Vanterpool Defends Cruise Pier, Proposes Hotels
Former minister Mark Vanterpool has defended the Tortola Cruise Pier project, stating it delivers over $100 million in annual economic benefits to the Virgin Islands. Vanterpool also noted that the construction loan is nearly repaid and proposed a new twin-tower hotel concept along the Road Town waterfront.
Former Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool has defended the Tortola Cruise Pier Development Project against longstanding criticism, maintaining that the facility has delivered significant economic returns and value for money to the Virgin Islands. Speaking on The Morning Facts with Cindy Rosan, Vanterpool reflected on the project, which was developed under his ministerial oversight and officially opened in 2015.
The initiative expanded the Territory's capacity to accommodate larger cruise vessels and brought the Tortola Pier Park commercial center into operation. While the project encountered substantial public debate and scrutiny over budget increases and procurement processes, Vanterpool insisted that design modifications during construction were essential to build a resilient, hurricane-resistant facility.
Vanterpool explained that the original blueprints would not have properly accommodated modern cruise ships and lacked structural durability. In response, officials made the decision to redesign the development using reinforced concrete and steel, while expanding the berthing capacity to handle two mega-ships at the same time.
According to Vanterpool, post-construction independent evaluations confirmed that the project represented sound value for public funds. He highlighted that the cruise facility generates more than $100 million annually in gross domestic product benefits through visitor spending and related business activity across the Territory.
He also pointed out that the financing secured to build the port complex is now nearing full repayment. Looking to future economic growth, Vanterpool argued that the Territory should build upon existing infrastructure by pursuing further development in the capital. He shared concepts for a twin-tower hotel project situated along the Road Town waterfront, featuring one tower near the cruise pier and another in the Village Cay area.
Vanterpool stated that adding hotel accommodations within walking distance of the cruise facility and commercial district would enhance tourism synergy between land and sea arrivals. He urged the public to judge the cruise pier development by its ongoing economic contributions to Virgin Islanders rather than the political controversies that accompanied its construction.
Primary source: JTV