VI Property & Yacht October 2011

Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT

O C TO B E R 2 0 1 1

Readers' choice awards You came. You saw. You voted. Now find out who tops the list.

Sunken sculptures BVI plants the idea for underwater sculpture gardens.

Wrecking on the Rhone A 400-foot container ship threatens a prized national park.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Homes For Sale

Frenchman’s Lookout $10,000,000 Belmont Grove $600,000

Rhumb House $7,500,000

Chambra $980,000

Longview $1,200,000

Elysium $1,400,000

W

hen it comes to buying real estate it pays to listen to the voice of experience. British Virgin Islands Sotheby's International Realty, a division of Caribbean Realty Limited, has been representing and selling homes and land for development for over 20 years. Each member of the team in the sales department brings their own specialised expertise to the table when either marketing your property or helping you find just the right investment. Dietmar Lichota takes care of web design, marketing, technical support and sales. Damara Penn and Trish Dobson work together to handle all the administrative tasks related to selling and buying. Maritha Keil enjoys being not only a matchmaker, but also helping a seller to stage their home so it generates more interest toward a sale. The reason Caribbean Realty joined Sotheby’s International Realty was largely due to the incredible global marketing tools, solid credibility of the brand and the large referral base of the agents worldwide. The investment Caribbean Realty made to join Sotheby’s has helped to promote the British Virgin Islands worldwide.

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: Photos by Dan O'Connor, and courtesy of BVI Spring Regatta, Golden Pavillion and Heather Anderson.

Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT October 2011

Features

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Readers' Choice Awards

Sunken Sculptures Come Alive

Wrecking on the Rhone

After two months of voting, the results are in. See if your choice topped our list.

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 Traci O'Dea Proposed underwater sculpture gardens, bolstering reef growth, may become the newest, living fixtures among the BVI's seabed.

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 Dan O'Connor A massive container ship breachd the Rhone national park and slammed into Salt Island, where crews worked to assess damages to the environment.

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

Protecting your Investment

When is a Tree Not So Nice?

Artists' Corner

David Blacklock

By Steve Fox An architect takes a look at durability as it relates to style in contemporary design.

By Clive Petrovic A researcher delves into the topic of invasive species in the BVI by looking at the Australian Pines on Anegada.

By Dan O'Connor BVI oil painter Lutai Durante prefers to create his cuturally inspired masterpieces at night.

Writers Traci O'Dea Susie Younkle David Blacklock Dan O'Connor

Art Director

32 The Eye of the Storm

By Alison Knights Bramble An exerpt from the newest book chronicling sailing adventures in the Caribbean.

35 VI Real Estate Representation

By Willa Tavernier and William McConnell Two legal experts examine real estate agents across the USVI/BVI divide.

39 Metallic Take on Nature

Metal wall fixtures find their way from Mexico to the VI.

Nick Cunha

Graphic Designer Akiya Brewley

Web Developer aLookingGlass

Distribution Coordinator Francoise Frank

Advertising Director

39 Royally Ready for Takeoff

By Hugh Whistler A former Royal Engineer takes a look back at his past as a "Sapper" and the construction of Beef Island's runway.

42 Limin' in the Islands

By Susie Younkle Delicious options to sweeten up drinks and dishes.

Owen Waters .

Printing aLookingGlass

Distribution Cool Air

Extras 48 Property & Yacht Directory

General Manager

49 Property Listings

Colin Rathbun

Editor's Letter

Dan O'Connor

O c t o b e r

2 0 1 1

And the winner is . . .

This month, we embarked on a special issue

the island. I took a daytrip over to the sunken

that intends to highlight some of the finer

coral island to observe the pines firsthand. I wish

points of visiting and living in the Virgin

I could say it was a tough job, but as my first trip

Islands. Our first Readers’ Choice Awards

to Anegada, it wasn’t—at all.

finds these glossy pages eager to endorse

Writer Traci O’Dea reported on proposed

the bounties of the BVI, according to you,

underwater sculpture gardens that would

the reader. Over the past two months, we’ve

bolster reef growth as well as the ecotourism

asked VIPY's audience to participate in our

industry by positioning art exhibitions

27-question survey aimed at identifying all

underwater to attract new corals and sponges

that is appreciated in the property and yacht

as well as new visitors to the BVI.

industries—and also among drinking, eating

One of the proposed underwater sculpture

and playing on these islands.

sites is near the Wreck of the RMS Rhone ,

Although our survey stopped in the BVI, we

whose surrounding national park was nearly

haven’t forgotten our friends over in the USVI. If

compromised in late August when a container

you’re reading our publication dockside in Red

ship plowed into the rocky enclave off Salt

Hook on St Thomas, or from Love City, St John,

Island. I spoke with officials who surveyed the

that’s because we’ve extended our distribution

damages, which they said largely affected

arm to reach the businesses, villas and vessels

granite rock and miraculously spared the wreck

throughout the Virgin Islands—from Anegada to

and acres of coral.

