Happy with ‘quick’ recovery – Ships are back!

Minister responsible for ports Mark Vanterpool and minister responsible for tourism Premier Dr D Orlando Smith went to the pier to welcome the cruise ship. Photo Credit: Government Information Service

Minister responsible for ports Mark Vanterpool said cruise ships have resumed calls on the British Virgin Islands, adding that the companies are happy with the ‘quick’ recovery following widespread flooding and landslides caused by a tropical wave on August 7.

“All in all, the cruise companies are very happy to see how we have recovered so quickly and are making the place as beautiful as ever,” the minister said, adding that road repairs are ongoing in some areas.

“We have completed some of the roads that were a bit hazardous,” Vanterpool added.

He made the comments after he – along with minister responsible for tourism Premier Dr D Orlando Smith – yesterday welcomed Disney Fantasy, which is the first cruise ship to have docked since the tropical wave.

According to Vanterpool, most passengers disembarked the Disney Cruise Line vessel.

Disney President, Karl Holz, also make the trip.

The territory is scheduled to welcome its second cruise ship for the month – Norwegian Escape of the Norwegian Cruise Line – today (August 30).

Following the tropical wave, which also caused damage to infrastructure, the British Virgin Islands government announced that two vessels had postponed calls on the territory. They are Disney Fantasy that was scheduled to dock on August 15, and Norwegian Escape that initially was set to dock on the following day.

Meanwhile, as it relates to further road repairs in light of the tropical wave, Vanterpool said works should have completed yesterday at Belle Vue and Joe’s Hill. He added that his team will head to East End/Long Look today and to Huntum’s Ghut this week Friday.

Drakes_650x200