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VI in jeopardy if Cuba opens up – Hon. Pickering

February 16th, 2012 | Tags: tourism Cuba Local Dr. Kedrick Pickering jeopardy
A large number of residents turned out for the meeting on Feb. 8, 2012. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Major resorts and hotels in the Virgin Islands could be in jeopardy, which in turn could harm the labour force, if Cuba opens up to the rest of the world announced Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr. Kedrick Pickering at a February 8, 2012 labour meeting on Virgin Gorda (VG).

“Places like the VI would have major problems, because Cuba has everything we have and then some more to offer. It’s much more closer to the United States...everything is much cheaper, they have a highly trained labour force and the shared novelty of Cuba being something new is going to draw a tremendous amount of people to that country,” Hon. Pickering said to a large gathering of residents, who attended the meeting at the Catholic Community Centre.

He went on to state that “we better pray hard that Cuba does not open soon, and we must be able to improve what we are offering”.

“So we should be thankful we have jobs because it may come a time soon when we don’t have jobs because the Little Dixes of this world and the Biras Creeks of this world may very well have to close down. We need to keep this at the back of our minds because it is a very real threat,” he added.

In fact the Minister stated should the US President Barack Obama win a second term in office; Cuba is going to open up.

Against this backdrop, he is urging residents not to take the VI for granted and “think all is well”.

Hon. Pickering added, “I think we can work together to make the VI one of the best and unique places in the Caribbean.”

