The U.S. Virgin Islands faces opportunities and challenges in developing the travel industry, Senate President Shawn-Michael Malone reported told the V.I. Hotel & Tourism Association Friday, emphasizing his point was to share what he had to say in a transparent way.
"We are reforming the Legislature so the standard operating procedure will be transparency, when it is prudent," Malone said. "We have to hold people accountable."
Malone said he was fascinated by Cuba as a child growing up on St. Thomas. After Cuba was put under sanctions following Fidel Castro’s revolution, its rich tourism market suddenly flowed to the Virgin Islands.
"I remember Leona Bryan, who was tourism director then, saying on the radio, ‘We have stumbled onto tourism with the closure of Cuba,’" Malone recalled.
"Now," Malone said, "we are faced with challenges. The Virgin Islands is at the end of that era. We have stiff competition nearby in the Caribbean."
He noted Puerto Rico has an aggressive EDC program offering lucrative benefits.
"The Virgin Islands has challenges and advantages," he said.
The challenges include: A severe customer service situation; a dwindling work force; traffic congestion; taxis; high energy costs; environmental concerns; and a dirty island.
The latter is an issue close to his heart, he said.
"I didn’t like the idea of the Waste Management Authority when it was instigated a few years ago," he said. "I think they should be held accountable for the money they spend, and focus more on a cleaner island. I think we should revive the Anti Litter and Beautification Commission. The island was cleaner then."
At the same time, the territory has some advantages, including: Being the only English-speaking area in the Caribbean; easy access from most stateside destinations; a rich cultural and historical heritage; and being at the forefront of technology.
"Where else can you sit at one of the world’s 10 most beautiful beaches and have wifi? Do your work at Magens Beach," he said.
Malone covered a variety of initiatives, many which are familiar to any local resident, issues that have plagued the island for years.
The Market Square revitalization project is part of a longterm vision for revitalizing downtown Charlotte Amalie from Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral all the way to Fort Christian. Malone said Sen. Myron Jackson, chairman of the Committee on Culture, Historic Preservation, Youth and Recreation, has said work on the Charlotte Amalia waterfront is scheduled for December.
Then there’s the Fort Christian renovation, which is more than five years overdue. Last August the Public Finance Authority approved $2 million for Fort Christian repair included with several other projects in a large bond issuance. Requests for proposals were sent out last week for a new contractor, Malone said.
And the perennial parking problem? Malone beamed.
"We will be constructing a parking garage where the Fort lot is now, so folks can park downtown even at night, and feel safe," he said.
Malone said $5 million in funding was approved last fall for enlarging four Enterprise Zone, with economic and cosmetic renewal projects, two on St. Thomas, two on St. Croix.
Other ideas and initiatives include a bill to allow 10 barkers on Main St. to enhance the guest experience downtown. After some negative response from the audience, Malone explained the barkers, selling timeshares, would wear uniforms, be stationed at certain locations, and be self-disciplined.
Also, he said a "Dram Shop" act was in the works to protect restaurant and bar owners from frivolous lawsuits brought by people who, after getting drunk, sue the establishment for serving them. "People actually do this," he said.
Another idea that got a warm reception was the appointment of a tourism inspector. "They do this on Jamaica," Malone said.
Retired hotelier Nick Pourzal, raised the ante, asking, "How about elected officials taking two days a month to drive around the island and report what they see."
This would include everything from roadside litter to the attitude of an employee in the hospitality industry.
Malone also touched on reforming the Public Service Commission, new energy incentives, restructuring the Department of Education, and a partnership at the Cyril E. King Airport with a local business that would finance airport construction, marine employment and education.
Speaking after Malone’s presentation, Tamara Lang, University of the Virgin Islands interim director of hotel and tourism management program, had good news. The hospitality course is the first of its kind at UVI, and Land said it is well attended on both islands. Her announcement received a healthy round of applause.
Malone said he is open to ideas.
"Anyone can call me, anytime," he said.
The Senate president said at 4:30 a.m. each day he and three friends run on the waterfront and up to Paradise Point.
"We take trash bags with us to collect all the garbage we see," he said.
