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This cat has too many names so I shall call the SwimCat,love it ! Lives his life on a boat and just cannot wait for the owners to get him off.Sounds like when I worked on boats once.Great to work on a boat but ya just cannot wait to get to dry land...floating rock fever....
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BVI Listed as One of the Things You Must Do Before You Die
by British Virgin Islands on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 10:01am
Press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Meslyn Allan
Public Relations Specialist
BVI Tourist Board
284-494-3134, mallan@bvitourism.com
BVI Listed as One of the Things You Must Do Before You Die
Road Town, Tortola, 12th September, 2011- What are some of the things you’d like to do before you die? Most people would think of something that includes beauty, exoticism and of course something that is memorable and adventurous. According to editors at ABC News, sailing in the British Virgin Islands provides all those elements and more. On 1st September 2011, ABC News editors published an article about David Freeman’s 1999 book “100 Things to do Before You Die”. The article which can be found in the travel section ofabcnews.go.com, included an additional eight noteworthy things recommended by expert authors and editors based on their favourite destinations.
Lauding the sailing experience offered within the BVI, Karen Schaler, author of ‘Travel Therapy’ says, “Chartering your own sailboat and stopping by Peter Island, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke is a glorious experience.”
Sailing in the British Virgin Islands was listed second, with skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland being first on the list. Karen Schaler, recapped her experience in the BVI and endorsed the BVI’s famous “Pain Killer” cocktail as one that visitors must try.
“The BVI Tourist Board is honoured about the country being added to this esteemed list. It not only shows that our island is beautiful, but that we as a territory provide a spectacular experience that stands out above the rest, and as we continue to market Brand BVI the world will know of this remarkable product that we offer,” said Hadassah Ward, Director of Tourism.
COMMENTARY: The Hans Creek paradox
Sunday, September 11th, 2011 | Dickson Igwe
This lay conservationist was grateful to read in the BVI Beacon of August 25, 2011 William Walker’s rendition to the continuing saga that is the Beef Island Resort Project. Mr. Walker’s Commentary was cogent, intelligent, and thorough.
It was a valuable piece of writing that gave the discerning reader much food for thought. Mr. Walker’s article contained many specifics that deserve a response.
Mr. Walker first of all asserted that the concept of the 5 star resort project is ”not generally to the public’s liking in these British Virgin Islands.”
That ” in these hard economic times, such developments’ overall long term benefits are at the very least questionable.’’
He offered a very interesting fact that, ” if 600 residential units were built, the whole of Beef Island would be used, and, in all probability, lost to most residents forever. The land will be lost to the local population: chilling to say the least! Mr. Walker estimated that the Hans Creek Project could delete ‘’ some 650 acres from our land bank.’’
Apparently, the Hans Creek Project, in addition to being a major resort development is also a rendition to that hugely popular sport of a global elite class, and similar wannabes, named golf. But according to Mr. Walker’s well researched piece, “a golf course is likely to be a heavy drain on the local infrastructure. It needs water, which locally can only come from desalination.’’ Mr. Walker further explained in his narrative the limits of providing both desalinated water and power to a resort on an island that ‘’ is chronologically power short in any case.’’ One may add scarcity of water during certain times of the year to that list.
But there is more. The grass needed to furnish a modern, state of the art course uses fertilizer of which ‘’ the excess will be carried off in the runoff, and result in the pollution of the receiving waters. The probable result will be the destruction of a fish breeding area, which once destroyed, is gone forever.’’
Mr. Walker was giving the public his take on the bottom line on the Hans Creek issue: his article further went on to explain the legal and environmental anomalies, and quixotic attempts at getting around the law by the rich and powerful, using a cadre of lawyers and similar professionals. I advise all who can find the time, to make the effort to read Mr. Walker’s article. There have been studies done by experts on the Hans Creek proposed development and its effects on the environment. The public needs to know what the results of the findings are, if they have not already been made available.
