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VI must accommodate tourists even on holidays - Taxi driver

Cruise arrivals are reportedly down this year. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It is a tradition that the majority of business places don’t open their doors on Sundays and public holidays especially in Road Town, however, one taxi driver has suggested that certain businesses should open their doors on these days whenever cruise ships are visiting.

The taxi driver’s suggestion also received a loud applause of support from his colleagues at the Taxi and Livery Operators’ meeting at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on March 20, 2012.

Addressing the Minister of Communications and Works, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, who had told the operators he had attended the Annual Sea Trade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami last week and also a private meeting in February with the Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association in an effort to boost cruise tourism in the Virgin Islands, the taxi driver said that if more cruise ships are being encouraged to come to the VI then they must also be accommodated whichever day they come.

“You said that you went all about Miami to see that you bring cruise ships here. I was working down the road there last weekend holiday and ships were in here Sunday, Monday every place close down. So what is it about bringing ships here and not accommodating them. When ships come on Sundays or holidays, or whenever they come, accommodate them,” the taxi driver said.

Minister Vanterpool only said he would take up the advice for discussion.

Projected decline for cruise arrivals

Earlier, the Minister reported that the 2012-2013 tourist season shows that cruise arrivals to the Territory will be down for this year. “Projections indicate that a major reason for this downturn is that we must extend our cruise ship dock to facilitate the luxury liners that prefer to call on destinations such as ours. We are currently in discussions with all major cruise lines and hope that we will be able to improve our numbers for the 2014 season and beyond, once we are able to complete the much needed expansion.”

It was also disclosed that Government is in discussions with three groups entertaining proposals for the development of the Cruise Pier and Land side and that one of these proposals will be moved forward shortly with a view to have the pier lengthened and widened by December 2012. Further development of the Land side will be pursued over the next three years.

11 Responses to “VI must accommodate tourists even on holidays - Taxi driver ”

  • same old story (22/03/2012, 10:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    bring back Mr. melee he had the ting rolling....but politricks derail he
  • ausar (22/03/2012, 11:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not to worry. Jesus will give those businesses all the monies they need on those off-days. They're in great hands with Jesus!
    • ready or not here i come (22/03/2012, 14:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Amen Amen Ame preach on preach on
      • cross fire (23/03/2012, 06:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        the man made a good point stores got to be open so the visitors can find something to buy...as for the Jesus talk..I leaving that to the pastors
  • truth (22/03/2012, 13:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How can businesses open on public holidays when the labour code states that the employee must be paid 2.5 times there normal rate of pay. That has a lot to do with shops closing.
  • LABOUR (22/03/2012, 13:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we broke we need to advertise and that's a fact
  • yea (22/03/2012, 14:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    cruise ship people do not spend money in business store, they act so cheap and just want ac and them walk out. i only open for Costa ship even they come on weekend. they the only people the buy from business. that rest ship is a waste of time for business.
    • Online Now Now (22/03/2012, 14:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What do you sell though? The problem is, most of the shops here sell things that can be bought at half the price in the country of origin of most of the tourists. Even the BVI branded items can be bought with another islands name on them at the next port of call - probably at a lower price. To compete, BVI retailers have to start selling unique products at reasonable prices.
  • small head (22/03/2012, 17:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not sure I understadn the taxi driver's point!!!!!
  • new question (23/03/2012, 06:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When do we get the accountability for Myron's chairmanship of the TB? I want to hear what he did for all that money Uncle Ralph give the board!!!!!


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