St Thomas (and soon to St Croix). Our coverage

There’s plenty more in this issue to keep you

also aims to follow our distribution, and in this

preoccupied from, say, your ferry ride from

issue, we made our way from Setting Point to

Charlotte Amalie to Road Town, and we hope

Charlotte Amalie.

you enjoy your read. And remember: As long as

Marine researcher Clive Petrovic took a

you’re in the Virgin Islands,

close look at the invasive Australian pines that have made their way thousands of miles across land and sea to the beachfronts and inlands of Anegada. Originially introduced to the environment to help deal with heavy winds, the invasive plant has gotten a bit out of hand on

you win.

Dougall & Associates

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Prime Lots of Land Nail Bay Resort Virgin Gorda - Land leases 153 years available

Tobacco Wharf Condominium Road Town, Tortola - US $550,000

Windlass Bight Anegada North Shore - US $550,000

Lambert Beach Resort Villa North East Tortola - US $750,000

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(284) 495-3003 l info@realestatebvi.net www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

7

The votes are in. You saw the properties, visited the resorts, sailed the waters and imbibed all that is the BVI—and then you decided who tops the list. Our list, that is. Over the past two months, we’ve called on you, the reader, to cast your vote for the best in property and yacht and general BVI fun. Our inaugural Readers’ Choice Awards survey was framed to leave the answer up to the participants’ choice—without the confines of multiplechoice answers—and heeded hilarity as we tallied the votes.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Cane Garden Bay looks even better when you live there.

Photos by Dan O'Connor.

Commerce House brings modern desing to Road Town.

Property Polls Best British Virgin Island goes to Virgin Gorda. The upscale island nudged out Anegada in a tight race. Of course, all Virgin Islands define island living in their own, unique way. One reader prefers Sandy Cay, the only island that can cause dizziness from walking too briskly around its shoreline.

Best National Park goes to The Baths, not arguably the most Best Neighbourhood to Live finds readers with a soft spot for Cane

popular draw to the BVI. The beautiful volcanic boulders that dot the

Garden Bay, with Shannon Estate close on its heels. CGB’s also

white beach and follow up VG's terrain help to bring the BVI into a

a favourite among staffers here, two of whom have called the

paradisaical league of its own.

beachside paradise home.

Best Villa Rental, according to readers, is Golden Pavilion, the Best Viewpoint goes to the national park Sage Mountain, the lush peak

stunning luxury villa tucked into Tortola’s east side. One reader

tops the territory as the highest point. Notably, two voters prefered the

lamented, “How do we know? We can’t afford them!”

view from “the boat’s deck”—and who wouldn’t?

Best Resort, after two recounts, goes to Rosewood Little Dix Bay, with Best New Building results in favour of the towering Commerce House

the Peter Island Resort & Spa a close second. Notably, one reader is a

in Road Town, a JOMA property designed by Roger Downing &

big fan of “Last Resort,” the bar and restaurant that occupies most of

Partner, which was erected last year. We were a bit surprised by two

Bellamy Cay and is probably the resort most visited by our staff.

respondents, who found the new bathrooms at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park the most attractive new fixtures in all the BVI.

Best Resort Pool goes to Scrub Island Resort & Spa, which made a

Best Historic Building goes to the Old Government House. I can’t

waterslide, hot tub and swim up bar.

splash among readers who side with the new double-decker pool, help but wonder if our very own Hugh Whistler’s numerous articles on the building helped sway this vote. Two respondents voted for the Old

Best Spa falls into the healing hands over at Rosewood Little Dix Bay.

HM Jail, which is reportedly the oldest standing building in Road Town,

Notably, our pal Nir Zlochover picked up two votes for his no-frills

and a pretty cool but often overlooked landmark off Main Street.

private sessions.

