As the BVI tries to capitalise on the peak tourism season, the traffic woos in the city continues to aggravate.

It shows the need for a solution to a problem that seems to be ignored for way too long. So much that traffic tips have been issued by the relevant authorities to help reduce the traffic congestion as cruise ships pour in for the holiday season.

Most of the tips are worthwhile, except for the one which suggest that people utilise public transportation.

I am not sure if this applies to the few taxis that work as public buses to East End or the general taxis. But, public transportation does not exist in the BVI, which is probably one of the reasons that  contributes to the growing traffic situation especially in the city, as many are forced to own their own means of transportation.

The public has also been advised to use alternative routes, car pool and walk short distances – all of which are worthwhile tips to help reduce the traffic jams that seem to be building up at almost any time of the day. Especially with the Christmas Season here, more people would be plying the city route on a daily basis.

The need for traffic lights, parking lots and properly designated alternative driving routes cannot be preached at a better time, than when the cup is overflowing.

Air travel saga

Airlines capitalise on the peak season by increasing their airfares  with the dire demand for flights.

In the world of business, this is in line with the laws of supply and demand. However, LIAT’s airfares have been causing waves across the Caribbean, as customers complain of what they describe as exaggeratingly high fares.

However, CEO Mark Darby defended the fares by saying that LIAT is doing what other airlines are doing at this time, capitalising on peak seasons and at the same time, it is striving to become less dependent on its supporting countries who have called on the airline to make changes to offset its own cost.

With word out that American Eagle may be separating from American Airlines next year, it is possible that American Eagle might not be flying the Tortola route. This will have a blow in the very active air traffic between Tortola and Puerto Rico.

A replacement airline might not be forthcoming that soon, but hopefully it will all be sorted before the next tourist season.

Even with traffic jams and high airfares, the BVI is still the destination of choice for many tourists. As other Caribbean tourist destinations, such as Trinidad and Tobago expresses concern over tourist safety, the BVI can consider itself fortunate to have relatively crime-free tourist seasons. It is something that we have above many other tourist destinations.  In addition to sand, sea and sun, the BVI offers the best of ‘Nature’s Little Secret’ and a haven for the ultimate vacation.

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