Locals Must Get Fair Opportunities In Charter Industry – Smith Plans August Meeting

The Government will meet with the Territory’s charter/boating community in August as it seeks to expand opportunities for Virgin Islanders in one of tourism’s most important sub-sectors.

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and At Large Representative Lorna G. Smith OBE said the meeting, initially planned for July, will bring together bareboat charter and other boat operators, BVIslander captains and local boat owners.

“Our strength right now is in the area of day charter, and we want to ensure that BVIslanders continue to excel in what they do,” Smith said.

She added that local operators must be “treated fairly” and “given every opportunity within the boating industry”.

“The boating industry is our advantage in the tourism industry, and we want to make the most of it,” Smith stated. “We want to make sure that our people, our British Virgin Islanders, have every opportunity to take part in that industry.”