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VIslanders will still look to government for assistance – Resident

- says $15 head tax will go a long way in support
One resident has argued that despite cries by certain sections of the population against government’s planned pursuit of a $15 guaranteed head tax from Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers, Virgin Islanders will still turn to government in times of need. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool stated that government is pursuing agreements with NCL and DCL that come with a guarantee of a passenger load of over 425,000 persons at a $15 head tax. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool stated that government is pursuing agreements with NCL and DCL that come with a guarantee of a passenger load of over 425,000 persons at a $15 head tax. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – One resident has argued that despite cries by certain sections of the population against government’s planned pursuit of a $15 guaranteed head tax from Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers, Virgin Islanders will still turn to government in times of need.

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool stated that government is pursuing agreements with NCL and DCL that come with a guarantee of a passenger load of over 425,000 persons at a $15 head tax.

“This is the expectation that we have. We are expecting that those ships will provide in excess of 425,000 passengers along with other companies that we will be negotiating with to ensure that we can get that very quickly to the 550,000 passenger level,” Hon Vanterpool told taxi operators on October 17, 2013.

Hon. Vanterpool had said government would not be distracted by anything and added that government had decided that it is in the interest of the territory to negotiate long term agreements so the territory can be guaranteed a certain number of passengers over the next 15 years or so.

The resident, a caller on the 3D Show aired on October 25, 2013, stated that the present government is currently in the process of making a deal in the best interest of the country and in all fairness and consideration of a ‘good, reasonable figure’ for the expected head tax, he felt it was something important.

He said his reason for supporting the government on the issue is that taxes are used to get whatever the country needs to get done.

“In all this up and down and all this talk no one seems to be considering seriously that aspect of it,” he stated. The resident argued that persons were more interested in the issue on a personal front and said it was more an issue of ‘what I can pick up for myself’.

“Government after government, at the end of the day, when we pick up what we can pick up and we throw it in our pocket and it fails us, we still turn to that government and ask that government to help us,” he added.

The resident added that whether it is a son or daughter in school, sick or dead family member, “it doesn’t matter, at the end of the day, we still look to the government and ask the government ‘Can you assist me? I need assistance.’”

He questioned how it is that this or any government is supposed to assist citizens if they were not in turn trying to help the government.

According to the caller, the head tax can be put aside for things such as infrastructure and education. “Can you imagine the kind of money that is?” he asked. “That is so important, that can go such a long way,” he added.

“I think when we are considering what we are considering, in relation to the whole cruise ship industry, it’s not just to sit back and look at Carnival and when they come everybody makes money… that is fine, I have the most respect for that but at the same time we need to seriously consider other elements surrounding the whole thing,” he continued.

8 Responses to “VIslanders will still look to government for assistance – Resident”

  • .... (28/10/2013, 16:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS IS WHAT is killing our country everyday.
  • chad (28/10/2013, 16:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    TRUTH!!!!
  • BULL SQUAT (28/10/2013, 19:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    U TALKING BOLONY! THE GOVERNMENT IS FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE. NOT FOR NORWWEGIAN BY THE PEOPLE. WE NEED HELP RIGHT NOW AND THIS GOVERNMENT HAS STALLED THE ECONOMY JUST TO BUILD TWO PROJECTS IN THE WORST ECONOMIC TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THESE VIRGIN ISLANDS. THEY SAYING THEY ARE BUILDING RESERVES BUT WHEN YOU LOOK CLOSER THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR OWN POCKETS, HARDLY ANY RESERVES, AND MORE DEBT FOR WE THE PEOPLE. OUT WITH THE NDP!!!
    • Economics (28/10/2013, 22:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You have no clue what you saying. Government makes money from taxes/ fees. Who pays them? WORKING PEOPLE. Who hire people? PRIVATE BUSINESS. Who owns most private business? FOREIGN ENTITIES. They in turn make way for other locals to start their small businesses to complement them. The problem is that foreign are cutting back and people here are lazy and want Government do everything. More layoffs = less Government revenues = Government spending less. Stop chat shit. If Norwegian or whoever else doesn't partner to increase and make Government revenues consistent then the country cannot be developed. Tell me where GOvernment should get money from then since you know it all. Learn how money flows then you will understand.
  • more (28/10/2013, 19:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    more blah blah blah blah
  • . (28/10/2013, 20:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This means that those 3 ships will have to come here evryday of the year in order to bring 450,000 people per year?
  • scampish look (28/10/2013, 20:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some how i dont trust this guy.
  • not for sale (28/10/2013, 21:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I ask you voters yes we are hurting but do not be fooled by money, do not be bought out


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