Premier and Minister for Tourism Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE (seated right) introduced reporters to the new Acting Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board Mr. Terrence Ford (seated beside the Premier) and the eight other persons who were appointed by Cabinet to serve for a period of four years, with effect from February 1, 2008.

Among other things, the Premier noted that the Board includes new and former members. “Some of the members were on the last Board, which served from 2003-2007, and some were on the Board before that,” the Premier said, adding that he is optimistic that this combination will result in an efficient and more effective Tourist Board.

The Premier told reporters that the new Board members, who were appointed for a four-year term with effect from February 1, 2008, will be responsible for developing policies for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, along with other coordinating roles. “They are charged with promoting and advertising these islands; making sure of the amenities for tourists and visitors; and promoting the place as a tourist resort for entertainment and also as a health resort,” he said.

Acting Chairman Terrance Ford said the new BVI Tourist Board members will look carefully at what happened within the local tourism sector during the last four years. He noted that they will then plot a new policy, which the Board hopes will be effective.

“I want to emphasise that we hope this will be an efficient Board but not a political body. I think it is most important that we try to keep politics separate from the work of the Board,” he said. Ford has been living in the Territory for over 40 years and has wide experience in the hotel and restaurant sectors.

During its meeting on Wednesday, February 6, Cabinet agreed to appoint. Terrance Ford to serve as acting Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board. It also appointed Melvin Clifton, Lemuel Smith, Samuel Henry, and Charles Tobias as members along with Bellencita Creque, Julia Dawson Christopher, Nelda Brydon, and Sharon Flax-Mars. Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Rosalie Adams was appointed to serve as an ex-officio member.

The Tourist Board (Amendment) Act 1996 provides for a membership of up to 11 persons to serve for a period of up to four years. The persons appointed to executive positions on the Board are involved in various areas of the local tourism industry. 

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