The Territory is continuing cleanup efforts in preparation for the return of the Norwegian and Disney Cruise lines.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Tortola Pier Park Limited, Mr. Vance Lewis said following discussions at the recent Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) Seatrade conference in Fort Lauderdale Florida, Disney Cruise Lines has confirmed with Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool that the cruise line has tentatively agreed to recommence regular calls to the Territory in July pending the readiness review to take place at the end of April 2018.

Mr. Lewis confirmed that a Cruise Stakeholders Committee has been formed to ensure that the final stages of the cleanup of tourist attractions and the main arteries of the Territory’s roads are suitable for residents and visitors. He said the committee is working towards completing the cleanup by April in preparation for other remedial works.

Mr. Lewis added that readiness includes temporary overlaying of tour route roads; reconstruction of vendor stalls and bathrooms in Cane Garden Bay, Long Bay (Beef Island) and Brewer’s Bay; underwater cleanup of beaches as a result of the recent storms; removal of remaining hanging wires and fallen utility poles; removal of remaining derelict vehicles; reconstruction and cleanup of certain museums and the reconstruction of buildings at Tortola Pier Park.

The CEO added that the Cruise Stakeholders group consists of the Public Works Department, the Department of Conservation and Fisheries, the Department of Waste Management, the Office of the City Manager, Tortola Pier Park, the BVI Tourist Board, the BVI Ports Authority, the Taxi and Livery Commission, the BVI Taxi Association and local cruise agents.

While works continue, Mr. Lewis is reminding the public of the Litter Abatement Act which states that it is illegal to dump bulky items including beds, refrigerators, and other furniture and construction materials in or near residential dumpsters.

Mr. Lewis said, “Not only is it illegal but it is also significantly slowing our progress as we need to continuously return to the same areas to clear unsightly bulky trash. This also increases the cleanup cost significantly. We ask the community to do their part and refrain from dumping trash illegally around the island.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands will continue to rebuild the Territory stronger, smarter, greener and better.