Premier calls for togetherness to achieve BVI’s 2022 goals
While delivering his New Year’s Day address, Premier Andrew Fahie called for residents of the Virgin Islands to band together to achieve transformation and development in key sectors in the territory.
“As a people with immense potential and blessed with amazing natural resources, let us resolve to work together for the development of our beloved Virgin Islands. Let us strive to inspire, encourage and support each other. Let us harness our strengths and opportunities to neutralize our threats and weaknesses. Let us be solution-oriented as we work, respectfully and constructively, through different points of view,” Fahie said.
“As Premier, my commitment for 2022, and that of your government, is to continue working hard to promote good governance and to transform the Virgin Islands into a leading regional economy through entrepreneurship, innovation, and local and foreign investment, so that we can create more opportunities for you and your children and improve your social and economic security and overall quality of life,” he added.
The Premier noted 2021 was a challenging year for the territory as the nation continues to battle through a global pandemic; all while still recovering from the devastating effects of the two September 2017 hurricanes.
“It has been a year of highs and lows for the Virgin Islands as we continue to battle unprecedented challenges. That is not of our making and for the most part beyond our control, originating far beyond our shores. But, our indomitable spirit and sense of community, which are among our greatest strengths as Virgin Islanders, have supported us through these tough times,” the Premier said.
Fahie noted the past several months have seen consistent progress in the recovery of the territory’s economy through the policies and management strategies from the government and cooperation from both public and private sectors stakeholders.
“Our tourism industry, which remains in high demand, has been seeing increasing numbers of visitor arrivals. Cruise arrivals, day-trippers, overnight visitors, yachts, and charter visitors, are all on the rise, notwithstanding the pandemic. Air travel to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada is now more convenient and accessible. All of this spells good news for our accommodation properties, taxi and tour operators, restaurants and bars, and vendors, Government revenues – and for the wider economy,” the Premier said.
Fahie, who is also the Finance Minister, said 2022 meets the territory with a new budget in place to support the continued economic recovery and growth.
He mentioned there are many more projects and programmes lined up for implementation with others in advanced stages of preparation.
“Opportunities from new industries such as the gaming and betting industry are around the corner. Your government intends to work even more closely with the private sector to discover and launch further opportunities. The digital economy and green energy sectors are two of the top priority areas, as we continue working to further strengthen our resilience through diversification,” the Premier explained.
“The positive trends in tourism are expected to continue, once we remain vigilant and continue to maintain the Virgin Islands’ profile as a safe destination. In short, 2022 is poised to be a year of hope, opportunity, and resurgence for the Virgin Islands,” he added.
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Get lost Fahie. You have spent so long dividing this place. We are already gone and we are taking our investment with us.
See ya!
Speak for your greedy self. The facts reveal that the BVI economy is booming now. Fahie and his Government must be commended.
OK
Are you saying you are fixing the DUMP AND TOXIC SMOKE problem
and we cant get work permits so our businesses could strive?
You are projecting. Starting with yourself for the new year would be a good thing.
Need us for your independence push I guess. Remember for the UN it has to be the people’s wish not just yours. When the people want independence it will come and will be a good thing. Until then you got to unfollow the rules as they are now General Fahie.
Anyone who failed to acknowledge the efforts of the VIP Government to bring back the economy is just a hater. Look around and see for yourself. Construction is booming. Cruise Ships are back in numbers. Yachts are back on the sea in numbers. Mega Yachts are back in record numbers. Taxi men are doing more tours. Hotels and guest homes are fillled. Increased flights to Beef Island. VG airport is opened and doing well. Lobster fest on Anegada is back and a success. Foxy’s New Year’s Party a success. Locals prospering in the charter boat industry due to the new policies of government. The list is endless to show to all that the VIP Government has brought back the economy since covid.
Are you out of your mind? These were systems that were already in place. They were brought temporarily to their knees because of the government’s poor response to the pandemic.
As for the VG airport, no credit should be given to the government at all. The question is why was it closed in the first place and which government closed it?
News flash the economy is not booming but rather the economy has recently reopened. I see campaign session has already started but no matter what you say you can’t change the fact that this is the worse government in the VI’s history.
Does “Together” include the half of the population made up of ex-pats, without whose efforts the BVI would be nowhere?
I thought it, you asked it!. Good question!
Are you out of your mind? These were systems that were already in place. They were brought temporarily to their knees because of the government’s poor response to the pandemic.
As for the VG airport, no credit should be given to the government at all. The question is why was it closed in the first place and which government closed it?
News flash the economy is not booming but rather the economy has recently reopened. I see campaign season has already started but no matter what you say you can’t change the fact that this is the worse government in the VI’s history.
What a hypocrite you are. You were one saying the Government killed the economy with covid and that the economy will never bounce back. Now that it has you don’t want to be honest and give credit where credit is due. The VG airport reopening is a credit to the government so the sooner you realise that the better. It was a good move. It was a needed move and the point is that it was done. The VIP is not perfect but they are doing good.
If you are a paid political blogger it is important to be able to read and understand issues.
Since you are certain praises should be given for the VG airport, then answer these question: (1) which government closed the airport and (2) why was it closed?
My advice to you is go have several seats with your weak and baseless contribution.
We thought you paid canaries had disappeared ? but we can see ( GOLDYLOX ) start up his CLANDISTINE campaign again ,and we awaits the holy CSC and his bishop friend to come alive ?
Premier keep moving forward. There are more with you than those against.
On another topic. I would like to know what’s up with Inter-Caribbean. That airline is leaving people stranded because they are cancelling and delaying flights left, right and center. Even the pilots date in limbo. They are selling tickets and failing to fulfill their obligations. People traveling to and from Europe and other parts of the Caribbean cannot get out in time to get their connecting flights. They are worse than Liat. It is time Government intervenes and stop that airline from flying if they are incompetent.