BVI plays host to another cruise ship making an inaugural call

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Julian Fraser, RA presents a plaque of Captain Jonathan Mercer of the ms Eurodam in honour of the ship’s inaugural call on Tuesday November 4

Welcoming the ship and its captain on behalf of the Premier, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Julian Fraser RA said it is a pleasure to have the ship include the Territory on its itinerary. 

“It is important to note that the BVI is still a port that has interest to you and your company,” Honourable Fraser said, adding that “we have always cherished the business that Holland America brings to the BVI and we would continue to do so.

Minister Fraser noted that the Territory has made “every effort and we continue to make efforts in improving our facilities for your visitors to our Territory.”

He also expressed optimism about the future relationship between the BVI and the ms Eurodam. “I want you to rest assured that this inaugural visit, like many more to come, is being looked upon as we have in the past and we will continue to make sure that whatever your needs are, if it is in the best interests of the BVI, we will continue to ensure that they are met and I’m hoping that you would have a good experience on this trip and that you would continue to come back.”

The Minister made note of today’s presidential election in the United States of America, asking the captain if he ensured that all the Americans on board cast their ballots before embarking on the cruise.     ~~Adz:Right~~

Mr. Fraser presented Captain Jonathan Mercer with a plaque from Government in honour of the ship’s inaugural visit. The captain in return presented a plaque and other tokens, specially manufactured for ships of the Holland America Line, to the Honourable Fraser.

In making the presentation, he said Holland America Line also looks “forward to a long term relationship with the BVI.”

Captain Mercer went on to say “this will be the first of many calls, we [ms Eurodam] come here every two weeks during the current season and we are coming again next year in 2009 for the same.”

Other presentations during the ceremony hosted on board the ship came from the BVI Tourist Board, the BVI Ports Authority, and the cruise line’s local agents, Romney and Associates.

Cruise tourism, as a sector within the tourism industry, contributes significantly to the economy of the Virgin Islands (UK).