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

9

Yacht Polls Best Marina docks in at Nanny Cay, which offers guests

deserve notable mention, like sailing legend Robin Tattersall,

all-encompassing ammenities and accomodations. Leverick

youngster Sam Morrell and the memory of Guy Eldridge, all

Bay and Scrub Island locked in a tie for second place.

who received favour among voters.

Best Beach in the BVI (drumroll please) goes to Tortola's

Best Regatta goes to the big one, BVI Spring Regatta, the

Trunk Bay, with Smugglers Cove a tight second. One reader

famed event that drew in more than 100 boats from all over

answered by abstaining, instead insisting “That would be

the world for its 40th celebration this year.

telling” a valuable secret.

Best Sailing School goes to Nanny Cay’s Rob Swain Sailing Best Hurricane Hole finds the safety of Paraquita Bay

School. Our pals at KATS also roped in a small handful of

on Tortola’s southeast shore. Currently, the ship shelter is

votes for their help to teach the ropes to youngsters.

packed to the brim during this testing hurricane season, with masts spiking high above the seafront.

Best Dive Shop is almost too close to call. But after

Best Yacht Club goes to the folks at Bitter End Yacht Club,

above VG-based Dive BVI.

recounts, Nanny Cay-based Blue Water Divers finishes a fin the popular and lively Virgin Gorda resort. Other salts of the sailing world sided with the Royal BVI Yacht Club, who

Best Day Sail goes to Captain Chris and the crew over on

nearly nudged the BEYC.

White Squall II . The famous classic schooner topped one of the most varied-response categories on the survey.

Best Sailor goes to Alec Anderson, the All-American collegiate BVI sailor and Olympic hopeful. But many sailors

Popular Paraquita Bay, packed to the brim.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Soggy Dollar's Shaneek shaves off a killer painkiller.

The Fun Stuff . . .

Best Restaurant goes to The Dove. The Tortola restaurant takes the

Best Airline to Take You There, another close call, goes to American

cake for its four-star dining experience. One reader, who may have

Airlines who barely topped Fly BVI. One reader insists on flying

overdosed on the high-class dining experience answered, “Anything

“Richard Branson’s Jet” on weekend getaways.

but The Dove.”

Best Local Musician resoundingly goes to Cane Garden Bay’s Quito Best Full Moon Party was quite literally a coin flip, with two

Rymer, who beat out notables Michael Beans, The Lashing Dogs and

dominant parties to choose from. But Trellis Bay, with its blazing

even international phenom and Carrot Bay local Iyaz.

fireballs and lively mocko jumbies, stole the show from the naughty revellers over at the Bomba Shack in Apple Bay. One participant simply prefers “My house.”

Best Local Artist goes to Trellis Bay’s Aragorn Dick-Read, the sculptor extraordinaire who recently blazed a giant ball of fire in China for August’s full moon. One voter, who may or may not be this author’s

Best BVI Cocktail goes to the famous—and sometimes infamous—

mothe r, couldn’t help but vote for “Dan O’Connor’s Photography.”

Painkiller. One jokester will take a “Tennessee Twister” to the beach over a bushwhacker or painkiller.

All winners will receive, other than bragging rights, a certificate

Best Weekend Getaway goes to Anegada, the sunken British Virgin

Additionally, the voter who won our drawing, Peter Clark, will receive a

Island that provides an otherworldly experience. Many also preferred

gift certificate for $100 to "Best Restaurant" winner, The Dove. PY

boasting the fact that they were YOUR choice as the BVI’s best.

to jump ship from the BVI and head over to Puerto Rico, the US territory about 90 miles west of Tortola that caught second place.

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

11

Sunken Sculptures Come Alive

By Traci O'Dea

The first images I saw of the underwater sculpture parks in Grenada reminded me of the Flying

Dutchman ’s decrepit crew in Pirates of the Caribbean— humans mutating into sea creatures as they bartered with their lives to escape death for 100 years. But unlike Davy Jones’ cursed shipmates whose barnacle- and coral-encrusted figures emblemize decay, the similarly adorned human shapes in the underwater sculpture gardens symbolize growth as they create new habitats for marine life. The British Virgin Islands SCUBA Organization hopes to install three underwater sculpture gardens—subaqueous art exhibitions that will also benefit marine ecology.

