As part of its aggressive North American promotional campaign, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) has “sailed” into the South Florida area for a quartet of tradeshows and events.  Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus said, “Having high visibility in the marketplace confirms that we are ready to welcome both our loyal repeat guests, as well as new ones.” 

Nearly six months after mighty Hurricane Irma tore through the British Virgin Islands, the idyllic destination has made significant progress in restoring its celebrated tourism product. And of course, the best way for travelers to boost recovery efforts is to simply book a trip.

I wanted to take the time to clear up the misrepresentation of events in support of our clean-up and recovery efforts. Financial Services and tourism are the twin pillars of the Virgin Islands’ economy. Our financial services sector accounts for 70 cents of every dollar of our GDP. It is how Government makes an income to pay civil servants, our law enforcement officers and our teachers. It is how Government can support the provision of services such as electricity, garbage collection, roadworks, health services and importantly, education. 

Visiting cruise passenger have expressed that the experience in the BVI was a positive one. This was the sentiment from those first to visit the Territory since the passage of Hurricane Irma.

This morning, December 6, government officials including the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool welcomed Marella Discovery’s return to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Madam Speaker thanks for the opportunity to make this statement on Tourism.

The staff and students of the Primary Division of the Bregado Flax Education Centre in Virgin Gorda had a special start of their academic year today with the donation of a 4000 square feet semi-permanent structure that will be used as their temporary school.

This morning I was hit with some sad news when I learnt of the passing of Business Entrepreneur Mr. Aubrey Levons, owner of Big Bamboo Restaurant on Anegada.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE left the Territory on Friday, October 27 to attend a Caribbean Overseas Territories meeting and tourism industry meetings in Miami and New York. The Premier will also travel to London, UK for attendance at official meetings.

Good afternoon:

I am pleased to provide this update on the current status of our Territory, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma almost nine weeks ago.