VI Property & Yacht September 2011

Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT

SEPTEMBER 2011

South watch The Belmont Estate property flaunts expansive views and poolside charm.

investing in one vi Across the divide, the USVI and BVI both provide inticing buyer incentives.

molding metals Two Virgin Islands artists bring their Caribbean influences to China.

Your dream home

becomes reality thanks to one of our tailor-made mortgages. We will help you to live your dream from the planning stage to realization.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Homes For Sale Raku $8,800,000

Islandtime Villa $2,500,000

Bayhouse Villa $5,250,000

Toad Hall Estate $7,000,000

Villa Open-Deck $2,500,000

Vista Del Mare $1,200,000

V

irgin Gorda is the third-largest and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands. "The Baths" located on the southern end of the island is one of the BVI's major tourist destinations with huge granite boulders, forming scenic grottos and wading pools. Besides having one of the world’s natural wonders, what else makes Virgin Gorda so special? The general consensus in my opinion is that it’s full of warm friendly people who create a strong sense of family in a safe, secure community. Also very attractive, for those in the north-east of Virgin Gorda at least, is the close access to the Leverick Bay anchorage, the restaurants and bars of North Sound, and the central location in the Eastern island chain within the British Virgin Islands, including Anegada. When you include the additional amenities provided by several exclusive yet quaint high end resorts, they all make for a winning combination that contributes to a much more relaxed lifestyle. Several of the private residences above have both direct access to a marina and/or walking access to a white sandy beach with acreages up to 6 acres in size.

CONTACT: Maritha Keil British Virgin Islands Sotheby's International Realty t +1. 284.494.5700 m +1.284.340.5555 maritha.keil@sothebysrealty.com

British Virgin Islands Sotheby's International Realty | Mill Mall, Road Town, Tortola, BVI | t +1.284.494.5700 | homes@bvisir.com | bvisir.com Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Cover:

Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT SEPTEMBER 2011

Features

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An Architect's Vision Meets an Owner's Insight

Molding Metals: From the BVI to China

The Virgin Sisters: The BVI and USVI As One Yachting Market

Perched high above Sopers Hole, this Belmont property delivers style and elegance from a magnificent view.

By Traci O'Dea Two Virgin Islands artists take their local styles far abroad for the China Changchun International Sculpture Symposium.

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Investing in ONE Virgin Islands

A Contemporary Vernacular

BVI Culinary Creations Gone Gold

By Willa Tavernier and William McConnell Two industry pros compare and contrast the real estate markets in the USVI and BVI.

www.bvipy.com British Virgin Islands Property & Yacht is published eleven times a year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December/January) by aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110.

Copyright 2010 by aLookingGlass Ltd. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangments with their clients.

By Tim Peck A local architect takes a whack at defining modern design, as it relates to the Caribbean.

Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

The publisher of BVI Property & Yacht, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications.

Direct all inquiries to: Email: info@alookingglass.com Phone: 284-494-7788 Fax: 284-494-8777 Mail: aLookingGlass PO Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

By David Blacklock The USVI and BVI may remain divided by boundaries, but their intricate relationship among the waters remains constant.

By Alegra Jennings They took the cake at the Taste of the Caribbean competition, now the BVI Culinary Team moves forward with their professional endeavours.

Editorial and Business Office: aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Web: www.alookingglass.com Email: info@alookingglass.com Phone: 284-494-7788 Fax: 284-494-8777 Mail to: aLookingGlass PO Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

Articles

Publication Design aLookingGlass

Chief Editor Dan O'Connor

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Editor at Large

Caught in the Act

Underinsurance: A Recipe for Financial Disaster

A Frog You Don't Want to Kiss

David Blacklock

By Dan O'Connor Frigate birds run into trouble around the heavily fished waters off Great Tobago's shores.

By Ben Butler Homes and businesses stand to take huge hits if they remain underinsured over the hurricane season.

By Traci O'Dea Cuban tree frogs may look cute and friendly, but these little invasive creatures are not ones to be touched.

Writers Traci O'Dea David Blacklock Dan O'Connor Owen Waters

Art Director Nick Cunha

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Just a Small Painting

Sargassum Sneaks In

Staving Off Starvation in St John

By Hugh Whistler An artist's rendering of the Government House allows architects to recreate the historic building.

By Dan O'Connor The foreign seagrass travels thousands of miles to find a temporary home here in the Virgin Islands.

By Traci O'Dea Cinnamon crepes compliment a couple's ideal sailing vacation to St John.

Graphic Designer Akiya Brewley Richard George

Web Developer aLookingGlass

Distribution Coordinator Francoise Frank

Advertising Director

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Owen Waters

Defining the Daybed

The classic in comfort and design is the perfect complimentary item for the Caribbean household.

Printing aLookingGlass

Distribution Cool Air

Extras 48

49

Property & Yacht Directory

Property Listings

General Manager Colin Rathbun

Editor's Letter

Dan O'Connor

S e p t e m b e r

2 0 1 1

Here’s to one less division among these beautiful islands.

Sure, you’ll need your passport when traveling

Writer Traci O’Dea overcame a 12-hour time

through the invisible boundary that divides

difference to converse with Tortola’s Aragorn

the United States and British Virgin Islands.

Dick-Read and St Thomas’ Edney Freeman, two

And, yeah, custom fees and rules and

Virgin Islands artists who traveled all the way

regulations will need to be recognised—that

to China to bring the Caribbean culture to

all comes with the territories’ divide under

the China Changchun Sculpture Symposium.

dual ownership. But with one small step, we’d

Keeping in formative fashion, Aragorn torched

like to move forward with a subtle unification

his giant fireball sculpture in China during

measure to bring our neighbours closer

August’s full moon celebration.

and include them more frequently in our

I spoke with the folks over at the Jost Van

publication. You’ll notice that we’ve dropped

Dyke Preservation Society, who have recently

the British identifier from our name and will now

focused their efforts on the BVI sister island

move forward with the all encompassing title,

of Great Tobago, a national park situated off

Virgin Islands Property & Yacht. And what does

Tortola’s northern shore. There, the magnificent

this mean for you, the reader? Quite simply,

frigate bird thrives among its only documented

more expansive coverage—from Anegada to St

Virgin Islands habitat, but heavy fishing has

Croix. And to our friends in the USVI, we’re now

threatened to diminish their existence there.

also expanding our distribution to reach your

I caught up with a longtime Virgin Islands

storefronts, villas and vessels. So let’s toast to

fisherman who claims his roots in St Thomas

unity—and to one less divide.

but now fishes and works from Jost Van Dyke,

To accentuate our commitment to our cross-

who explained to me what is needed to help

boundary community, I called upon two legal

extinguish this problem on Great Tobago.

experts to map out our territories’ sometimes

Continue through our pages to find plenty

confusing laws and regulations as they pertain

more interest pieces, including a look at the

to land purchases. The BVI and USVI consultants

fascinating sargassum seaweed, which recently

worked well together to answer tricky questions

visited us from thousands of miles away. But

regarding foreign ownership, while highlighting

whether you flip our pages on Tortola, Virgin

the advantages of buying at either paradisiacal

Gorda, St Thomas, St John or St Croix, we

location. Our salty scribe David Blacklock also

want to thank you for reading our publication,

chimed in with an insightful and analytical

and encourage you to contact us with story

piece on our connected but bordered waters’

suggestions as we move forward.

sailing markets.

We also got a chance to visit Belmont Estate’s South Watch, a property with stunning views that peer out across Sopers Hole and St John, and further past St Thomas. After speaking to the proprietor, I’d later find out that on a clear night they can even catch a glimpse of St Croix’s glowing horizon in the distance.

… Here’s to the Virgin Islands

Readers’ Choice Awards BVI’s BEST

You've seen the properties, visited the resorts, sailed the waters and imbibed in all that is the BVI. Now it's YOUR turn to chose. BVI Property & Yacht cordially calls upon you, the reader, to decide who ranks as the "best of" in the BVI. Take a moment, fill out our survey, and earn your chance to win a dinner for two at the restaurant of, well, the readers' choice.

Name:

Email:

Property Polls Best British Virgin Island:

Best National Park:

Best Neighbourhood to Live:

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Best Viewpoint:

Best Resort:

Best New Building:

Best Resort Swimming Pool:

Best Historical Building:

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Yacht Polls Best Marina:

Best Regatta:

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Best Sailing School:

Best Hurricane Hole:

Best Dive Shop:

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Best Daysail:

Best Sailor:

Best Place for Provisioning:

And Now For the Fun Stuff...

Best Restaurant:

Best Weekend Getaway:

Best Full Moon Party:

Best Airline to Take You There:

Best BV Cocktail:

Best Local Artist:

The survey can be faxed (284.494.8777) or dropped off at our Road Reef Plaza office—or completed online and e-mailed to info@alookingglass.com. For social networkers, become a fan of us on Facebook to take the survey there.

One entry per email address. Only entries with valid email addresses will be accepted into the prize pool. www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

7

Vision Insight

An Architect’s Meets an Owner's

I’ve found it nearly impossible during my villa visits to embark upon a Belmont Estate home with views that fail to impress. And on my recent trip to the expansive South Watch property on Tortola’s southwest side, I was greeted by a vision undoubtedly captured under the deliberate eye of architectural genius. I’d later find out that the home, in fact, was built by renowned local architect Michael Arneborg as a hilltop hideaway for his family and him. The architect has since passed on, but the Smith-Arneborg firm remains strong in the BVI, with homes dotting the lush Belmont hills aiming to emulate Michael’s original vision of his South Watch escape.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Left: Expansive views take aim on Sopers Hole and St John.

Above: The recently added refined poolroom.

All photos by YachtShotsBVI.com.

Curious canopied roads lead up through Belmont Estate to

while tapering cacti subtly wavered along the mountainous

South Watch, which boasts two separate entrances connected

scruff below. Historic ruins follow along the mountainside and are

through the property by a winding driveway lengthy enough to

incorporated throughout South Watch’s landscape. Belmont’s

conceivably accommodate an entire fleet of cars. I entered

original settlers found the location an ideal settlement and took

through the top gate, opening wide in dramatic form to a lookout

advantage of the free-flowing tradewinds and outstanding

capturing almost all of the Virgin Islands—from St Thomas clear to

lookout post. Standing above the property, I imagined the

Virgin Gorda. On this particular sultry summer day, my eyes were

architect studying the scenery for the first time, staking out the

drawn to Sopers Hole, the marina and marketplace teeming with

unspoiled land for himself.

unusually heavy off-season activity. Far enough to admire from a

I spoke with Michael’s longtime partner and good friend Alan

distance but close enough for easy errands, Sopers Hole is just one

Smith, who told me that his colleague was originally drawn to

of the conveniences that Belmont living affords. While the summer

the property for its immaculate views. The sweeping breezes

heat settled below, I remained impervious to its torment as cool

provided by the concaved hillside would act as a bonus feature,

breezes swept through the hillside’s bend, creating a rejuvenating

he added. Michael preferred to live and build in the Belmont area,

wind tunnel. Behind me, lush green foliage rustled with the wind,

his influences perhaps noticed most when looking up from Sopers

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SEPTEMBER 2011

9

Hole. Today, lovely Smith-Arneborg estates work together to compliment each other’s contemporary Caribbean style and clean designs. South Watch wears pastel pinks and blues and unfolds three levels down its sloped landscape. Its neat property is skirted with stone walkways, well-manicured grass and bright tropical flora rock gardens.

