Safety Over Profits—Fahie Says BVI Not Ready

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Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - While acknowledging that the BVI should not lay down and play dead after being hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Opposition Leader, Hon. Andrew Fahie believes that the BVI is not in a position to accept an influx of tourists.

He strongly cited that safety is a major concern and the BVI is opening itself for lawsuits.

Hon. Fahie told BVI Platinum News of an incident where a resident thought that it was safe to enter the water at a beach, but ended up receiving a cut from debris.

“Nobody is perfect, but at the same time there are things that you have to do and must do to ensure the safety of the public. One of them include cleaning of the beaches, because we have had incidents where persons went into the beaches down here (West End), they looked clear, the sand looked clear,” he explained on Sunday, December 10.

“…But when they went in they got cut, through the sand being uprooted by a galvanize, and they had to go to the hospital. So, there is more cleaning of the beaches that needs to be done.”

His comments came days after government backbencher and Second District Representative, Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull objected to the government’s move to invite tourists at this early stage following the disasters. He made the comments on ZBVI radio.

One of the Territory’s most economic driven beaches, Cane Garden Bay beach is located in Hon. Turnbull’s district.

Hon. Fahie said government, knowing the latter, should have paid more attention to getting that beach in a state of readiness.

He said that the millions pumped into Brandywine Bay beach should have been used for Cane Garden Bay beach.

“I maintain that Cane Garden Bay beach is to Tortola what The Baths is to Virgin Gorda. It is important that we spend money with the product that has brought us where we are, while looking at some new products,” Hon. Fahie stated.

“(It’s) as good as putting butter next to the sun,” he said about the monies spent on Brandywine Bay beach.

The First District Representative warned government about possible lawsuits.

“My thing is we need to do what we need to do to make sure that we minimize and eliminate any possible liabilities as a government and as a people, because if the government is sued it’s not they alone, all of us, because we have to pay for it through taxes” he stressed.

The Opposition Leader pointed out that he understands that the government wants to move forward swiftly, but they must do so as calculated as possible.

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Sherine Williams/BVI Platinum News

“So, I do not think that everything was done. Do I disagree with them trying to move forward, no, but trying to move forward without trying to make sure you have done everything you should have done in that sector to safeguard the country against liabilities (is where the issue lies),” he said.

Hon. Fahie said that the roads are also not in good condition.

He mentioned that there might be some tourists who would want to visit to see the destruction, but he said these things need to be ironed out and marketed, to avoid liabilities.

“More crucial things needed to be done” he expressed.

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