Obama-mania

Persons on the main island of Tortola seem iffy about their wish coming true, but they are wishing anyways.

A number of them told BVI News Online they want to meet the former United States President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle who are vacationing on a private island owned by big shot businessman Sir Richard Branson.

The Obamas strike a pose with immigration officers, and Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews shortly after they arrived in the BVI. Photo Credit:

Tortola – like elsewhere in the British Virgin Islands – has plunged into an apparent Obama-mania since Monday when the renowned couple arrived aboard a private plane, and then completed the nocturnal journey to their destination via boat.

Since then, the Obamas have been out of public sight.

As is the case on social media, they remain the most talked-about couple in Tortola streets these days.

Some residents expressed hope that Mr Obama and his wife will go island hopping during their stay in the BVI.

Chauntay (left) and Oneisha

Oneisha Thomas told BVI News Online: “I think he wanted to experience Nature’s Little Secret. I think he should visit The Baths in Virgin Gorda; I would also recommend Peter Island. It’s more for the Tourist and people like him.”

Chauntay added: “I feel good that Barack Obama is here. That let us know that he not just thinking about other places; he has the BVI in mind as well.”

Treh Williams

Treh Williams said: “I think it’s amazing that the Obamas are here – that sh*t is awesome! Excuse my language, but the President is here! BVI is doing things now. That puts us on the map. Obama is a good man; he did a lot for America when he was president. Him being here; that’s a big bomb. I don’t even know what to say.”

Anthony Blake

Anthony Blake told BVI News Online: “I wish him (Obama) a great holiday without too much harassment. He’s a very cool guy; so is the rest of his family.”

Reynoldo Hewlett took a break from washing motor vehicles in the capital to say: “I think Barack Obama being in the BVI is awesome. I would definitely love to meet him. I’ve always heard about meeting a celebrity and it would truly be nice to see him around. I hope his visit helps boost the economy and that kind of stuff. I’ve never heard of a celebrity as big as the President being in the BVI; so it is big! Big up to the United States and big up to Tortola!”

Lisa Simmonds

Lisa Simmonds weighed in: “I am so ecstatic that Mr Obama is in our islands. I would love to meet him and his beautiful wife.”

Romain

Romain said: “I think it’s a good thing that he (Obama) come down to the British Virgin Islands, you know? Mostly I would like to see him if he comes Tortola or something. But I glad he enjoying himself in the Virgin Islands and stuff. I glad he know that we have islands down here and place that he could come and support.”

Marie reasoned: “It’s awesome and it’s great that he consented to come to our place. I wish him all the very best and God’s continued guidance in their lives. The Obamas have been a very good example of a couple.”

Cleverton

Cleverton said: “I feel overwhelmed that he is visiting. I think if he is on the island for today, for sure I’m going to look for him. I want to meet him in person.”

Jane

Jane told BVI News Online: “I think it’s very good that he chose the BVI to come take a relaxation, coming from all the stress. It’s very nice; It’s very interesting. The BVI is a great place for him to visit.”

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