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.
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.
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!
They just mad they didn’t get a boat ride and a free lunch!