ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, May 18th, 2012   --   Ladies and gentlemen, this morning, we are here to celebrate with the people of Virgin Gorda, in general, and North Sound in particular, a milestone in BVI tourism; the declaration of Gun Creek as a port of entry.

Indeed, you will recall that on March 1st 2012, I put out a statement declaring Gun Creek a port of entry but I always knew that I would come at the appropriate moment to mark that declaration with a more formal celebration. I am, therefore, very pleased to see all of you here today. I recognise citizens from Virgin Gorda and persons involved with the tourism product and those who have travelled from the sister islands to be here to celebrate with us.

I think all of us know that the economic engines of the Territory turn on Tourism and Financial Services. That is why we continuing our rebranding efforts to marry the two industries to further strengthen and enhance other sectors of the economy. And I think we all agree that we all have a part to play in ensuring that our visitors enjoy this destination and want to come back. Additionally, we can all agree that building a better British Virgin Islands for all means ensuring that the sister islands play an important role.

Tourism is a competitive business. Every country in the world wants our market share and we must fight tenaciously to maintain that which we have earned through our efforts to attract visitors to our shores.

The Sound has a combination of properties as old as Bitter End Yacht club and as new as YCCS and Oil Nut Bay. We also have world icons such as Virgin's Sir Richard Brandson on Necker and Moskito and Google's Larry Page on Eustatius Island. We have a tourism ‘wonder’ in Saba Rock and a steady and long standing resort/residential development in Leverick Bay. Prickly Pear brings the flavor of a national park and at the same time offers a quiet ‘get away’ for rest and relaxation.

And Gun Creek is the gateway to the Bond where our visitors are welcomed and entertained. Also, the gateway to the potential of the South Sound and Hog heaven, a place with a beautiful view and all that one could eat of a certain produce. And onwards to the Valley with such attractions as the Copper Mine point and the world renowned Baths, as well as the Fat Virgin.

I spend as much time in Virgin Gorda as I can and each time I am here, I run into visitors who extol the beauty, tranquility and serenity of North Sound.

I have also been keenly aware that visitors to the North Sound stood to reap great benefits if we could, first of all, declare North Sound a port of entry and secondly, declare it a harbour. But one thing at a time, our business this morning is to speak of North Sound, the port of entry and to highlight some of the benefits to be derived from this declaration.

North Sound is described by many residents and members of the tourism sector as a vibrant yachting and boating locale that is ideal not only for development, but for attracting more business activity to Virgin Gorda. In fact, North Sound is hailed as one of the best anchorages in the Caribbean and is a playground and watering hole for our residents and valued visitors throughout the year.

Declaring Gun Creek as a port of entry is a catalyst for the development of a very important segment of our tourism industry. I have said time and again that we will do all we can to make this sector more robust. And ‘robust’ in this context means making the Virgin Islands easily accessible for residents and visitors.

It means that vessels should not have to clear in and out of Spanish Town or Road Town. It means that helicopter flights could be cleared in and around the Sound with a minimum of fuss and visitors could spend as little time as possible being processed for entry into the Territory and as much time as possible enjoying their vacations because that is why they have come and that is what we want them to do.

Ladies and gentlemen, just five years ago, when I served as Chief Minister, on this very spot we opened the Captain Owen G. Harrigan Visitor Centre and launched the seaborne air service, which we are working on revitalising.

Unfortunately, during our absence from Government from 2007-2011, Gun Creek as a Visitor Centre and a port of entry was not advanced. And then we were blamed for it being a place from which insects were launched instead of the sea plane service that we encouraged and left in operation during our stewardship. So I am here to tell you, my people of Virgin Gorda, that my Government is once again able to pay the attention to Gun Creek that you deserve and to finish the job we started for your benefit and for the benefit of our visitors.

Today's official declaration is part of my Government’s stimulus package aimed at spurring investment, creating new jobs and business opportunities, and identifying new revenue measures, all of which combined will drive the Virgin Gorda economy.

As a port of entry, Gun Creek is not limited to the clearance of boats only; future development may include the re-introduction of a seaplane service to and from Virgin Gorda.

More importantly, today’s official declaration is definitely a step in the right direction as it welcomes the development of commercial space for small businesses by Virgin Gordians. We want to keep money circulating in this economy and this means providing an enabling environment that allows Virgin Gordians to be more efficient and responsive to the needs of this economy. That is why we continue to look inwardly and outwardly at avenues that will improve the standard of living for our people by creating an enabling environment for business here on Virgin Gorda.

