Former Director of Tourism Allen O’Neal believes that the National Democratic Party Administration had good intentions with the failed $7.2 million BVI Airways initiative.
O’Neal who will be contesting the upcoming general election as an At-Large candidate under the NDP said during a recent campaign launch, that having a local airline in the territory would contribute to the BVI’s tourism season occurring all-year-round.
While the project did fail with the NDP government spending over $7 million with no airline to account for, O’Neal reflected on his tenure as Director of Tourism back in the 1970’s.
He said during this period serving as the first Director of Tourism, the BVI enjoyed a buoyant tourism season that spanned 365 days since flights were readily available to the territory.
The At-Large candidate also pointed to a need for a larger, much more developed international airport, stating that it must become a reality even if it has to be done on another island outside of its current Beef Island location.
The controversial BVI Airways remains an on-going matter before the courts.
To date, none of the monies spent by the NDP Administration to purchase the plane have been returned to the government.