Story yesterday, youngest child of the late Mr Romney, Ms Patricia M. Romney aka “Patty” recalled herself and sibling bursting into tears when they first got the news while aboard a cruise ship docked at the Tortola Pier Park not so long ago.
While the TPP has been rocked by scandals under the NDP Government and has an overrun of some $40M, most residents support the project, but had issues with the cost overruns and allegations of corruption still hangs over the project.
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9 Responses to “TPP to be renamed in honour of Cyril B. Romney”
Since everything is being done rush-rush and hush-hush (no doubt for political mileage) I am keeping my ears open to hear how Honourable Ralph Telford O'Neal is to be honoured, and how soon. Please - give him his long-overdue flowers while he can enjoy them. Thank you!