According to Casey McNutt of the BVI SCUBA Organization, the sculptures “create a substrate for sponges and corals to build on” which also promotes “more nursery areas for fish.” The new reefs in the BVI will be established in “sandy, barren areas that can host a new habitat,” not in places “where there’s already an established eco-system,” stated Casey. In addition, she said the artificial reefs “relieve traffic on existing reefs that are over-dived or over-snorkeled.” By relieving that stress, “natural reefs have a greater chance to repair and regenerate,” according to sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor who created the statues in Grenada and currently curates Museo Subaquático de Arte (MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico. deCaires Taylor stated that he used human figures in order to “portray how human intervention or interaction with nature can be positive and sustainable, an icon of how we can live in a symbiotic relationship with nature.”

Sunken art in Grenada.

All photos provided by Mark Atwell, damphotos.com.

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

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The haunting sculptures provide a new substrate for sponges and coral to grow.

through them while corals, sponges and other marine life called them home. “Objects appear 25 percent larger underwater,” deCaires Taylor said, “and as a consequence they also appear closer.

Colours alter as light is absorbed and reflected at different rates, with the depth of the water affecting this further. The light source in water is from the surface, this produces kaleidoscopic effects governed by water movement, currents and turbulence.” In addition to scenes of BVI heritage, Casey hopes to include a sculpture snorkeling site near the RMS Rhone that will serve as a memorial to the wreck that happened 144 years ago.

To take that sentiment even further, BVI sculptor

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

The Rhone also provides the theme for this

Aragorn Dick-Read proposes subjects from the

project’s biggest fundraising event, The Rhone

BVI’s cultural heritage for the underwater sculpture

Ball, which will take place at Scrub Island Resort

gardens in the territory. His proposal to BVI SCUBA

on October 29, 2011—the date of the 144th

Organization included sketches of a woman

anniversary of the sinking of the ship. As Casey

leading a donkey down a hill, boat builders

described the gala, I thought of men in tails and

constructing a Tortola Sloop, mocko jumbies

top hats, women in hoopskirts and gloves, marble

dancing in celebration, and one of his famous

staircases leading to expansive ballrooms with live

spheres—in this case, a swim-through “People Ball"

bands, and several-course meals with gourmet

which would have to be at least as large as the

food and wine. While The Rhone Ball guests are not

10-foot diameter fire ball he recently constructed

expected to wear hoopskirts or tails, the gala will

in Changchun, China. But instead of his sculptures

include a private concert by Jonathan Edwards

being viewed on land, these would all be secured

and a four-course meal designed by Scrub Island

underwater with fish, rays and squid swimming

Resort Executive Chef Andy Niedenthal as well as a

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

sculptures are pH-neutral and attract coral growth. Ships,

"Scientists are predicting that at current rates of destruction, we will lose 80 percent of our natural coral reefs by 2050."

-Jason deCaires Taylor

though they do eventually host corals, are not intended to live below the sea whereas these statues are being created with that specific purpose in mind. Aragorn Dick-Read, in his proposal to BVI SCUBA Organization, declared that this project would place the BVI “at the forefront of a new artistic frontier” as well as enhancing the BVI as a dive and snorkeling destination.

Casey emphasized the fact that she has watched the coral degradation in the BVI over the past decade, and while it’s in her business interest to protect the reefs, she also feels it’s the right thing to do. “There’s a lot to be said, not only in our business and in our tourist industry here, but also being good stewards of the sea to pay attention to what we

private auction. “We hope to create a very special night in

do,” Casey said. deCaires Taylor claimed, "Scientists are

the territory that’s different than anything else,” Casey said.

predicting that at current rates of destruction, we will lose 80

The idea of The Rhone Ball was resurrected from a popular

percent of our natural coral reefs by 2050." Casey mentioned

event that BVI dive operators hosted decades ago, and

the trash and oils from boats traffic and runoff from building

Casey is looking forward to reinventing the evening in a way

construction as two main causes of damage to the marine

that promotes the reinvention of artificial reefs.

ecosystems. “We need to put a little more thought into what

While shipwrecks make interesting dive sites, they also

we do and how it affects our environment,” she said. “That’s

need to be scrubbed of dirt and oil and any other possible

really what the whole project is about.” PY

pollutants before being sunk. “It is so expensive to clean and prepare a wreck just to sink it. Sculptures don’t need

For more information or for tickets to the Rhone Ball, contact

to be cleaned,” Casey said. The materials used for the

casey@divebvi.com.

