a written request to look at the new cruise ship policy.

A letter written some weeks ago has not been answered and the membership, which comprises both the hotels and the retail sector, are concerned about how the proposed policy will affect them.

However Chamber of Commerce president David Rowntree moved swiftly to clarify a report on VSB-TV news last night.

In a report VSB-TV stated that a letter had been written to Tourism Minister David Dodwell because the Chamber feared that its input into the policy was being ignored.

VSB-TV based its report on "stories appearing in the media'' and concluded that the Department of Tourism was ignoring the Chamber's perspective and contributions.

But Mr. Rowntree who listened to the VSB-TV story last night, said that while it was true that the Chamber had written to Mr. Dodwell seeking a copy of the cruise ship policy, the letter was some weeks old.

"This is not new news,'' he said."It is old news. It is only normal for us to (have written the letter).

"We are somewhat dismayed that it is taking so long and we still have not received a (reply)...our letter was simply a request for a copy which we have had no response to yet.

"As far as the Chamber is concerned the last thing we want to do is to criticise the Minister of Tourism at this point.

"This is something that he needs support on and we are willing to work with him if he is willing to work with us. We are here to help and assist where we can.''