Ubersoca Cruise made its inaugural visit to the Virgin Islands on November 18, 2025. Photo: USC

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has called the decision to shut down Tortola early on November 18, 2025, to accommodate the arrival of the Ubersoca Cruise a sound one. Photo: Facebook

The UberSoca Cruise Jouvert saw thousands of revellers in the streets of Road Town on November 18, 2025. Photo: GIS

Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI) and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, gives out a goody bag during the UberSoca Cruise J’ouvert in Road Town on November 18, 2025. Photo: GIS

The Premier was asked during a press conference on November 21, 2025, by a reporter, “What was the economic cost estimate of closing down banks, government offices and other businesses for half of the day? “

Premier Wheatley stated that the decision to shut down early on the day of the cruise’s arrival was made by Governor Daniel Pruce just days before. 

“Let me say that I thought that was a good decision. Of course, persons would have recognised how disruptive it would have been to the traffic just with thousands of people in the streets of Road Town. So I think in contemplating the disruption to the public and to the businesses, it was a sound decision to close down early.”

He said parents were able to pick up their children without being worried about doing so during the time of the event. 

“The streets were free and clear for the activities to take place,” he added. 

VI is a tourism destination, expect disruptions

UberSoca Cruise’s inaugural visit to Tortola saw thousands disembark and take part in activities planned by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, including a J’ouvert Punk Rock edition through the streets of Road Town. 

Premier Wheatley also stated that the Virgin Islands (VI) is a tourism destination. 

“We expect through tourism and through other kinds of cultural events [that] sometimes you may have slight disruptions to the business community, and I think persons understand that, being that we are a tourism destination.”

Asked whether that cost will be taken into consideration during the post-event analysis, Premier Wheatley replied, “I don’t think we’re going to ask persons what the impact was on their businesses but of course journalists are free to conduct that type of analysis if they so wish.”

See link to related story 

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/half-day-for-public-officers-on-nov-18-due-to-uber-cruise-bvi-event