NEW APPOINTMENTS MADE TO THE BVI TOURIST BOARD

Executive Council recently approved some new appointments to the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.

Mr. Stanley Gordon will again serve as Chairman for a four-year period from 18th August 2002 to 18th August 2006, while Mrs. Jennie Wheatley, Mr. Terrance Ford, Mrs. Bellanseta Creque and Mr. Allan Rhymer were re-appointed members for four years.

Additionally, the following individuals have been appointed as new members of the BVI Tourist Board for a period of four years, from October 1st 2002 until September 30th 2006: Miss Carol Vanterpool, Mrs. Icis Malone, Mr. Maxwell Smith, the Financial Secretary and the Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association.Members no longer serving are Mr. Barney Crook, Ms. Persia Stoutt, Mr. Rudy George and Mr. Romeo Cameron.

Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, in making the announcement during his press conference on Monday, said Miss Carol Vanterpool is an experienced photographer and will bring significant skills in her field. “She will be an asset as we try to develop strategies in the marketing of our tourism products.”

He said Mr. Maxwell Smith is involved with the taxi industry and is a businessman who will be able to use his experience as a taxi driver to give useful ideas on how we can better develop the services offered to tourists.
Hon. O’Neal said Mrs. Icis Malone, Operations Manager at Scotia Bank and proprietor of villas at Brewers Bay, would bring very valuable input to the Board.

The Chief Minister said the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association or his/her designee has been recommended as a member of the Board as such an individual is closely involved with most property owners in the tourist industry and will be able to discuss useful information on issues of mutual interest to property owners in relation to the development of tourism.

He said the post of Financial Secretary will continue to be an essential part of the Tourist Board given the large sums of money that must be administered annually to promote these islands. “The Board will also have the expertise of the Financial Secretary as a source of consultation on all financial matters. In addition, as tourism plays such a major role in the economy it is necessary for the Financial Secretary, as the Government’s financial advisor, to be well acquainted with the tourist industry,” Mr. O’Neal stated.