30 Responses to “VI in jeopardy if Cuba opens up – Hon. Pickering ”

  • rat tail (16/02/2012, 09:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    but cuba done open me anit understand ayo pint doc
    • expat (16/02/2012, 10:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      By saying "The World" he actually means the US...
    • Movements (16/02/2012, 10:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is not fully open jacka$$. Americans still need permission to travel there.
      • Two more sense (16/02/2012, 11:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        No permission is needed smart guy, you just can't fly there from the US, but you can from Jamaica and Canada.
      • Correction (16/02/2012, 15:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You actually can fly there directly now. Please check with airlines.
        • Johnson & Wales (16/02/2012, 18:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          You can not fly directly from the United States to Cuba. You need to obtain a license or Visa from the US Government prior to visiting the country. Only then can one "CHARTER" a direct flight to Cuba, either from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, New York or Los Angeles. These visas are given on the premise that you are going to help with Education, going for religious purposes or people-to-people (for Cuban-Americans). Pres. Obama already relaxed the laws in favor of Cuban Americans, allowing them to up and go to Cuba to visit families without prior notification. I am always happy to EDUCATE.
  • ReX FeRal (16/02/2012, 09:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kedrick YAAAWN NoT
  • Two more sense (16/02/2012, 10:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When Cuba opens its gates the VI will be experience a great depression like only the old timers can remember. The reason for this is going to be the lack of customer service provided here. The "born here" mentality that has been cultivated and promoted has created a sense of superiority amongst its people, and in Cuba customer service is excellent. When you arrive at any facility they greet you and attend to your requests, vs here in the BVI where you are ignored and subject to teeth sucking and rude behavior. As stated Cuba is less then an hour from the US and much cheaper to get to, they have all the same amenities as the BVI. The only natural resource the BVI has is it's people and the govt has failed to cultivate and educate its people, instead they have destroyed it with terms like "belonger vs non-belonger" why would you travel to and spend money in a place where as you arrive you are told you don't belong? Why would you want to feel rejected before you set foot in the sand? It is to late for the BVI, this bed has been made and now you will all have to sleep in it. It's time to ask the elders how to cook on coal pots and ride Donkeys, because it's coming back, and all the Dominicans and down island mucks (as the born here like to say) are going to leave and then who will dig your ditches, clean your floors, and pick up your trash. Shame on you BVI.
    • Movements (16/02/2012, 11:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That's pure unadulterated BULL$H1T!! The BVI is known for being the number 1 jurisdiction in the WORLD for company registrations and is one of the top overall Financial Services jurisdictions! Secondly, BVI is the sailing capital of the world. That's not just a slogan, but any sailor will tell you, you won't find sailing like the BVI anywhere else in the world. Charter/crewed services play a major role in our tourist product so don't fool yourselves. People will go to Cuba YES, they have nice beaches YES, but it's not that serious. We have cruise companies running us down in droves to throw money at us, to develop our cruise tourism. Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica have more or less the same that Cuba has and the same level of service. They are close in proximity the the USA as well. They didn't shut us down so why would Cuba do that? I think knowing that Cuba will be added competition, we should upgrade our product offering and not become complacent. But depression? You got to be damn well kidding me boss man! Not going to happen! The BVI is unique in many ways! We do need to work on customer service and our level of service, but nobody is going to pick between Cuba and BVI when planning a vacation. We do not offer the same things when it comes to vacationing. People interested in sailing, snorkeling etc. will pick Cuba over the BVI? LMAO!!!!!! All Kedrick is doing in my opinion, is giving people a nudge and letting us know that we shouldn't become comfortable and complacent with our current standing. But I think we stand apart from all the rest with our natural resources, sailing, fishing, culture etc. Once we can enhance what we already offer, we will continue to see people return to our shores year after year after year. Lastly, crime needs to be tackled as well.....So boss, scatter with your gloom and doom bullshit! You sound like the same people who labelled the BVI a bird santuary just 25yrs ago. They said we couldn't stand up against Cayman, Panama, Bermuda with Financial Services........I'll stop there!
      • Two more sense (16/02/2012, 13:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The finance companies don't hire the poorly educated and unmotivated. For 50yrs Cuba has been under the US Embargo so of course it is unknown to two generations of Americans which make up 85% of the BVI tourism. Do you not think that when they open up to American tourism, those same cruise ships are not going to line up at their docks? Do you not think that the same tourists who charter the BVI are not going to then utilize the charter boats of Cuba? Sun sail has had an office and boats there for over 15yrs. National pride is great and everyone is born somewhere but that doesn't mean they are any better than the next person. Why is it that the Europeans don't come here on the same scale as they do Cuba being the greatest sailing destination as some publicist decreed? Because the beaches are not that great, the customer service is horrible, and the shopping is extremely limited. Although the culture is rich with history it is not promoted, I see more down island flags displayed during carnival then the BVI flag? When a goat eats a farmers hard worked harvest he is told that goat Born here. What kind of thing is that. I am not knocking the BVI or it's people, just the lack of leadership. If being born here is such a desire why do you all run to St Thomas and Puerto Rico to have your babies? Think about it mi son.....so call your grand am and get her to teach you how to cook on that coal pot.
      • Correct (16/02/2012, 14:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Movement got it right - there are MANY MANY mass tourism markets already in the Caribbean. One more or less is not going to make any difference to the BVI. Furthermore, tourism actually accounts for a much smaller part of the BVI economy than people suppose. Financial services is actually much bigger component, and that is not affected by anything Cuba does (or the US does in relation to Cuba).
      • Cuban Worker BVI (10/04/2012, 12:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Well Movements, I am a cuban who worked at BVI last year, I have few question for you, First: Have you been in Cuba before? Second: Do you think that a little island of 22000 inhabitant can survey vs the biggest island in the Caribbean? We are roughly 12 million people, the active working population is 7 million, out of that the 55 % is highly trained labour as the Minister has stated righly. Our extention is 110 000 squared kms. English is mandatory up to University level and of course education if free. Now the thirth and last question what BVI has that Cuba can´t double it or create infrastructure for it? Cuba is only 90 miles away fom USA, a ferry would take 1 hour and by plane is 45 mins. Don´t get me wrong I loved BVI, the reason why I returned is because I was one of those exploted workers brought to tortola, working 12 hours a day Mon-Sat and $1000.00 USD paidment. The Minister´s concern is not only his, but most of the Ministers and business people in the region. Think about that and do not take things for granted. Once the embargo be lifted and Cuba open up to the World, some countries in the Caribbean will be facing a big challenge unfortunatly.