Inside, the house draws influence from its current proprietors. Just as the outside works to compliment its surroundings, the interior creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for lazy lounging or lively entertaining. The top floor provides for a living area with cathedral ceilings and a clean, linear layout contrasted by subtle archways. The light and airy interior opens to a large veranda, where the current residents read peacefully and enjoy the subtle yet constant breezes. I love the upstairs kitchen, which boasts a retro and funky feel. The breezy room creates a natural flow to a screened-in porch and spacious back yard, complete with a grassy area ideal for barbequing. A bright and cheerful bedroom, attached to a bathroom and outdoor shower, provides the finishing touch to the top floor.

Nothing says paradise like a wash with a view.

I follow the staircase to the lower level, where the floor plan mimics its upstairs counterpart. Currently, a quiet reading room is arranged opposite the bedroom and opens to a stunning view of a refreshing pool with a ledge-side drop off. I take a moment to sink into the soft couch and soak in the view. If only my reprieve from work would allow me to indulge a little longer.

But my tour takes me further to the travertinetiled pool and gazebo area, connected to a recently added pool house. Outside, a living and dining area remains shaded and nestled against an indigenous rock wall, which seems to take influence from its surrounding ruins.

Inside, the pool house opens to a modern kitchen and a spacious living area which spills

A cozy reading room peers out over the pool.

10

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

South Watch wears pastel pinks and blues and unfolds three levels down its sloped landscape. out to yet another extended porch. I stepped out to appreciate the view, where, in the distance, I can imagine admiring the twinkling lights from St Thomas and a rope of lights from St John dancing in the distance on a quiet summer night. Alternatively, the distant lights and expansive views would make for an ideal setting

Above: The spacious driveway cuts along the prime property.

Below: The upstairs kitchen boasts classic influences.

to show off during a night of entertaining and dancing underneath the stars. Below the large entertainment room of the pool house, which could easily be transformed into a master bedroom, another bedroom comes equipped with its own bathroom.

The estate may be most regarded for its attention to detail and professional precision. It’s also quite possibly the most versatile home I’ve stepped foot in, with options to alter almost any of its rooms to fit a desired function.

Personally, I find its current layout a perfect blend for entertaining and accommodating—or relaxing in complete remiss. The home comes together in perfect harmony customized for idyllic island living. PY

South Watch Summary Neighbourhood

- Belmont

Bedrooms

- 4 w/full bathrooms

Living Rooms

- 3

Swimming Pool

- Yes

Size

- 0.86 acres

Price

- US$2,000,000

284.494.5700 | 284.340.5555 | www.bvisir.com

For more info contact: Maritha Keil t (284)340.5555 e maritha.keil@sothebysrealty.com

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

11

molding metals

Aragorn Dick-Read carving out his giant fireball in China.

All photos courtesy of the artists.

By Traci O'Dea

From the VI to China

In a large gymnasium in Changchun, China, artists from

around ideas with other artists and the Chinese hosts.” He

106 countries and territories are happily working on

added that China intrigues him as the country is “trying to

sculptures to be displayed in parks throughout the city.

absorb art from all over the world.” He said, “You can feel

Two of those artists are from the Virgin Islands. Aragorn

that they’re trying to do something in a different way …

Dick-Read of Tortola and Edney Freeman of St Thomas

trying to understand art but are fearful of the powerful uses

are attending the 12th China Changchun International

of art—coping with art as an expressive force, but it could

Sculpture Symposium where they have been given the

be a dangerous political force as well.” Aragorn admitted

privilege to spend a month dedicated to creating art.

that he was skeptical about going to China to begin with,

I spoke with Aragorn via Skype shortly after he arrived

but he stated that he was impressed with “the degree of

in China. It was 10 am in Tortola and 10 pm in Changchun.

integrity in sincerity of what they’re doing.” The enormity

Aragorn, seated in the lobby of his hotel and chatting with

of China impressed him as well. “The inevitability of that

me using his iPad, looked far from jet-lagged; rather, he

amount of people … who can activate and present [their]

appeared as energetic and adventurous as he does when

culture and ideas in a much stronger way than it ever has

working at his farm above Trunk Bay or in his studio at Trellis

before” makes it “a fun time to be in China,” he said.

Bay. His excitement stemmed, in part, from being able to

Aragorn was originally slated to complete only one

connect with creative minds from diverse backgrounds.

sculpture—an enormous steel fireball—for the symposium,

“There are artists from all over the world here,” he said,

but while the ball required extra time for production in

“speaking the same artistic language” and “bouncing

Beijing, he was commissioned to create a second piece

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SEPTEMBER 2011

13

out of bronze. The two-metre spiral sculpture, The Power of Nature, will be cast over a mold made from clay over a steel and wire armature, and Aragorn said he was collecting “bits and pieces of human junk—keyboards, cell phones, plastic guns” and pressing them into the clay, so the use of disposable, plastic, mass-produced products will be preserved in timeless, elemental bronze. His official description of the piece states, “The found

While Aragorn’s work has been influenced by his current surroundings, St Thomas’ Edney Freeman has brought a bit of the Virgin Islands with him to China.

objects chaotically embedded into the sides of the sculpture are representative of all tools with which

while he was attending the symposium. His piece,

we try to control, harness or shape nature's energy.”

Tropical Masquerader with Cape and Whip,

For his fireball, the largest he’s ever made at 10

depicts a hooded individual wielding a whip

feet in diameter, Aragorn is again influenced by

that is suspended midair. “The whip is symbolic

his surroundings. “I use figure imagery quite a lot,

in that the person being struck by the whip will

and the amount of people here is pretty amazing.”

experience good fortune and youth for the

His original idea for the theme of his fireball, of a

whole year,” he said. This concept of a person

dragon chasing a pearl of wisdom, changed once

being whipped in celebration turns on its head

the ball arrived. “A lot of these things you have to

the typical association of whipping as a form of

leave to the spontaneous moment, so I have to

punishment. “The theme for the Symposium is

feel my way around it.” The steel sphere, called

Innovation, Leap and Dream. The masked figure

The Dream of Human Harmony, now depicts lotus

is seemingly leaping into the future with whip in

flowers, plowed fields, the Great Wall, sunflowers

hand,” he said. The cape, he said, “symbolizes the

and human figures. The human figures that cover

man’s dream of flight” and caped superheroes.

most of the fireball “represent the souls of the

To reinforce the lightheartedness of the ominous-

population,” according to his blurb on the piece.

looking figure, he pointed out that it “is also

While Aragorn’s work has been influenced

wearing jingle bells around the ankles to add

by his current surroundings, St Thomas’ Edney

another dimension of sound.” He told me that the

Freeman has brought a bit of the Virgin Islands

sculpture measures 2.2 metres and will be cast in

with him to China. We corresponded via email

bronze to be permanently placed in a new park

Aragorn's fireball takes shape.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Edney Freeman's sculpture comes to life.

in Changchun. “My aim and strategy was to continue to display the culture of the USVI with powerful images associated with our carnival celebration,” he said. “The first piece I did in ’06 [for the 7th China Changchun Sculpture Symposium] was entitled Mocko Jumbie Shaking the Hand of a Tourist—now permanently displayed in the World Sculpture Park in Changchun. … My task is to leave a sampling of the rich traditions, customs and celebrations associated with the Afro Caribbean experience in the USVI in China.”

Mr Freeman, a teacher at Charlotte Amalie

from all over the world, Aragorn mentioned

High School, appreciates the importance of

the solidarity between the artists from

traveling abroad and hopes to communicate

the Caribbean—Dominica, St Lucia,

to his students “the importance of learning

Barbados, St Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago,

geography and language.” He said, “It’s like

Grenada, Antigua—and noted that the

the UN here with so many artists coming from

BVI government could benefit from using

places all over the world…most artists speak

the talented, internationally recognized

no less than three languages.” In addition

artists here as a tool to market the territory’s

to the diversity of language, he also aims to

culture. Mr Freeman said, “I see myself as

teach tolerance. “One may not understand

not just an ambassador representing the

the customs and traditions of another country,

USVI in an unofficial way…but also as one

yet one should show respect,” he said.

who represents myself, family… all the

While in China, Mr Freeman indicated that

educational institutions I attended or worked

he’d like to learn a few Mandarin phrases

at from elementary through graduate school,

to complement the history he’s learned

communities where I grew up, and my whole

about the country, including “its exploits

past learning experiences with my professors

and world explorations before they became

and all who I came in contact with that

isolationists and closed their doors,” he said.

contributed to my growth as an individual

This historical perspective adds depth to his

and an artist.” Through their creations, each

understanding of modern-day China which

artist is leaving a piece of himself, a piece of

Mr Freeman said “has a great vision of itself

the Virgin Islands, for viewers in China

for the future.”

to contemplate. The sculptures will be

Both artists hope to act as ambassadors

unveiled at the official opening ceremony on

of the VI. In addition to meeting artists

September 1 in Changchun.

PY

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

15

By David Blacklock

The Virgin Sisters

The BVI and USVI as One Yachting Market

This year's BVI Spring Regatta brought more than 100 competitors.

Photo by Dan O'Connor

The Virgin Islands, the USVI and BVI varieties, make me think of two sisters adopted at birth into different families. The USVI landed a large, boisterous, loud and wealthy family that had lots of relatives and loved to throw parties. The British Virgins, on the other hand, found themselves members of a sedate, orderly, quietly wealthy yet frugal family that didn't like to display its feelings too often in public.

Somehow the two different, politically dependent territories have forged a mutual business relationship, where each complements the other in various ways. One obvious way is the fact that the BVI's reluctance to build an airport to accommodate large jets has opened the door for the USVI, and Puerto Rico as well, to capitalize on this. The seasonal flow of BVI-bound tourists through St Thomas pours thousands of dollars every day into the pockets of ferry operators, taxi drivers, restaurateurs and bar owners.

