Don't Compare BVI to Larger Islands
Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith says comparing the BVI’s tourism performance to bigger Caribbean countries overlooks key infrastructural differences, particularly the lack of an international long‑haul airport. She told the House of Assembly the territory is working to improve airport capacity and that a mix of public and private tourism projects are already underway across the islands.
Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith has warned against direct comparisons between the British Virgin Islands and larger Caribbean destinations, saying such contrasts ignore critical infrastructural realities that shape investment and development. Smith made the remarks during a recent House of Assembly sitting while responding to Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, who had argued in budget debates that the BVI risks falling behind neighbours such as Jamaica and Barbados as they pursue large hotel and resort projects. “Those countries deserve commendation for their progress,” Smith said, “but the key for all of them is that they have an international long‑haul airport, an international airport that can accept long‑haul traffic.” She emphasised that large‑scale tourism investment is closely linked to direct airlift and that the BVI does not yet have that advantage.
Smith told lawmakers the government is focused on improving airport infrastructure as a necessary step toward attracting the kind of tourism investment cited by the Opposition Leader. She also rejected the suggestion that the territory lacks tourism activity, noting that several public‑ and private‑sector projects are either underway or in planning and that development efforts are being pursued territory‑wide rather than confined to particular districts.
Walwyn has pointed to fast‑moving projects in larger Caribbean markets—including hotel construction and tourism infrastructure expansion—as examples the BVI should emulate to remain competitive. Government members have pushed back, saying the territory must weigh its development ambitions against available resources, land constraints and current economic challenges.
For residents, Smith’s remarks underscore two practical points: first, the scale and type of tourism the BVI can attract is affected by air access; and second, increasing that access requires significant investment and planning. Improvements to airport facilities could broaden direct flight options, increase visitor numbers and make the territory more attractive to larger investors, but such changes take time and capital.
Smith’s response frames the debate as one of realistic, staged development rather than inaction. As the House continues to discuss budget priorities and tourism strategy, residents can expect government statements to stress both infrastructure upgrades and a portfolio of smaller, territory‑wide projects aimed at steady growth and employment gains.
Primary source: BVI News