Festival relocation near hospitals draws concern
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has acknowledged community concerns about a proposed permanent Festival Village site near Marias by the Sea Hotel and close to Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital and Bougainvillaea Clinic. The government says it has discussed the idea with hotel proprietors, argues the festival brings economic benefits during the slow season, and told designers to factor in noise containment measures.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the government is considering relocating the Festival Village to a permanent site near Marias by the Sea Hotel — a proposal that has raised worries among residents about noise and proximity to nearby healthcare facilities. Speaking on Virgin Islands Voice, Dr Wheatley said the idea of a permanent festival site has been discussed with the hotel’s proprietors and acknowledged that people have questioned whether key stakeholders had been consulted.
A caller to the programme specifically pointed to potential impacts on patients and visitors at Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital and Bougainvillaea Clinic, and asked whether hotel guests would be disturbed by festival noise. The Premier responded that the current temporary festival location already sits inside a mixed-use area, with residential properties and hotels nearby, and said many businesses benefit from the extra visitors the festival attracts during the slow tourism season.
He pointed to regional examples — noting Trinidad’s carnival often boosts hotel occupancy — and argued the event should be seen as an economic opportunity. At the same time, Dr Wheatley told listeners the government would work with designers to build sound containment into any permanent facility. "So, in terms of the hospital, we’re going to speak to the designers to ensure that the designers can design a facility that will take into account the need to contain the sound," he said.
The proposed move forms part of a broader government plan to eliminate the annual construction and dismantling of booths and to create a venue that can support year-round cultural and entertainment programming while strengthening links between tourism and the local creative sector.
For BVI residents, the debate raises practical concerns beyond noise: potential effects on patient rest and recovery, hotel guest experience, traffic, parking and emergency vehicle access during festival events. Community members have called for formal consultations with hospitals, hotel operators, nearby residents, health authorities and emergency services before any final decision is made.
Noise mitigation options that could be considered include the orientation and placement of stages, sound barriers, strict curfew hours, limits on amplified sound levels, and operational plans to protect access for emergency vehicles. The government has not announced a firm timeline for a decision; officials are continuing discussions with stakeholders while exploring design solutions.
Residents and business owners say they welcome economic activity but want clear safeguards and transparent consultation before a permanent site is confirmed.
Primary source: BVI News