VI has benefitted tremendously from over 100 nationalities –Premier Smith
Premier Smith was addressing the 4th annual Premier’s Christmas around the World, celebrated under the theme: ‘Many cultures-One BVI’ on Saturday December 17, 2016 at the Central Administration Complex in Road Town.
Stronger economy, tourism & financial services sector
“We have over a hundred nationalities in the BVI, all of whom have contributed and benefitted from being in the BVI. It is because of all of you that the BVI continues to have a strong economy, it is because of you, that the BVI continues to be one of the leading financial services jurisdictions, and because of all the people who live here the BVI continues to be one of the best destinations for tourism,” he remarked.
Premier Smith also stated that he would want the yearly event continued.
“So I think it was fitting that we should all get together and celebrate together as one people here in the BVI. I have been doing this [Christmas around the world] now for four years and it is an event that I would like to continue because I think we all continue and we all need to get together and be able to celebrate together and appreciate one another as a people,” he added.
Real treat
Meantime, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mr Brodrick Penn promised that the event would be a real treat, and it was!
The music, food, dress, language, and hospitality of Antigua, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, Philippines, Germany, Dutch St. Maarten, Grenada, BVI, St. Kitts and Nevis, were on display at its best. There were also performances by the Mount Carmel Baptist church, BVI Dance School, medley Selections and skit by all participating countries, Foggy Mountain Boys and B'More. The High-Frequency band provided the music, DJ Paid Fa pelted the tunes, and Mrs Arliene T. Penn was the host. Face painting, lucky dips, selfies with Premier and storytelling were other activities.
“It’s always so wonderful to see so many people from so many places gathered at this function. The Premier’s Office is especially proud to always put our best foot forward and to come together with all of you to celebrate what it really means to be to share love and blessings throughout Christmas,” Penn said.
“We are in for a treat tonight! We are represented this year by 16 countries and it shows that we recognise that we all love, care and appreciate each other and what a better way to do that celebration than in such a forum.”
The event started at 5:00 P.M. and ended at 10: P.M.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
31 Responses to “VI has benefitted tremendously from over 100 nationalities –Premier Smith”
.
The whole set of exceedingly greedy NDP and their money-sucking gangs need to go before they destroy us all.
Moreover, Santa Claus is mystical and fairy tale figure around the world. No dis intended for Dr. Hon Premier but is the claims about the economy just an anecdotal tory or a deliberate intent to mislead the people on something that they know is not accurate. For example, just before the election the Premier declared that the economy was robust. Many residents still LOL about that statement. Now, he is claiming that the economy is strong. Clearly, again that is not accurate. Do not piddle on us and tell us it is raining cats and dogs. Just tell the plain truth.
True, repetition reinforces learning and retention. Some politicians buy into the belief that the more often something is repeated the more believable it becomes. Stop the Animal Farm tactics.
The economy has some challenges and a sizable % of residents believe that government is broke. The first order of business should be to build the electorate confidence in the economy and the territory. Building confidence in the economy and the territory is both for domestic consumption, as well as for external investors. More effort needs to be put into job creating jobs, investing in human capital, diversifying the economy, preventing rising crime, reducing the cost of living, building a first class infrastructure, improving education, improving healthcare, enhancing public safety, improving morale in public sector.......etc.
Is the Premier's speech writers doing him a disservice with the pearls on the economy: the economy is robust, the economy is strong. Did not the Premier a few weeks ago in a national address on the economy told us that there were some challenges in the economy? Doc burst on the scene with some political capital (earned as a medical professional) and some street crews but he is losing stock in both quickly. Continuing with the cockamamy tory about the economy gives legs to the monikers: Sleeper, Dr. Know Nothing.......etc. Comon Dr! No more Pinnochios!