Golden Pavilion Villa is a unique property, unparalleled in Tortola that presents Zen tranquility and privacy juxtaposed with meticulous detail.

t 1 (284) 494 1234

e info@goldenpavilionvilla.com

wwww.goldenpavillion.com

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

15

Testing materials for weathring: bronze, teak and stainless steel.

Photo provided by OBMI.

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

By Steve Fox, Managing Director OBMI BVI

If there’s one subject which is raised every time we

•Durability—Even the best quality stainless steel can show

embark on a new design project, it’s the issue of

signs of rust in our environment. It’s critical that the choice of

durability and maintenance. Addressing the aggressive

materials takes the highly corrosive environment

island environment is always fundamental to the needs

into consideration.

of our clients. All of the buildings in our island context are subject to continual weathering and the aggressive combination of the elements, in a marine environment which is all too familiar to boat owners.

There are many natural forces lining up to attack. The sun, which fades, dries out and degrades paints, plastics, fabrics and most other materials; the driving rain, which penetrates into any available crack and causes damage and rot; the wind and salt air, which erodes and corrodes; the bugs and other wildlife, which want to eat us and our possessions. These forces all combine, and are amplified during times of heavy storm activity, when flooding and wind damage become

•Ease of use—The building must complement the lifestyle of the homeowner. Their home is being built for their enjoyment and comfort, and shouldn’t require excessive maintenance and complex precautionary measures for hurricane preparation.

•Lifecycle costs—Initial costs are important, as all budgets are inevitably pared down to accommodate the BVI’s high construction costs, but the reduction of ongoing operations and replacement expenses over the life of the building must be a major consideration.

•Preventative maintenance—Where there is some inevitable

serious concerns.

preventative maintenance required, it should be clearly

But buildings seldom receive the boat owner’s level of

identified in an owner’s operations manual, structured to

loving attention to preventative maintenance. Buildings are

make life as simple as possible for the homeowner.

seen as permanent, and are usually expected to solidly resist the elements with a minimum of upkeep. So we need to

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We separated our list into three categories: materials,

design and specify materials which can stand the test of time.

components, and detail design. In the materials category,

With this in mind, we recently carried out a useful exercise

we identified all the typical elements that make up the basic

in our office: We put our brains together, pooled our many

structure, including metals, concrete, woods and wall finishes,

combined years of experience of designing and building in

and summarised the important durability aspects of each,

the Caribbean, and made an extensive list of all the major

weighing up options, pros and cons: pressure treated softwood,

issues which affect the durability and longevity of a building.

or tropical hardwood? Proprietary cement plaster stucco

We started with the key considerations:

systems, or traditional lime plaster?

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

In components, we included all those

of the building need to be considered, to

elements which fit into the basic shell of the

orientate the structures so that exposure to the

structure: from windows, doors and hardware,

elements is minimised. Any exposed surfaces

to lighting, appliances, kitchens, millwork

and openings should be well protected so that

and furniture. As with most things in life, you

they are shaded and sheltered, to keep out

get what you pay for, and the more you’re

the fierce sun and driving rain, particularly on

prepared to spend on an item, the longer

the windward side of the building. Edges and

they're likely to last. The range of choices can

junctions of materials should be designed with

be perplexing: stainless steel or bronze door

weathering in mind, to keep out and throw

hardware? Aluminium, pvc or hardwood doors

off water. Plumbing and electrical equipment

and windows? Tile, stone or wooden floors?

should be accessible, to minimise the need

The options need to be carefully considered,

for destructive work when repairs need to be

and the potentially higher upfront costs need

made. Plants should be carefully selected, to

to be weighed against the likely reduced long-

minimise the need for irrigation. Roofs should be

term maintenance, repair and replacement

designed and engineered to avoid awkward

costs over the life cycle of the building.

junctions and to maximise hurricane resistance.

But even the most durable materials and

Ultimately, all parts of the building need to

components can be ineffective if the design

be considered on these terms. With our

fails to respect the environment and there is

definitive list of durability measures, we hope

insufficient attention paid to detailing. In detail

to be able to focus attention on to the critical

design, we itemize out the critical aspects of

issues, to help our clients understand the

the design: the structural engineering, roof

choices available to them, to help make good

configuration, the incorporation of electrics,

common-sense decisions about everything

plumbing and ventilation, rainwater collection,

that goes into their building; from the screws and bolts to the fabric on the lounge chairs. PY

waste and water, pools, planting and irrigation.

