Ready to reopen in November
The Premier of the British Virgin Islands Dr. Orlando Smith says the territory’s tourism sector will reopen for business as early as November.
Smith, who is also the Minister of Tourism, made reference to the charter industry, noting that every effort is being made to accommodate guests in the coming weeks.
“Despite losses, charter companies are already working to ensure guests enjoy the sailing capital of the world this coming tourist season. By the end of November, at least one property had made it clear that they will have 120 boats in the water. I have no doubt that others will do the same.”
Tourism sector accounts for one in four jobs
He said the tourism sector, which accounts for one in four jobs in the British Overseas territory, was suspended after Hurricane, Irma hit the BVI, followed by Hurricane Maria, that passed near by two weeks after.
Environmental concerns
Meanwhile, the BVI government is concerned about the possibility of oil spilling into the ocean from several yachts and boats that were sunken during the passage of Hurricane Irma.
According to Minister for Natural Resources, Dr. Kedrick Pickering meetings are being held with yacht owners to seek out preventative measures.
Sunken yachts
“You are well aware that there are a number of sunken yachts in our waters and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labor, with due concern for the environment, have been holding meetings with the charter yacht industry and other related individuals to see how best we can mitigate against, especially oil spills from the boats that have sunk,” Pickering said.
He added that careful attention must be paid to the environment even as work is being done to have the charter yacht industry up and running as quickly as possible.
