Hon Vanterpool campaigns at shipping conference
The opening ceremony took place in the ballroom of Up's Cineplex yesterday May 11, 2015.
He noted that the Caribbean has had a history of inter-regional cooperation and it is commendable to see the Caribbean Shipping Association doing its part to ensure the development of the vital shipping industry.
However, he went on to speak of the achievements of the Government not only to do with shipping but generally, to a group of executives and personnel from the shipping fraternity of the Caribbean and North America.
“Here in the British Virgin Islands we are at a critical juncture in our development even though we are less than one month away from general elections to be held on June 8, 2015,” he said.
'I need your votes'
Hon Vanterpool said Government has worked very hard over the years to improve the infrastructure of this territory for all its residents and visitors in areas such as tourism, financial services, our road networks, utilities and transport, recreational facilities and social development.
He spoke of the road network upgrades on the four main islands of the territory – Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. He also spoke of the upgrades being made to the BVI Electricity Corporation and the new Peebles Hospital as well as intentions the Government has for the upgrade of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
Hon Vanterpool also spoke of achievements in the area of education with regards to building of the technical school and upgrades to educational facilities and also spoke of Government’s focus on historical sites.
“Like I said last night I need your vote so I expect you to clap for those achievements. I hope you would tell everyone of our achievements today,” he said.
Transhipment opportunities
Meanwhile, President of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) Grantley St. J. Stephenson CD, JP, stated that shipping in the region stands to benefit from a number of major events such as the opening of once frozen relations between the United States and Cuba, the expansion of the Panama Canal and a $600 million investment by French shipping company CGM-CMA.
He said the easing of some of the sanctions that have been in place for nearly 55 years have effectively opened up a new port, a new trade partner for the entire world- Cuba. “Last year, perhaps in anticipation of the spending change, the Cuban Government with the assistance of Brazil opened their new mega-port. This is a $900 million signal to the world that Cuba is ready, willing and able to become a regional hub for transhipments,” said Stephenson.
The CSA president reasoned that this development will certainly spike competition in some areas with the lifting of sanctions and conditions specific to travel, but it will also provide trading opportunities that were missing because of the embargo by the US.
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21 Responses to “Hon Vanterpool campaigns at shipping conference”
OMG. Did he ask the delegates to clap for Him? What ?? was he in a trance or dream, dreaming he at the market on Wednesday night last week? Oh no!!!! can them people even vote???? What was he saying?? Now did he hear what the president said about competition for the cuban market once those sanctions are lifted????
Somebody, please go and wake up this action man, some how he was MIA at the conference. Where is John Samuel????? Me boy we in trouble here. Guess the record was stock and could play or go forward. Shame!!!
This was a Regional Shipping forum and the representatives there have nothing to do with our elections so trumpeting the collective "achievements" of the standing government in unrelated areas such as roadworks, completing the hospital, working on the airport, etc. have absolutely no relevance to their business. What's more, although speaking of the cruise pier may have secondary relevance to the world of shipping, the tone of the address was definitely meant for a different audience... us, the voting public.
Let me be clear... a man is free to campaign when on the campaign trail and say whatever he wants in support of his team. But to use Government resources, time and tax-payer dollars to campaign under the guise of giving official remarks is just plain wrong... and whether VIP, NDP or anybody else does this, it is wrong, and we deserve better than this... no respect!
We need to send his "£$% back to angullia joann is one of us
Exactly why did the NDP start working on all these projects toward the end (determined by the NDP). Tell the people why the NDP started the Home up there in the Hill but not finish it. All that you did was to cut out the land and build a wall. And this was a long time ago. Why you never finished? The fact so many projects were started only toward what you knew to be the end, is proof of lack of planning. I could be wrong, perhaps it is evidence of good planning. Some people might vote for the NDP just because they might feel that some other party, if elected, will ignore what was started under the NDP. I Don't ask the people to question other candidates when the NDP should be questioned.