That income hardly matches the flow of dollars in the other direction, resulting from the relative change of fortunes in the charter yacht industries between the two territories. That trade had been a large part of the USVI’s economy until the 1970s, when changes in regulation provided incentives for charter yachts to relocate to the BVI, the desired sailing destination anyway, and one with significantly less stringent rules. The political clout of US shipbuilders and operators had made things difficult for charter operators, many of whose vessels were not necessarily US-built.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Venerable charter broker, Ed Hamilton, has described his first

The major players in the USVI bareboat and crewed charter

arrival in the BVI in 1972: “There were almost no lights visible on

industry include CYOA, which is located at Frenchtown Marina in

the Virgin Island hills, so we waited south of the islands until dawn,

St Thomas. With around 20 yachts in their fleet, CYOA is a familiar

slipping past Norman Island at first light. We were virtually the

sight in BVI anchorages. VIP Yachts are another familiar name to

only yacht anchored in Road Town Harbor....I sailed in and out

BVI sailors—with about six sail and six power yachts in their fleet,

of every bay in the BVI. It looked so very different from what we

they're a niche player, but their Compass Point Marina base is

know today. There were very few houses in the hills and almost

conveniently placed for access to St John and the BVI.

no boats in the channel. It is no exaggeration to say that if you

Perhaps the most well-differentiated charter company in the

found a boat in an anchorage, you moved to the next one! This

USVI is Island Yachts which is a specialist in the Island Packet

is hard to imagine now, when you can sometimes count 100

brand. Their unique position is enhanced by their installation

boats anchored at Norman Island alone.”

of solar panels on all yachts and a general “green” attitude

These days, of course, TUI Marine has around 600 yachts

to things. After 30 years in the business, the Red Hook based

under its various brands (The Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose), and

Island Yachts, along with CYOA (around since 1980) and others

the crewed charter yacht business is booming in the BVI. Which

are well established. Their prime advantage is in price and

is not to say that the charter business on the US side is totally

convenience—a guest can step straight from the plane to the

moribund, since a number of companies survive and thrive in that

yacht without the hassle of BVI Customs or complicated airport

environment. Additionally, the game fishing charter industry is

transfers and scheduling.

almost totally centred in St Thomas and St Croix, although much

Smaller players in the business include Nauti Nymph, whose

of the fishing activity takes 12:05 place in BVI waters.

BVIPG0411-3 15/4/11 Page 1

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White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, as well as the Baths and the Bight— part of a circular day trip that covers most of the BVI's must-do spots in a few hours. As a starting point for bareboat charters or as a pickup point for crewed yacht charters, or as a destination in its own right, the USVI has much to offer. Since the BVI is a mere half-day's sail from most of St Thomas, it makes good sense to look for bargains in that market.

With the opening of St Thomas's Yacht Haven Grande in 2007, hopes were high for an uptick in megayacht traffic in the port— This year's Rolex Regatta brought competitors from around the globe.

Photo provided by INTAC Golbal Investments.

which might well have occurred had the financial meltdowns of 2008 not put paid to a lot of yachties' plans. The fallout from that explosion is still going on, yet St Thomas is still seen as a prime destination for large private and charter vessels. The

2011 Sailing and Watersports Calendar Sep 10 - 11 Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct

11 - 21 15 22 28 - 30 29 - Nov 5

Nov 8 - 11 Nov 12 - 13 Nov 19 Nov 26 - 27 Dec 1 - 4 Dec 10 Dec 2 - 4 Dec 17

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Back to School Regatta Interline Regatta Willy-T Virgin’s Cup Trafalgar Regatta 14th Annual Foxy’s Catfight 25th Annual BEYC Pro-Am Regatta BVI Charter Yacht Show 10th Annual Pete Sheals Memorial Match Race Regatta Peg Legs Round Tortola Race BVI Schools Regatta Carlos Aguilar Match Race DYAS Christmas Youth Regatta 21st Gustav Wilmerding Annual Memorial Challenge Regatta O’Neal & Mundy Commodores Cup

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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segment that caters to high-net-worth individuals is likely to remain strong as it is a segment least susceptible to the ripples in the financial universe.

The development in the USVI of a large hotel industry with many beds available attracts tourists, and conventions, to those islands. Lacking a similar infrastructure, the BVI's charter yacht industry is its hotel industry. Visitors to the BVI tend to take their hotel rooms with them as they sail around the islands. These differences only add to the mutual dependency between the territories—which sometimes appear less as rivals than as collaborators.

With the opening up of communications and the availability of rapid transport between the islands, it makes sense to look upon the Virgin Islands, no matter what their political allegiance, as one market, one cruising ground, one extended family. PY

Get on board this summer.

Beef Island to St. Maarten as low as $99.

Romasco Place, Admin Drive, Road Town, Tortola, BVI VG1110 1.284.494.2347/8 and 1.284.340.2347 Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI VG1150 1.284.495.5580 and 1.284.340.5580 travelplan@romascobvi.com

Booking Agent

Book online

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SEPTEMBER 2011

19

Investing in

ONE

Story by Willa Tavernier and WIlliam McConnell Photos by Dan O'Connor

Virgin Islands

A Practical Guide for Potential Purchasers

BVI Current Trends

3. exemptions may be granted by the Governor, where a company

In the midst of a challenging market, real estate in the BVI is still

transfers property to another company which has the same

regarded as a solid investment. The appeal of owning property in

beneficial ownership.

the BVI is enhanced by prevailing lower home prices. The islands are already quite attractive because of the variety of properties

Joint Ownership

available, the pristine and calm waters, the proximity to the US Virgin

Property owned by more than one person must be owned either as a

Islands and Puerto Rico resulting in easy travel connections, and to

joint tenancy or as a tenancy in common. In a joint tenancy there is

the Eastern Caribbean with its sister sailing destinations of Antigua,

a right of survivorship as explained above. In a tenancy in common,

Barbuda and St Lucia.

each owner has a share, and the deceased’s share passes into his

Estate Planning

on the title that the property is owned in shares.

estate. A joint tenancy is presumed unless there is a specific indication It’s always a good idea to have a basic estate plan. Stamp duty on transfers, even under a Will, can be significant, for these duties

Security of Title

are calculated as a percentage of the value of the property. Real

All land is registered in a central Land Registry, which reflects the

property can be held by a company, corporation, LLC or in a trust,

details and history of ownership, and other interests in the land such as

which facilitates the distribution of the property to your heirs without

mortgages (called charges) leases, and easements. Evidence of title

the cost, delay and publicity of probate, and can reduce duties and

is the land register for each property. Title is government guaranteed,

taxes payable. Holding property in a joint tenancy, where the property

with a fund to compensate for any loss caused by fraud or manifest

automatically passes to the surviving owner or owners on death, is

error. Title insurance is therefore not used. An instrument of transfer in

also an option. However, real property in the BVI cannot be held by a

the standard form must be registered to effect ownership changes.

partnership in any form, even an LLP or LLLP.

Taxes

Procedure for Purchasing Usually a non-binding letter of intent is executed and a deposit made.

The major tax applicable to real estate is stamp duty on transfer, which is

The parties then negotiate an Agreement for Sale, which allows time for

4% for BVI citizens and belongers, and 12% for foreigners. Property taxes

due diligence on the property, and, if required, licensing. Financing is

are assessed annually, determined by the size and use of the property.

readily available from the National Bank or any of the branches of five leading international banks.

Exemptions There are several exemptions for foreign owners. Stamp duty:

Foreign Ownership

1. does not apply to transfers from to the legal spouse, children or

A landholding license is required for all persons who are not BVI citizens

grandchildren of the landowner, exclusively, to a trustee of a trust

or belongers. The prospective purchaser must provide evidence of

which has any of those persons as its only beneficiaries, or from

identity, means, and character along with an appraisal and the

the trustee of such a trust to another trustee or to any of those

Agreement for Sale, and certain other property details. If you intend to

beneficiaries. The exemption also applies when property in the name of

rent the property while it is not in use, this will have to be specifically

a company is transferred to any such relations of the beneficial owner

stated in the license, and a trade license for property rental obtained.

of the company, or the trusts above described.

The landholding licence is personal to the holder, and applies only to

2. on leases is at a reduced rate of 1.5%.

the specific property mentioned within it. A separate license is needed for each property.

USVI Current Trends

Taxes

Like many real estate markets, the USVI has undergone a significant

Stamp Taxes

downturn in recent years, both in terms of sales volume and prices. For

The USVI imposes a stamp tax on the transfer of an interest in real

potential investors or people interested in moving to the USVI or owning

property by deed at rates varying from 2% for properties up to $350,000

a vacation home here, this means there are many opportunities in

to 3.5% for properties over $5,000,000. Exemptions are available for

the current market. Villas, homes, condominiums and land are all

certain intra-family transfers and for certain transfers between parent

available at prices comparable to those prevailing a decade or

and subsidiary corporations. The seller typically bears the cost of the

more ago. Although prices are down, the USVI remains an appealing

stamp taxes, but this, too, can be negotiated.

destination for would-be property owners. It is the only predominantly English speaking, US flag destination in the Caribbean. The three major

Property Taxes

islands offer a contrast in styles: St Croix, the largest island, is known

Property taxes are assessed annually. The property tax system in the

for its historical attractions and laid back lifestyle; St. Thomas bustles

USVI has been in a state of flux for years, and the government is

with shopping, nightlife, resorts and beautiful beaches; St John offers

in the process of getting caught up on assessments. Once caught

unparalleled natural beauty on an island that consists of two-thirds

up, however, the rates on residential properties and condos will be

national park land.

.377% and on land will be .4946%, with higher rates for commercial

Procedure for Purchasing

many US jurisdictions.

properties and timeshares. These rates are significantly lower than in

Usually a binding contract of sale is entered into and an initial $1,000 deposit made. The buyer then frequently has a 10-14 day inspection

Withholding Taxes

period during which time the contract can be canceled and the

Foreign persons (i.e., non-US persons who do not have legal US

deposit returned if the buyer determines that the property’s condition

residency) are subject to a withholding tax of 10% of the sales price of

is not satisfactory. If the buyer does not cancel, he will then typically

their USVI property (11% for corporations). This tax can be reduced or

be required to post an additional deposit equal to 10% of the purchase

eliminated in appropriate cases (such as when there is no profit on the

price which is at risk if he fails to close. Many contracts will also be

sale) by application to the USVI Bureau of Internal Revenue.

contingent on financing which is readily available locally from multiple sources. Closings involving bank financing are currently taking between

Joint Ownership

45 and 90 days to close; “cash” closings can happen more quickly.

Property owned by more than one person can be owned either as a

All contract terms are negotiable and purchasers often retain legal

joint tenancy or as a tenancy in common. In a joint tenancy there is

counsel to advise them prior to signing a contract.

a right of survivorship – a survivor automatically becomes the owner

The Ritz Carlton on St Thomas peers over Charlotte Amalie.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

21

of the property on the other person’s death. In a tenancy in common, each owner has a share, and upon death of an owner, that owner’s

Foreign ownership The USVI does not impose any restrictions on foreign ownership of USVI

share passes into his estate. A tenancy in common is presumed unless

property. Non-resident aliens should be aware of the withholding tax

there is a specific indication on the title that the property is owned

on sale of their property, as discussed above.

otherwise, or unless the property is owned by husband and wife.

