Thousands of cruise ship industry officials are in Miami this week for the 15th annual Sea Trade Conference, an important gathering that deals with cruise issues.
Among the matters expected to be discussed: the head tax on cruise ship passengers. Sen. Roosevelt David has proposed raising the V.I. head tax by $2.50 to $10, with the additional money going to the General Fund. Cruise industry officials have strongly opposed the increase and have warned that it could cause a drop in the number of ships visiting the Virgin Islands.
Though no complete list of V.I. officials at the conference was issued, the Daily News reported the following in attendance:
— West Indian Co. Ltd.: Edward E. Thomas, executive director; spokesman Calvin Wheatley; operations director Alfred Lloyd.
— V.I. Port Authority: Gordon Finch, executive director; David Mapp, assistant director; and six board members — acting Tourism Commissioner Clement "Cain" Magras, board chairman; acting Attorney General Iver Stridiron; Robert O'Connor Jr.; Melville Plaskett, Hector Peguero; and Sidney Lee.
— Sen. David Jones.