The aim of this particular narrative, however, is to describe the paradox that a gem of a geography called the Virgin Islands, with a fragile ecosystem, but having serious economic and developmental needs faces. This piece of writing has two aims: firstly, it shows the irony of the quest at disfiguration of the Beef Island environment by powerful interests, developers, and their allies, for commercial gain. Secondly, it is an attempt at providing an understanding of the critical need for developing the BVI tourism product to cater for an international market worth billions of dollars in revenues.
The BVI as we all know possesses an invaluable and priceless natural resource in its pristine and idyllic geography, a divine gift that has made the over 60 islands of the archipelago world famous as a yachting and resort destination. The Islands of the BVI include unspoiled and isolated beaches, world class diving and snorkeling, and an underwater world rich in coral reef, sea life, and spectacular waters for the diver and snorkeler.
But even more, the tourism aspect of the archipelago has the potential of creating a level of prosperity for the current and future generations that is greater than the current level of economic wellbeing. That means the need for a much greater degree of foreign and local investment in facilities such as resorts and hotels, and leisure facilities; but simultaneously continuing to build a social and physical infrastructure that is both friendly to the native and tourist alike.
A complex hybrid, that is environmentally harmonious, and that caters for a much greater amount of tourist traffic coming into these Antilles in the future. Bear in mind, that owing to current demographics, an expansion in tourism will mean more migrants coming into the Virgin Islands to work in the industry, and that means deeper thought on how to integrate these newcomers without jeopardizing the already lopsided imbalance towards the expatriate in the population mix.
In another vein, this ‘eco-warrior’ appreciates the back and forth the Hans Creek matter has generated. It is overwhelming evidence of a healthy and functioning democracy, where due processes are respected and practiced. In many other countries, the views of the public would have simply been ignored, and the development executed to the detriment of public debate and the national consciousness. There definitely remains a queasiness and uneasiness about any profound physical change on Hans Creek, by a large percentage of the BVI population.
Yes, the BVI must optimize its natural geographic advantages for commercial gain in a highly competitive global industry. And that means increasing airport capacity and size, with longer runways to accommodate international jet traffic, add 5 star port facilities and accommodations, and world class leisure, especially after the current global economic slowdown ends, and the western tourist returns in greater numbers than present. Then, add an increasingly affluent Asian tourist and traveler who will soon be newly discovering these enchanting and magnificent West Indies.
But with over 60 islands within the jurisdiction of this country, is there not sufficient land to build myriad resorts, add a network of swift ferry and land transportation systems that can convey thousands of tourists from airports to resorts in quick time? In other words, are there not alternatives to Hans Creek? Has any policy maker considered the feasibility of building a mega resort on say an Anegada or a Jost Van Dyke that could much more easily accommodate this type of investment?
Mr. Walker was not afraid to stress the political sensitivity of the issue, by stating that ‘’ the Beef island project probably cost the NDP the Eighth District,’’ and he further asserted that ‘’ the development concept quite possibly cost the party heavily in all the other districts.’’ He was obviously writing about the last General Election.
What this tells, is the fact that the public, whether consciously or unconsciously, is concerned about what type of development takes place on Beef Island. And that selfsame public is currently watching the legal play. It is imperative the public is consulted on this matter as a matter of national interest. Although, one can never overestimate the determination of those who may wish to push a project through, notwithstanding the outcry, and the public opprobrium, add damage to a fragile environment, to do just that.
Dickson Igwe is on Twitter and Facebook
USVI Moving Center - Moving Stories
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Story #1: Story from a New St. Thomas Resident!