Husbands and wives can hold property as “tenants by the entirety” a kind of joint tenancy that cannot be severed except by divorce, death

Estate Planning If you become a USVI property owner, you will need to include your

or a conveyance in which they both join.

property here in your estate plan. While there is no USVI estate tax, US

Security of Title/Title Insurance

owners of real property, a USVI judicially supervised probate process is

All deeds and other interests in land that the parties wish to have

required, even if the primary probate is conducted elsewhere. For

recorded are recorded at the Office of Recorder of Deeds, which has

non-residents, probate can be avoided by holding property in a

offices on St Thomas (for St Thomas and St John) and St Croix. Most

corporation, limited liability company, partnership or a trust. US residents

arm’s length transactions are done by warranty deed, although other

can generally use their US established trusts to hold their USVI real

citizens may be subject to federal estate tax. In addition, for individual

types of deeds with limited or no warranties are also acceptable. Title

property. Holding property in a joint tenancy as discussed above is also

insurance is readily available with US-based underwriters including

an option. Whatever your plan, do not assume you can change your

Chicago Title, Fidelity Title and Stewart Title. Since the Recorder’s office

mind later at nominal cost. Some transfers, even for estate planning

is a record keeping service only and does not guarantee title, title

purposes, can be subject to the stamp tax discussed above. PY

insurance is always advisable.

Road Town from above.

22

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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With you every step of the way.

Real estate in the BVI is at a premium and tightly regulated.

Our expertise is practically unmatched. From conception to completion, we understand the challenges of both booming markets and down-cycles, and have the depth and experience to advise on a broad range of issues – from title verification, planning and design approval, to corporate structuring and financing. This is why hundreds of buyers and sellers, including every five star resort in the BVI, have turned to us for representation in virtually all real estate and development matters.

A leading BVI law firm

Simmonds Building, 30 DeCastro Street Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. tel: +1(284) 494-5808 Ëš fax: +1(284) 494-5811 www.onealwebster.com Contact: Mrs. Willa Tavernier wtavernier@onealwebster.com

A Contemporary Vernacular

Bayhouse in Virgin Gorda maintains a scale that is appropriate to island architecture.

Photos provided by OBMI.

By Tim Peck, OBMI

24

A contemporary architectural idiom that reflects the

narrow and literal view of Caribbean design. Within this

traditional vernacular, character, climate and culture of

new consciousness, a number of excellent examples of

a place is an interesting challenge. For many architects

very traditional interpretations of the Caribbean vernacular

this is the Holy Grail, allowing a freedom of “modern”

were created, using the form of the chattel house with the

design but being duly respectful of context.

steeply pitched corrugated roofs in combination with deep

We have recently had a number of clients requesting

wooden verandahs, complete with traditional gingerbread

design that reflects “a contemporary reinterpretation of

trim. The recent turn of the century brought with it a desire

Caribbean Style” or a “mix of Caribbean and modern

from many of our clients to explore the aesthetic and

design.” I am delighted when I hear this request and see

functional traditions of the region while also bringing the

it as a very positive turn in design trends, reflecting a

clean lines and openness of modern design to projects,

confidence and cultural consciousness in our society. When

offering exciting opportunities to the design profession.

I first came to the BVI, in the very, very early 1980s, there

The “Bayhouse” in Virgin Gorda is an excellent example

was a tendency for aspiring local homeowners and visitors

of contemporary design which respects its Caribbean

to seek something very “American” in design style as this

traditions and location. The deep lean-to verandahs, time-

represented a breaking with the past and bringing aspects

honored in Caribbean architecture for shading the main

of contemporary society into their corner of paradise.

building volume and providing outdoor living and dining

As we moved through the 80s and early 90s, the post-

spaces, are present here, but in this instance they are

modern trend led to a recognition of the aesthetic value

reinterpreted as flat concrete canopies. These canopies,

of regional traditions, but also sometimes resulted in a

hovering high over the terraces, are punctuated with areas

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

of trellis, creating variation of shading experience and patterns of

fine examples where talented architects in the BVI have paid homage

sunlight which change throughout the day.

to tradition but creatively re-interpreted the customs and conventions

Cross ventilation, which has always been so important to capture

of the islands in a contemporary idiom, encouraging an interesting

the trade winds, is addressed via the traditional single-room deep

dialogue between the old and the new. PY

plans, combined with an arrangement of louvers or jalousies. In the vertical wall face, the wooden louvers are combined with large glazed openings and frameless glass windows for a contemporary touch that truly blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. Industrial

Large, glazed openings and frameless windows blur the boudaries between indoors and out.

style jalousies are used in high roof ventilators that function like wind catchers or the more traditional gable-end louvers, to pull the hot air out of the ceiling spaces.

The built forms of Bayhouse are broken up, maintaining a scale which is appropriate to the island architecture, particularly in the BVI context. The traditional hipped and shed roof forms are maintained over the bedroom wing, exposing the rafters and vaulted ceiling over the upstairs bedroom and veranda areas.

Natural stone is utilized at the base to ground the house in the natural topography, as in many traditional Caribbean homes. Here, as elsewhere in Virgin Gorda, the stone pays homage to the magnificent granite boulders that surround the house. The stained concrete floors are dark and crazed, reflecting the patterns of the facing stone facades.

As Bayhouse clearly illustrates, respect for context and culture does not mean that the designer has to resort to pastiche. There are many

ARCHITECTURE RESORT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING MASTER PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN OBM International t 284 494 2148 OBMI.COM BVI PG APR 2011.indd 1

4/28/2011 12:54:40 PM

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SEPTEMBER 2011

25

BVI Culinary Creations

Gone Gold

By Alegra Jennings

Their performance was the antithesis of a flash in the pan. A few well orchestrated culinary flashes, seasoned with teamwork, team spirit and practice, and marinated with enthusiasm simmered to the right consistency, allowed the BVI National Culinary Team 2011 to bring home an array of medals from June’s Taste of Caribbean in Miami: five gold, one silver and three bronze. The team’s stellar performance brought the territory international notoriety and has helped the local culinary industry catapult forward.

During a recent interview, team members re-lived the excitement, finishing each other's sentences with words like “intense,” “psyched,” “focused,” and “hard work.” The team explained that fatigue gave way to determination, but they stuck to the game plan, using finesse and creativity to persevere.

According to team captain Kenneth Molyneaux, their main mission is to “generate contemporary Caribbean cuisine around the world." He said, in a sense, it’s “ building on old-style cooking, but with a contemporary twist.”

“In addition to sand and sea, this win is a nice addition to our tourism portfolio,” Molyneaux said. “It gives us bragging rights and it puts the BVI on the front page for Caribbean tourism.” Adding to the captain’s sentiments, Mikhala Bagot, a junior chef on the team, said, “Being in the culinary field has given me the opportunity to explore different dimensions of food and taste.” She also said that culinary training is an art form. Since returning from the competition, she has received four job offers.

Pastry chef Ansony Salmon’s prized culinary piece, a black cake with avocado mousse, finished with a sorrel shooter, wowed the judges. One particular judge went as far as comparing the dish to her grandmother’s treasured treats. The team would go on to secure a gold in the Pastry Division.

When asked what’s ahead now that the competition is behind them, team members looked forward with enthusiasm. I learned that on the return flight home, some

From left: BVI National Culinary Team members Imran Ashton, Mikhala Bagot and team captain Kenneth Molyneaux whip up prize dishes from Treasure Isle Hotel.

Photo by Dan O'Connor.

26

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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Above: Culinary members pose proudly with their medals.

Photo by Hezikiah Maddox.

Right: Pastry chef Ansony Salmon dishes up a tasty treat from Peter Island Resort and Spa. Photo by Dan O'Connor.

team members made mental notes while others organized plans for next year’s competition. They said they have grown, not just as culinary professionals, but also in intrinsic ways—winning has done wonders for their confidence.

Still riding aloft in victory, the culinary crew is now gearing up for the upcoming season, when they will ply their talents and winning recipes in the categories of beef, seafood, ice carving, bartending and pastry.

The team unanimously agreed that bringing home so many medals, especially the gold, gives the BVI wider exposure and it tells the world that although the territory is small—both in geography and population—its talent is big. Their hope is that this victory will generate further interest in the BVI and that travelers will want to visit and try their medal winning recipes.

The team arrived home to a reception held in their honour in the VIP lounge at Terrace B. Lettsome International Airport, and since then, accolades and recognition are still pouring in. At the airport reception, the team was greeted by the Premier Ralph O’Neal, as well as other government officials and sponsors. Along with the VIP reception, recognition has included an official motorcade, a victory party and a golden dinner which replicated the award-winning recipes. Throughout the remainder of this year and into 2012, the team will be featured in local publications such as the BVI Restaurant Guide, BVI Welcome Magazine and Experience the British Virgin Islands.

The team’s performance evoked organoleptic responses from the judges. Could it be that team’s cohesion—its synchronized mindset to go for the gold—and its stellar performance yielded not only top category results but it also achieved umami for the BVI? Maybe the proof lies in the pudding. PY

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

27

By Dan O'Connor

Caught in the Act Frigate birds fly into troubled waters

Frigate birds swirl high above Great Tobago.

All photos by Susan Zaluski.

Hundreds of feet above sea level, the magnificent frigate birds

live on the island, and thrive on its unscathed terrain and abundant

stalk the azure waters below, waiting for the opportune moment

surrounding corals. During a recent visit to the island, members from

to snatch their lunch from an unsuspecting boobie. The quick and

the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society revealed a disturbing discovery

agile creatures use their abilities to swoop down on other seabirds

of more than 50 dead frigate birds entangled in the monofilament line

to attack and harass them until they give up their meals. Like a

belonging to local fishermen.

menacing school bully preying on a free lunch ticket, the man-o-

The birds’ bullying feeding behavior, known as kleptoparasitism, has

war birds are the true pirates of the sky. But love them or hate them,

recently been getting them in trouble. JVDS Director Susan Zaluski

the unique sky stalker currently faces the threat of danger and

noted after her recent visit to the island that these fearless feeding

death from fishermen who threaten their livelihood while casting

behaviours are finally catching up with the sly birds. “Oftentimes, the

for their own.

tempting fish, bobbing on the surface of the water, is in fact attached

The island of Great Tobago, off Tortola’s north shore, houses the

to a fishing hook and line,” she wrote in a report assessing her findings.

Virgin Islands’ only frigates, and remains protected under National

“In cases like this, a typical response from the fisherman is to cut the line,

Parks and Trust. Currently, more than 500 pairs of the pirate birds

28

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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leaving the bird to fend for itself. Then, the bird flies off, trailing the line,

BVI fisherman Kenny Turbe examines a tangled frigate bird.

which usually gets caught on something and ends up killing the bird or causing sever injuries.” Then, she continued, the birds fly back to the colony where the trailing line tangles up other birds— usually juveniles.

Frigates also have unusual breeding habits: The duration of parental care of frigate birds is the longest of any bird, and the female feeds and cares for their single chick for over a year. Females breed only once yearly, so the loss of even a single juvenile is a severe blow to the colony’s overall population.

However, Susan noted, the overall solution to this troubling problem is clear: “Don’t cut the line.”

