Tuesday, December 28– Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, earlier today welcomed the captain and senior officers on board the Queen Elizabeth as the ship made its inaugural call to the Territory. Honourable O’Neal, who is also the minister of tourism, presented the master of the ship, Captain Julian Burgess, with a plaque to mark the vessel’s first visit to the Territory.
Photo courtesy of GIS.
The Premier told the captain, “On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, I would like to express my gratitude to you for making our Territory one of Queen Elizabeth’s destinations.”
He continued, “I had to come myself to show you and your crew that we are very much interested in the cruise shipping industry, and also, that Government will do all in its power, with advice from cruise agents, to make it as comfortable as possible for your passengers.”
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“I am confident that the 1,900 passengers you have brought here today will find the Virgin Islands a wonderful place to be, and that they have an enjoyable and unforgettable visit,” said Hon. O’Neal.
After welcoming everyone on board, Captain Burgess told visitors that the current Queen Elizabeth is the latest addition to the Cunard fleet. He also said the ship is the third to bear that name. The Captain also invited guests on a special tour around the Queen Elizabeth.
Other visitors included Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), Mr. Ronnie Lettsome, Managing Director of the BVIPA, Mr. V. Victor O’Neal, Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, Dr. Bernie Harrigan, Human Resources Manager with the BVI Tourist Board, Ms. Jennifer David, Policy Analyst with the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Jeremiah Frett and representative of the Port Agent, Romney & Associates, Ms. Patricia Romney.
The ship’s next port of call is Porta Delgada, Portugal, and then finally Southampton in the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth has a crew of 990 and passenger capacity of 1,900.
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The Queen Elizabeth is the fourth cruise vessel to make an inaugural call to the Territory since the start of this year’s tourist season.
