The prospect of more cruise ship passengers at Trunk Bay has to be one takeaway from word that the Governor is making a renewed effort to persuade cruise line operators to increase their visits to the Territory.
Gov. John de Jongh appeared at an international trade exhibition in Florida to pitch for more business. He brought along, and introduced to the cruise line managers, his new Chief of police and half a dozen government executives.
“Our objective is to get increased growth at all our ports,” he said, especially in the off season. “More cruise calls during the period that traditionally sees a lull in tourism would promote economic growth, revenue and employment opportunities throughout the year,” the Governor said.
Several cruise lines include St. John on their itineraries by arriving off Cruz Bay early in the morning and ferrying day trippers to the island. Naturally, cab drivers are hawking tours and retail shops open early to take advantage.
His trip to Florida was another example of how the Governor is working to generate new revenues for the Virgin islands. The impending body blow to St. Croix, when the oil refinery closes, is spurring de Jongh’s outreach to the cruise lines, as well as federal agencie and emergency funding.