Shutting down early for UberSoca Cruise was a ‘sound decision’- Premier Wheatley
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.”
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16 Responses to “Shutting down early for UberSoca Cruise was a ‘sound decision’- Premier Wheatley ”
I beg to differ. The event had little to do with culture but everything to do with chasing the cruise ship dollar. It would be better for the islands long-term economy and wellbeing if we reverted back to being a niche visitor destination.
BVI people need to decide what the f%&k they want. If they did not shut down the Territory to accommodate the cruise then you would hear how much stress everyone had with traffic etc. The half-day allowed people that did not want to be involved with the noise, celebration etc. to get their a$$3$ home with their kids etc. What is the big deal? We close down 3 days every year for festival, what is a half-day? If we don't want the Soca Cruise to come here let's just tell them don't come back! We cannot have it both ways.
I think the decision was okay to host it but you could have used different routes to allow the country to continue working. There was not need to shut the offices at all. The time was after lunch and work can continue.
There is a clear lack of thought of everything the the government tried to do here.
On a serious note, hope that move was worth it!
OK NOW.