Sir Branson Turns Another Island Green

Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic Airlines must really love green! His Virgin Atlantic Airlines recently flew the first partially biofuel-powered plane, he is funding a legal battle to protect Beef Island (see previous blogs) and over on his private residence and resort on Necker Island, he has installed a windmill to move the island toward carbon neutrality. Now, Branson has bought Mosquito Island, a 125 acre island in the North Sound area of the BVI near Virgin Gorda- just a mile from Necker. Using the latest green technologies, he plans to build a home for his family and then, starting in 2011, another 20 villas for paying guests. According to Sir Branson, the island will be transformed into "the most ecologically-friendly island in the world." Plans are for structures to be cooled by solar and wind power, food will come from organic gardens and orchards, and beach buggies and boats will be powered by biofuels. Meanwhile, if you are lucky enough to be on a sailing charter in the BVI, make sure to get to the North Sound. It is picture-postcard beautiful and the color of the water is an impossible blue! If you sail to Mosquito Island, there is good snorkeling just west of Anguilla Point and also at Honeymoon Beach! -Donna

Click for more information on Sailing Charters.

Historical Carrot Bay Research Praised

If you have ever driven through the quiet fishing village of Carrot Bay on Tortola, you were probably looking out on the scenic bay across to Jost Van Dyke. Unfortunately, you might just have missed a bit of history. A pile of rubble and the remnants of ancient structures in Carrot bay lie overtaken by foliage - a site overlooked by most passersby. But to resident Maurice Donovan and the crew of the Carrot Bay Progressive Committee, the neglected ruins bear priceless information about their pasts. The group was commended earlier this month for its efforts to preserve history when it was awarded top prize in the Deputy Governor's 2008 History Research Awards, and $1,000 for its research on the Wynne Plantation in Carrot Bay. The competition was opened to the public under the theme, "Historical Sites in the Virgin Islands." Participants were required to list historical sites in a particular locality and conduct an in-depth study on one of them. The overall purpose of the awards is to promote, encourage and recognize local historical research in the BVI. The History Research Award Program was instituted in 2007 as an initiative of the Archives Unit to commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. This is the second consecutive year that Donovan has accepted the top honors and received payment for his research. His previous work attempted to trace the DNA of Carrot Bay residents back to their perceived ancestors in western African countries. Donovan, a full-time contractor, says it is not about the money, but rather about educating the people of Carrot Bay and the entire area about the importance of their family lineage. "For the most part, these people are still living and working on the former plantation,", he said. "People take it for granted and most young people don't even know the ruins are here." Too often, when taking a charter out of Tortola, many people do not take the time to explore the history of this beautiful area. There is a rich culture from the Ameri-Indians, the Dutch, the British, the Spanish, and the African heritage just waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you head to the BVI, take some time onshore before stepping aboard your charter. You might just appreciate the area all the more! -Donna

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.

Sage Mountain New 7 Wonders?

Sage Mountain National Park in the BVI has been selected as one of the 261 qualifers to compete to make it to the top 77 in phase two of the official New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign. Sage Mountain is the highest peak in both the US and British Virgin Islands. Nominations for the New 7 Wonders of Nature must be for a clearly defined natural site or natural monument that was NOT created or significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons. Physical or natural phenomena like the northern lights, the Gulf Stream or shooting stars are not eligible. The nominees must be one of the following: a natural site, a natural monument or landscape. There are 3 stages in the New 7 Wonders campaign: the National Qualification, the nomination stage and the finalist stage. The nomination stage will continue through July 7, 2009. Then a panel of experts will review the top 77 nominees and choose the 21 finalists, to be announced on July 21, 2009. For the final stage, the 21 New7Wonders of Nature Finalists will be put to popular vote. Voting will continue throughout 2010 and 2011. During that time, the New 7 Wonders Tours will visit each of the Finalists to allow them to present themselves to the voters across the globe and the final declaration will be in 2011. The BVI Tourist Board and the National Parks Trust know that the New 7 Wonders of Nature Campaign could significantly raise awareness of the incredible variety and beauty of nature around the Territory should they become one of the New 7 Wonders. To help them out and submit your vote, go to www.new7wonders.com. If you have chartered a yacht there already, you know how beautiful it is. Imagine sharing it with the world! How cool is that!? - Donna

Click for more information on Caribbean Sailing.

