Our people should invest in tourist villas — Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has urged residents of the territory to take a more active role in the tourism industry by investing in the development of villas, describing it as a prime opportunity for locals to benefit from one of the territory’s leading economic pillars.

During a recent edition of Virgin Islands Voice, Premier Wheatley highlighted that the government is exploring ways to support residents who want to build tourism properties such as villas. These efforts are part of wider plans to diversify and grow the tourism product while ensuring that more citizens benefit directly.

“We are conceptualising incentives that we can provide to persons who want to get into tourism by building villas and things like that,” Dr Wheatley explained. “The reason why I like a villa is because it’s a way that persons in the Virgin Islands, residents and citizens, can get involved in the tourism product.”

He noted that the construction and operation of villas provide meaningful economic returns, with some fetching premium rates. “You might have some villas that might go for about $10,000 a night,” Dr Wheatley stated. “And there are many persons making money from these villas.”

He continued: “There are some wealthy persons who come down to the Virgin Islands and build their home, and then when they’re not in the home, they rent it out when they’re not there.”

The Premier emphasised that local contractors already have the skills to construct high-end properties that meet visitor expectations. “A lot of our construction persons are building these types of homes… nothing which is beyond our people,” he said.

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser, who also serves as Minister for Natural Resources, backed the Premier’s call and highlighted the increasing number of Non-Belonger Land land-holding licences being issued for villa development. “If it’s a Non-Belonger Land Holding Licence, it means that it’s a person who’s not from here. You are from here—you can get into that business yourself,” he argued.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of safeguarding the natural environment amid development. The Premier pointed out that many areas across the territory are well-suited for villa construction, especially those with sea views or natural seclusion. “You build some nice villas there, and you can make a pretty penny,” he asserted.

Dr Wheatley added that the government is also looking to collaborate with local banks to support financing for those willing to enter the tourism property market. “We have some partnerships coming up with the banks… and we will eventually extend that to persons interested in building tourism properties,” he said.