BVI Slow In Readiness For Big Ships—Vanterpool Admits

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Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - The BVI has been slow in preparing to accommodate the larger cruise ships following the storms, according Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Minister for Communications and Works said.

However, he said Disney will be making calls to the BVI shores in July and Norwegian in October.

"Madam Speaker, compared to other destinations damaged by Hurricane Irma and Maria, the territory has been slow to the sufficiently prepare to receive the larger cruise ships such as Disney and Norwegian Cruise Lines," the Minister said in a statement in the House of Assembly today, April 26.

He said that this message was clearly conveyed to him in meetings held with FCCA Operations Committee last week in Miami, Florida.

"Madam Speaker, it is encouraging to report, that despite the fact that the BVI is delayed with its restoration efforts, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association FCCA, who I met with last week in Miami, has expressed their commitment to our destination and their readiness to return."

He added, "We are now forecasting the return of Disney Cruise Lines in July and Norwegian Cruise Lines in October."

Status Of Readiness

He said that over the past week, he has been expediting efforts, along with his team from the Ministry of Communications and Works, visiting sites and meeting with stakeholders.

They met with taxi operators, restauranteurs and other businesses operating in theareas most frequented by tourists.

To this end, the Minister said that an increasing number of hotels, private villas and restaurants are becoming operational; 70% of historical sites are open; an average of 57% of retail businesses in Tortola and Virgin Gorda are nowfully operational; 81% of vehicles are available for land tours; 65% for sea tours; and 77% of carrental agencies are open.

"Most of the beaches including Cane Garden Bay are open to receive cruise passengers. We will continue over the next four weeks to improve the amenities and vending on the land and sea destinations," he said.

Also, the Tortola Pier Park formally re-opens on May 25th, when 80% of its businesses will be operational.

"On the tourist route,places priority on clearing of cables, bushes, tree limbs and the like from the roads, resurfacing of roads, cleaning of beaches, ensuring swim areas are clear of obstruction," Minister Vanterpool assured.

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