Premier Smith trades ‘punches’ with Backbencher Hon Turnbull
In a press release issued, December 11, 2017 Premier Smith retorted, claiming that “The Ministries of Communications and Works, Health and Social Development and Natural Resources have all supported clean-up efforts in districts.” He added that the Ministry of Communications and Works worked in each district, providing equipment to district representatives for clean up at the community level.
It was in an interview with Zan Lewis, aired on December 6, 2017 on ZBVI 780 AM, that Hon Turnbull said, “No one has come to Cane Garden Bay to help with clean-up from a governmental standpoint.”
Premier Defends his government
Hon Smith defended his government by saying, “Specifically in the Second District after unsuccessful attempts to clean up faster using this strategy [community level clean up], the Ministry directly deployed man power and equipment to support efforts in the Windy Hill area, Brewers Bay and along the Cane Garden Bay stretch from Quito’s to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Particularly for Cane Garden Bay, this was done with support from the Territory’s Rotary Clubs and members of the financial services sector over two days.”
Though roads and ghuts are clear in Cane Garden Bay the world-famous Cane Garden Bay beach is still not ready for tourists. Some amount of work was done in Brewers Bay in the immediate weeks following the Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Both Premier Smith and Hon Turnbull pledged their continued support to the restoration of communities. Mr Turnbull said, “If we have to do it ourselves, I am going to stick with my people… we get to a place where we are comfortable and helping businesses to get back to where they can serve our tourists, as well as those who live in this territory, in excellence. We will keep our standard.”
Premier & Backbencher disagree on Territory’s readiness for tourists
Restoration work in District two was not the only issue Hon Smith defended. He explained that Tourism is important to the residence of this territory since it’s how most of them make a living and provide for themselves and family. “Through our tourism sector many residents earn their income and are able to take care of their families, buy groceries, pay their rents and be in a position to independently take care of themselves.
According to the Premier, it was for that reason that the tourism season had to be started. “If we forgo this season, we stand the chance of losing many locally built and respected businesses … it can be very difficult and expensive for our destination to benefit from future seasons… if we close our shores, we leave employees and tourism industry partners without the means to earn a living and the ability to contribute to the rebuilding of the Virgin Islands.”
Honourable Turnbull had previously disagreed, stating “I will not allow for the businesses in Cane Garden Bay to set up tents to serve any of our tourists. We have a standard that we have to uphold in this territory of the Virgin Islands.”
Tourists from the cruise ships, which the Premier said will continue to come, were redirected to beaches on Beef Island and other sites that are safe to visit and, according to the Premier, “they are appropriately informed of damages to the Territory and are being provided with alternative options when in the BVI.”
In defence of his decision Hon Smith also added, “This is also an opportunity for us to explore new sites, support business opportunities in other districts, as well as take the opportunity to see how we can strike the right balance of opportunity and environmental protection for beachfront communities like Cane Garden Bay.”
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18 Responses to “Premier Smith trades ‘punches’ with Backbencher Hon Turnbull”
But on a serious note... we really needed revenues to come in. It would not fall on trees.
As a person that depends on the dollar that tourists spends I well am happy to say that today we have over 20 boats in the harbour here in Anegada.
And they were very happy to see that we in Anegada are open for Buisness. These folks were very happy to contribute... I am happy to get some much needed sales from my business.