The topography of the site and the location

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

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

17

Tree not so Nice?

When is a

By Clive Petrovic

Whistling pines are tall and majestic trees. The sound of the wind whistling through the branches is soothing and the shade underneath is a welcome relief on a hot, sunny day. A forest of these pines produces a thick, soft carpet of needles that is a perfect place for a blanket and picnic. With all these nice features, why all the fuss? Why are scientists so worried about what these lovely trees will do? Why are they telling us these trees will harm wildlife, deny our native birds food and shelter and even prevent our beloved sea turtles from nesting on their primordial beaches?

The unfortunate reality is, the scientists are right. The whistling pine is more properly known as the Australian pine, Casuarina equisetifolia, and is native to Australasia and islands in the South Pacific. In the Caribbean it is a non-native plant and is invasive. Invasive means that it invades a habitat, with human help, and then proceeds to displace the rightful owners, both plants and animals. Where there was once a diverse ecosystem of many different plants along with their associated insects, butterflies, frogs and lizards, and colourful birds, you now have only Australian Pines with possibly a tiny fraction of the original wildlife.

Our native flora and fauna are ill-equipped to deal with such aggressive and successful trees. So, why is the Australian pine so successful and why can’t our native species get along in this new world order? More importantly, what will likely happen if we just let nature take its course?

Should we worry and should we intervene and do something? If so, what exactly? These are tough questions, especially for those of us who are not scientists and who just like to enjoy the natural world as we see it.

Let’s dig deeper.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Whistling pines dominate Anegada's shoreline.

Photos by Dan O'Connor.

First, we need to recognize that we humans have a very short lifespan when compared to the ecosystems around us. We have a hard time comprehending even a century, while a million years is but a blink of an eye to Mother Nature. As humans, we view the world from our own life experiences. Other than the trained ecologists, most of us think of the natural world as we first encountered it and think that is the way it is supposed to be and always has been. It is hard for us to understand what the natural world looked like before we arrived. Can you imagine that just a few centuries ago monk seals frolicked in the beach surf throughout the BVI, and manatee lounged in the calm waters of Road Harbour and the Bight of Norman Island? That was a natural sight in these islands for thousands of years until man appeared and changed everything. Yet, today, we consider it perfectly natural that none of these creatures exist. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as “shifting baselines;”we accept the environment as we first find it and consider it natural. That’s exactly why we can go to Anegada and see forests of Australian pines and think it is perfectly natural and beautiful. That is how it has always been.

Those pines are part of our heritage, a part of our environment that we should cherish and protect. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The truth is, it is simply not true.

Well, let’s consider a few basic facts. First, Australian pines are not really pines at all. They are angiosperms, flowering plants, not gymnosperms, as the true pines. It’s actually a deciduous tree, a member of the Casuarinaceae . The details are best left to the botanists and those with a scientific bent. They look like pines and they can grow over 100 feet tall. They are very salt tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions and outcompete nearly every plant in our area for living space. Most interesting is the characteristic of allelopathy, the ability to produce chemicals toxic to other plants. Once Australian pines get a foothold in a habitat they can literally poison the competition. On our beaches, www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

19

Dried pines mix with palms at Setting Point.

her eggs on the surface, vulnerable to the elements and predators. Instead, she may search for another location. What if there is no other location? Do you still prefer those whistling pines over the turtles and other wildlife, and are you willing to let man-made nature take its course as the pines expand and cover more and more of our islands? Consider this.

Parts of Florida and the Bahamas were invaded many decades ago. In places, Australian pine forests stretch to the horizon and have virtually eliminated entire coastal ecosystems, turtles included. Want a closer example? Visit Anegada. The first documented Australian pine introductions occurred about 1968 in the vicinity of the Anegada Reef Hotel and Neptune's Treasure. In a few decades, the Australian pine has spread throughout the island. Faster and faster they

20

they poison or crowd out the native seashore plants.

consume the seashore. They are displacing plants

The native plants have deep roots that hold dunes

and animals that really were there from the beginning.

and sand in place during storms. Australian pines

Right now, many people love them. Whistling pines

have shallow surface roots so storms will erode the

are so lovely to see. But, do we really want to think

dunes and wash away the sand leaving a tangle of

of a future where Anegada is totally covered with

forlorn looking trees.

