I have lived in the Virgin Islands for almost half my life and have seen the country evolve from a simple economy, based on yacht chartering, high-end tourism and basic agriculture and fishing, to the current reality, featuring the much-touted “three pillars of the economy.” The first pillar, tourism, has devolved into a shotgun approach of mass marketing, attracting cruise ship passengers who spend very little but are happy to deposit their trash at Pockwood Pond, as well as megayachts that drop massive anchors on our pristine reefs as their onboard chefs and butlers provide six-star service with little input into the local economy.
The original Nature’s Little Secret is no longer, although I truly believe that this can be turned around with a renewed territorywide approach to excellence. The financial services is tenuous at best, with a volatile market always looking for the next best haven to park their tax-free “caches.” The third pillar, agriculture, is truly a noble pursuit, and I believe that if managed properly, it could help the VI population become self-sustaining. As an export-based industry, please look south to the Windward Islands as a lesson on the viability of this particular pillar. Not really an option.
Now for the bad news. I have just moved to the Grenadines and have taken a position with the exclusive island of Mustique. One of my responsibilities is to meet and greet all new visitors to the island. You can imagine my surprise when, at my second official island cocktail party, I met a couple who have been visiting the VI for more than 20 years and have many close friends in the community. (Some readers will know exactly who I am talking about.) They recently stayed at a Tortola-based yacht destination and, sadly, recounted a terrifying encounter involving room invasion and robbery, as well as assault and battery. This incident was not reported in the press, but I can assure you that their experience has been recounted to their family and friends, just as they recounted it to me, a total stranger. How long will it take for this news to spread throughout travel industry, indicating that the VI is no longer a “safe destination”? These people love the VI, but they were devastated. Sadly, bad news travels very fast!
I love the VI and have raised both my children there. My best friend is a successful VI businessman who depends on the tourist industry to provide for his family. I know many others who count on the “tourism pillar” for their income and survival. I hope and pray that the VI government and members of the community will unite in a common effort to stamp out all the negative elements that are invading what is a true diamond on this planet. Sadly, this stature can slip away in seconds, and I am sorry to say that there are many, many beautiful alternatives for our world travelers.
I hope this letter serves as a wake-up call for my long-time VI home. I love the people and the territory, and it would be sad to lose what we have worked so hard to build.
One love!