CHIEF MINISTER MEETS WITH TAXI DRIVERS TO DISCUSS CRUISE POLICY

Hundreds of taxi drivers and other interested persons turned up at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall Monday evening for a meeting called by Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith to discuss the interim cruise tourism policy with taxi drivers.

In his opening statement, the Chief Minister said his government was fulfilling a promise made when he announced the interim cruise tourism policy in the Legislative council earlier this month to involve everyone in the decision making process.

He noted that while a Chief Minister commissioned a review of the cruise tourism sector by the Tourist Board has been submitted, he has not yet had the opportunity to review it. However, he said he noted the comments of taxi drivers and others about the policy and thought it advisable to call this meeting.

Chief Minister Smith acknowledged the importance of the tourism industry, which he noted continues to create jobs for families, generate revenue from taxes and help pay for schools and offer many opportunities for our people.

He stated from the outset that his government believes cruise ships have been a good thing for the BVI and will continue so to be long into the future.

The BVI leader recalled that a cruise tourism policy limiting the number of arrivals to 2,000 passengers per day has been in effect since 1994 though not enforced. He supported this policy, saying the BVI does not have the carrying capacity to manage four and five ships in Road Harbour.

He pointed to the lack of accommodation, utilities and developed attractions for visitors to experience a fulfilling stay in the islands. He said that’s why his government has embarked on a programme to manage the sector to ensure it remains strong for years to come.

“The first step is to develop a policy to ensure cruise ships can continue to come here and provide support for all who work in the industry and ensure a good experience for visitors,” Chief Minister Smith stated. “This policy is still being considered and hopefully will be introduced in the near future.”

It is while this policy is being considered that Executive council advised government to introduce a short term policy limiting the number of large cruise ships in Road Harbour to three on any given day.

This has created furor among the taxi drivers, who argue that this policy will drive away cruise ships from stopping in the BVI, furthermore hurting the taxi business in the territory.

A slew of questions came from the newly established BVI United Taxi Federation through its president Mr. Arnold Smith. He firstly introduced the new Board to include Vice President Romeo Cameron and members Clarence Fahie, Raul Cupid, Mario Smith, Milton McLean, Alfredo Smith, Alphonso Barry, Roy Frett, Clinton Romney and Fernando Cameron.

Their concerns ranged from the possibility of the BVI being blacklisted by cruise lines as a result of this policy; suggestions that the beaches be equipped with proper restroom and relaxation facilities; developing and promoting historical sites; questions about the timing of the introduction of the policy in the middle of the tourist season; the absence of a taxi driver on the tourist board and there was a request for taxi drivers to be consulted in the future when looking at issues that affect them.

The Chief Minister responded to each concern and assured the taxi drivers that his government is working on many of the suggestions made.

Several taxi drivers stood up to raise their other concerns, which the Chief Minister, along with the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton and Minister of communications and Works Hon. Paul P. Wattley fielded.

The meeting last just about two and a half hours and was held at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall in Road Town, Tortola.