The recent remarks made by Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn have put the spotlight on the impact of policies during the COVID-19 lockdown on the economy of the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Walwyn criticized the policies implemented by the former government led by Andrew Fahie, claiming that they did more damage to the economy than the pandemic itself.
The Representative emphasized that while the financial services industry is a significant economic pillar of the BVI, it is the tourism industry that has a multiplier effect on jobs for locals.
The territory's tourism industry suffered a substantial loss during the pandemic, partly due to the bad policies of the previous government, according to Walwyn.
The charter companies' decision to send their boats to other regions to keep their businesses afloat during the extended border closure and strict COVID-19 regulations had caused significant damage to the BVI's reputation as the sailing capital of the world.
However, Fahie was optimistic that the BVI would regain more business than it may have lost to its neighbor.
Walwyn called for the current government to take tourism seriously and invest more money in the sector.
He commended the formation of the BVI Yachting, Hotel & Tourism Association and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and emphasized that while the government may create policies, it is the local people who run tourism.
Walwyn urged the government to provide grants to support the functioning of organizations involved in tourism, so they can continue to bring forward ideas for the government to implement.
The Representative's comments highlight the importance of effective policies and their impact on the economy, particularly in the tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the BVI's economy.
The territory's tourism industry suffered a substantial loss during the pandemic, partly due to the bad policies of the previous government, according to Walwyn.
The charter companies' decision to send their boats to other regions to keep their businesses afloat during the extended border closure and strict COVID-19 regulations had caused significant damage to the BVI's reputation as the sailing capital of the world.
However, Fahie was optimistic that the BVI would regain more business than it may have lost to its neighbor.
Walwyn called for the current government to take tourism seriously and invest more money in the sector.
He commended the formation of the BVI Yachting, Hotel & Tourism Association and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and emphasized that while the government may create policies, it is the local people who run tourism.
Walwyn urged the government to provide grants to support the functioning of organizations involved in tourism, so they can continue to bring forward ideas for the government to implement.
The Representative's comments highlight the importance of effective policies and their impact on the economy, particularly in the tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the BVI's economy.
