Leaders defend trip to Monaco Yacht show

Junior Minister for Culture & Tourism, Luce Hodge-Smith.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Junior Minister for Culture & Tourism Luce Hodge Smith were recently forced to defend their recent trip to the Monaco Yacht Show after one journalist told both leaders that their report did not make sense.

The tense exchange happened at a press conference on October 6, where Premier Wheatley and Junior Minister Hodge-Smith said the Monaco Yacht Show was a success.

However, the journalist challenged their statement, telling them “they didn’t come back with anything, just the usual talk.” The journalist also asked them to give proof of the success the BVI gained from attending the world-leading event.

“We can’t see the success, we can’t feel it. Miss Hodge said it was a huge success. But we’re not seeing any outcome. How can you say something was successful and at the same time, you’re telling us we’ll have to wait and see the outcome? What yardstick are you using to say the trip was a success?” the journalist asked pointedly.

In response Premier Wheatley explained that the trip was a success based on the negotiations they were able to have with players in the mega yacht industry and the opportunity they got to market the BVI’s tourism product.

“The true success will be measured in the growth of the [shipping] registry. So if after this year or next year we’re not seeing significant growth in the registry, then we’ll have to question whether the strategy was successful. But I can’t see how we’re going to get persons on our register if we’re not there to market the services to the people,” Premier Wheatley explained.

Unsatisfied, the journalist asked Junior Minister Hodge-Smith to give an answer.

“On my observation, it was a huge success because we were able to interact with persons – and no, you can’t interact with persons on Zoom,” Minister Hodge Smith said firmly. “You have to be present. You said we were only there for cocktails, but at that reception we accidentally met the owner of the IGY Marinas. And we were able to have a discussion on how we can do business going forward. Do you meet that person on Zoom?” Junior Minister Hodge-Smith argued.

She continued: “That’s what it means to be present. You have the opportunity to get things done for the territory. We are in a global community, we cannot act in silo. Nothing comes to us. We have to go and aggressively sell our product and if it means traveling across the world to do it, we need to do it.”

Later on in the press conference Junior Minister Hodge-Smith explained that government members have to account for the cash spent on international trips, adding that they have to repay in situations where they can’t account for the resources.

Many residents have been complaining about the frequent international trips being taken by Premier Wheatley and other members of the government. They say they are concerned about the costs, especially since the government continues to say there is no money for infrastructure upgrades in the community.

Others have questioned whether the Premier is paying enough attention to domestic events in light of his travels. They’ve suggested that if other civil servants represent the country, elected leaders would have more time to address urgent issues in the community.