‘We are now being blocked from making money’- Taxi driver
Popular commentator Julio "Sam" Henry is one in agreement, describing the decision of Premier Smith as "a good move from a leader and safety stand point."
According to Mr Henry, his understanding is that the decision was made cognisant of the state of at least two majors roads frequently used to access tour sites and some of the main beaches, the Joe's Hill, Huntums Ghut and Fort Hill roads.
"I think it was a wise move in the name of safety for the cruise passengers because some of those guys will still try to go up those hill/road knowing very well the risks because those roads are still in very bad shape," said Mr Henry.
‘We were prepared’
But there are those who beg to differ. "We suffer major loses in our homes, offices and business places. We know that the two ships are to come so we prepared ourselves to be ready because we need the money now to start getting back on our feet to call of the ships is selfish in my view. That's all I will say," commented one taxi bus operator.
Another said there are mechanisms that could have been simply put in place to prevent tour and operators from using certain routes.
"The beaches aren't the problem, using certain access roads is the problem and there are some simple orders that could be put in place so we don't use those routes with the tourists. The recovery process involves us being able to make money and we are now being blocked from making money. That is weird in my view."
Careful consideration & consultation
Premier Smith in a statement late Friday, August 11, 2017 said the Government of the Virgin Islands after careful consideration and consultation with the Recovery Advisory Group and industry stakeholders determined that two cruise ship calls scheduled for August 15 and 16 would not take place.
“While the Territory is open for business following the rains on Monday, cleanup and recovery efforts continue to address damage to critical infrastructure in the short-term while continuing the long-term strategy of upgrading key infrastructure throughout the Territory. After considering the volume of visitors expected from the calls, we agreed that our infrastructure, key attractions and beaches needed additional time for full restoration.”
“We look forward to welcoming the ships back to our shores on their next calls scheduled for August 29 and 30,” Premier Smith added.
Premier Smith has already been put on blast for refusing disaster relief from the United Kingdom vessel, RFA Mounts Bay, which is currently in the region.
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45 Responses to “‘We are now being blocked from making money’- Taxi driver”
And we still have the rest of Sunday and Monday to keep clearing the roads, which are being done very well so far.
You know the Premier had to be dragged kicking and screaming to that teleprompter.
There will always be evil.