I spoke with local fisherman Kenny Turbe about the issue at Great Tobago, and he was quick to reiterate Susan’s sentiments, adding that educating the public on safe release techniques remains paramount in the frigate’s survival. “As fishermen, we need the birds, too,” he said of them. … But what a lot of [fishermen] do is they see the frigate bird on their line and

If you accidentally hook a seabird while fishing. . .

they say, ‘Oh, we’re going to get in trouble,’ and they cut the line,” leaving the bird

• Slow the vessel down and bring it toward

their mutual relationship. “They know where the fish is and they show us how to find

hooked and tangled with heavy line.

Kenny, who assists the Department of Conservation and Fisheries, recently traveled with Susan to Great Tobago to help untangle dozens of injured birds. His findings, he

the bird—do not pull on the line • Lift the bird out of the water with a net to support the bird’s weight

said, were sobering. “There were so many dead birds,” he lamented. “I found a fishing

• Control the beak to avoid injury to yourself

line around one [frigate bird]—had to be at least 80 pounds [resistance]. There ain’t no

• Gently grasp the bill and locate the hook,

way a bird like that is going to bust through a line like that.” To ensure fishermen—both

and push the barb to the outside of the skin

local and tourist—understand how to safely fish around these feeding areas, more must

• Cut the barb and back the hook out

be done to educate, he said. He suggested passing out flyers, putting up posters and

• Ensure that all the fishing line has been

enforcing mandates for charter boat companies to inform guests how to respond to

removed and that the bird is otherwise

potential encounters with hooked and tangled birds. Currently, though, the problem

uninjured before releasing

continues to threaten the mighty frigates—the pirates of the sea. PY

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

29

You don’t have to walk for miles, Drakes traders has the best in building supplies.

’ Traders Ltd. Drakes P.O Box 623 Road Town, Tortola, BVI | T(284)494-3282 | F(284)494-4382 | E: drakestraders@surfbvi.com | W: www.drakestraders.com

STATE OF THE MARKET

Underinsurance A Recipe for Financial Disaster

An Apple Bay shop suffered devistation after Hurricane Earl.

Photo by Dan O'Connor.

By Ben Butler, BCQS BVI In the months leading up to June, with the uncertainty of the

robust and properly enforced building codes could have saved

impending hurricane season, now is a good time to make sure

a lot of lives and kept people in their homes. Furthermore, proper

that your home or business premises are insured sufficiently,

insurance of these homes and buildings could have helped the

against not only hurricanes, but also against other perils such

rebuilding of Port-Au-Prince. Instead, Haiti is forced to rely upon

as earthquakes and fire.

international aid, partly due to the pre-existing economic situation

True, the British Virgin Islands has not been effectively flattened

and partly due to the massive scale of the disaster.

by a hurricane for over 20 years; however, with the passing of

Damage caused to individual buildings as a result of

Hurricane Earl last year, we need to be reminded that the BVI is

earthquakes or hurricanes here in the Virgin Islands is unlikely to

susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Equally, our neighbours

be the subject of such massive aid, therefore owners here need to

in the USVI stand dangerously close to harm's way.

protect themselves and make sure that the full reinstatement cost

On an even greater scale, the recent earthquake in Haiti not

of their building is reflected in their insurance policy. The failure to

only resulted in tragic loss of life but also caused untold damage

cover this full amount is known as underinsurance.

to buildings, very few of which are likely to have been insured. In

Underinsurance is when a building is insured for a lesser amount

July 2009, BCQS International went on a voluntary mission to Haiti,

than the current rebuilding cost, this in turn means that the

sponsored by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and

insurance premium paid is not representative of the actual risk, nor

found that the implementation of building codes was woefully

is it sufficiently contributing to the insurance premium pool used

lacking. Not only were they insufficient, but there was very

to help pay for losses. This may save a building owner money in

little evidence of the enforcement of any building codes at all.

the short-term, in terms of the payment of a lesser premium as

Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake struck before any such

a percentage against an artificially low amount, but even the

codes could be put in place. There is, however, no question that

lesser amount that is paid may be wasted money should a claim

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SEPTEMBER 2011

31

As we have seen, the onus for insuring one’s property correctly is on the owner, and not as one may suspect, on their insurance company, nor on their lending institution.

people unable to service the very loans against which the enjoyment of their property or the income generated from it was relied upon to repay that debt.

The best way to avoid underinsurance is to have a property appraisal carried out every two to three years and to insure for the rebuilding cost as appraised. Between appraisals, sums insured can be increased by an inflation factor which should form part of the property appraisal. Adjustments should also be made for any improvements made to the property.

The appraiser would calculate a rebuild value based on a current day construction cost to replace the building like for like. Such a calculation requires a full site inspection and a measure of the size of the building. Experience of construction costs within the particular jurisdiction is fundamental, as well as experience of the vagaries of types of building use, and any

become necessary. Underinsured properties are subject to the

32

structural or architectural nuances. The resultant sum would

insurance industry’s Condition of Average Clause which, in

include not only the rebuild value, but an allowance for the

essence, reduces the claim, according to the percentage of

demolition and removal of any remaining damaged structure,

underinsurance and relative to rebuilding costs.

as well as an allowance for the professional fees required for

To keep the math simple, let’s say you decide to

the rebuild, such as the costs of appointing an engineer, an

demonstrate an example, if a building is insured for 50% of the

architect and a quantity surveyor. Such valuations generally do

rebuilding cost, the maximum of any claim made will be 50% of

not include any loose furniture or other unfixed contents.

the insured amount, meaning that the owner will be unable to

As we have seen, the onus for insuring one’s property correctly

finance the rebuilding of their home or business premises. This is

is on the owner, and not as one may suspect, on their insurance

exacerbated by any deductable being taken from the 50% the

company, nor on their lending institution. As previously

owner receives.

mentioned, a diligent financier would demand that any loan

As is often the case, owners do not necessarily know that

against their security, (which is usually the subject of the loan

they are underinsured until they make a claim. This is usually

itself, i.e. the property), is covered by adequate insurance for the

because they are relying upon out-of-date information or

full cost of reinstatement. However, in the event of an

are not getting the right advice regarding the value of their

unleveraged property, it is often the choice of the individual

property. In 2008 for example, the island of Grand Turk in the

owner, as to whether their property, and therefore their financial

Turks and Caicos Islands suffered 85% damage to its buildings,

security remain at risk. We would recommend that the individual

the majority of which were either underinsured, or in many

follow the lead of the Funding Institutions and protect themselves

cases, not insured at all. This not only left people effectively

with adequate insurance, rather than carry the risk of the

homeless and left businesses without premises, but it also left

possibility of financial loss in the future. PY

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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SEPTEMBER 2011

33

Why is it okay to collect rain but not sunlight to meet the community’s needs when they both fall from the sky?

Solar Energy

Rain Water

YES

X

NO?

Sign the petition online www.greenvi.org or www.aesbvi.com

+1.284.494.1478

energy@aesbvi.com www.aesbvi.com

Alternative Energy Systems

R EN E WA B L E E NER GY • AB U NDANT • SUS TAINABLE • INDEP ENDENT • A CARIBBEAN S OLU TION

A Frog You

Don’t

By Traci O'Dea

Want to Kiss

“Our tiger was outside playing with a huge frog,” my boyfriend Richard said as he came through the door holding our new kitten Axl under his arm. A few minutes later

A Cuban tree frog in Virgin Gorda .

Photos by Todd VanSickle.

when we sat down to dinner, Axl cried to be let out again.

“Go play with your new friend,” I said as I opened the door for him.

learned that we should rinse his mouth out with water, wash off

After a few more bites of palak paneer, we heard a chirping

the gluey substance that was stuck to his whiskers, nose, paws and

noise that Richard thought was a weird bird. The noise

belly with soap and water, and give him some milk. We did, and

expanded into the loud, persistent cry that I associate with a

he quickly recovered, but we were definitely freaked out. I hadn’t

cat indicating it has prey in its mouth. I went outside to find Axl

thought there were any toxic reptiles or amphibians in the BVI.

beside the patio rain gutter batting at the frog but clearly in

Friends told me that Axl’s encounter had been with a Cuban

pain, so I picked him up and held him away from the amphibian,

tree frog, and I soon discovered that these small amphibians are

so it could escape. Instead of hopping away, the frog leapt

an invasive species in the BVI that secrete a toxic mucus when

towards us and landed on Axl’s stomach before I sort of flung

threatened. Scientist Clive Petrovic gave me some history about

it away. We brought Axl into the kitchen where he began

the frog, saying that they probably first arrived in the BVI in the

foaming at the mouth and retching. Panicked, especially after

1980s at the JR O’Neal Botanical Gardens. This made sense, he

my own experiences with consuming local toxins (manchioneel),

said, based on his own experience owning a landscaping business

I quickly looked up “cat poisoned by toad” on Google and

when he would ship exotic plants all over the world. He noted, at

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

35

the time, that diverse species, native and non-native, of “insects, snails, spiders, frogs” would hide in the plants, and if they didn’t escape, they’d be shipped to distant countries. “In most countries,” he said, “those containers are fumigated,” but that’s not the case in the BVI. A 2005 article in Herpetological Review agrees that most Cuban tree frogs are brought in on horticultural materials and cites Cane Garden Bay business owner Elvet Meyers as saying that the frogs were shipped in on pallets from Florida. In The Cuban Treefrog in Florida, Dr. Walter Meshaka reported an introduction to Necker Island “associated with nursery shipments from Florida.” Once they arrived in the BVI, the frogs traveled on vehicles—cars, heavy construction equipment, boats, barges—to other parts of the island and other islands, including smaller islands like Guana and Mosquito, but Jost Van Dyke has remained free of the invasive frog.

Recently, the USVI has been having a problem with animals being poisoned by cane toads—the invasive species that has been both intentionally and unintentionally introduced all over the planet. The July 26, 2011 cover story of the Virgin Islands Daily News featured an article about a

Real Estate

foot-long cane toad poisoning a 100-lb dog, causing it to be “unconscious

miths Gore opened its office in the British Virgin Islands in 1965.

The firm was established in the UK in 1845 and currently operates from 26 offices. While the Caribbean practice is based in the BVI, there has been a tendency to specialize in the sale, management and valuation of properties throughout the region.

British Virgin Islands Britannic Hall, P.O. Box 135, Road Town, Tortola T 1(284) 494 2446 E renata@smithsgore.com

and paralyzed when it was found by its owner.” Luckily for us, the BVI does not have a cane toad population. Clive credited that to the fact that we don’t have the habitat for them to breed—freshwater pools or ponds.

Cuban tree frogs, on the other hand, with their sticky frog feet, can climb and get into cisterns to breed. Cane toads can’t climb. So while we’re safe from cane toads, we still have cisterns full of Cuban tree frog tadpoles.

Once the tadpoles mature, they’ll eat “anything they can swallow,” according to Clive, but most of their diet consists of medium-sized insects.

United Kingdom 17-18 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PT T +44 (0) 207 290 1616 E michelle.persaud@sgcommercial.co.uk

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www.smithsgore.com

36

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

"I have had a number of reports and [have] seen photographs of the Virgin Islands boa catching and eating Cuban tree frogs."

need to ship?

