Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has applauded the public and private services sectors for their stellar performance following two major concert performances in the Territory.

The Premier Fahie was speaking to the events of Saturday, June 15 where several international music performers visited the Territory for two concert performances; one being Reggae legend Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom world tour and the other Soca Wee.

Premier Fahie said, “From preliminary reports, the Territory was host to well over 8,000 visitors and these two events were relatively incident-free. From all indications, visitors were able to enter the Territory with ease, they enjoyed a high standard of hospitability, they were kept safe and they left our shores satisfied.”

The Premier explained that the performance by the service sectors will go a long way in branding the British Virgin Islands as a preferred location for international concerts in the region having demonstrated the capacity to host such events.

“This success story is only possible because all of the partners in the BVI’s tourism industry and supporting agencies performed their respective roles with excellence in mind,” he said.    

Premier Fahie also paid tribute to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services and the Office of Disaster Management for ensuring the safety of all visitors and participants at the concerts.

He added, “Airlines, ferry operators and their staff, and taxi drivers worked extremely hard to ensure that persons were able to obtain transportation to and from the events. Customs and Immigration Officers, I am advised, performed their duties very effectively while ensuring a pleasant experience for arriving guests.”

The Premier acknowledged hoteliers, their staff and bed and breakfast operators for providing high-quality service to guests and ensuring their comfort during their stay. He also recognised restauranteurs, bar operators and food vendors for their contributions to making memorable BVI experiences for the visitors.

The Territory’s leader further expressed his excitement stating that the Territory can now pursue the entertainment tourism market with confidence, adding, “I am proud of how our people handled themselves, and I look forward to our next great achievement in the hospitality and entertainment industry. These concerts put the BVI on show to the world and tested our abilities and our capabilities. It goes without saying that we have met and surpassed expectations.”

Attached:  Crowd shot of the Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom world tour. (Photo credit: Provided)