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‘VI Govts not thinking of the future!’ – Caller

-caller into PEP radio show last night November 24, 2014 said both present and previous administrations were not thinking of the future of tourism as their actions so far have demonstrated
The People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) indicated that it does not believe that the Territory needs an extended airport capable of accepting direct long haul flights since the size of the population may not justify the investment and because also of the fact that the Virgin Islands is surrounded by international airports which can offer connections. Photo: VINO/File
The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: VINO/File
The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A caller into the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) lambasted both the incumbent National Democratic Party (NDP) and the previous government led by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) for not doing enough to bring into reality an upgraded airport capable of handling long haul flights given the importance of tourism to the Territory.

However in response to the member of the public, the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) indicated that it does not believe that the Territory needs an extended airport capable of accepting direct long haul flights since the size of the population may not justify the investment and because also of the fact that the Virgin Islands is surrounded by international airports which can offer connections.

Speaking on PEP last evening November 24, 2014 aired at 8:00 pm on ZBVI 780 AM, President of the party Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru said that unless a feasibility study says otherwise this would be his position on the need for an extended airport.

The caller into the programme wanted to know why it was that the airport is not being developed to a stage to where it can accept long haul flights directly.

“We cannot in a tourism industry depend on other destinations to get people to our destination. If a Government thinking like that they are not thinking about the future of the BVI,” he said.

“I thought when the airport was building I thought we were going for the future. Too much Government after too much Government [and] we don’t have a plan for the future,” the caller said.

“The BVI is a unique place, a unique destination that makes a lot of money. You have to use the money wisely. People are frustrated…the type of tourists that coming now don’t want to stop at another destination before coming here,” he said.

“You have to get people here in a quicker time so that they can enjoy more of our beaches. We have to fix immigration and customs…we got to think future,” said the caller,” he said.

In responding to the caller, Chairman of PEP Hon J. Alvin Christopher (R2) said that there had been studies done and land identified for a long haul airport in a different location to the current airport on Beef Island.

He said that if there is not careful planning the Territory could set itself up for a burden that it may not be able to carry financially.

“All those things must be considered in the plans going forward,” said Hon Christopher. “Yes it would be nice to have a long haul airport to get your people here. But cost has a lot to do with it.”

Speaking also in response to the caller’s concerns, Wheatley said that the Virgin Islands is not the only place where persons have to make connections in order to get to their destinations.

“We are not the only place where you have to make connections. You go all over the world and you have to make connections and you have to come to grips with the reality of your size. You have a certain size population you’re going to have a certain amount of traffic,” said Wheatley.

“People don’t necessarily go to St Thomas because we don’t have a long runway…they go to St Thomas because of the price. They would have been coming to Beef Island if the price was right for them,” he said.

He asked the question whether a new airport is likely to reduce the cost of travel and as such he said he wanted to see the feasibility study.

11 Responses to “‘VI Govts not thinking of the future!’ – Caller”

  • uder the bus (25/11/2014, 14:52) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    I sticking with the vip all the way boss
  • Get Real (25/11/2014, 15:13) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    future and Alvin lawd ah mussy look joke...only two could run this country is Fraser and Ronnie
  • Well.. (25/11/2014, 16:34) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    What is the long-term costs of NOT developing the Airport. These clowns need to get off the stage, their 15 minutes up long time!
  • WHAT??? (25/11/2014, 16:37) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    “People don’t necessarily go to St Thomas because we don’t have a long runway…they go to St Thomas because of the price. They would have been coming to Beef Island if the price was right for them,” he said.

    Does this guy think before he speaks? Most people will not be able to find a flight from Miami, via San Juan, on to the BVI especially during peak time because with LIAT, Seaborne, Airlink and Cape Air combined its still not enough seats. It's not only about price Sowande, it's about access period. There are flights leaving St Thomas that cost $600+ to go to Miami. Add couple hundred for ferry, taxi, meals/drinks while waiting, uncertainty, hassle etc. and you get the picture. Think before you speak young man, you will end up looking like a fool. If people could fly via Puerto Rico as they like then they would. Some people do, but most do not because they cannot.
  • virgin gorda (25/11/2014, 17:14) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Pep and the ndp are out of real ideas
    • AlittlSobrietyNcssary (26/11/2014, 17:11) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      So let me get this straight. We are already complaining about being over taxed. Electricity to expensive. Supermarkets laughing all the way to the bank...at our expense.
      Add to these hardly bearable conditions, (at least by the average Joe and Jill); a must have international airport at the cost of $477-Million or more.
      At any given time there's a 727 or two sitting on the tarmac @ TB International boarding for travel destination .....where ever.

      Where is the population to sustain this? Perhaps with the now expanded cruise ship facility a majority of those passengers will be flying to TB Int'l to board the ships here. Perhaps that could have been a part of the agreement with DCL and NCL; (but it wasn't). I wonder Why. Because it just doesn't make sense.

      Just thinking...!
  • Alvin wake up (25/11/2014, 18:03) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    You will never be Premier- under VIP you could still get a minister position- but you have to do what you are best at CROSS OVER BOSS- and fast
  • Singer (25/11/2014, 22:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Smooth move, ALVIN!
  • NICK (26/11/2014, 00:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am pleasantly surprised at the lack of drama, the clear thoughtful opinions these two gave. I tend to agree with them about the airport. Pilots have long complained about the tricky approach between mountains to get to the runway. Making it longer is not necessarily the answer. Nor will it EVER be cost effective for an airline to make a long-distance flight given a population of 25,000-30,000, and many people coming through St Thomas. I prefer that because it is cheaper for me. The problem we have is an unreliable ferry. I would rather the money go there. travelers are used to connections- and frankly the less connections the more tourist crowds. Then I would take a small boat to an outer island to get away.


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