Rhodni A. Skelton tipped to be new BVITB Deputy Director
Mr Skelton, who is the Film Commissioner and Events Marketing Manager at BVITB, has been recommended by the Board of Directors of the BVI Tourist Board for the post, according to the same source.
It is our newsroom’s understanding that the post of Deputy Director, which has been vacant for some time, was advertised and a large portion of applications were received, including many from overseas and a short list of four, including Mr Skelton’s, was done. Mr Skelton beat out Trefor A. Grant who also applied and is a well-known face in the tourism sector and an NDP activist, often on the stage with them during their political campaigns, most often chairing their rallies. Currently, Mr Grant is a consultant for the BVI Tourist Board on small properties and manages a high end hotel and restaurant on Virgin Gorda.
He is qualified & has political connections
Mr Skelton, who is the son of Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), holds an Associate in Arts (AA) in Business Management, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing, Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources and Finance, and Master of Science (MSC) in Tourism and Project Management.
According to the same NDP source, negotiations are ongoing with Mr Skelton on the terms and conditions of the post, along with “addressing some other outstanding issues.” However, the source declined to comment any further.
Mr Skelton also has the support of the Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL), according to the same source who normally speaks to our news room on these matters.
It is our newsroom’s understanding that a few years ago a consultant was brought in to perform the duties of Deputy Director and train (understudy) and groom someone for the post of Deputy Director; however, it’s unclear what happened to those efforts.
The BVI Tourist Board is the state-owned agency responsible for promoting and marketing the Territory as a tourism destination.
They have officers on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, New York, San Francisco, London, Germany, and Milan, Italy. The 2016 figures show that the BVI Tourist Board received some ten million, five hundred and thirty two thousand five hundred dollars ($10,532,500) in state funding.
54 Responses to “Rhodni A. Skelton tipped to be new BVITB Deputy Director”
you didn't read the section on his qualifications did you?
qualified? Has the man ever worked directly in the industry? What did he do in all his years for the board? Smh ! And the expats that applied were much much more qualified but let's give a local a chance right? A chance with one of the only industry NDP ain't yet ruined but now well on their way! Cronyism !
You people are such idiots messon. And nobody will ever be pleased with a decision. So sick of all the negativity now.
This is a good choice an I wish him above all other rivals all the best
I do hope he will serve the territory well
Oh, have you seen the decline in tourists visit this year? We need some new brain like his within the ministry.
Indeed, you will succeed in this newer endeavor just as you have done with others in the past!
Again, Congrats...