Rymer willed territory to non-stop AA flights — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has heaped praise on Communications and Works Minister, Kye Rymer, for his efforts in securing non-stop flights from American Airlines between the BVI and Miami.
“It certainly feels good to deliver the goods for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Premier Wheatley said while giving remarks following the inaugural flight to the BVI from the global carrier.
The Premier acknowledged the BVI Airports Authority Board, the Director of the BVI Airports Authority and the BVI Tourist Board for their part in ensuring the process went smoothly.
However, Dr Wheatley reserved special commendation for Rymer, singling him out for his tenacity and drive in helping to deliver the deal.
“The Minister was very determined, he was very persistent. He was very tenacious and I’ll even say that he was stubborn. Because he refused to allow his attempts to have non-stop fights here to fail. He refused,” the Premier stated.
“Every time he got a ‘no’, he came back with another route or another option and he really willed us to these non-stop flights,” the Premier said. “And I certainly want to acknowledge him because he has done an excellent service on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands and he deserves all our collective commendation.”
According to Dr Wheatley, the flights represent a great deal of progress for the territory.
The Premier also expressed pride at being part of such a historic moment and at being able to move forward the proverbial ball in the vein of past BVI leaders such as H Lavity Stoutt.
He opined that the flights will enhance the BVI’s tourism product and said it was important for hoteliers, restauranteurs and taxi drivers among others. Dr Wheatley further commented that the new route will also make travel much easier between the BVI and its diaspora in Miami.
Premier Wheatley said he wanted to task Rymer with getting the much-talked-about airport runway extension accomplished. “It’s more than a conversation at this point,” Dr Wheatley said. “We’re looking forward to that Requests for Proposals going out, and let’s get going on the extension of this runway.”
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So the vip has turned into a one man show?
Kye ain’t do s**t than to show up at Routes and heard AA whisper they coming.
https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/299047/american-airlines-to-connect-british-virgin-islands-with-us/
what about the long lines of immigration and customs in Miami airport? It might take a shorter and more pleasant traveling experience if you go through St.Thomas
When they do bad should hold them accountable. When they do good let them know we appreciate it. Good Job Hon. Rhymer.
@ Stop lying: Reading is fundamental
American Airlines plans to launch flights to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for the 2023 summer season, a boost for the Caribbean territory that has been actively seeking to attract service from a North American airline.
Look we have to stop bashing people for no reason.
@Hmm
Travelling through St Thomas is hell. Let’s be forreal. Miami is organized and the line moves fairly quickly. St Thomas’ ferry terminal alone is actual hell.
True, entering the U.S. through the Miami airport can be painful but that is not an issue the BVI government can fix.
Jr. No one is bushing, Kye didn’t go and tell them to come here, you will know American was already planning this route. The Govt and Premier especially are saying they got American here like it’s a political point they looking at. Just tell the people what it is!
IS SAYING )> THIS IS YO BOY ,HUMBLE LIKE AN ANGEL , MEEK AND MILD AND NOT FORGETTING FULL OF INNOCENCE , IF THE DON’T WIN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE , NOTHING ELSE WILL ?
Put the runway extension and the very difficult and expensive engineering, land reclamation and seawater flow through Trellis Bay ON HOLD, Save the BVI!!
kudos to the BVI Airports Authority!!
That’s who did it ultimately. And it was done in service of the BVI
@Spirit it certainly is an issue the bvi government can fix. Bermuda and the Bahamas have US customs and immigration pre clearance on site at their airports. If we to get more flights to the US and not just the one flight to Miami, chances are that the government could negotiate for the same facilities here. It would make a big difference for travelers.
Get ready to fill your boots, friends cronies and fellow ministers. The airport extension that these flights prove is not needed is now to go ahead!!!!???? Huh. Start you engines!!! So many big new truck are ready lined up for this buddies bonanza. Save us please UK.
it seems to have a blogger on here contradicting every negative comment. Is the person paid is this what the BVI has come to people on here blogging not to express an opinion but to make a lie truth perhaps?
You’re absolutely right, we already have enough flights like cape air, silver and other US Carriers, that goes to PR. If we can push for preclearance it will benefit everyone and not just the mainland.
GTFO.
The govt did absolutely nothing to get this done. It’s just a commercial endeavor by AA.
It’s great we have it now. But no credit should to go the govt.
Until the runway extend that flight can leave New York or u.k to come Tortola, flights would be subjective to aircraft as small as that one, plus an additional airport for emergency landing on virgin Gorda or one of the island if main airport developed problems. That flight from Miami is nothing since small plane like intercaribbean airways fly that distance to Bahamas which is just adjacent to Miami. So stop the VIP politicking and extend runway to make real international flights.
And more expensive! Also no credit to Clive Smith? Koy Levons?
Because they lack Integrity. The one couldn’t even manage DMV thanks to Skelton he help with it, so you think he could have pull this off by himself? Thank you Levons and smith.
This was AA. Kye could not get AA to fly here unless they wanted to. The same was the case with Anguilla and Dominica. AA has been strategically planning its return to the Caribbean for years now. All each country had to do was plug in to those plans. Simple. Sorry Kye and Mr. Accident, this has very little to do with you or the government. It was a commercial decision made by AA and the BVI has the visitor numbers to support the flights.
It’s so sad that the discussion has become a competition about WHO was responsible, and whether they deserve any praise whatsoever.
One things for sure,TO be a guest arriving on St Thomas and being told, all ferries are gone for the evening, was not a good feeling!
This is a great day for the country!
Let us REJOICE, and be glad about it!
Men work and dogs eat! I note that very little homage is paid to those who were really instrumental in getting AA to reconvene flights to the BVI like the airport management team. That’s sad because we are hardly hearing any mention of them and they were the ones who initiated discussions with the correct AA team.