Tuesday, November 3 – Tourism officials in the Virgin Islands are joining with its Caribbean counterparts today in reflecting on the significant impact of the tourism industry as they observe Caribbean Tourism Day.
Delivering a message on the theme, Tourism – Celebrating Diversity, Premier and Minister for Tourism Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE encouraged deep reflection on the significance of the industry.
“Let us seriously consider today’s theme, Tourism – Celebrating Diversity and embrace the richness of our distinct BVI culture and its contribution to global cultural diversity,” the Premier stated. “I join with the Tourist Board as they encourage the public to learn more about the Territory’s heritage by visiting our museums as well as learning from elder BVIslanders in order to pass on the richness of the BVI culture to future generations.”
According to the Premier and Tourism Minister, the theme supports the BVI Tourist Board’s dedication to heritage tourism. “While we welcome our visitors to our shores, it is imperative that the distinct history and culture be represented in all aspects of life in the Virgin Islands, even our tourism industry. To this end, the Board has placed emphasis on supporting projects which tell the story of BVIslanders and our culture,” he said.
The Premier cited the restoration of the sugar mill on the grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College as an example of that commitment to heritage tourism.
“In September former Speaker of the House and Artist Reuben Vanterpool, who leads a community based group, received a financial contribution of $150,000 to restore a sugar mill on the grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The restoration of this mill will give young BVIslanders an opportunity to experience how our forefathers survived over a century ago,” he noted. Similar restorations are being planned for the Callwood Distillery in Cane Garden Bay and the Copper Mine on Virgin Gorda.
Honourable O’Neal reiterated the commitment of the BVITB to collaborate with the Department of Culture to identify and erect signs at various landmarks throughout the Territory. This project which will continue into 2010 is designed to “educate residents and visitors about the historical significance of such sites.”
The Premier named museums among the landmarks which would be identified. “Museums help to preserve important relics which tell the story of the Virgin Islands before there was running water, electricity and the many conveniences of our modern lives. While helping to pass on the culture of the BVI to younger generations, our museums also help to tell the story of the Virgin Islands’ growth and development to tourists. And while our visitors enjoy our beaches and restaurants, the stories told by museum artifacts help them to better understand the beginnings of the BVIslander,” Honourable O’Neal noted.
In his remarks, the Premier also urged industry stakeholders to build a sustainable tourism industry by preserving and showcasing the BVI’s distinct culture. “I urge tourism professionals to continue showcasing our music, cultural dances, dresses and cuisine to all of our guests. Every part of the world has its distinct offerings to travellers, and the BVI is no exception; so let us celebrate this distinctiveness in industry. Our culture and way of life should be an asset used to market our islands.”
Caribbean Tourism Day is observed annually to bring greater awareness to the issues affecting the regional industry.
British Virgin Islands News