By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor
One of the fastest-growing cruise ports in the Caribbean has a new name.
The British Virgin Islands has renamed the Tortola Pier Park in honor of tourism visionary and local cruise industry pioneer, Cyril B. Romney.
The naming of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park took place at an official ceremony held, part of the B.V.I.’s mission to “pay homage to stalwarts of the community who have contributed selflessly to the development of the territory.”
“Most Virgin Islanders will agree that there is one name that is synonymous with the cruise sector in the BVI. and that is the name Cyril B. Romney,” said Former Premier and Minister for Tourism, Orlando Smith. “He had a vision for the development of the cruise sector and was steadfast in seeing that vision through, whether it was from the lofty seat of Chief Minister of these islands, or as an astute businessman.”
In his capacity of Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Romney initiated several strategies for promoting cruise tourism and was the visionary for the construction of a cruise pier and facility.
As a businessman, he made significant investments in equipment and services to serve the needs of cruise as well as overnight guests.
These investments included boats, yachts, buses and properties at Peter Island (Oceans 7), White Bay and Dolphin Discovery, once a major attraction for cruise visitors.
“He travelled far and wide to promote the B.V.I. as a worthy cruise destination and eventually convinced the government, following studies piloted by him while he was Chief Minister, to build a cruise pier, hence ushering in cruise tourism in the B.V.I.,” said former Minister for Communications & Works, Mark Vanterpool.