Government Starts New Dialogue With
Virgin Gorda Community

Issues relating to health services, the Non Belonger Landholding License and the economic development of the territory were high on the agenda, as business leaders from the island of Virgin Gorda met with a high-level government delegation on Friday March 17th.

The meeting, held at Fischer's Cove Beach Hotel, was called by Chief Minister and Minister of Finance the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, who is also District Representative for Virgin Gorda. A team of senior government officials accompanied him. They included Financial Secretary Allen Wheatley, Director of Planning Emerson O'Neal and Private Secretary David Penn. It was a continuation of a series of business meetings the Chief Minister has been hosting with varying segments of the private sector, to discuss areas of mutual concern. He has so far met with representatives of the banking community, real estate agents, hoteliers and Trust Company officials. Hon. O'Neal said there was a good turn-out from a large section of the Virgin Gorda business community - large hotels, small inns and villas, the construction industry, gift shops, garages, taxi and car rental companies, bakeries, supermarkets, the yacht harbour, restaurants and other private businesses. "We were able to discuss many issues of concern to the Virgin Gorda business community and I took the opportunity to remind everyone of my government's commitment to the continued economic development and prosperity, not only of Virgin Gorda, but of the British Virgin Islands," he reported. The Chief Minister stressed that government welcomes foreign investors to the BVI and want to see them make a profit. But he also stressed that the government expects that these investors would support local business people, rather than sending all of their money out of the territory. "And this is not for Virgin Gorda alone but also for the whole of the British Virgin Islands," he stated.

The territory's leader said he stressed the importance of full participation in the economic development of local people. Among the matters raised were the need for a second Medical Doctor on Virgin Gorda, the need to expedite the issue of the Non Belonger Landholding Licenses and the concerns of a tax penalty levied on hotels and businesses for late payment of fees. The law stipulates that the returns must be submitted by the 15th of the month, but very often, letters would be posted a day or two before, which means it would not reach government until a day or two after the deadline and the hotels would be penalized.

"It appears to me that discretion should be the better part of valour there," Hon. O'Neal said, but he added that the Ministry would look into this matter. Further meetings are expected to be held in Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and the outer areas of Tortola, such as East End/Long Look and West End/Carrot Bay. "Our idea is, to as it were, rap with the people and get from them suggestions as to what we should do and for them to tell us what they think we are not doing but should do," the Chief Minister disclosed.