Caribbean tourism leaders told to put human capital first
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s 11th Human Resources Conference in Tortola, Dr Wheatley said the event’s theme, *“The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism,”* was fitting for a sector built on personal connection and care.
“Planes, hotels, or technology don’t power our industry; people power it,” he stated, adding that every individual — from the front desk agent to the tour guide — plays a vital role in shaping the Caribbean experience.
Dr Wheatley described the conference as a platform to celebrate and prepare Caribbean workers for a future in which human excellence remains central to tourism. “It’s about putting our people, our most valuable resource, front and centre. It’s about celebrating them, training them, and preparing them for a future where human excellence remains the soul of Caribbean tourism,” he explained.
The Premier encouraged delegates to embrace the Virgin Islands’ culture and community during their visit, noting that the territory’s hospitality reflects the heart of its people. “Hospitality isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. It’s in the way we greet you with a smile that says, ‘You’re home’,” he said.
He urged attendees to experience the islands beyond the conference venue, highlighting that the Virgin Islands offers not just a destination but “a sense of connection, community, and belonging”.
The Premier also stressed that investing in people was essential to keeping the Caribbean competitive on the global stage. “We are a region of brilliance, of creativity, and of heart. And when we invest in our people, nurturing their growth, inspiring their confidence, and equipping them with the tools to lead, we are investing in the future of Caribbean tourism,” he stated.
Dr Wheatley described the gathering as more than a conference — “a movement to elevate how we see human resources, not as a department, but as the heartbeat of our tourism industry”.
The four-day event, hosted by the BVI Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, brings together tourism and human resource professionals from across the Caribbean to discuss leadership, wellness, diversity, and empowerment within the sector.
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Now lets see the words become action and make changes. It doesn’t matter how much we invest in infrastructure and top hotels it won’t work if our tourism workers continue to have the same surely attitude. I’ve travelled the caribbean extensively and with a few exceptions arriving back home I’m embarrassed by the reception from our workers in tourism. Too many times I’ve gone into shops or restaurants or got into a taxi and been made to feel I’m annoying them by being there and them having to stop chatting or playing on their phone so that they can serve me. Made to feel that I should be grateful to have them there. Being charged rediculous amounts or tips being expected when the service just isn’t there. Until we can switch this around and make the tourist feel welcome and valued and our workers realise they work in the SERVICE industry we will waste money building infrastructure that won’t be used to its full potential.
He says that because he can get human capital for $7.25 an hour. That leaves more money for him and his cronies to put in their pockets.
Highlighing human Capital means that infrastructure does not need to be maintained or kept neat and tidy.
Only cheap labour is important to his new style Colonial Dictatorship.
Human excellence. What a joke. Humans for cheap is what he means unless you are in the HOA or family or a friend. The New Colonial VI.
Investing in human capital is needed but some of these humans don’t know what it is to be a part of the service sector – from the unpleasant immigration officers at the ports to the can’t be bothered waiters and waitresses at the restaurants. Not painting everyone with the same brush but the good ones are few and far between.
It needs 40 thousand people living here to make NHI possible
Chasing and cussing people who not from here
Underpaying poor people
The BVI slave masters treating exp workers like crap
Using trademen especially the women and do not want to pay at the end of jobs
Is that how youbtreat human capital to stay
One day this country will wake up and find the same people they treat like crap they will neef
BVI has extended grace betting measure and have treated many people who come to our shores for economic advancement with dignity and respect. Don’t paint all the same. There are a lot of amazing Virgin Islanders who continue to extend themselves but alot of people come here wishing only to reap from the system and not contribute. Honestly speaking, those people are far worse than any Virgin Islander. Despite the unfair blows, the Virgin Islands will still rise.