ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, April 12th, 2012 – Government is moving ahead with its tourism boosting initiatives and fulfilling its agenda, as a committee for the proposed development of Gun Creek discussed plans this afternoon to launch an aerodrome and develop surrounding land side amenities, with a view to further improve upon the Territory’s tourism product.
The committee is being chaired by Tourism Liaison Officer in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Janice Braithwaite-Edwards who told the Department of Information and Public Relations, “North Sound, Virgin Gorda is one of the most desirable vacation locations in the Virgin Islands and welcomes a great deal of first class visitors. It is poised to continue once integrated tourism development planning takes place; hence the purpose for the discussions,” said Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards.
Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards also explained that the discussions are also a part of Government’s strategy to provide opportunities for residents of the Virgin Islands to own ancillary services to support any new investments in tourism, saying, “North Sound residents will be encouraged to be a part of the development process, where they can take advantage of the business opportunities that will arise.”
The Tourism Liaison Officer added that the business opportunities should come about as a result of the increased traffic in the area, which was initially announced by the Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, in his announcement of Gun Creek’s designation as a port of entry. The Tourism Minister said, “It is a bold initiative that will require investments upfront, but the Government is confident that we can recoup that initial investment in user fees, cruising permits and indirect taxes as a result of increased traffic in the Sound.”
The committee comprises Mrs. Janice Braithwaite-Edwards, Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) Mr. Russell Harrigan, Manager of BVI Business Development Consultants Mr. Elihu Rymer, Physical Planner I with the Town and Country Planning Department Mr. Dylan Penn and Sister Islands Tourism Development Manager with the BVITB Mrs. Shereen Flax-Charles.
Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards, who began work as the Tourism Liaison Officer on April 2, has already began work on various projects and is tasked with the review and development of policies to enhance the industry along with the establishment and management of activity centres to benefit visitors and locals alike throughout the Virgin Islands. The post is cross-ministry and will allow the officer to work with other Government ministries in any tourism related activities and projects.
Regarding Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards’ recent appointment, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams said the tourism liaison officer’s role is to support and satisfy the Government’s legislative agenda as it relates to the tourism industry saying, “Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards’ sound knowledge of the industry and our tourism product are key to the realisation of this Government’s vision which includes a cluster of projects to strengthen those same areas.”
The Government of the Virgin Islands sees the Gun Creek Development as a catalyst for the development of the Territory’s tourism industry, with a view to stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.
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