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USVI ‘eating our lunch’ - Walwyn tells rally audience

-Supporter outraged at utterance; immediately lash back
According to Walwyn, the USVI was “eating our lunch,” in relation to Tourists who have to pass through the USVI to get to the VI. Photo: Facebook
Hon Walwyn’s statement was endorsed by one of his party’s At-Large Candidate, Mr Trefor A. Grant who is known as a Tourism specialist in the territory. Photo: Facebook
Hon Walwyn’s statement was endorsed by one of his party’s At-Large Candidate, Mr Trefor A. Grant who is known as a Tourism specialist in the territory. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Embattled Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP 1), Hon Myron V. Walwyn, appears to be brewing war with sister Territory of the Virgin Islands (VI)—the United States Virgin Islands (USVI)—over some comments he made at a recent NDP rally.

According to Hon Walwyn, the USVI was, “eating our lunch,” in relation to Tourists who have to pass through that territory to get to the VI.

Mr Walwyn’s comments appeared to have been taken in bad faith and prompted an immediate negative audience reaction, given the VI's close diplomatic relation with our immediate neighbour.

Audience outraged

 “I love our neighbours in the USVI, but they’re eating our lunch. They’re eating our lunch because our tourists have to pass through St. Thomas to get here,” Hon Walwyn said last evening, Saturday, January 18, 2019, in the parking lot of Sunny Caribbee.

He was at the time underscoring the importance of forging ahead with the expansion of the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, VI. In reaction, one irate NDP supporter at the rally immediately lashed back saying, “This man always making statements that he will later have to sit down to clarify because people will take it differently.”

According to Hon Walwyn, it is critical that the VI be made more attractive to other countries that have a growing number of outbound travellers.

 “If the flights are too long, we will not see the benefits of those markets. We need to extend the runway at T.B. Lettsome International Airport. It needs to be done,” he said.

Bypass USVI – Walwyn

“Airlift continues to be the biggest issue plaguing the tourism industry. We cannot have visitors using two days of their vacation to travel to and from our territory, we need to get them here faster… It can be done, and under a new NDP Government, it will be done,” he said.

According to Mr Walwyn, the way to do this is through the right public/private partnership—that eases the financial burden on the Government and the people of the VI—with the least environmental impact. Hon Walwyn’s statements was further endorsed by one of his party’s At-Large Candidate, Mr Trefor A. Grant who is known as a Tourism specialist in the territory.

During his spirited address last night, Mr Grant said that it would be irresponsible for the Government not to develop the airport which is the answer to realizing seamless travel to and from the VI. Mr Grant and Hon Walwyn’s comment comes as the current NDP government, ran an 8-year regime full of corruption allegations, lack of transparency, breaking of laws and reckless spending of public funds. 

31 Responses to “USVI ‘eating our lunch’ - Walwyn tells rally audience ”

  • Business case 101 (20/01/2019, 13:40) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the cost/benefit analysis for public consumption? What are the i here t risks/benefits and not those espoused by proponents for/against. The cost and benefit of expanding the runway vs re-structuring the ferry ports and services. We cannot and should not always rush into these mega projects with mega risks. What is he current and projected available housing stock to take on the influx generated by either seaport or airport expansions? How can the BVi differentiate its tourism product from those regionally and have a true niche vacation experience? Where are our Michelin starred chefs/restaurants and boutique hotels? Are we a mad tourism or niche destination? Can the current trajectory of our infrastructural development sustain the growth we desire? Do our people feel empowered enough to invest in these areas to augment the services lacking? The future can be bright if the paradigm shifts to one which benefits the majority verses the selected few which has been the case economically for the past 30-40 years. What’s the future BVi going to be/look like if we continue making bad investments/choices just for the minority’s personal gains?
  • Pato (20/01/2019, 14:03) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    So where u going put them to sleep bro, we need hotels first, We need to stress on proper marketing and increasing sports tourism. Stop putting foot in your mouth. Next he have to apologize.
  • Yes (20/01/2019, 14:13) Like (32) Dislike (6) Reply
    All the time they wasnt eatin our lunch but election time got ur a$$ on da line soo now prisoners can vote anx us i eatin we food? Gtfoh
  • chad (20/01/2019, 14:16) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    Here we go again. This man need to keep his mouth shut. He always says the wrong things. That’s to show he don’t even know the tie between the USVI and BVI.
  • Vision (20/01/2019, 14:19) Like (9) Dislike (25) Reply

    VIP bloggers trying hard to slam down the facts. What happen u all dont believe in your slogan from H. Lavity Stoutt where there is no vision the people perish.

