Opposition fumes as gov’t snubs them from Tourism Summit
Opposition members have criticised the government for what they described as the Ministry of Tourism’s blatant disregard in failing to invite them to the territory’s first-ever Tourism Summit held last week.
During a press conference on Friday, January 17, His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition expressed disappointment at being excluded from the two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism.
Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull was the first to raise the issue, calling out Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr. Natalio Wheatley for the oversight.
“I must express my deep disappointment with the Premier and Minister of Tourism,” Turnbull said. “A Tourism Summit that is now taking place on Peter Island, which is a crucial event for our territory, and not one single member of the Opposition was invited.”
Turnbull emphasised the importance of the Opposition’s participation in an event of this magnitude, especially as representatives of districts heavily dependent on tourism. He further stated that after reaching out for an explanation, the response he received was inadequate.
Territorial-At-Large Representative Lorna Smith revealed that despite not being invited, she attended the summit on its first day. When asked why other Opposition members did not attend, they explained they were unaware of the event until the last minute.
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton, addressing Smith’s attendance, joked that her prior role in the administration might have afforded her the “privilege” of attending.
Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn also weighed in, pointing to what he sees as poor coordination by the government. “We’re all members of the House of Assembly. There’s no way that you can arrange something of this magnitude and fail to invite the Opposition,” Walwyn stated.
The summit, held in collaboration with the BVI Tourist Board and the BVI Yachting, Hotel, and Tourism Association (BVIYHTA), brought together key industry stakeholders to shape the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands.
The two-day event featured panel discussions, breakout sessions, and presentations by local and regional tourism experts. Topics included the government’s role in tourism, visitor management, tourist experiences, and global trends in the industry.
The Opposition has called for greater inclusivity in future events, particularly those addressing sectors critical to the territory’s economic future.
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It’s a shame this wasn’t more inclusive. But I’m sorry, is anything really going to come out of this? I heard when someone stood up to say anything negative they had the microphone taken away.
False.
Lie
This meeting was not inclusive for anybody. These meetings are never about being included, they are about being told what has already been decided.
Thank you Lorna for putting the imbeciles in power. Thank you Fraser for keeping the imbeciles in power. All of you deserve each other. Bunch of imbeciles.
You need to thank PVIM and who were responsible for the NDP break-up. Some may forget, but you don’t get to rewrite history. We are here because of grown ass men that continue to act like little girls.
Thank you PVIM for acting like girls. This is also your doing. Standing ovation. Set of imbeciles.
And thank the voters for sending a clear message that we want an indigenous BVIslander as Premier and Deputy. We love Myron, but that thinking still stands; let those with eare hear.
Mehn GTFOH wid ayo B$ ‘bout indigenous Premier! The individuals whom have so far been abject failures and the last 2 premiers – well
Let’s leave that there for public opinion.
Nonetheless, unless and until the government provides proof; the legally elected opposition should have been officially invited period!
Ayo attempts at muddying the waters with this indigenous’ argument just shows your fears of the changing voter landscape. The BVI of yore is not the 21st century BVI. Instead of pandering to an old and out-of touch base, creating divisions, embrace change or move he he77 aside while true Nation building commences!
What about all you anchor babies with DUAL citizenships? Y’all is island man/women too huh….*anker$
People you are incapable of even coalescing to decide a leader and then having the integrity to support the chosen leader to lead the Territory? If you do then you are delusional and wont face any reality , You are not looking at facts ;you look at everything through a myopic subjective lense . period
I don’t know why people are blaming NDP and PVIM for not being able to get together. This is far from the truth since Ms. Lorna in the Corner was the missing link and never intended to join them thanks to her brothers. She has been fired and chuck on the Opposition, and talking piss about Independent. I am sure folks remember she started off as Independent and only joined NDP when she was lagging behind. Within the hour of winning she was gone. So blame nobody but her for this situation. Fraser talked a big game but he didn’t want his back to the street so was ready to take what he got.
I think the government erred in not having members of the Opposition there at that summit.
IMO, it was not good form to have excluded allegedly members of the Opposition. Some respect and deference should have been shown.
Surely the Opposition has no less interest in conversations surrounding a vital part of the country’s economy.
Invitations should have been extended to all even if they could not attend for whatever reasons.
They all should have been potentially there to lend their input.
This is not all about the government proper. Not everything should be political, and this lack of alleged invitations to the Opposition members appears that way.
The meeting was a farce.
They demanded that the executive level of our tourism industry take two days to attend a talk shop in the peak of tourism season! Then they sequestered them on Peter Island so they couldn’t come or go easily in order to manage their businesses.
