Government Won't Sacrifice People's Safety During Cruise Season

The government has said it will not sacrifice the safety of its people despite the reopening of the ports for the cruise ship season.

Speaking at yesterday’s ceremony for the return of cruising to the British Virgin Islands, Director of Tourism Clive McCoy said the priority of government is to ensure all residents and visitors remain safe during the busy cruise season.

“We are still in a fight to understand the mutating virus and how we navigate it to save lives and stay healthy while living life in the most fulfilling way,” the director said.

“We have listened to the advice of our cruise line partners and we will continue to work in partnership with them to preserve the full enjoyment of our visitors’ travel experience without sacrificing safety,” McCoy added.

The Tourism Director said this can be achieved through enforcing and adhering to the simple and practical health and safety protocols implemented by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

McCoy also said that, for a long time, it appeared the priority of staying safe and healthy were competing with the BVI’s role of being an exotic tourism destination. However, “research and technology and established best practices have enabled us to reach a place where we could find mutual benefit that would enable us to remain safe,” he stated.Follow the protocols

While also delivering remarks at the ceremony, Premier and Tourism Minister Andrew Fahie said the government is ready for the docking of the cruise ships but everyone must follow the safety measures to protect themselves. The Premier used the opportunity to make fresh calls for persons to get vaccinated and add an extra level of protection against the virus.