The international cruise ship industry, a key contributor to the BVI’s tourism pillar has put immense pressure on the Government to remove testing protocols upon arrival.
The cruise companies have communicated that the rapid testing upon arrival is a great deterrent, adding that it is impractical and time consuming.
This was revealed in an Industry Meeting held last evening with the transportation fraternity as Government and Tourism Officials sought the advice of taxi operators in regards to reopening for cruise calls.
On July 1st, 2021 the territory welcomed back its first cruise ship with over 400 fully vaccinated passengers and crew. Under measures at that time, cruise ship tourists were allowed to roam freely on land, providing that the ship met the prerequisite measures to sail into the territory.
However, in light of the covid-19 spike recorded at that time, cruise calls were subsequently cancelled and otherwise deferred to anchorage prohibiting passengers from disembarking the ship.
Thereafter, Cabinet amended the Covid-19 Control and Suppression Act which mandated that all fully vaccinated persons to take a rapid antigen test upon arrival.
This decision however has been met with major backlash from the cruise ship industry.
Instead, they are requesting that their fully vaccinated guests be allowed to roam freely within the estimated 8-hour landing in the territory.
The companies are strongly challenging the entry test and threatening to resort to other countries with less stringent measures.
TAXI FRATERNITY SUPPORT CRUISE SHIPS DECISION TO REMOVE RAPID TEST UPON ENTRY
Despite concerns of the new conditions, taxi operators present at last night’s meeting collectively called on Government to allow cruise ships back into our ports.
This cross section of the Tourism industry depend directly on tourists to make a living.
They challenged the Government to be more proactive and put better protective measures in place with the requisite training to equip them for the reopening and possible spikes.
WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER
While opting for less stringent protocols, some residents are adamant that that relaxation should be done across the board.
Adding to discussion virtually was At-Large representative and Junior Minister of Trade Honorable Shereen Flax-Charles who said we ought not to discriminate against certain travelers.
“What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Overnight, charter, hotel, villa, cruise ship all should have the same protocol. End of story. We cannot discriminate against our visitors and our residents. Residents too have to test on arrival.”
Chairman of the BVI Marine Association, Andrew Ball also opined “one would expect that if we are to allow people coming off cruise ships, who have been ashore in multiple countries prior to coming here, to disembark without arrival testing, then that should be acceptable for other overnight visitors as well, no? If so, why are we not entertaining this for our other visitors?
During last night’s meeting CEO of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, Vance Lewis reminded the territory the cruise tourism is a key contributor to the territory.
Mr. Lewis said the Cruise industry reeled in over $66 million dollars in 2016, reflecting 7% of the GDP. That year the territory welcomed almost 700,000 guest with an estimated $78.11 spend per passenger.
This Mr. Lewis says reiterates the importance of the industry and why we need to carefully consider a prompt, but safe reopening.
Premier of the Virgin Islands Honorable Andrew Fahie said while it is not an easy decision, we have to find ways save the economy.
The Premier expressed concerns of refusing cruise calls at this juncture, adding that it may pose challenges in attracting ships back to our shores in the future.
The concept of a covid bubble is also back on the table as the Government considers a reopening.
However, some residents believe this will only support select businesses, subsequently locking out a greater cross-section of the tourism industry and other interconnected businesses.
The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands is now tasked with making a decision on whether to allow cruise ships back without entry testing.