HONOURABLE MARK VANTERPOOL
 MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS
TORTOLA PIER PARK RENAMING PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
FEBRUARY 13, 2019

I am pleased and have the privilege to be in the right place at the right time to honour a gentleman who has contributed greatly to his country, the British Virgin Islands.

Mr. Cyril B. Romney has served this country in many capacities, from teaching to being principal to being Administrative Secretary (what we now call Permanent Secretary).

On 1^st January 1969, Mr. Romney was the first local appointee to the position of Financial Secretary of the Virgin Islands, where he served for 4 and a half years before his retirement.

He further served this country in his political career in 1979 through 1995.

He served as Chief Minister and was instrumental in introducing the Financial Services business to the Territory of the Virgin Islands, a piece of legislation which has been the bedrock of our economy ever since.

He was one of the most astute and successful businessmen in the Territory, being a role model for many, including yours truly.

One of his business ventures as a visionary led him to opening a travel agency in 1969 and a taxi rental service in 1979, with buses and other transportation.

It was around this time that Mr. Romney began to explore cruise tourism in the Virgin Islands.

He travelled far and wide to promote the BVI as a worthy cruise destination and eventually convinced the Government, following studies piloted by him while he was Chief Minister, to build a cruise pier, hence ushering in cruise tourism in the BVI.

Friday coming, February 15 will be a red letter day in the BVI, as this stalwart and giant of a man will be honoured in the renaming of the cruise pier and pier park of the Virgin Islands.

I am pleased to be a part of the Honourable Dr. D Orlando Smith Government to bestow this honour alongside the BVI Ports Authority.

I am honoured to be in the presence of the family of the late Cyril B Romney and look forward to his name being long remembered as a pioneer in many areas, but especially today in cruise tourism.

Thank You.