Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) said that officially naming the city of Tamarac on June 1, 2023, will be to commemorate the commencement of direct flights by American Airlines from mainland USA to Beef Island, and that the VI will also be given the key to the city.

Hon Rymer is scheduled to be in Miami to receive the symbolic key.

“Madam Speaker, this will help to advertise and signal the significance of this step for the territory from a business and trade and tourism standpoint. So, Madam Speaker, there is hope for our territory,” Hon Rymer said in a speech on May 18, 2023, during the Swearing in Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.

In a draft of the proclamation, he shared, “Whereas the British Virgin Islands is a territory in the Caribbean bordered by two US territories, United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, and whereas the people of the Virgin Islands have for decades traveled to the United States to gain, tertiary education, access to medical care, and for business purposes, and whereas the people of the Virgin Islands share deep bonds and of friendship and familial ties with many citizens and residents of the United States, the states of Florida, and the City of Tamarac.

Draft of proclamation shared

The draft continues, “And whereas the City of Tamarac has Virgin Islanders, who serve the community and the police force, own small businesses and is home to the family of an NFL star, and whereas the Virgin Islanders have settled in the United States and the state of Florida and contribute to the economic growth of the United States and the states of Florida and whereas the British Virgin Islands is recognised as a premier tourism destination and a sailing destination and premier vacation destination for residents, and whereas Virgin Islanders have for centuries settled in the region of South Florida and contribute to the society, serving in various roles including the hospitality industry and whereas on June 1st, 2023, the first direct commercial flight between the United States and BVI will commence and service and serve to deepen ties with the United States and the State of Florida.”

Hon Rymer added that given the proclamation to name the first day of June 2023 as Virgin Islands Day, it will be signed by Mr Wright and by Michelle J. Gomez, the Mayor of the City of Tamarac.

“Madam Speaker, with that proclamation, I just want to reiterate the importance of this direct flight and I encourage persons to come out to the airport on June 1st and let us celebrate our inaugural flight,” he added to applause during the announcement.

Minister for Works and Communications, Hon Kye M. Rymer said that officially naming the city of Tamarac on June 1st, 2023 as Virgin Islands Day, will come given the commencement of this direct flights, where the VI will be given keys to the city with Hon Rymer scheduled to be in Miami to receive the key.