Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), along with family members of the late Cyril B. Romney, unveil the statute of Mr Romney at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on February 16, 2022. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) gives remarks during the ceremony at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on February 16, 2022. Photo: VINO

Junior Minister for Tourism Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) said Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park carries the ‘rich legacy of a great Virgin Islander’. Photo: VINO

The statue of the man regarded as the 'Father of Financial Services in the Virgin Islands' stands tall in Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Photo: VINO

An attractive ‘BVI’ sign was also unveiled at the ceremony at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on February 16, 2022. Photo: CBRTPP/Facebook

The statue of the man regarded as the 'Father of Financial Services in the Virgin Islands' can be found in Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Photo: VINO

Junior Minister for Tourism Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), during her brief remarks, said the day was a significant one for the Virgin Islands.

What’s in a name?

“This facility is a crucial piece of our tourism infrastructure and product. It is the port through which thousands of our valued visitors enter and depart our shores. Of course, tourism is one of our main economic engines which provides an inflow of revenue for Government, creates economic opportunities for a large segment of our population and drives commercial activity throughout the entire economy,” she said.

“When we assess the magnitude of what this means, then we appreciate the stature that persons must have when we name our important places and buildings after them. We often hear the phrase, “What’s in a name?” This is why careful thought has gone into the names that have been chosen to associate with our buildings, landmarks and other treasured spaces.”

Rich legacy

The Junior Minister expressed that the facility carries the “rich legacy of a great Virgin Islander.”

“A Virgin Islander who has contributed greatly to the building of this territory to what it is today, a visionary Virgin Islander on whose shoulders we stand. Every time we pass by one of these places or we enjoy them, we acknowledge and honour the person after whom they are named, and we think about their legacy and their contribution to national development.”

She stated that the unveiling of the statue is an inspiration to the late Chief Minister’s contribution and “we signal to younger generations of Virgin Islanders the importance of them remaining proud and inspired by our Virgin Islands stalwarts such as Mr. C. B. Romney; this statue stands as constant reminder that our people are capable of achieving great things in the face of adversities and challenges. It reminds us of the great things Virgin Islanders have been able to do and achieve.”

She continued: “It reminds us of the innovativeness that rests at the core of our being; the essence of who we are as Virgin Islanders. The late and great Cyril B. Romney is one of those Virgin Islanders who has left us with a rich and proud legacy. He was an educator from a young age and held a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Economics and Political Science. He served for 27 years in the Public Service before taking early retirement and held posts such as Administrative Secretary to the Minister of Works and Communications, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, and was the first Virgin Islander to hold the post of Financial Secretary.”

In further giving a snapshot of his life, the Junior Minister informed that Mr Romney was elected to the Legislative Council in 1979. He served his second legislative term as Chief Minister and Minister of Finance. He was elected for two further four-year terms in 1986 and 1990 respectively during which he served as leader of her Majesty's Loyal Opposition and the principal Opposition speaker on Finance and Tourism.

He was described as a tourism visionary and a pioneer of the local cruise industry.

The statue was erected at the roundabout of the Pier Park.

Romney’s legacy will live on- Premier Fahie

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said the late Romney was evidence since then that Virgin Islanders are capable of filling top posts and managing their own country, despite the doubters.

“CB Romney was the first financial secretary, brought on financial services. Do you remember what they said when he brought on financial services? Nothing positive. Now today you have all kinds of financial gurus and they trying their best over the years to erase his name from the legacy that he created.”

He reminded that no man can erase the legacy that God has put one to do.

“And CB’s name is going to live on, through every child, every grandchild, through every resident that use this facility.”

The unveiling of the statue was done in the presence of family members of the late Romney among other persons.

An attractive ‘BVI’ sign was also unveiled at the ceremony.