I often find it becomes a love/hate relationship. My husband best describes like Forrest Gump, 'life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’ll get.' Some of the little things can be so frustrating and time-consuming. In many ways, logic does not prevail and you realize why the VI is drowning in government inefficiency, and it is a shame. Getting a barbeque propane tank filled required an excursion to sub base versus any local gas station or equipment rental location. Tried getting a fishing license, not available from fish/tackle stores, but you need to go to the AIRPORT to get a fishing license. There is a big lack of competition that keeps certain items so expensive or unavailable. Also I understand there is local opposition to Home Depot coming to St. Thomas. No wonder, it would provide competitive price, improved availability of merchandise, and accountability. Thought the Government was trying to encourage businesses to come to St. Thomas and provide jobs, benefits and career opportunities? Yes, as long as they don't rock the boat and provide any type of competition, I guess. Got to love this place, which we do, just realize there is so much room for improvement. On another note, trying to find a decent map that lists parts of the island by name. Realize addresses aren't what they are on the mainland. They involve landmarks, had to learn what a mahogany tree looked like, can't tell you how many times people have given me directions involving a mahogany tree OR a white wall! Never realized how many white walls there are until you are looking for a specific location. But, how do I know which part of the island or town is Contant or Upper Contant, for example? Had the same problem with areas like Sub Base, but found it when I had to deal with WAPA and the gas company. Also, having never lived in the Tropics, could use some suggestions on food storage, pest control, do's and don'ts with regard to a cistern, best way to keep toilets white when you have a cistern, or other useful tips?First and foremost of my suggestions for folks moving here, you must come down and check out the area. Get a good idea of what is and isn't available, and what things cost.I would definitely recommend they bring a car with them. If they don't own a reliable car, buy it before they come down. Recommend they have a US-made AND assembled one, this way cost to bring in is cheaper. You will need to check inside of driver door to see where the car was assembled since VI is not part of NAFTA a car assembled in Canada is subject to higher fees to bring in. But, all in all the cost to ship and license isn't much compared to increased cost of buying here. I would suggest if person could afford it, bring in 1 more vehicle than they need, ideally a decent older model truck. They could sell the truck for enough of a profit to cover their cost of shipping and licensing both vehicles! Also, it is worth paying someone to deal with clearing customs and licensing the vehicle for you. It can be an all day ordeal, especially if you don't know the ropes or your way around. It was the best $150 we spent. Car was delivered, washed/gassed up and fully licensed.Also, as someone prepares to move, take advantage of the US Postal Service. Have never appreciated the Post Office until we started this project. We shipped tons of stuff via parcel post. So what if it took 4 weeks to get here, just start early. Cost is no more to send here than to any other US State. We balanced the cost of item + shipping versus cost here or in some cases, items aren't available. We mailed some of the lighter things and took some of the heaviest, up to 70 lbs, as our airline luggage. Also, check on-line shopping. Many shipped here directly without international surcharge. Some even had Virgin Islands listed as valid postal state code as VI and treat it no differently as the states. In some cases, it was cheaper to send here then stateside home, no sales tax here. Ordered rugs, large rugs, from Crate and Barrel and it cost $5/ per rug to ship here! Would have cost more to go to other home because we have 8.1% sales tax. Also learned if they don't list VI as 'valid' state code, call them. Educate them. Request item be sent via USPS versus UPS. You'd be surprised what you can ship here. Besides, shipping via USPS avoids any customs issues. Another thing we did, was ship items via DHL. Employer gets a great corporate rate so we made arrangements to ship larger/heavier items via DHL and reimburse employer when the air bill hits. When packing we didn't 'waste' space with packing peanuts or newspaper, use clothes or lightweight necessary household items, paper towel/tissues/ napkins/ if you have little kids; diapers. Prices on most of these items are cheaper in bulk stateside. So at least you have an initial supply of these items.When shopping here, if you see it, and need it, buy it. It probably won't be there when you want it. Someone told us, if you really need it/use it, buy two. If you think you may need it, buy one. You can always return it. This was very helpful since K-Mart is THE retailer on the island, and they are in bankruptcy. Or, a hurricane can disrupt shipments of items, so stock up. It is a different way of life and you have to get used to the fact that regardless of the cost, you can't buy something that isn't available. When you are used to competition and selection you have to adjust to getting things when you can.Still having friends send us stateside care packages from Home Depot as we finish remodeling. Quite time-consuming to go to 1/2 a dozen places to find a replacement items with no luck that you know Home Depot or Lowe's carries in quantity.Hope some of that info is helpful to others as they try to leave their type A personality stateside and adjust to island living.Update: Home Depot opened a store on St. Thomas in late 2003. |
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