Ferry operators to be engaged as airport expansion certain- Hodge-Smith
Anticipated Uptick
Addressing concerns directly during the inaugural broadcast of Virgin Islands Voice—live on April 16, 2025—Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), reiterated “The airport is going to happen, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it.”
With this in mind, she acknowledged that traditional travel patterns, especially ferry travel from the US Virgin Islands, may be disrupted by the anticipated uptick in direct airlift to the Virgin Islands (VI).
“The fact that the airport is going to happen, we’re going to see larger planes coming as well because of the extension of the runway,” she said, but stressed that the government is not turning a blind eye to these concerns and pledged to engage the affected operators directly.
Scenic Experience
To this end, she disclosed having a very important meeting with these ferry operators, because “we need to get an idea of what are the issues; The fact that one ferry is saying that they saw a decrease by 25%—what do all the other ferry operators say?”
According to Minister Hodge-Smith, “We have to sit down, have a discussion… and find ways in which to assist the ferries to market their services; Because I believe that there is still relevance with the ferry services, although there’s going to be an increase in the flights coming through the airport once it’s extended.”
The Junior Minister suggested a marketing push to highlight the scenic experience of travelling from the US Virgin Islands to the VI by sea.
Qualifying this position, she adumbrated, “It is a beautiful journey coming from the US Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands, so we can market it that way.”
Broader Economic Strategy
Minister Hodge-Smith also revealed that discussions are ongoing with cruise lines to increase visits during the slow season. “It was brought to the attention of the cruise lines that we would be interested in them extending their visits to the slow season,” she explained. “The answer was yes, they are considering those things.”
Meanwhile, Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), also spoke to the commitment to dialogue and adaptation, while also seeking to add context to the broader economic strategy behind the airport
A Reality Persons Must accept!
Acknowledging the financial pressures on ferry operators, he said the government is willing to support them in adapting to the changing economic landscape.
“We need to get together and have a conversation about where the economy is going and how we can help to support persons to make adjustments and transition to areas to be able to sustain their business; We also may have to speak to the Ports Authority… and perhaps see if we do have reduced numbers—how can we adjust the scheduling to accommodate?”
He was adamant nonetheless, “There is a reality that persons must accept, that with an extended runway, there will be less need to fly out of the US Virgin Islands.”
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23 Responses to “Ferry operators to be engaged as airport expansion certain- Hodge-Smith ”
No ferry running to st thomas is subsidized by the government. NONE
Also, when were they done - before or after the recent increase in airlift by American Airlines? Finally look at the math that was laid by @ Capitalist, and note that s/he is assuming a 5% interest rate, which is exceedingly optimistic. Please address that math in a reply, and tell me where we are wrong about what it would take to repay the borrowed obligation.
Finally, why am I being "myopic" when I point out how the vaunted "Business Case" was jettisoned? Tell me how that can possibly be defended - and note that it has NEVER been publicized in even a summary format. You know why? [rhetorical question]. Answer: because the numbers don't work - period full stop. And as a coda, I'm talking about the numbers not only attendant to repaying the obligation, but also showing a NEED for more airlift via larger aircraft. Can anyone make the case, again via data, that there villas and resorts that are underutilized due to inadequate airlift? Can you make that case, or are you just running your mouth? Prove me wrong in a reply with hard data.
1. Several very rich politicians
2. China gaining a foothold in the BVI
HOA members should stop moaning about the UK and read the tale of the Trojan Horse.
"Apparently, the premier thinks that a decision to move ahead is a “piece of cake” and a “no-brainer,” to paraphrase his public utterances on the subject! But at a minimum, he and other House of Assembly members should await the full assessment of the cost-benefit analysis currently being prepared by consultants.
This, in fact, is what his administration (and previous administrations) have pledged to do, only seemingly to renege despite agreements with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Treasury.
The airport expansion would be the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the VI, and it would be advisable for the government to provide the fullest possible information to the electorate rather than engage in obfuscation.
At least at this juncture, more data for analysis and sober reflection is available than for previous efforts (which principally used guesswork). Data, for instance, exists for American Airlines’ direct flights between the VI and Miami, including passenger totals, load factors, customs and immigration handling, baggage and so on. So any business case should be strengthened by the availability of this firm data."
https://www.bvibeacon.com/commentary-economist-weighs-in-on-airport-project/
"No brainer" indeed, but unfortunately, that has become a metaphor for the Premier and this Territory's government.
PLEASE save Trellis Bay!!
THIS COUNTRY IS IN NEED OF GROWTH!
And, our people is in need of the opportunities that an expanded runway provides!
I wanna bet, that "Capitalist", is from an area of the world, with expansive airport and travel, opportunities!
Let's not listen to those, who want to keep our territory behind!
NOW, is the time to repurpose ourselves, in an expanding, and changing world!