The panel conversations were good, but these are all conversations we have had before. The conversation isn’t the piece that is missing. What is missing is ACTION. Our elected representatives know what is needed. They have listened to it time and time again, but they haven’t heard it, and they still refuse to act.
Many stakeholders involved in BVI tourism did not attend this alleged ‘summit’ during the tourist high season. It would have better to hold this ‘summit’ in Road Town either before 1st November 2024 or after 30th April 2025.
It has been 6 years since the NDP had their split, 6 years! Minus Mather, the Opposition is the NDP! The fact that they cannot get it together after all this time and despite telling us how bad off the Territory is under the VIP says it all. The NDP split gave us Andrew, COI, Andrew Lock-Up, BVI Shame, Unity Govt, Sowande Premiership. Why with all of this the Opposition still cannot join hands and form a group to run the Territory if they claim they can do it better? It’s clear that they do not have the Territory at heart and are only there for the perks. I will take Sowande and VIP any day over these pretenders.
I so agree with you. We didn’t need to be in all this. But these power hungry reps can not see further than their bank accounts and anybody who really believe these people looking out for our best interest is delusional.
You opposition members are so fully of yourselves! You didn’t need an invitation. If you wanted to go then you could go. Lorna was there!
Don’t bank on Lorna because whichever party she runs with she will not win. They better off using that spot for someone else.
Lorna was there because when she resided on the other side of the gate/fence she was aware and more than likely had a hand in this ‘summit’.
As for the other Opposition members; they still waiting on the ‘official’ invitation to that waste of time meeting!
Blame the inept, incompetent and corrupt government members for this sh!te show daily!
Yes, Lorna attended uninvited, but that should not have been necessary. “His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition” is a crucial part of our system of governance. It matters not whether people like them or the members of the party in power for that matter. Their office should be respected. Right is right.
They just mad they didn’t get a boat ride and a free lunch!
It is not that serious, Lorna was there wasn’t she? Isn’t she part of the Opposition?
Petty politics is all this is. It’s in everybody’s interest to promote the tourism product, at least in theory. Who made money from this boondoggle?
Honourable Lorna face says a lot and that alone is a No for my X and that of my family in the next election cycle.
You guys just vex because you ain’t get no free food so stop it.
HEY WIGO , THE REAL LADY DON’T NEED A HYPOCRITE LIKE YOU SND UOUR FAMILY TO WIN ANYTHING , SO GO BACK IN YOUR CAVE AND PLAY EMWITH YOUR WIG , SHD WAS LOOKING OUT FOR THE COUNTRY’S BEST INTEREST , AND THAT EXPOSE THE LEADER LACK OF INTEGRITY AND EXPERIENCE SO HE GOT EMBARRASSED GOT HER OUT OF THE WAY , ANYBODY WITH COMMON SENCE CAN SEE THAT , EXCEPT FOR YOU AND HYPOCRITES LIKE YOU / NOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO HOLLER OUT “FREE THE DREW ” YOUR HERO – TO CREATE CONTROVERSY,
KARMA WILL SOON CATCH UP WITH YOU ,
As far as I am aware no one of any importance in the BVIs tourist industry was there.
These talking shops achieve nothing.
If the tourist board was disbanded tomorrow it would make no difference whatsoever to our tourist industry.
T Really? Put a. white Brit as Premier and eputy tomorrow, you will be the first one jumping with gleeand bowing every chance you get.
The opposition represents a significant segment of the population, reflecting a wide array of voices, perspectives, and concerns. Including opposition members in national events hosted by the sitting government is a meaningful act that fosters a culture of mutual respect and demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing the nation. It sends a powerful message that, regardless of political differences, all leaders are united in their dedication to the country’s common good.
This approach encourages a spirit of collaboration between the government and opposition, providing citizens with confidence that their leaders prioritize the nation’s welfare above partisan interests. By involving the opposition, the government exhibits political maturity and an ability to rise above party lines to serve the greater interests of the country. Such cooperation underscores a stable and thriving democracy, enhancing the country’s international standing as an example of inclusivity and equitable governance.
Additionally, the inclusion of opposition members diminishes perceptions of bias or exclusion, reinforcing principles of fairness and equality in decision-making. Their participation broadens representation, ensuring that diverse needs and perspectives are taken into account. This also promotes transparency and accountability, as events and decisions are viewed and reported through multiple perspectives.
Ultimately, engaging the opposition in national events strengthens democratic institutions, builds trust among citizens, and highlights the importance of unity in governance. It underscores the idea that effective leadership is not confined to political divisions but is a collective effort toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.