The Government of the Virgin Islands has addressed longstanding public concerns about the territory’s visual appeal and lack of aesthetic upkeep by empowering the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) with a $500,000 grant for a beautification project.
The initiative will be led by Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, the Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4).
In a recent press conference, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), provided details on the project’s goals and scope. According to Wheatley, the aim is for every district and sister island to benefit from the beautification efforts.
The project will include clearing overgrown vegetation, addressing safety hazards, and refreshing key public spaces to create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
Premier Wheatley highlighted that the initiative was prompted by the territory’s prolonged rainfall, which has caused significant overgrowth and hazardous road conditions, particularly along popular tourist routes.
At a recent House of Assembly sitting, Sixth District Representative Honourable Myron Walwyn raised concerns over the recent decision to allocate $500,000 to the BVI Tourist Board for beautification efforts, describing the decision as misaligned with the board’s primary focus.
He explained that directing the BVI Tourist Board to handle beautification efforts could detract from its core purpose of promoting tourism.