    • bvi (16/02/2012, 12:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Move your backside to Cuba then or whichever rock you swam from, with your ungrateful self.
      • Two more sense (16/02/2012, 13:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        To BVI, I was brought here because they cannot find anyone from here to do what I do. I am no genius and work a simple job, but all the born here's want their money for nothing, your youth are killing themselves for cheap gold chains and dropping out of school. Every time there is a crime people like you say kick them non-belongers off island, well from the papers I have been reading a high percentage of locals are committing these crimes, where are you going to send them? How about send them to work the jobs that you don't want to do and have to import people to do, maybe then you will learn a skill, a trade. Develop a work ethic amongst your people, then when you say you born here it will mean something more than it does now. Make them finish school, teach them that having babies just because you want to have sex isn't helpful to your culture, teach birth control, don't just go to church on Sunday but live what you preach everyday. Then and only then will born HERE mean something, as we are all born somewhere.
      • Cuban Worker BVI (23/01/2013, 00:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        That´s what I did. BVI. But don´t get me wrong, I had a good time in BVI, I meet wonderfull people, a strong church, faithfull christians with powerfull prayers.
    • hmmm (16/02/2012, 12:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am a BVIslander and I disagree with some your comments. The "Born Here" term is a sense of NATIONAL PRIDE, please remind me, if we as BVIslanders don't protect our limited resources please tell me which island or country will protect it for us. I went to college in American the tuition is categorize by "in state and "out of state" is this discrimination, is this labeling? Just last week I was standing in the immigration line in New York, I heard a lady telling someone from Mexico that she is an American, as he was in the wrong line. My point is, why it is other countries can have that pride, but Bvislands cannot use the term like I born here. I believe in everything we all have a choice, if you cannot deal with our culture, I suggest that you start packaging your "valise" and get out of here. For we are not going to stop showing our National Pride by saying "I BORN HERE".
      • Two more sense (16/02/2012, 13:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Great point hmmmm, you are proud of your country! But when you use the term I born here to suggest that you can do as you please and not the duties of the job you agreed to do than that is a different thing now isn't it? You should be proud of your country, it is after all natures little secret, right?
    • son of the soil (16/02/2012, 12:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      scatter shatter and batter your behind
      • jost van dyke massive (17/02/2012, 01:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        no you scatter for some of us cannot get on a flight and go anywhere..but you can!!!!
    • .... (17/02/2012, 05:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      NO VISA FOR CUBA!!!! HOWEVER us CITIZEN MAYBE INTERVIEWED UPON RETURN TO THE usa ON THEIR VISIT AND POSSIBLE IF YOU ARE A GREEN CARD HOLDER IT COULD BE CONFISCATED!!! - cuba IS BRANDED BY THE CIA AS A COMMUNIST STATE. CUBA HAS NOT OFFICIALLY OPENED UP HOWEVER CASTRO INDICATED IN A RARE INTERVIEW THAT THE SYSTEM ADOPTED FROM RUSSIA (WHERE THE STATE OWNS AND OPERATES ALL BUSINESS AND PROVIDES FOR ITS CITIZENS) IS SIMPLY NOT WORKING. THEREFORE THE ONLY WAY TO GO, ESPECIALLY WITH THE OVER 30YEARS EMBARGO IMPOSED BY THE US IS TO OPEN CUBA UP TO THE WORLD.......EUROPEANS AND UK CITIZEN ARE FREE TO GO AND COME FROM CUBA, NO RESTRICTIONS OR VISAS NEEDED, AS I HAVE BEEN ON 2 OCCASIONS!
  • Observer (16/02/2012, 11:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rat Tail or Rat Behind, let me rearrange your ignorance. Americans need visas to travel to Cuba. Their travel also has to be cleared with the treasury department and they can be fined for having spent AMERICAN money in Cuba, because of the US Economic Embargo. Please note that by the middle of November last year 2.8 million tourists had visited Cuba; and we are talking high-end tourist here: mainly Europeans and Canadians. Cuba is now the leading tourist destination for British tourists followed by the Dominican Republic. With a highly educated work force, trained and skilled individuals with a good work attitude, Cuba WILL sink the tourist industry of the REST of the Caribbean when the US Blockade is lifted. The Doc knows exactly what he is talking about.
  • police officer (16/02/2012, 17:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    all i have to say is we need Neil back at the TB if we going advance..Russell to busy with polticks has no time for the sector...only there for pay back
    • Crank Shaft (16/02/2012, 22:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Advance where on Wendy Williams Show? Schuups! The next thing on his agenda was to invite Flava Flav here to film the next season of "Flava of Love" over on Virgin Gorda..LMAO LMAO LMAO!!!!!
    • sad (16/02/2012, 22:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Neil leave the TB BROKE. Lookat February solw like molasses
  • Realist (16/02/2012, 20:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go vg in the customs an immgration office on the valley dock see how the officers there deal with the tourist it's a turn off. Government need to step in it's serious.
  • fox news (16/02/2012, 21:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cuba has nothing to do with us..once we do our marketing and get the right people at the Tourist Board we will be aright
  • Quiet Storm (16/02/2012, 23:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Pickering, I hope that you were not serious that we should pray that Cuba does not open us soon. The Cuban people have suffered too much for to long. They need some relief. Nonetheless, not if but when Cuba opens up, tourism in the wider Caribbean will decline. How much is the big question. Tourists will be flocking to Cuba, driven by the curiosity. Cuba was once the American play ground; and will be again when the travel restrictions are lifted. We know change is coming so we need to anticipate and take action to mitigate the changes. Prayer is powerful but it must be for good.
  • James walters (17/02/2012, 06:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr Pickering has his home in Cuba to go back to when he mash up our Nature's Little Secreat
  • Sandra James (17/02/2012, 07:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shame on Kedrick. Victimzation of my Virgin Islanders is not what I voted for.
  • Kermit (25/02/2012, 09:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get a grip people. Those that don't plan for change will suffer. Cuba opening is a reality. Tortola needing to improve its level of service, clean it's waters from sewage, clean it's air from the emissions from pockwood burning, and free itself from a growing "entitlement" out look that's seeping into our society is a reality. Deal with it. This island needs help on many levels. Many good minded people here willing to improve quality, improve service and put attention to good detail first and foremost. Others with the all is good just as we are approach typically have no desire to put the effort into improving themselves or their station in the economy. (Or, they want to see the rest of us dragged down to their level because they don't want to work any smarter).


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