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VIF&FC to BVITB a good move but proper preparation was needed- Flax-Brutus

From left Talking Points co-host Damion C. Grange, co-host Violet Thomas Gaul, Former Director of Tourism in the Virgin Islands (VI) Sharon P. Flax-Brutus co-host Elvin Grant on Talking Points on October 7, 2024. Mrs. Flax-Brutus agreed with VI Festival and Fairs’ functions being moved to Tourist Board but said proper preparation was needed first. Photo: Facebook
In January 2024, it was announced that Cabinet had taken a decision to move the functions of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee to the BVI Tourist Board. Photo: BVI Tourism
In January 2024, it was announced that Cabinet had taken a decision to move the functions of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee to the BVI Tourist Board. Photo: BVI Tourism
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Former Director of Tourism in the Virgin Islands (VI) Sharon P. Flax-Brutus has said the functions of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) being moved to the BVI Tourist Board is the right thing to do but questioned if the method used was the right one.

In January 2024, it was announced that Cabinet had taken a decision to move the functions of the committee to the BVI Tourist Board. The transfer was said to be aimed at further incorporating elements of the Virgin Islands culture and heritage, into the tourism product towards promoting experiential tourism opportunities.

Proper preparation was needed

Mrs Flax-Brutus was the guest on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, October 7, 2024, when co-host Damion C. Grange asked her whether she thought the move was a good one.

She began her answer by saying it was a good idea; however, she quickly said, “You can’t just jump up and decide that you’re going to do it and do it in a month or two without preparing the organisation that is going to be taking on the load in terms of budget, in terms of staffing, in terms of standard operating procedures, how do we make certain things happen?”

The former Tourism Director said “eventually” the BVI Tourist Board is the place for the VI Festival and Fairs Committee.

Grange quickly followed up by asking, “So you agree with the Tourist Board focusing on planning concerts?” Mrs Flax-Brutus replied, “No I don’t”.

Tourism Authority in other Caribbean islands do it

While she said she didn't agree with the BVI Tourist Board focusing on concert planning, Mrs Flax-Brutus said this is the direction being taken in other Caribbean islands. Using the USVI as an example, she said a lot of their events and major festivals have “morphed in” with their Tourism Authority.

While this happened, she added that it was done with a budget that was able to handle the financing of these events and a plan in terms of growing and marketing them along with partnerships from major sponsors.

“Yes, I have to say it [VI Festival and Fairs Committee] need to go [under the BVI Tourist Board], but it needs to go there in the right way with the right people and people who know events and who knows how to get an international following to events unless you’re just looking at your events from a local market perspective,” she stated.

7 Responses to “VIF&FC to BVITB a good move but proper preparation was needed- Flax-Brutus”

  • Right way (08/10/2024, 11:33) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Indeed, it is refreshing to see the modulation of tone. It is entirely possible to disagree without descending into the realm of the disagreeable. Political pugilism, while often celebrated, is in fact greatly overrated. It takes a far more refined skill—true statesmanship, if you will—to influence outcomes and deliver results without the need for unnecessary confrontation.
  • Human Marketplace (08/10/2024, 13:01) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    St. Thomas Carnival is a different celebration to BVI Emancipation Festival we are so accustomed to follow everything that St. Thomas does that it might not occur to us that there is a difference in these celebrations. Even Virgin Gorda Easter Festival is different to the Emancipation Festival. The Emancipation Festival is the last avenue for us to find ourselves as African descendants and should be regarded and treated as such. Why is this buying and selling still going on. The spectacle of nightly music fests, j'ouvert and parade are mindless expressions of depravity. We have lost our way and it is plain to see that we are totally clueless.
  • Lb (08/10/2024, 15:33) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Watch them softening tones just to get an consultancy
  • round rock (08/10/2024, 17:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    While we are fighting amongst ourselves, the other emerging markets are moving with leaps and bounds ahead of us. The Tourism Authority of Oil Rich Guyana has a very aggressive tourism plan that is administered by a minister of Tourism. If we look at the figures of tourist arrival in that country is over one million so far in 2024. This is especially so because of sports and eco-tourism. Of course there is the great Kaieteur Fall. We need to stop fighting among ourselves and move the Territory forward.
    • @round rock (08/10/2024, 21:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Their market and tourism product is not the same as the VI. Stop comparing other markets to us. We’re in we own lane
  • jack in the box (08/10/2024, 21:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Her critibilty is at zero Sharon is to political she is associated with crazy Cindy
  • Bush Professor (08/10/2024, 21:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Tourist Board undoubtedly will give it the old college try in trying to integrate the VIF&FC into operations. The VIF&FC is about culture and should be embedded into the Department of Culture. Both organizations have different visions. The VIG&FC role is to preserve, develop, market, promote, etc., VI culture. The Tourist Board role to develop , promote, market, etc, tourism,,which is one-half of the VI economic twin pillars, providing direct, indirect,,and induced employment..The VIF&FC, Public Works, D. Orlando Smith Hospital, BVIEC,,BVIPA,, Department of Education,, RVIPF, etc, collaborating , cooperating m,,etc working in concert in a holistic manner the Tourist Board to deliver a topnotch tourist product.


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