Territory is Strong and the Economy is Growing, C.M. says

Mellica McPherson

 “Our economy is growing, our people are leading the way to progress and the state of the Territory is strong”, Chief Minister of the BVI, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith told the big crowd of BVI people who turned up to hear his annual State of the Territory address. 

This year's state of the territory address came with much anticipation as every BVI resident was anxious to learn the accomplishments made by the present administration since they took office. The BVI community was also curious to find out how many of the proposed projects on Government’s agenda have been completed. BVI residents were not disappointed because the Chief Minister gave updates on progress being made in the Tourism Industry, the Financial Sector, the Education and Health arenas. 

According to the Chief Minister over this past year, the BVI has experienced a surge in visitors to our shores, including an impressive 10 percent increase in the number of valuable overnight visitors, with an average occupancy rates in our hotels well above 65 percent. "We are on the verge of closing a number of development projects including a five star resort, as well as a golf course", he said.

Dr. Smith pointed out that over the past year the Tourism Industry Service Standard program was initiated to ensure that the service provided to visitors matches the beauty of the BVI. He also disclosed that there have been expansions on the efforts to market the BVI Tourism product throughout the world.

Dr. Smith also spoke of the Prospect Reef Resort which has been purchased by Government. The Chief Minister reiterated his belief that the resort will be transformed in a training center, will provide young people the opportunity to learn the craft of hotel management and hospitality in a real world environment,  and will be a success.

Hon. Smith cited  some difficulties that his administration has faced since they took office. Difficulties such as the changing of international laws that have threatened the BVI’s Financial Services Industry; the increase of competition to our Tourism sector from destinations around the world, and the challenge of putting the Territory’s fiscal house in order by introducing policies and programs to deliver  improvement for the people of the Territory and to grow the economy and to secure our future.

The BVI Leader reported that “the progress the BVI is making can be seen on the ground ----from the new road system in Virgin Gorda to the completion of the hospital expansion project in Tortola, the critical new dock on Anegada, to the youth development program in Jost Van Dyke. He also highlighted the important Bills that have been passed in the Legislative Council, such as the BVI Business Companies Act , The Education Act, the new Immigration Policy, and the completion of the Constitutional Review. Other achievements can be seen in Road Town where new buildings are being built and new businesses are being opened.

AIMING AT TRUE SUCCESS

However, Dr. Smith said that at the end of the day that is not what progress is really all about. He said that Government does not and will not measure its success based on the number of buildings that are constructed, or the number of bills passed, or the amount of dollars invested, “For us there is only one true measure of success, and that is the well being and happiness of the people of the BVI”.

The Chief Minister said that Government will not be able to deem itself successful until the people of the Territory feel that their lives are improving, and the conditions for individuals to thrive and realize their own potential are achieved. The BVI Leader said that there are still many challenges to be overcome, and many problems to be solved. Dr. Smith understands that too often people are not hearing what Government is doing, and the Government must do a better job at communicating its activities to the public.  In fact the Government is in the process of restructuring its entire communications service to ensure that when work is being done the people are informed about it.

Projects such as the improving and expanding of educational facilities have been undertaken over the past year. He announced that the national curriculum project is moving forward, and that Government has been providing new training opportunities for teachers.

“In the area of Water and Sewerage we are making progress, as well. The East End sewerage project is continuing . 10.3 million dollars have been approved for treatment plants in Road Town and the East End/ Long Look sites have been chosen. Construction of the collection system is well underway. The Road Town phase of the project will be commencing shortly”, Hon. Smith announced.

The critical issue of telecommunications was also addressed. Chief Minister Smith told BVI people that Government is moving forward with its liberalization program. In fact, Government has appointed an expert in the field who is in charge of establishing a new telecom policy that will deliver better service at lower prices.

The BVI Leader gave a  detailed update on a number of achievements made during the last year by the Health Sector. The plan to build helipads on the sister islands was given high priority.  Second, was the implementation of the BVI Health Services Authority.

After all the achievements of the Government over the past year, Hon. Smith said that he was not satisfied with the state of  security in the Territory today. “This Government will not rest, will not relax and will not be satisfied until this problem is mastered. As a start we will be bringing forward new legislation to stiffen penalties for any person convicted of illegal possession of a gun or use of a gun in the commission of a crime. Quite simply, our tolerance for guns is zero. If you commit a gun crime in the BVI you are going to Balsam Ghut and you are staying there for a very long time. "

In concluding his address Mr. Smith asked the people of the BVI if they found that the Territory was now stronger, if his Government lifted up our people and created hope and opportunity and if it inspired our youths to achieve all they are capable of.

"Let us all seek together to make the torch of our beloved BVI burn more brightly than ever - so that when we look back at the work we have done we can say with satisfaction and pride: we left our Territory in better stance for the  next generation--and we have confidence that they will leave it better still."