Green has you covered . . . and size doesn’t matter

- Clive Petrovich

They are also known to eat vertebrates—frogs, anoles and geckos.

The Herpetological Review article states, “interviews with BVI residents indicate a decline in native frog populations as the CTF [Cuban tree frog] increases in numbers.” To Clive, this makes sense “because they’re attracted to lights upon houses, and so are the coquis, geckos and anoles.”

Additionally, Cuban tree frogs don’t eat small insects, like mosquitos;

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instead, they eat the mosquitos’ predators. “As the population of Cuban

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tree frogs increases, so does the mosquito population because the small, whistling frogs eat mosquitos … but mosquitos are a bit too small for the Cuban tree frog, so they’d rather eat the little frogs.” Unfortunately, few things eat the Cuban tree frog. My kitten is evidence as to why. “I have had a number of reports and [have] seen photographs of the Virgin Islands boa catching and eating Cuban tree frogs,” Clive said, but during his own feeding trials on the snakes, he was not able to get them to eat the frogs, even after withholding food for a week.

Like mosquitos, the best way to control the population is to get them where they breed, so this means making sure the adult frogs cannot get into cisterns to lay their eggs. Spouts should be covered with screens to keep out the frogs (as well as mosquitos), and if a cistern is found to have tadpoles inside, Clive recommends draining it, finding out how they got in and correcting the problem, cleaning the cistern, and filling

With our extensive network, you can send your freight from anywhere in the USA to our warehouse. Just leave all logistics to us. All you have to do is decide what you want to get and where you want it from. As soon as you have purchased your bulk shipment, email us an order confirmation, and we'll tell you where to send it. Once it arrives we can have it delivered to your door here in the BVI.

it back up. He said that he’s spoken with people who simply poured bleach in their cisterns to kill the tadpoles, but then you’re stuck drinking dead tadpole water. Yuck. Another way to prevent Cuban tree frogs from taking over is by fumigating containers and pallets that are shipped in from Florida or other zones known for invasive species.

I was relieved when Dr Walter Meshaka Jr, senior curator of Zoology and Botany at the State Museum of Pennsylvania and author of The Cuban Treefrog in Florida, informed me that the frog probably wasn’t attacking my cat, like I had assumed it was doing based on its behaviour; rather, it was more likely that it had accidentally jumped on Axl while “trying desperately to get away,” he said. “No Kamikaze tree frogs,” he added, “just ones whose escape directions get bollixed up.”

Clive came to the same conclusion when I explained what I saw and suggested that my cat hopefully learned to avoid them, saying that

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“most animals only need one nasty encounter to develop such avoidance behavior.” I don’t know about Axl, but I have definitely learned from this experience. PY

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SEPTEMBER 2011

37

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Just a Small Painting

By Hugh Whistler One of the reasons I pursued the task of saving the Old

Hurricane” which ran in the August issue of BVI Property

Government House from demolition was to preserve the

& Yacht). A copy of the letter is now on display for public

murals painted by Margaret Barwick, the wife of former

viewing at the OGH. So the wife in her white sun hat (as

Governor David Barwick (1982-1986).And while I was

shown in a Hancock photo) and the two boys were added

working on the new Government House in 2003 I saw

to the porch. The commissioner was inked in raising the

there was a four-inch floodlit recess being built into

Union Jack and as we knew he had a wooden leg, having

the living room wall, which I thought would be an

lost his leg in action during the Great War, this detail was

ideal spot for a new mural so continuing the practice.

also added in the painting. Also barely discernable on

Then-Governor David Macan (2002-2006) was not in

the original photo was a cannon on its carriage. Two of

favour of a large mural but said “just a small painting”

the cannons are now mounted on concrete plinths in front

would be acceptable. So I commissioned Mr Reuben

of OGH. The big barrels were horse drawn artillery from

Vanterpool, a local artist whose historically accurate

the Crimean War, and they would have been originally

paintings of the BVI are well known, to make a painting

mounted on wood and metal rimmed wheels—which must

by blowing up the little 3-by-4-inch black and white

have rotted and rusted away.

photograph—one of several photographs taken in

Reuben decided to add to the painting: a small fishing

1910 by WC Fishlock—that was of the original 1890

boat and two fishermen mending their nets (a favorite theme

Government House.

of his); a whelk picker was added and as we knew the road

First, Reuben made a 15-by-19-inch draft which he asked

to Sea Cows Bay was a continuation of Main Street up the old

me to check for architectural accuracy. The roofline and

driveway and ran in front of the house; and he added people

the steps needed changing and were so marked onto the

going to and from the market. The completed painting was

painting—but then came the interesting part. I wanted

now effectively as historically accurate as possible—an artist’s

the painting to portray the day before the 1924 hurricane

final masterpiece. It came out at 3 feet by 4 feet, which was

struck; when the whole upstairs was torn off while the

somewhat larger than the governor had expected for his

commissioner—as the governor was then titled—Captain

small painting. But of course it was approved as it is an

Otto Hancock, was sheltering in the pantry with his wife

elegant piece of historical art and is now the focal point of

and two small children, their cook and two maids. This is all

Government House’s living room. The final delight for me was

beautifully described in a letter his wife Agnes wrote home

gifted by Rueben: a cleaned up the small draft copy of the

detailing the ordeal (published partially in “The Deadly 1924

painting, where it now adorns my living room. PY

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

39

WE ALREADY KNOW YOUR DREAM HOME’S ADDRESS.

As you consider a new tropical lifestyle in the British Virgin Islands, our rental or sales associates will assist you in searching for the perfect home.

Leo House, 65 Main Street Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands, VG1110

40

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Tel: (284)494.2500 :: Fax(284)494.6969 :: Skype: truderealestatebvi :: E-mail: monica@trudebvi.com :: Web: www.trudebvi.com

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Sargassum

Story and photos

by Dan O'Connor

Sounds the Alarm The large brown mats of stinky seaweed stealthily stalk the Virgin Islands’ waters, creeping up slowly on unsuspecting yachters and finicky fishermen. When the vegetative visitor first made its presence known in the VI—floating in mat packs stretching to sizes of over 100 metres in length—many picked up the phone and called authorities.

Some, like my boss, called me for answers. However, I must mention that being the lead author of a yachting and property magazine makes me no expert on this sort of marine phenom. But as duty called, I answered.

I contacted marine biologist Shannon Gore for answers. “What is this brown substance floating in the waters?” I naively asked, assuring her that my sighting was not isolated. “I’ve received calls from Sea Cows to West end confirming more accumulations of the thing.”

A quick Google search confirmed sightings throughout the islands. “We have all noticed a lot of seaweed piling up around the shores and waters of the BVI,” wrote an anonymous blogger in the BVI Captains Log Blog on saildivebvi.com. “Apparently it is natural, although [this is] the first time I have seen it to this extent here.”

“It is natural and good for the environment. It is rich in nutrients and makes good fertilizer when washed ashore."

- Bertrand Letsome

Indeed, the unexpected visitor cued a cause for alarm among the curious, who joining my quest for answers. “Everyone seemed fired up about it, since lots of it keeps floating through the area and we keep getting phone calls,“ said Shannon, who works at the Department of Conservation and Fisheries. “[But] it’s not the end of the world.”

She’d subsequently forward me some scientific journal entries on the topic and I’d soon get busy on my research. I’d find out that the sea grass, scientifically known as sargassum, had traveled to the Virgin Islands from thousands of miles away in an area in the North Atlantic known as the Sargasso Sea. The floating clumps of sargassum form from streamers that stretch miles along the sea in yellow and brown vegetative mats which are supported by tiny air bladders. Strong currents around the Sargasso Sea in turn carry the weeds around the world.

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

41

Sargassum collects below Slaney Hill on Tortola.

While sargassum usually doesn’t, it helps support marine life and attracts sea life that often travel and live beneath its nutrient filled base. Flying fishes, jacks, triggerfish, marlin, tuna and jellyfish often populate the caravan through the Caribbean.

When the substance washes ashore—in the state it can currently be seen around our coasts—it can continue to shelter some of the animals that traveled with it, along with crabs and others that live on the beach. Birds and other beach dwellers also welcome migrant sea floater ashore.

While the curious planktonic species has been known to frequent our waters, it has not been seen in such mass in about three years, Shannon said. Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Bertrand Lettsome said he remembers growing up with sargassum. “When I was a child, this was something that happened every year, and with the sargassum came young turtles and juvenile fish,” he reminisced. “It is natural and good for the environment. It is rich in nutrients and makes good fertilizer when washed ashore.”

Sotheby’s Maritha Keil said she also has fond memories of studying the life forms that cling to sargassum. Years ago, she’d venture out on the water, equipped with buckets and a few friends, to gather the stringy seaweed for observation.

It’s been said you learn something new everyday. I hope that’s true. And to you, the reader, maybe you also learned something. Or maybe not. Whatever the case, let’s remember to be welcoming of nature’s friendly little surprises—and be sure to educate those who are easily frightened by the unknown. PY

42

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Provisioning My husband Matt and I love adventure travel. But for

By Susie Younkel

Staving Off Starvation in St John

immigration and customs on both sides. However, St John’s

our mid-September wedding anniversary, we keep our

hiking trails are among the best in the Caribbean, and

plans decidedly low key. We typically spend a long

friends had raved about the island’s southern anchorages,

weekend at my family’s cottage in the midwestern part

which we had never visited.

of the U.S. We sleep late, take long walks and cook

indulgent meals while sipping lots of wine. Certainly our

the provisioning. Simple, yet luxurious is my mindset when

While Matt prepared our sailboat at Nanny Cay, I did

most memorable wedding anniversary to date occurred

I shop for our annual anniversary weekend, and I filled my

when Matt and I were living on Tortola and decided to

grocery cart with specialty ingredients, including: steak,

celebrate our eighth anniversary by sailing around St

excellent cheeses, fresh ingredients for salads, and wine

John. Though our St John “circumnavigation” was not

and champagne. I also pulled wahoo (which I had caught)

a particularly ambitious itinerary for us (a total of 35

from my freezer and packed in-season star fruit and limes

miles in 5 days), it was quite ambitious by the standards

from our Tortola rental property.

of our wedding anniversary getaways.

We spent our first night moored in Caneel Bay, a short

St John is a mere one nautical mile from Tortola at its

dinghy ride from Cruz Bay and our favourite USVI bar,

closest point, yet we rarely went to St John. There’s so

Woody’s. We had our fix of fried food and fruity drinks at

much incredible cruising right in the BVI, plus St John’s

Woody’s always-popular happy hour. The next morning we

anchorages can be quite crowded in high season—

were up bright and early—waking to the boat rolling from

particularly the anchorages on the island’s north side,

the onslaught of morning ferry traffic between St Thomas

closest to the BVI. And, of course, one has to clear

and St John. From Caneel we sailed to Little Lameshur Bay.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

43

Conditions were ideal for visiting the southern shore of St John, as the

too complicated, and certainly not something we make on a daily

very light southeasterly breeze—while not ideal for sailing—made for

basis. Once again, we spent the afternoon napping and snorkeling in

comfortable anchorages. To our surprise, we were the only boat in

a bay we had to ourselves.

the anchorage. We enjoyed a leisurely pre-dinner swim, then fired up

The next morning we continued sailing counterclockwise around

our grill and ate a delicious meal of Fish Tacos (BVI P&Y August 2009),

St John until we reached Watermelon Cay. We had picked up

yellow rice, and a tomato, corn and avocado salad. We capped the

moorings in this north coast anchorage numerous times, using it as our

evening with stargazing on the foredeck.