  • Outlaw (20/01/2019, 14:19) Like (32) Dislike (3) Reply
    Boy Myron for God sake, go sit down. I know before long you would have put your feet in your own mouth. Do you really know the history of the Virgin Islands, well for your information we are one people, more than half the population of the USVI and BVIslanders, so technically as usual here you are once again hauling insults at us. While am at it, I will like you to tell the people of the BVI if Orion Law was involved in the negotiations with BVI Airways and if there is any truth to it that Only 4 million of the 7.2 million was paid to BVI Airways and if so, where is the remaining 3.2 million.
  • Yes (20/01/2019, 14:22) Like (30) Dislike (10) Reply
    we can’t vote for Sandy the government already being run by the Crabbe’s because they have Marlon one way imagine when Sandy get in then the Brewleys will run the government too
  • No Name (20/01/2019, 14:22) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
    This man don’t think before he talk.
    • Say what??? (21/01/2019, 16:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      What ah idiot.
      This is how this does start.
      I feel so embarrassed.
      To our family and friends in the USVI, Myron Idiot Walwyn is nothing but a fool, running scared a$$hole and we the BVI do sincerely apologize for his constant ignorance. We the masses are not a representation of what this fool spews in his time of fright which seems like each time his mouth is open. Lord Jesus help us from this ignorance.
  • Diaspora (20/01/2019, 14:49) Like (35) Dislike (4) Reply
    Instead of driving wedges between the VI and USVI why not work collectively and collaboratively on a win-win tourism strategic and tactical plan for both groups of Virgin Islands. In reality, they are our close neighbors and only a stone’s throw away. The islands have always been closely tied culturally, socially and economically. Both group of islands can share infrastructure, natural resources, attractions........etc to provide tourists a fuller and more memorable experience. By the way, Anguilla uses Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Martin so is St. Maarten eating Anguila’s lunch? Looks can be deceiving but it seems as if St. Martin and Anguilla are coexisting. First things first. Let’s starting focusing on healthcare, education, infrastructure, economic diversification, cost of living, public safety, civil service reform, unfounded pension liability, economic growth, housing, environmental protection, tourist facilities......etc.
  • Naaaaah (20/01/2019, 14:53) Like (35) Dislike (3) Reply
    This man is too full a himself. I sure ain't hear USVI say one negative about BeWeI. Is that who we wan for a leader. I probably should form me own FedUP party like the one in Guyana cuz I FedUP wid he. Please take several sits and stop creating enemies for we. Strupes.
  • hah (20/01/2019, 15:39) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    The problem with the BVI is every project always seem to come with highly inflated prices. Pier Parks, hospitals, runway extensions walls, roads cost way more than others around the Caribbean and the world and it's not like we have the biggest and best. The completed price is always way higher than the estimated cost. The extension isn't a terrible idea just maybe the timing. Some travellers will prefer the ease of direct access. If going through St. Thomas saves hundreds on ticket prices many will still continue to use that route. If the Airlines are not able to make sufficient profit to justify providing direct flights they will not provide the service. I hope government has covered all the bases this time. Just because the means for direct flights are available does not mean the project will be successful for the airlines, taxpayers or the BVI. We have seen government celebrate prematurely when the BVI Airways planes arrived for the first time and we all know how that story end.
  • Virgin Islander to the Bone (20/01/2019, 16:01) Like (23) Dislike (5) Reply
    If u were a true Virgin Islander u would have known the BVI and USVI is one family.
    • Fools like you (20/01/2019, 18:22) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
      Let them continue eating your bread and see what will happen to you and your family 10-15years down the line... all what this message is clearly saying we have to do what we have to do to stop our visitors from the added expense to their vacation..Do you know that atleast 80% of our charter guest that comes here spend 2-3 days in stt an if this doesn't stop stt will be up their charter industry and wipe us out clean which will force job losses here and could even force the smaller charter companies to close down.... people like you only travel to stt by boat so you wouldn't understand.. why you think water taxi is becoming more and more popular now...
  • Tola Man (20/01/2019, 17:16) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    I guess you people don't read to comprehen you all just read to respond.... if you do not find away for people to get to the Bvi easier than having to waste 2 days getting here you will be in trouble because other country will simply invest in what these visitors coming here for and steal them from you..... think about the amount t of people travel through St.Thomas, Antigua,St.Martin and Puerto Rico to get here to start there sailing vacation then guess what they still have to wait an extra day cause there luggage didn't arrive with them sometimes these are people who been travelling for 2 days to get here so you know they all exhausted then to hear there luggage wont arrive until 12 the next day that's frustration... as recently as Saturday it have some guess going to stay at scrub island there luggage didn't arrive and the lady said to the taxi guy she want him to do her a big favor of checking the airline for the 2bags that didnt arrive... Don't matter what Myron does he never right,I sure heard the VIP politicians talk about sports tourism and exporting this and that but nobody jumping and asking how, when it comes to sports tourism it has alot of revenue for a country as a sportsman I know this I have travelled many places sometimes we does have pay over weight in 3-4 different countries for equipment so I guess we will only be looking at Puerto Rico and the Usvi for sports tourism..think about someone coming from Australia,South Africa or even out of Europe going to vacation on VG some of us just blogging because all we know is St.Thomas and a 2hrs flight to Miami...Try flying to the UK then bet we all will be singing a different tune or even futher up state..check the amount of people who over nights in St.Thomas may it be people who came here for vacation or locals going abroad for vacation its costly an if we don't find a way to solve it trust me the next 10-15years our tourism market would be dead (e.g) charter industry and hotels, I sure bet if we do a research on St.Vincent after the airpot was opened they will tell you there economy has change a while lot because simply no more sitting in Antigua for 6hrs or even Barbados and also the Vincentians that live here can rejoice in a big difference with airline prices as it creates my options....
