May 13, 2014 - Premier and Minister for Tourism, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE is actively encouraging tourism stakeholders to take hold of the many opportunities that will become available through the cruise pier expansion project.
“The possibilities are unlimited!” Premier Smith said as he addressed the stakeholders which included taxi drivers, shipping agents, vendors and youth at the project’s ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, May 8.
Premier Smith stated, “I understand that I have to provide opportunities for you to develop and prosper. This is what the cruise pier expansion project is all about.”
He noted that the cruise pier expansion project is many things to many people and said, “To our cruise tourism stakeholders in the taxi, tour, vendor and other industries, my Government understands that the tourism industry is your bread and butter.”
Premier Smith also took the opportunity to re-affirm the Government’s pledge to securing the future of the Territory’s young people through major development initiatives. These include the cruise pier expansion project which is designed to position the BVI as a leading tourism destination.
“My hope is for our young people to prepare themselves for the varying opportunities in tourism. We are laying the foundation today, and encourage you to yield results tomorrow, through your different business ventures in the tourism industry,” Premier Smith stated.
Once completed, the cruise ship pier is expected to accommodate bigger cruise ships and position the BVI among leading tourist destinations.
Marine works for the project are slated to begin in the coming weeks.
Other speakers at the cruise pier ground breaking ceremony included Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool; Managing Director for the BVI Ports Authority, Mr. Claude Skelton Cline; Project Manager, Mr. Dion Stoutt, Contractor, Mr. Percy Rhoden; Junior Minister of Tourism, Mr. Bryan Leue and Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr. J. Edward de Castro.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is steadfastly committed to the economic growth of the Territory and securing the future of its people. During the cruise pier building phases, it is anticipated that the local construction industry will feel the immediate effect. Not only will contractors have an opportunity to work with the expansion of the cruise pier, but also with the construction of buildings and shops for the Tortola Pier Park.
The cruise pier development being done by the Government of the Virgin Islands is expected to create an environmentally friendly, unique and modern cruise pier facility, which delivers a memorable and world-class experience.
More on the work of the Government of the Virgin Islands can be found on www.bvi.gov.vg; Facebook, YouTube or Twitter at BVIGovernment.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News