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VI Government praised for openness to tourism

Cutting the ribbon for the clubhouse [from left to right] Governor Boyd McCLeary; His Highness the Aga Khan; David Johnson of Victor International and Premier Dr. D Orlando Smith, OBE. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
His Highness of the Aga Khan at last evening’s ceremony. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
His Highness of the Aga Khan at last evening’s ceremony. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI – One of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists, His Highness the Aga Khan, commended the Virgin Islands’ Government for its “enabling environment” for massive investments in the tourism industry.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda last evening January 3, 2011 in Virgin Gorda, North Sound, His Highness stated that the “Government of the BVI is doing something that we have aspired to see in many countries, in my official role the Chairman on the Aga Khan Fund for economic development, which is an impact investor in the developing world, we have invested massively in the leisure industry in Africa, Central Asia, western Asia and I must tell you the most important thing that we look for is an enabling environment."

“I want to thank the Premier [Dr. D Orlando Smith] and his Government for making it possible for people to commit to tourism in this part of the world,” His Highness told over 300 guests, who were in attendance.

His Highness and David Johnson of Victor International have reportedly injected some $100M for the development of Oil Nut Bay, the marina and the Club House.

According to Wikipedia, His Highness Shah Karīm al-Hussaynī, who was born in Geneva Switzerland, owns hundreds of racehorses, valuable stud farms, an exclusive yacht club on Sardinia, a private island in the Bahamas, two Bombardier jets, a 12 seater helicopter, a £100 million high speed yacht named after his prize racehorse, and several estates around the world including an estate at Aiglemont, north of Paris. G. Pascal Zachary, of the The New York Times, wrote, "Part of the Aga Khan's personal wealth, which his advisers say exceeds $1 billion, comes from a ... system of tithes that some of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims pay him each year—an amount that ... may reach hundreds of millions of dollars annually.”

In giving a brief overview of investing in the VI, His Highness divulged that his Board wanted to establish a marina and presence in the Caribbean and was fortunate to hear and eventually meet Johnson - and the rest was history.

He noted that the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Club in Italy has partnerships with clubs in US, Monaco and the United Kingdom (UK) where the members would have access to the VI club and he hopes “they bring a wide spectrum of valuable guests to this part of the world.”

10 Responses to “VI Government praised for openness to tourism ”

  • Pops (04/01/2012, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The truth be told this was the foundation set by the VIP government. Thank you again Uncle Ralph for saving and building this country… Let’s keep it real and honest!
    • Real Talk (04/01/2012, 15:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      LMAO!! Really? Boss your tongue will soon stick to the roof of your mouth for lying so damn much!!! These guys came here around 2005 looking for spot or their new development and the then Government (who?) accommodated them. This is one of the such development approvals that cost that Government election by a landslide in 2007, but look who's singing praises now? LOL!!
      • never again (04/01/2012, 16:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        "real talk", the VIP will be silly to allow you all fools to rewrite history again! that dog will not bark this time or next elections....
    • shame (04/01/2012, 17:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are so wrong. But what does it matter? Dr Smith was the one who negotiated and signed the agreement with them. Copies of the agreement are available to the public. you should get one
  • english man (04/01/2012, 10:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow bvi got some rich people around the place. Doc see if you could get some of dat $$$$$$ for we to spend..lol
  • Rich (04/01/2012, 13:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rich people play, poor people work! More places off limits to the people. Cannot go Necker, Cannot go Guana, now cannot go Eustacia. Told beach is off limits. Not so, say I, coast line is public access up to 20 ft from high water mark. Time to mek rich people understand that they can buy out the land but they cannot stop de people from using the beach.
    • shame (04/01/2012, 17:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All beaches are public. If you were told this at Eustatia you need to report it to the relevant authorities and give them details. We need to start a movement to stop this. Lets all go there for an organized beach outing. THere is strength in numbers.
    • What??? (04/01/2012, 20:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I really hate it when you people come on here talking absolute non-sense. Since when has Guana Island been off limits to the people of the Virgin Islands? I am a fisherman and I have been going to the beach there for several years.
  • me (04/01/2012, 16:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    let's see if it does anything to create jobs
  • What??? (04/01/2012, 20:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Several hundred races horses?? Lesmore, we need to meet with this guy.


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