It is difficult to believe there is an actual "debate" to consider extending the cruise ship dock! Sounds like it is pretty much a done deal as plans, specifications and cost estimates have already been commissioned and produced.

We all know the history of the cruise ship debacle, or debate, if you wish, and who was responsible for the cruise ship industry here in the B VI. When the original cruise ship reports finally were made public, years after the cruise ship dock had become operational; it was quite critical and recommended limits on numbers of cruise ships and tourists per day among other things. So much for that pipe dream!

Obviously, those who benefit from it, some businesses and certainly the taxi drivers, promote and support it as "essential" to our economic development. But is it really? What are the overall benefits after all of the REAL costs of construction, infrastructure development and operating costs, extra police and government staff, security, advertising, maintenance, etc, etc are all added into the equation? Assuming you have ships which are landing anywhere from 1000 to 2000 passengers in Road Town, this amounts to somewhere between $6,000.00 $12,000.00 per ship according to some reports I have seen. Does this even come close to covering the real costs?

What about the resulting decline in high end tourism, Villa rentals, Charter boats and other kinds of tourism that generates a HUGE spin of revenue into the local economy?

Hotels, markets, shops, restaurants, villa rentals, boat and car rentals, day sails, fishing, diving, just to name a few. These tourists spend HUNDREDS of times more money here per person per day!

I have seen reports that many overnight visitors spend well in excess of $500.00 per day in the local economy!

What about all of the additional congestion created in Road Town and on our roads? This is not something adding a few traffic lights can solve!   Anyone who must work, shop, pay bills, do business, banking or simply attempt to pass through Road Town are well aware that we are already over saturated with cruise ship passengers, taxis and Safari busses!   Ever try driving to, from or through Cane Garden Bay when hoards of Taxis, Tour busses and Safaris choke the roads and the few parking facilities? Tour busses stop just about anywhere on the island, middle of the road or anywhere they choose.

Another item is the tent city adjoining the cruise ship dock! This does not represent anything to do with B VI culture. Every Caribbean country I have visited, lived or worked in over the last 30 years has a first class market at or near the cruise ship dock and/or the airport. Most operate daily, especially in season, and represent the LOCAL culture! Perhaps now that we have such a capable, dedicated person as our recently appointed Deputy Director of Culture Mrs. Brenda Lettsome Tye, this will be given a much higher priority. I know she already has a great deal on her agenda but how about exploring the concept of the Original Viafest organized by Joseph Hodge, and other local artists back in the early 80s? Now that was REAL BVI Culture at its finest! Perhaps that is something meaningful that can replace the deplorable tent city!

Of course, tourism is an essential part of our economy and is promoted heavily by the tourist board and other entities to the tune of some seven MILLION dollars a year by some reports.

However, we cannot be all things to all people and not to all tourists. We now promote ourselves as "Natures Little Secrets".

Problem is these days many of our Little Secrets are secrets we do not want publicized! Just have a look at the Pockwood Pond Toxic Waste Dump, polluting the air, land and sea daily! Be sure to wear your bio hazard suit and breathing apparatus when you do!

We once promoted ourselves in a very different way. In fact, the BVI Welcome Magazine proclaimed, "Yes, We Are Different!” Call me old fashioned but I much preferred it that way. Or just maybe Government will do the right thing, as has recently been the case with the Smugglers Cove development. It's not too much to hope for, is it?

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