VIslanders to ‘benefit tremendously’ from cruise deals – Hon. Vanterpool claims
Concerns had been raised previously by sections of the public about the potential economic benefits being offered to locals and businesses by the passengers being provided by the two cruise lines.
Some observers bemoaned the apparent loss of several ships under the Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) banner in favour of the much touted NCL and DCL lines that have now promised, with the signing of these agreements, to deliver in excess of $6M in head tax to the Territory per year.
However, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool dispelled fears somewhat in explaining during the signing ceremony that the demographics of passengers being provided by the two cruise companies “fall very much in line with what we want to do here in the Virgin Islands”.
Describing both as being a “family type oriented cruising group”, Hon. Vanterpool said NCL and DCL have given clear indications to government that they will work closely to ensure that Virgin Islanders that take part in cruise tourism “will benefit tremendously” from what they do by giving as much as possible, direct access to their cruise passengers and their cruise companies.
“As the numbers will grow, we want to ensure that our people will grow with the numbers that will be provided to the Territory,” Hon. Vanterpool declared.
Hon. Vanterpool further indicated that, based on the provisional schedules seen for the two cruise lines, no problems have been foreseen in meeting the required quota of 425,000 passengers per year to the destination and suggested that the two cruise companies will most likely surpass this figure.
When asked what drove the two cruise lines to the destination, NCL’s Vice President, Destination and Strategic Development Mr. Colin Murphy responded that his group was seeking access to a high quality experience.
“We’re really looking for a small number of ports which offer a very high quality experience that we can get guaranteed access to and we’re willing to put a flag in the ground so the British Virgin Islands fits very well for us in that strategy,” Mr Murphy said.
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11 Responses to “VIslanders to ‘benefit tremendously’ from cruise deals – Hon. Vanterpool claims”
So bringing revenue into the COUNTRY doesn't benefit the people FROM THE COUNTRY? Let me do the math for you. Less Government revenue, less Government workers, less Government contracts, place goes to s..t! More Govenment revenue, the opposite. Tell me which one Virgin Islanders benefit from. There, got it? IF only our elected officials had the balls to tell you guys like it is instead of sugar coating and bullsh..ting all the time. Anything that benefits the Country benefits the people of the country. Stop talking nonsense about hwo VIslanders benefit. Our Country benefits = We benefit!
Mark, you don't seem to understand these people. They don't care if Virgin Islanders benefit from anything, as long as it's not them and their family/friends, then it's not fair. Don't you understand? No matter who benefits from any development they will always be upset because 'they' didn't get 'their' share. What are they doing to make it happen? Nothing, but it must just happen. We have created a set of selfish leeches in this country and it will be decades before we can turn it around mark my word on that s..t!
What quality? Island isn't big enough. Wait for the crowds at CGB and the baths and the like. you will see the passengers complaining. bey there is a clause that they can pull out if "quality" isn't met.