Tourism officials silent on reported dismissal of Miss BVI Pageant Committee

Tourism officials responsible for overseeing the Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee have declined to comment on reports that Tourism Director Clive McCoy has dismissed the Miss BVI Pageant Committee.

These reports come amid lingering public dissatisfaction over the committee’s handling of the July 2024 Miss BVI Pageant. Following the event, the committee issued an apology to patrons who purchased VIP tickets, acknowledging concerns about the experience provided.

Our news centre contacted Tourism Director Clive McCoy and Junior Minister for Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith to shed some light on the reports. Both declined to comment, with Hodge-Smith noting that the matter would be discussed in a meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 12. She said an official statement would follow thereafter.

The pageant, held at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, saw some attendees paying up to $160 for tier-one VIP seating. Patrons later took to social media to express frustration about not being fed and feeling they did not receive value for their money.

Months ago, the government made the controversial decision to move the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee and have its functions transferred to the BVI Tourist Board.