“staging ground” prior to entering the BVI. That is, we would arrive at

Our next stop was Salt Pond Bay, which we chose for its proximity

Watermelon Cay late afternoon and depart at 7 the next morning to

to great hiking, specifically the Ram’s Head trail. More than half of

clear customs in Sopers Hole. This time, we reserved an entire day for

St John’s land is designated a national park, and dozens of excellent

snorkeling, hiking and exploring via dinghy. In the evening we sipped

hiking trails crisscross the island. I’ve hiked throughout the Eastern

rum cocktails and dined on grilled steak and Island Coleslaw (BVI P&Y

Caribbean, yet Ram’s Head remains one of my most memorable hikes,

December 2009) as we savoured the final night of our trip. For the third

with its striking vistas and sheer dropoff at the top. After working up an

peaceful night in a row, we were the lone boat in our anchorage.

appetite, we returned to our boat for a leisurely brunch of Cinnamon

September, the lowest of the low season in the Virgin Islands,

Crepes with Bananas, Brown Sugar and Crème Fraîche, exactly the

seemed an ideal time for a relaxing anniversary trip cruising in St John.

To our delight, that’s exactly what we found. PY

type of food we like on our anniversary weekend: indulgent, but not

Cinnamon Crepes with Bananas, Brown Sugar and Crème Fraîche Crème fraîche is a popular ingredient in French cooking. Find it at Rite Way or the French Deli. Sour cream can be used instead, although it is not as rich as crème fraîche.

3/8 c flour 1/2 c whole milk 2 Tbl sugar 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 egg 2 medium bananas, sliced thinly 6 Tbl crème fraîche 2 Tbl brown sugar

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a blender or beat well by hand.

Ideally, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

2. Heat a small non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with a bit of butter. Pour 1/4 of the batter into the pan and quickly swirl the batter to evenly cover the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, then turn the crepe over and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from pan, then cook 3 more crepes in the same manner.

3. Divide bananas, crème fraîche and brown sugar among 4 crepes. Serves 2.

Riteway Food Markets provisioning service offers a number of services to help your visit to the British Virgin Islands be a fuss-free, enjoyable experience. Time is of the essence for you and our 20 plus years' experience in provisioning has enabled us to tailor our services to suit the needs of all concerned by providing a wide selection of choice foods, beverages, liquor and dry products. So, whether it is your private getaway schooner, or a Super Mega yacht, each order, no matter how large or small, is given the same amount of detailed attention and delivered directly to you. After all, it's the Riteway way of doing business!

44

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Defining the

DAYBED The history of the daybed dates back thousands of years as a brainchild of the ancient Egyptians. Back then, daybeds were made from palm sticks, bound together to create a lazy lounging and sleeping experience.

In the age of Cleopatra, the daybed’s popularity traveled

master bedrooms and covered decks for their guests to kick off

into Greek and Roman households. During the Victorian Age,

their salty sandals and unwind after a long day in the sun with

the daybed was known as the “fainting couch,” and was

friends and family.

used quite literally by women after being strapped into tight

Arawak’s modern adaption of the daybed includes synthetic

corsets for long periods.

fabrics, aluminum frames and UV resistant plastics that come in

The history of the daybed is all but forgotten today, our modern

earthy tones or collaboration of a full rainbow. They also come

designs most popularly made from sturdy wood or steel and

with a standard sunbrella base cushion and waterproof scatter

fashioned with comfy cushioning. The humble daybed acts as the

cushions—standing strong against the unpredictability of tropical

perfect accommodator for overnight guests, or, especially here

weather. Wooden daybeds, which boast fine teaks, are another

in the tropics, as a chic poolside fixture. In the Virgin Islands, the

option and allow the consumer to benefit from a product that

quaint comforters are a perfect addition to any household—inside

matures with age. Whatever the occasion or call for a daybed’s

or out.

uses, the furniture piece continues to travel through time as an

Arawak has been selling customized Indonesian daybeds for

easy living legend. PY

over 10 years, the products quickly becoming one of the fastest selling items on their showroom floors. Private and commercial villas alike choose the decorative pieces for hallways, large

46

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

+1.284.494.5240 Road Reef Plaza, Road Town, Tortola

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Perhaps it’s the food. Maybe it’s the ambience. Could be the staff or simply the convenient Main Street location. Whatever it is, ‘The Dove’ is one of, if not the most successful and popular restaurant in the BVI.

tel. (284) 340 3000 info@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com Visit our offices at Nanny Cay Marina (Tortola) or Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda)

Property & Yacht Directory

Legend: Regions

BB EE FB NC PA

Use the legend to reference the businesses listed.

ACTIVITIES

Brandywine Bay East End Fish Bay Nanny Cay Pasea

PI PP PR RR RT

Peter Island Port Purcell Prospect Reef Road Reef Road Town

SB SH TB VG WE

Sea Cows Bay Soper's Hole Trellis Bay Virgin Gorda West End

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Alternative Energy Systems (PP) – (284)494.1478 Caribbean Technology (RT) - (284)494.2762

Coldwell Banker Real Estate (NC)– (284)495.3000 Dougal & Associates (RT) – (284)495.3003 Smart Home BVI (PA)- (284)542.7000 Smiths Gore (RT) - (284)494-2446 Sotheby’s International Realty (RT) – (284)494.5700 Trude Real Estate (RT) – (284)494.2500

Conch Charters (RR) - (284)494.4868 Pro Valor (EE) - (866)776.8256 Racing in Paradise (NC) - (284)494.6781 Southern Trades (RT) -(284)494.8003 Sunsail (RT) -(888)416.8420 The Moorings (RT) -(888)416.8420 TMM (RR) - (800)633.0155

ARCHITECTS

shipping

Marine

D'Best Cup (SH) - (284)545.8015 Dolphin Discovery (PR) – (284)494.7675

ALTERNATIVE & BACKUP POWER

OBM International (RR) – (284)494.2148

Tamarind Consolidated - (954)763.2234 Tortola Express (RR) - (284)494.0707

Electronics

Travel

Cay Electronics (RT) – (284)494.2400

BVI Airways (RT) – (284)494.3247

FURNITURE

BVI Marine Business for Sale Marine Services and Yacht Management Company, Profile includes all equipment, tools and miscellaneous. Tortola BVI. Interested parties call (284)343-8479 after 6pm

Yacht Charters & BrokeRs

Arawak Interiors (RR) – (284)494.5240 Poolworks (PP)– (284)494.0989

BareCat (SB) - (284)495-1979

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Clarence Thomas LTD. (RT) – (284)494.2359 Drakes Traders LTD. (FB) – (284)494.3282 EuroCarib (PP) - (284)495.9616 Think Simple (RT) - (284)494.2801 Tortola Commercial & Home Automation (RT)(284)541.1245

est. 1993 | Fleet size: 10 | Sells boats: No | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Fontaine Pajot, Lagoon, Leopards, Island Spirit, Robertson & Caine, Privilege, Voyages | Year Make: 1997-2005 | Type(s): Catamarans | barecats@surfbvi.com

INSURANCE

Colonial Insurance (RT) – (284)494.8450 Nagico Insurance (RT) – (284)494.6433/4

BVI Charter Yacht Sales (RT) (284)494.4868

INVESTING

VP Bank (RT) – (284)494.1100

est. 1986 | Fleet size: 46 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Leopard, Norseman, Island Spirit, Athena, Hunter | Year Make: 1996-2004 | Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls | www.charteryachtsales.com

LAW FIRMS Harneys (RT) – (284)494.2233 O'Neal Webster (RT) - (284)494-5808

Marine & Yacht Clubs

Nanny Cay Marina & Hotel (NC) - (284)494.2512 Royal BVI Yacht Club (RR) - (284)494.3286 YCCS Marina (VG) - (284)346.2000

PHOTOGRAPHERS

BVI Charter Yacht Society (RT) - (284)494.6017 Representing the finest selection of luxury crewed charter yachts in the BVI | bvicrewedyachts.com

Yacht Shots BVI (NC) – (284)495.7550 BVI Yacht Charters (RT) - (284)495.4289

PROPERITES

Baraka Point (VG) – (800)969.9713 Mooney Bay (VG)– (888)624.3215 Oil Nut Bay (VG) – (284)495.5400 Sol Y Sombra (VG) - (284)494.2446

Provisioning

Riteway Food Markets (RT) – (284)494.2263

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

est. 1974 | Fleet size: 45 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Seawind | Year Make: 2000 - 2009 | Type(s): Sailboat Monohulls and Catamarans | bviyachtcharters. com | www.bviyachtcharters.com

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Property Listings A

B

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C

D

E

F

G

H

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J

K

M

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Q

Legend: Regions

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R

S

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The Settlement

Anegada

Tortola

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Virgin Gorda Jost Van Dyke

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Prickly Pear Island

Northern Islands

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Moskito Island

Southern Islands

Guana Island

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Jost Van Dyke

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Little Jost

Virgin Gorda

Marina Cay Spanish Town

Beef Island Road Town

Buck Island

The Valley

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Fallen Jerusalem

Long Bay

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Road Harbour Round Rock

Cooper Island

Nanny Cay

Great Thatch

Ginger Island

Frenchman’s Cay

Dead Chest

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Carval Rock

Salt Island

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Oil Nut Bay

Scrub Island

Cane Garden Bay

Sandy Cay

Little Tobago

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Eustatia Island

Great Camanoe

Little Camanoe

Tortola

Green Cay

Great Tobago

Necker Island

The Dogs

Anegada

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Peter Island

Pelican Island Flannigan Island

Norman Island

TORTOLA

not to be missed! US$225k | (284) 495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

H9 Lovely Lot at Ballast Bay: Beautiful Ballast Bay Lot now available.

Glorious views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. US$120,000 | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

H8 Cane Garden Bay Cottages: Two delightful cottages set within landscaped palm fringed gardens, less than 50 yards from the beach. Set in under 2 acres, prime investment property. US$1.295k | (284) 495 3000 | chris@ coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

G10 Two and Three Bedroom Hillside Villa – Long Bay Resort: Cleverly designed Villas with fantastic views, great beach and full use of all resort facilities. Lock off units designed to maximize income potential at Tortola’s leading beach resort. From US$435,000 | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com Private Lots for Sales 0.8 Acres: Located on the North Shore are two parcels of land, with stunning views, available to build your own dream home.

