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Approach to promoting VI may need to be revamped- Sharon P. Flax-Brutus

- says more money for marketing & developing VI tourism needed
Interim President of the BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association Sharon P. Flax-Brutus has said she hopes more money is allocated to the ministry responsible for tourism in the upcoming budget. Photo: Facebook
White Bay on Jost van Dyke. Former Director of Tourism Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus is of the view the approach to promoting the Virgin Islands (VI) may need to be revamped. Photo: VINO/File
White Bay on Jost van Dyke. Former Director of Tourism Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus is of the view the approach to promoting the Virgin Islands (VI) may need to be revamped. Photo: VINO/File
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- Interim President of the BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association Sharon P. Flax-Brutus has said she hopes more money is allocated to the ministry responsible for tourism in the upcoming budget.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) revealed that he will give the budget address on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Dr Wheatley did not disclose the budget amount.

Mrs Flax-Brutus, who was a guest on JTV Channel 55 on October 15, 2024, also said the approach to promoting the Virgin Islands (VI) may need to be revamped.

Data needed

She said data needs to be collected from the market which can be used to amp up promotion and marketing.

“We need to garner that information, use it as a base for research and look at targeting campaigns and trying new things in the space in terms of attracting clients. Do we need to go into some of the major metropolitan areas and just saturate the BVI, do something a little bit different? I think we do,” she told Cathy O. Richards during the interview.

Mrs Flax-Brutus, a former Director of Tourism, also said she recognises that to do those things cost money.

“I know that right now is budget season...I really hope there’s a lot more in there for developing and marketing tourism than what’s been there for the last ten years,” she stated.

18 Responses to “Approach to promoting VI may need to be revamped- Sharon P. Flax-Brutus”

  • Cindy (17/10/2024, 12:59) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    She was the head for all these years she never did a thing differently pure politics and trying to cut Vinicent throat
    • She should realize .. (17/10/2024, 16:37) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
      Exactly and its a bad strategy, Say what you will about Vincent but he understands retail politics and believe me it is a discipline in itself. She would be better off focusing on what SHE will do instead of trying to tear him down. But it appears that she is shifting strategy ,perhaps someone thinking with their head instead of their heart is guiding her.
  • Annapolis Boat Show (17/10/2024, 13:06) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    How much $$$$ did yall spend on the huge tent and bands and people to exhibit at the boat show? Did we get any value for that or did a bunch of people fly on the taxpayers dime? Transparency please?
  • WTF (17/10/2024, 13:34) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    So anybody can make up an organisation, call themselves the President and get air time? Just like that?
    • l (18/10/2024, 18:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      She looks so tired and sleepy. Does any of the elders ever think to retire or do they hold positions until they die?
  • Xxx (17/10/2024, 13:44) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    Heard she was seen going in to the governor's office another sell out and news carrier
  • round rock (17/10/2024, 13:59) Like (20) Dislike (5) Reply
    I want to ask Sharon if she thinks she is the director of tourism. She is no longer there. We respectfully accept her views; however, she needs to let another person perform in their space. I wonder if Sharon is a surrogate of the N.D.P or she is looking for publicity. It is time she allows the Tourist Board to function without interference.
  • Right tone (17/10/2024, 14:00) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mrs. Flax-Brutus, I must extend my congratulations to you. Your tone has become notably more statesmanlike—or, as the occasion permits, stateswomanlike. There is indeed a time and place for political pugilism, but the ability to adapt one's communication style is an essential mark of true leadership.

    While I’ve no doubt of your capacity to engage deftly with executives and high-level individuals, this more collaborative tone will, I believe, resonate more deeply with the broader public. It gives the impression—crucially—that you are not merely pointing out deficiencies but actively seeking to become part of the solution. This, after all, is the art of persuasion, and you’ve demonstrated a commendable flexibility in its execution.
  • Jimmy smith (17/10/2024, 15:13) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    This poser with all the good ideas now, please take many seats.
  • Rubber Duck (17/10/2024, 15:23) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    A lot of talk from this lady at the moment - is she looking for a Govt consultancy?
    • @rubber duck (17/10/2024, 16:06) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
      Why a consultancy when she is an equal partner in a multi million dollar enterprise on VG? She didn’t ask for it. Her expertise and experience was recognized as an asset to the organization and they took advantage of Andrew’s greed, and hatred. He now sits in jail and she stands to make millions legitimately in the private sector. She doesn’t need a contract or consultancy. She is well qualified to speak on tourism and is recognized and respected INTERNATIONALLY
  • Listen to her please (17/10/2024, 15:31) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sharon knows what she is doing. She is now working in the private sector. Listen to her.
    The tourist board is not educated to how this stuff works in the real world. We need help
  • CONFUSE (17/10/2024, 15:44) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
    She in everything EXCEPT Bible Study...Knocked Knee Duck.
  • Citizen (18/10/2024, 01:53) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Causing confusion getting the governor involved in our local health care politics but let her come but she running she WILL NEVER GET OUR VOTES big fat traitor
  • Amazed (18/10/2024, 08:07) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm constantly amazed at how we behave in the VI. We're always complaining when "one ah we" isn't included in the discussion or decision making. Yet, when "one ah we" (and I'm not only referring to this lady) has the temerity to speak, the arrows fly fast and furious. Whatever her political persuasion, whatever her mis-steps in the past, this lady is an expert in her field and her comments in this case are very valid. Just yesterday, I saw the USVI advertising an industry gathering and it captioned itself as the sailing capital - wasn't there a time when that was our title? We need to wake up and stop setting the table for others to eat.
  • asking for a friend (18/10/2024, 10:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    So both sisters are running well sah
  • Interesting (18/10/2024, 11:35) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Out the blue she has all the ideas but when she was in the position she sat And collected her Cheque
    Both sisters need to take several seats
    All they can run is their mouths


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