    • BlackButterfly (21/01/2019, 10:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hit like on your comment because I understand Myron's point, it's always been said though, it's how you say what you say, the fact that he used that line 'eating our lunch' comes off wrong!!!
  • boat people (20/01/2019, 17:29) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    Myron on his spin again trying to devide the greater virgin islands
  • Jessica Jones (20/01/2019, 18:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    SMH
  • trrefdrfds (20/01/2019, 18:56) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    Pure ignorance to the fullest no sense of understanding. What do espect from VIP bloggers. It is sad. You alk upset because your leader Andrew did not come up with such plan. If Andrew had said it you all would have been saying good job true leadership
  • tola (20/01/2019, 19:49) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    If my memory serves me right I can remember governor map saying that the USVI needed to do more in getting the tourist to stay in the USVI because of the numbers flying into St Thomas and catching the ferries to come to the VI.Isn’t it the same statement worded differently yes they are eating our lunch both ways don’t we shop big over there.Fromer governor De Jong stated one time that the people of the BVI contributed upwards of $20,00000.00 to their economy
  • wize up (20/01/2019, 20:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    persons have been arriving and departing via St Thomas long before 2019: even our own BVI People takes a ferry service from the British Virgin Islands then onwards to Mainland USA or Europe via the USVI: this practice been going on well over 40 years: your airfare will always be more economical to travel from the USVI because that particular route is deemed to be domestic travel: likewise the shipping cost from Miami to St Thomas is far cheaper than Miami to BVI: our territory survived under theses circumstances for many years: expanding the airport is a novel idea but the infrastructure to maintain an international airport is not cheap: fire service; emergency response units: more efficientl public roads: haven forbid an accident at the airport because that will result in a closure of that facility especially if such incident involves a US Registered Carrier(NTSB) moreover you have to design that runway with more than active run ways; current there is only one active run way(you can approach using 07 or 25)....l will love to See international travel from this territory but people will always move back & forth to our country via USVI(keep the faith
    • What a ting (26/01/2019, 08:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      St Vincent people to
      People has a smaller national budget to Tortola . We have a world class airport . Why alyo so small minded
      And afraid of progress . Perhaps the brains as small as the country
  • wize up (21/01/2019, 08:58) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    some of us going next door before this chap was born and he here looking to cause conflict with our neighbors; our children were born in the usvi: BVI been shopping in the usvi many many many years as a matter of fact I grew seeing my relatives send ground provision to the USVI...please let peace reign don’t upset the tranquility of our forefathers(thank U!!!!)
  • Enki (21/01/2019, 09:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Canabalism ?!
  • l (21/01/2019, 09:45) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    When I travel to the USA I always use Cyril E King airport in St Thomas. I got to St Thomas on the same day as my flight and when I return I sail out of St Thomas on the same day. I don't know what they talking about spending 2 or 3 days in St Thomas.
    • occasion (21/01/2019, 11:15) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      brother they are taking about tourist when the flight come into st Thomas later and no ferry is running they have to pay hotel over night
  • THINK BIG (21/01/2019, 19:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What we need is a bridge between St. Thomas, St. John and Tortola. The two hundred and fifty million for the airport plus the same amount from the USVI makes half a billion dollars. This will open up an incredible world of opportunities for both territories; since we are one family lets work together for the benefit of everyone or is this too grand a vision.
  • Just Curious (22/01/2019, 08:11) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The USVI could only be eating our lunch if we had the proper infrastructure in place. To say they are eating our lunch is a careless statement and a statement which appears to be negative on all front. Let me place devil's advocate for a moment. If the USVI and Puerto Rico should say that we are not landing any passengers in our country who wants to visit the BVI how would our tourism sector survive? The point I am making is that we in the BVI are grateful that tourist can travel through these other islands to visit us because obviously we don't have what it takes. So if they are eating our lunch we are happy we feeding them dinner and breakfast when they reach. We get 2/3 the USVI gets 1/3. My parents use to say "Half a bread better than no bread". Thanks
  • wow (22/01/2019, 11:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Becareful, what your mouth says! VI Voters coming to Vote. We gonna make sure you savor those words!


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