Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Parks turns 10
The celebrations began with a parade highlighting drumming, cheerleading, and Moko Jumbies. There was also a commemorative video presentation, a steel pan performance by Cedar International School, and musical interludes during the celebrations.
Present at the ceremony were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Dr Karl Dawson (R1), and former General Manager of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline.
Several residents and visitors also stayed to be part of the celebrations.
Awards
Several entities and individuals were recognised during the ceremony.
The Tenant Partnership and Commitment Award (2016–2026) was presented to Ikonnect, Coconut Lounge, Crocs (Virgin Feet), House of Luxury, Tortola Pier Park Gift Shop, Locally Yours, Land, Macs Live Well Café; Beans, Aromas Cigar Lounge & Bar, Imperial Shell Crafters, CCT BVI, Diamonds International, FCIB, The Coral Studio, That’s the Spirit, Taino Boutique, Passions by UMI, Little Switzerland, Medicure Pharmacy, Myett’s, Myett’s Chill Zone, Klass Electronics, Effy, Swirlzzz, Aaron Rental, Avis Rental, Body Glam, Le Boutique, Tortola Vision Center, and Blanc Du Nil.
Long Service Staff Recognition (10 years) was awarded to Shonia Matthew, Allice Marques-Lewis, Winnette Lawrence, and Floyd Campbell.
Strategic Partner Recognition awards were presented to the BVI Tourist Board, Romasco Group, Island Shipping Ltd, and Elroy Pleasure Tours.
Change Maker Sponsor Awards went to the Government of the Virgin Islands, Caribbean Cellars, 284 Media/CCT BVI, Rotary Club of Central Tortola, NAGICO Insurances, House of Luxury, and BVI Tourist Board.
TPPL Excellence Awards were presented as follows:
- VI Authentic Excellence Award – Imperial Shell Crafters
- Marketing Excellence Award – Aromas
- Outstanding Community Contribution Award – House of Luxury
- Compliance Excellence Award – Taino Boutique
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Infinity Jewellery
Designed to strategically enhance tourism
The Pier Park was completed on February 16, 2016, and represented a bold and transformative investment in the future of the Virgin Islands (VI), Chief Executive Officer of the Tortola Pier Park Limited, Mr Vance M. Lewis said.
“It was conceived as a strategic enhancement to our tourism infrastructure; a modern cruise facility integrated with retail, dining, and public spaces designed to elevate the arrival experience while creating opportunities for local enterprise.”
The celebration of the tenth anniversary is not merely to celebrate a date, Mr Lewis said, but rather to celebrate its impact.
“The Cyril B. Romney Pier Park has welcomed millions of visitors to our shores, it has strengthened our cruise tourism product, it has supported businesses both local and international, this created employment, and it has contributed meaningfully to the economic ecosystem of our territory.”
Mr Lewis added that looking ahead, the next decade of the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park must be guided by innovation, sustainability, enhanced visitor experience, and strengthened economic linkages across the VI.
“The foundation has been laid, the responsibility is now to build forward strategically and collaboratively.”
Cruise tourism accounted for the largest share of arrivals to the Virgin Islands in 2025, with cruise passenger numbers reaching 875,127, reflecting a 13.9 per cent increase over the previous year.
_04.gif)
_03.gif)
2_01.jpg)
Follow Us On
2 Responses to “Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Parks turns 10”