US $155,000+ | (284) 494-2500 www.trudebvi.com I10 WATERFRONT HOMES WITH DOCKS, NANNY CAY: 2/3 bedroom waterfront townhouses with docks now available at Nanny Cay, Tortola’s premier marina. Full resort facilities and competitive rental program available to offset costs of ownership. US$750,000 | (284) 495 3000. | Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com.

Long Trench Estate Home: Situated on .623 acres this split level home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a separate 1 bedroom unit which has rental income.

This home is set on .3 acres so an additional house can be erected giving two for the price of one. This is a must see!! US$715,000 Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com H8 1 acre Lot, Glorious Cane Garden Bay views: A rare Lot on Luck Hill with fantastic views of Cane Garden Bay. Beautiful sunsets. Very buildable. One

J8 3 bedroom Ridge Road Home with 3 bed Apt: Lovely 3 bedroom family home with rental income potential from 3 bed apt beneath. Great views of North Shore and Guana Island. Lush mature garden filled with coconut palms and fruit trees.

Motivated Seller. US$750,000 | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com Jost Van Dyke Land: There is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east of Foxy’s Restaurant. It has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and St. Thomas. US$110,000 | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com G10 Hummingbird House: Located in the prestigious Belmont Estate only moments from Smugglers Cove and Long Bay beaches, this delightful home has been extensively remodeled by the current owner, an English Architect with over 20 years island experience designing first class, luxurious homes. Pleasing proportions and scale, elegant finishes and fixture choices of the highest quality and wonderful ocean, island and sunset views. US$2,495,000 | (284) 495 3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com Villa Asolare at Mansion Hall: This stunning home is located around a point which gives panoramic views of the outer islands from Scrub Island to Norman Island. There are stone steps that lead to each of the three buildings, the two beaches and thru lush flowers, fruit trees and the historic ruins of Fort Hodge dating from the 1740’s. There is also an infinity pool with an out door kitchen, perfect for entertaining! Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com

www.bvipy.com

SEPTEMBER 2011

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H9 Rose Lodge, 3 bedrooms Windy Hill: Beautiful hillside setting with exceptional island and sunset views. Two bedroom main house with lovely gardens and lawn.

Delightful views of Cane Garden Bay from very private guest house. US$1.1m | (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com H9 Business Opportunity: 1.04 acres of hill side land just 200 feet beyond the picturesque beaches of Cane Garden Bay. The property houses six buildings containing 5 one-bedroom, 2 two-bedroom and 1 three-bedroom units.

US$2,500,000 | (284) 495 4825 Virgin Gorda Home for Sale: This charming Home comes furnished with all modern amenities and enchanting views overlooking the Ocean and a lovely garden. This location is prefect for this price. US$300,000 | (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com Cane Garden Bay 0.5 Acres: This land is above the hills in Cane Garden Bay with road access and spectacular views and no covenants attached.

US$150,000 | (284) 494 2500 www.trude.com G10 3 BEDROOM, 6 BATH CARIBBEAN STYLE HOME: Located on over 1.5 acres, this sprawling villa is ideal for indoor and outdoor living with three detached pavilions including kitchen, living room, library, master bedroom suite and two guest bedrooms. Spacious swimming pool terrace, covered dining area, charming porches, verandahs and courtyards. US$1,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com G10 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH CONDO: Set within Long bay Beach Resort and operated within the hotel rental pool, the apartment has one full kitchen and one kitchenette and affords beautiful ocean views. Direct access to the hotel amenities and within walking distance to the beach. US$299,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com K8 CHARMING PROPERTY AT GREENBANK: Overlooking Brewers Bay and built as semi detached pavilions around the swimming pool terrace, this beautifully designed villa features living room, gourmet kitchen, spacious covered porch with living and dining areas, game room, private master suite and two guest suites all with private patios and majestic views. Two bedroom one bath caretaker cottage with separate driveway. US$3,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com J9 SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM VILLA AT KINGSTON: Two separate buildings connected by a swimming pool terrace with split level living-dining area and large kitchen. Master bedroom suite and two guest suites. Prevailing breeze and expansive channel views only five minutes away from Road Town. US$1,099,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com K9 5 BEDROOM BEACHFRONT VILLA WITH PRIVATE DOCK: Beautifully positioned on historical Fort Hodge Point, with extensive water frontage including two sandy beaches and full serviced dock. The 5 bedroom residence with swimming pool terrace encompasses approx. 4,500 sf and captures spectacular views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Spacious great room with covered dining porch. master bedroom suite and separate pavilion with three guest suites and game room. Self-contained lower studio apartment. US$5,900,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com H9 Lemon Grass - *REDUCED*: Tortola, Cane Garden Bay. Delightful 3-bed, 3-ensuite bath house with pool near the beach on Cannon Point Estate. Beautifully landscaped gardens and pool. Excellent vacation rental.

US$895,000.00 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Josiah’s Secret: 1.5 acre of land 5 minutes walk to one of the best surfing beaches in the BVI. Popular spot for locals to spend a Sunday afternoon sunbathing, swimming, surfing, eating and drinking. An ideal spot for secluded beach side retreat but only 15 minutes to Road Town or the airport. US$200,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Captain's House: Captain's House looks over the north west shores of Long Bay Beach. A charming 2-bed, 2-bath West Indian/Mediterranean styled home on 1.35 acres. Beautiful gardens & great breezes. Very large covered porches next to pool offer cool shade all day long with continual breezes amidst the colorful aromatic floral gardens. US$1,150,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Vista Del Mare - *NEW*: Overlooking Leverick Bay and the surrounding islands. Complete privacy very popular with honeymooners,. Luxurious 3-bed, 2-bath villa. All rooms open to covered verandah with sea vistas. Private and perfect for a couple, or for a family with older children. Very convenient for water sports, shops & restaurants. US$1,200,000.00 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Soldier Hill Property - *NEW*: On the ridge between Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay with fantastic views. 4-bed, 2-bath upper level, 2-bed, 2-bath lower level, on 0.2324 acres. Great family home with rental potential. US$700,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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VIRGIN GORDA P9 Charming two bedroom, two bath home at Windy Hill: Set on 0.4 acres in a quiet neighbourhood the property enjoys beautiful views of Tortola and Beef Island and a lush tropical garden. | US$550,00 Q7 A Dream Come True, Pond Bay: A five bedroom, cliffside/waterfront home above Virgin Gorda’s most spectacular beaches at Pond Bay and Savannah Bay. Simply stunning. Ask to see the rental history and figures on this property.

A phenomenal story. US$3.5m | (284) 495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com P8 THE VILLAS AT LITTLE DIX BAY: A rare opportunity to own a permanent home at Little Dix Bay resort managed by Rosewood Hotels. Situated on the dramatic hillside above the world-renowned resort these 3-4 bedroom villas offer a magnificent setting, luxurious amenities and remarkable privacy. Rental pool option. From US$3,300,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com R6 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM VILLA AT LEVERICK BAY: Located on a 0.74 acre ridge site. This spacious windward villa has been designed as an open floor plan, with rooms all on one level, complemented by patios and a 35ft pool terrace.

US$1,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com P9 STEPS FROM THE BEACH: Boasting 180 ft of beach frontage, this Mediterranean-style villa offers direct access to the pristine waters and smooth sands of Spring Bay. 3 bedroom main house and detached master suite. Open and covered terraces. Boat house, garage, workshop and various outbuildings.

Total built area: 5,050 sq ft. In all about 0.52 acres. US$5,750,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com T6 THE JEWEL BOX AT OIL NUT BAY: Luxurious 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa with infinity edge pool with direct access to the beach at Oil Nut Bay. Encompassing approx. 2,800 the villa is elegantly appointed with travertine and hardwood floors, mahogany cabinetry, granite counter tops and state-of–the art appliances. US$3,500,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com P9 HOME SITE AVAILABLE AT CROOKS BAY: Located a few minutes’ walk to the beach, on a quiet residential estate, this 1.4 acre site boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and benefits from cool tropical breezes. Utilities to site.

US$500,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

JOST VAN DYKE E8 JOST VAN DYKE LAND: There is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east from Foxy’s Restaurant. It has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and St. Thomas. US$110,000 | Marianne at (284) 494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com

NORTHERN ISLANDS M7 Very private 2+ acre lots on Exclusive Scrub Island Marina & Spa Resort! Part of an upscale island resort, waterfront land is available to build your own dream home. US $1,500,000+ | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com M7 CHARMING 5 BEDROOM VILLA ON GREAT CAMANOE: Delightful 3 bedroom Main House with 2 Bedroom Guest house on Great Camanoee. Lots of character. Fantastic island and ocean views, incredible panorama. Easy access to dock. Approx 2 acre Lot. US$1,.200,00 | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com M7 DIAMOND REEF ESTATE, UNIQUE 10 ACRE PROPERTY: A fabulous property, full of character and charm. Upon this 10 acre site sits a magnificent 3 bedroom main house, built largely from local stone in 1968 by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family. A delightful one bedroom guest house built in later years. Residents treated to glorious views yet completely private. Wonderful landscaping, beachfront, private swim dock. Absolutely one of a kind property.

US$6m | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

ANEGADA Loblolly Bay Land: Great Investment Opportunity!!! Walking distance to the beach and Flash of Beauty Restaurant, this freehold 3.88 acres lot is ideal for any investment venture. There is a road access and utility poll next to the property. US$550,000 | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

2010 Winner, “Best Vacation Experience.”

–Fodor’s Gold Choice Award

SOL Y SOMBRA Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

US$8 Million This spectacular beachfront villa boasts four beautifully decorated air-conditioned suites, each furnished with custom-made teak furniture. Outside amenities include an ocean-front infinity pool and lit tennis court, bound within lush tropical gardens. Inside, take advantage of a European-style kitchen, private movie theater, daily maid service and state-of-the-art gym. An in-villa cook is available upon request. www.solysombrabvi.com

Smiths Gore Limited : : British Virgin Islands

T 1(284) 494 2446 F 1(284) 494 2141 E bernadette@smithsgore.com

In the serene, protected waters of North Sound, nature created the perfect deepwater sanctuary. We took it from there. We’re pleased to introduce the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Marina Virgin Gorda, a state-of-the-art superyacht marina developed by Victor International. The marina will offer up to 38 slips for mega yachts ranging in size from 30 to 100 meters. Situated in a protected harbor, it is the ideal Caribbean base from which yacht owners can experience the beautiful cruising and racing waters throughout the BVI and beyond. A beautiful clubhouse is scheduled to open by late 2011. Operated in partnership with the storied Mediterranean club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, it will be a place where the grand tradition of yachting is celebrated throughout the year. www.yccsmarina.com

harbourmaster@yccsmarina.com

284.495.5400

The Yacht Costa Smeralda Marina Virgin Gorda is partnered with Oil Nut Bay resort, a prestigious Victor International resort community and Biras Creek, A Relais and Chateau resort.

www.OilNutBay.com / www.Biras.com

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.