Branson Fights for Sustainability of BVI

Anyone that has been to the BVIs on a charter yacht knows why these group of islands have earned the nickname, "Nature's Little Secret." The natural beauty of these islands is without compare, and now they have a saviour with some deep pockets, indeed! Sir Robert Branson is backing a landmark legal challenge by environmental campaigners against a multimillion-pound luxury leisure complex which threatens to destroy some of the most eco-sensitive mangrove swamps in the BVI, the paradise home of the British business tycoon. The case, which will be heard later this year, is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the protection of the fragile Caribbean environment. Sir Richard, head of the Virgin group of companies,has paid for a team of attorneys to fly to the group of islands and seek to stop plans to build a marina, five-star hotel and golf course on Beef Island. At threat is one of the most important mangrove systems in the BVI, providing a vital home for hatchlings and juvenile fish, lobster and conch. Under the development plans, one of the golf holes is to be sited in the middle of the disputed area. The Virgin Islands Environmental Council (VIEC), a charity supported by Sir Richard and other interested groups, says it has brought the action to seek legal protection of the environment in the BVI for future generations. The group hopes the legal action currently underway will lead to a reversal of the planning permission and the redesignation of Beef Island as a Caribbean national park. This will result in a more sustainable solution for Beef Island and set a healthy legal precedent for BVI and Caribbean development. By taking legal action, VIEC is ensuring the natural resources of the BVI are preserved for the benefit of future generations, that the government adheres to the procedures set out in law when granting planning permission, and that the people have a voice when addressing environmental issues that affect every citizen's wellbeing. Hopefully, with Branson's backing, "Nature's Little Secret" will be sustainable for generations to come! What are your thoughts? - Donna

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.

For The Birds!

If you have ever been on a charter yacht to the BVI, no doubt you have encountered some unique creatures, including the birds. You are not alone. Every year since 1988, BVI volunteers have set out on a journey around Christmas to document the Territory's bird population. This effort is part of a much larger one- the Audobon Society's Christmas Bird Count, which seeks to track growth trends of bird populations throughout the Americas. Since its inception in the early 1900s, the Christmas Bird Count has grown into the largest wildlife census in the world. Over a span of two days, participants covered miles of land on Tortola and Anegada, meticulously counting the bird species of the islands. Approximately 62 different species were documented on Tortola, and 26 species on Anegada. In all, more than 2,000 birds were counted. All of this information gathered helps scientists obtain a better idea of the health, growth and other aspects of BVI wildlife. Organizers of the BVI Bird Count are always looking for new volunteers. If you are into birds, planning to be on a charter yacht next holiday season in the BVI and want to participate in the Count in 2009, email Nancy Woodfield Pascoe at the BVI National Parks Trust at planning@bvinpt.org. Think of the adventure you could have - a charter yacht/bird watching vacation in paradise! - Donna

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.

What You Missed!

Happy New Year everyone! No matter whether you celebrated Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or some other festive occasion, I hope you had a very happy holiday. Unless you were fortunate enough to be enjoying a Caribbean charter during this time, you really did miss out on quite a bit! Here is a quick recap:

St. Maarten: St. Nicholas Day (December 5th)- Trailed by his Zwarte Pele minions, Sinter Klaas rode in on his white horse. Good Dutch children found their shoes filled with gifts, while naughty boys and girls were thrown into a sack and carried off to Spain by the Zwarte Pele.

St. Lucia: Heineken Kalalu World Music Festival (December 5-7th) - This multi-lingual, multi-ethnic celebration of music styles and genres from around the world were brought together in an oceanfront venue for four nights of performances!

St. Lucia: National Day (December 13th) -Parties and parades surrounded National Day. Other events included sports events, the festival of lights, a choir festival and market festival.

St. Kitts: Carnival (December 15-January 2) - Since this carnival took place over Christmas, there was twice the reason to celebrate. Actually, it was one big excuse to party! Highlights included an opening gala, the crowning of the King and Queen, Jouvert (a middle of the night romp of music and dancing), the New Year's Day parade, and the Carnival's Las' Lap.

St. Vincent: Nine Mornings Festival (Dec. 16-24)- This indigenous festival is unique to St. Vincent with predawn street concerts, fetes, fun competitions, traditional music and steel pans that took place each of the nine days before Christmas in various towns and villages. People got up early and paraded through the streets of Kingstown in seasonal attire. There were also bike races, roller skating, caroling, string band serenades and dancing at night clubs to keep everyone busy and exhausted!

Carriacou: 31st Annual Parang Festival (December 19-21)- This annual music festival attracted local and regional bands for an annual competition featuring the traditional string music of the island of Carriacou. Despite its proximity to Christmas, the percussion driven music is known for its bawdy lyrics.

Antigua: Christmas Day Celebration (December 25) - This champagne party took place at Nelson's Dockyard. Beginning at 11 am, it went late into the night with live music and BBQ.

Finally, what would a party be without Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, BVI?! Foxy's Old Year Celebration was once again the place to be on December 30-January 1. Foxy again proved himself the ultimate host when it comes to throwing a great party. For two straight days and nights, revelers partied and danced while feasting on conch fritters and BBQ - then sleeping it all off on the beach in Great Harbour.

Whew-with so much happening during the holidays, I am ready for another Caribbean Charter! I would love to hear from those of you that spent the holidays in the islands. Send us your photos and videos! -Donna

Click for more information on Sailing Charters.