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by pltm
(PLTM) - While the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is desirous of aiding in the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) recovery process, the USVI cannot offer funding or other assets due to strict instructions on the handling of their resources.
During a recent press conference, Governor of the USVI, Kenneth Mapp stated, “The BVI and USVI have had great relations in the past. If you ask me if we would like to do a lot more for the British Virgin Islands, the simple answer is yes.”
However, he indicated that his hands are tied on the matter, saying, “Can I take federal assets that I received from the US Government and transpose it to the British Virgin Islands? The answer is no, and the US Government has been very, very clear and concise on that point.”
Governor Mapp related that any relief efforts or assistance received from his territory are done through a community effort.
Meanwhile, he divulged that the USVI is interested in cooperating with the territory in the area of tourism promotion, as both islands can benefit. The Governor disclosed that he has already broached the topic with the Premier.
“250,000 of your visitors that come by jet aircraft land on St. Thomas, come through St. Thomas and come over to the BVI, and we had discussed how it is possible, for example, when those folks get on the ferries, how they could be cleared before they arrive actually on BVI shores,” he shared.
The USVI incurs significant earnings from persons travelling to the BVI, who transit through that island, and according to Governor Mapp, “airlift into St. Thomas is something we want to grow, and to the extent that even folks that are destined to the British Virgin Islands.”
As such, ways of increasing the convenience and improving the experience of travelers are also being examined.