We believe that business development in this area will help to circulate wealth throughout the economy of Virgin Gorda, and the Territory as a whole. In fact, business development can be the main driver for economic growth in this area. So we are calling on Virgin Gordians to join in this bold initiative. Let’s use our creativity and our resources to build a unique area of commerce right here in these surrounding areas.

My vision is to see springing up boutiques, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, dive and other recreational shops and perhaps even a few villas that can only enhance the experience of our visitors and add to the enjoyment of our residents.

We believe that investing in this Gun Creek area is to our benefit and we are confident we will recoup in user fees, cruising permits and indirect taxes as a result of increased traffic in the Sound.

Ladies and gentlemen, the potential impact of this port to the local community is seen as positive. It would enable commerce, secure the flow of people and goods, enhance border security, effective inspections, while bolstering partnerships.

And we cannot forget our front line Officers. The fine men and women of the Immigration Department, Her Majesty’s Customs Department and BVI Ports Authority, all poised to provide the public with professional and exceptional service.

At this time, let me single out the Commissioner of Customs Mr. Wade Smith and Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Dennis Jennings for putting all hands on deck and making a solemn commitment to provide our people and visitors with exceptional customer service. I have heard the many positive comments. And let me stress that this Government is in the business of providing world class service.

So today, I challenge you Immigration, Customs, Port Authority officers, to provide the highest level of service in the most professional and courteous manner possible. Let the facility at Gun Creek be known throughout the BVI as a port of entry with a difference - one where our visitors are greeted with a smile and warmly welcomed to the BVI. And never forget that it is our visitors who pay our salaries, treat them with respect and courtesy.
Look around you.

As with our plans for all the ports of entry in this Territory, my Government, with your help and commitment , will work diligently to change the face of this area and turn it into a vibrant and well-kept part of our overall tourism infrastructure.

We want to see our docks developed into the most modern facility its users can enjoy.

We will ensure that the area is dredged to make maneuverability of vessels easier.

We will ensure that the garbage situation is better handled and would count on those properties that use the area to pitch in and help.

So I promise especially you the residents of North Sound that my government will develop a master plan of the Gun Creek area and come back to have a meaningful dialogue with you. As you know, we pride ourselves in consulting, listening, collaborating and communicating with you, to get the best results for our beloved British Virgin Islands.

In my private discussions with some of you, you have indicated that you wish to see a new and improved Gun Creek, and we will deliver that to you with your assistance.

The point I am making is that together, we can change Gun Creek from what it is at the moment to a place that will instill pride in you our residents as well as our visitors.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me repeat this very important statement again, My Government is working diligently to improve and enhance the ambience and aesthetics of all the ports of entry throughout these British Virgin Islands and we want you -- all of you -- all the people of these Virgin Islands to help us in this important venture.

Government cannot do it alone. We all must move forward together and we must do what we can to make our islands attractive and marketable for ourselves and our visitors.

Together, we are building a better British Virgin Islands.

Together we are ensuring a sustainable economy.

Together we are boosting our tourism product.

And, together, ladies and gentlemen, we are rebranding and creating a British Virgin Islands we all can be proud of.

Before I close I have an announcement to make that I know will make the hearts of every resident of this Territory sing. On Monday I received a letter from Mr. Henry Bellingham, the Minister for Overseas Territories, who visited us recently. In his letter he advised me that Her Majesty’s Government has approved the Caribbean Development Bank infrastructure loan of $15 million.

You would recall that this loan was approved by the House of Assembly on 14th July 2011 but that this could not be drawn down due to HMG unwillingness to give approval for various reasons. My government views this recent approval of this loan as further evidence of the mature relationship that we have forged with HMG in a matter of months. I take this opportunity to publicly thank HMG for this approval and to reiterate our commitment to continue to exercise prudence and sound fiscal management as we move forward.

This $15 million injection is just the fillip that this economy needs at this point to take this country to the next level. My Government is looking forward to working with the Caribbean Development Bank as well as our local contractors and others to this end. We shall be moving full steam ahead to begin to rebuild our roads, our bridges and other infrastructure. Needless to say, I was overjoyed at this news and give God thanks for his blessings.

Thank you again for being here and we look forward to continuing to develop Gun Creek and its surroundings for the benefit of all.

Thank you

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