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'Name TPP in honour of late Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney' - Vanterpool

The late Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), is calling for the Tortola Pier Park (TPP) to be renamed in honour of the late Chief Minister, pioneer, businessman and father of the cruise ship sector, Cyril B. Romney (R5). VINO/File
Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), is calling for the Tortola Pier Park (TPP) to be renamed in honour of the late Chief Minister, pioneer, businessman and father of the cruise ship sector, Cyril B. Romney (R5). VINO/File
Hon Vanterpool was at the time speaking in the Virgin Islands’ (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) under ‘other business’ last evening December 28, 2018. He notes that Mr Romney did much to develop the local cruise ship industry and as such, must be recognised. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Vanterpool was at the time speaking in the Virgin Islands’ (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) under ‘other business’ last evening December 28, 2018. He notes that Mr Romney did much to develop the local cruise ship industry and as such, must be recognised. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), is calling for the Tortola Pier Park (TPP) to be named in honour of the late Chief Minister, pioneer, businessman and father of the cruise ship sector, Cyril B. Romney (R5).

While it is not a new idea—as it has been said by many other politicians over the years—there is now a renewed call to rename the Ports Development Project given the influence the late Minister had over the industry.

Tourism pioneer

Hon Vanterpool was at the time speaking in the Virgin Islands’ (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) under ‘other business’ last evening December 28, 2018. He notes that Mr Romney did much to develop the local cruise ship industry and as such, should be recognised by naming the park 'Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.'

The Fourth District Representative noted that Mr Romney’s daughter “Pattie is still a part of the sector and is carrying on Mr Romney’s legacy and works.”

While the TPP has been rocked by scandals and an overrun of some $40M, most residents support the project, but had issues with the cost overruns and allegations of corruption still hangs over the project.

Hon Vanterpool asked legislators to support his proposal, as he will try to bring it to the HoA before the Chambers is dissolved sometime in early January 2019.

Who is Mr Romney?

Mr Cyril Brandtford Romney was born on March 1, 1931, and died on July 19, 2007. He served as Chief Minister of the VI from 1983 to 1986. He also served as a member of the Legislative Council from 1979 to 1995. He was the first Virgin Islander to hold the post of Financial Secretary and was also a business leader in the Territory and the region.

After an early career as a teacher, the late Romney studied economics at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico and then pursued a master's degree programme in economics and political science at Syracuse University in New York.

Mr Cruise ship leader

He was a leader in the Tourism industry and was the first agent to bring Tourist ships to the Tortola.

In 1986, Romney's ruling coalition fell after calling an early election, but he was re-elected and continued to serve on the opposition benches for two more consecutive terms. In both 1995 and 1999, he tried unsuccessfully to recapture the Fifth District seat which he lost in 1995.

16 Responses to “'Name TPP in honour of late Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney' - Vanterpool ”

  • HAHAHA (29/12/2018, 10:32) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply

    That would be perfect. Fits right in with Vanterpool's philosophies and the dubious nature of the port's total cost. ;)

    • Hottie (29/12/2018, 13:36) Like (21) Dislike (10) Reply
      ... and all the businesses at the TPP could pay 10% of their profits to a fund set up in his memory!
      • Reply (29/12/2018, 15:12) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
        not a bad idea
      • Half-full (29/12/2018, 18:17) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
        @Hottie - I appreciated Mr. Romney’s contributions and take my hat off to him. However, every business should determine how they want to spend their profits (if any); and unless occupancy at the park is rent free, they shouldn’t have to pay 10% to anyone just for being there.

  • Lamblike Beast (29/12/2018, 10:49) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Not
  • 911 (29/12/2018, 13:40) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    good idea we support
  • Corroption (29/12/2018, 13:46) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    What ever all you do don’t name nothing after mark Vanterpool.
  • Why (29/12/2018, 13:56) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    There are so much more persons in the country who served a purpose here just as well as Cyril the tpp can be named after someone alive atleast ,gezz y’all give the rich more to their name all the time
  • Andrew Cox Sr (29/12/2018, 15:47) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
    that will be wonderful
  • rice (29/12/2018, 15:48) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    Why his government flop again?
  • Feel N Good (30/12/2018, 07:44) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Long over due . Better late than never . The BVI Long prosperity is because CB. Though they waited until the prosperity comes to an end to consider him ..I'm Feel n Good .
  • tretretrete (02/01/2019, 01:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was the first Minister to introduce the financial services and cruise ships to the BVI


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