Up to $750,000 could be pumped into the Virgin Islands’ economy when the UberSoca Cruise docks in the territory for the first time tomorrow, according to government.
The so-called “non-stop carnival at sea” is a floating festival featuring Caribbean music onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Encore, which can carry some 4,000 passengers.
The ship will dock at Road Town on Tuesday after the government spent about $470,000 attracting it to the territory and organising onshore entertainment to mark the occasion, officials said.
During a Friday press conference, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley described the spend as a smart investment.
“We had about $300,000, I believe, that goes to the UberSoca Cruise itself, and I think an additional $170,000-plus for the land-based activities,” he said.
The premier added that many of the passengers are likely to return to the territory in the future.
“Cruise allows us to introduce passengers to the Virgin Islands, and many return as overnight guests,” he said.
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith said a recent analysis estimated that the soca cruise could generate an economic boost ranging from $600,000 to $750,000.
UNDP consultant study
She added that the study — which was carried out by Tremis Skeete, the VI national consultant for the United Nations Development Programme — considered spending on food, retail, taxis and other services.
“The UberSoca’s single day in port represents more than a moment of celebration, and it is basically a concentrated surge of commerce that reaches from the pier to every corner of our economy,” she said.
The government, however, declined to release the analysis.
Tuesday j’ouvert
As part of the cruise activities, Road Town will play host to a punk rock-themed j’ouvert.
Homegrown talent such as Jougo, Teejay, Boss and Pascal the Artist will be among the performers, and residents will not have to pay to see their shows.
The premier said a half-day holiday was being considered for public officers during the event.
“The question has arisen as to whether a half day should be given, primarily because of the traffic disruption,” he said. “The ship will arrive around two o’clock.”
Mr. Wheatley said private-sector employers may wish to consider granting a similar holiday.
Mr. Skeete — who is an occasional Beacon contributor — likened the government expenditure on the cruise visit to an economic stimulus package.
“The study wasn’t about whether it would get a return,” he said.
“When you talk about economic analysis, you’re really talking about how much spending can you stimulate.”
Estimating impact
His role, he said, was to try to estimate that impact.
“I was merely brought in to try to illustrate what would be a possible positive shock to the economy based on what I was told in regards to when the boat would arrive and when it would leave,” he said.