Australian pines and there are practically no turtles or

So, how does this affect our wildlife? If you visit

other native wildlife? The solution is simple to explain,

a native coastal plant community, there are many

but much less simple to implement.

kinds of trees, shrubs, vines and flowers. Think of all

Controlling invasives relies on scientific

our native orchids. How about the seagrape, that

recommendations and community support. Sure,

magnificent coastal tree that provides shelter and

having a few in your yard, or a small grove here and

shade, food for birds, and people, too? Australian

there is probably okay. But, be careful that they do

pines will poison or crowd out nearly all those plants.

not “escape� and overwhelm the real natural

What about our beloved sea turtles? Few animals have

environments. As humans we have learned to live

figured so prominently in the history of Caribbean life

with change. We have altered the planet and in

or are more emblematic of the islands. Sea turtles

some places completely homogenized the

must come ashore to lay their eggs. They crawl up

ecosystems. Fortunately, in the Virgin Islands we still

high on the beach searching for just the right shady

have some areas that are mostly natural and similar

spot where they can dig a deep hole to deposit their

to the original condition. Future generations of

treasure for the next generation. So what do you

wildlife, and people too, will be happy if we control

think will happen to their eggs when that shady spot

the spread of Australian pines and keep them from

is a forest of Australian pines? The thick impenetrable

conquering our coastlines. Wouldn’t it be nice to try

roots will not allow the turtles to dig and lay their

and preserve some of that primordial landscape for

eggs in a safe, moist environment. The turtle may lay

our grandchildren to enjoy? PY

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

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5/23/11 7:27:42 AM

Wrecking on the Rhone

By Dan O'Connor

Tropic Sun runs aground off Salt Island's Lee Bay. Photos by Armando Jenik.

A little over a month ago, experienced diver and

western shore of Salt Island. The 756-acre dive site had

established underwater photographer Armando

been temporarily closed to the public while officials

Jenik walked into aLookingGlass’ office sporting

attempted to remove the massive ship and document

a wide grin. He had just returned from a dive and

its damage. Enter Armando. Over the next few days, the

photoshoot at the Wreck of the RMS Rhone —a site he

pro photographer assisted and observed government

has experienced on more than 5,000 dives over the

officials assess and carefully remove the vessel from the

past four decades. But never like this.

delicate and protected reef system. On his final dives,

At the time, a Tropical container ship more than

Armando’s photos show the worst of the damage: A

400 feet long had cast a long shadow on the famous

relatively small portion of pulverized granite rock and

wreck, the imposing vessel left wedged aground off the

some damage to surrounding fire coral.

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

23

(Left) The bow of the ship wedged into granite rock.

(Above) The damage after its removal.

“Overall, it was lucky—beyond lucky,” said

Islands Shipping Registry to compile reports to

marine biologist Shannon Gore, who led

assess the damage from the private Tropical

assessment efforts for the Conservation and

container ship. After mitigation, NPT and VISR

Fisheries Department. “[The ship] missed every

will then decide whether, under BVI law, the

single mooring ball—no clue how it did that—

Tropical vessel and its owner are responsible for

and basically [Salt] Island stopped it.”

paying fines for damaging the national park and

If the container ship ventured even a slightly

protected dive site.

different route, Gore said devastation would have been eminent.

Relieving the Rhone

“Had he hit somewhere, like Blonde Rock, that

This month, the Wreck of the RMS Rhone turns

would’ve been extraordinary damage, not only

144, commemorating decades as one of the

to the ship but to the environment, because that

Caribbean’s most sought after dive sites. On

[reef] would’ve ripped a hole in [the ship] and

October 29, 1867, the British packet ship was

possibly capsized it,” she hypothesized.

struck by a devastating hurricane off the shore

As of press time, the CFD had been working

of Salt Island. The vessel capsized, resulting in

with BVI National Parks Trust and the Virgin

the loss of at least 123 lives. Since 1967, the

24

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Rhone and her surrounding 756 acres of lush underwater reefs and sea gardens have been designated a national park, meaning they fall under the jurisdiction of government protection and laws and regulations that follow. That means “Legislation currently in place allows for the protection of the resources, and provisions in that law allow for us to recover any damages the marine park has sustained,” explained NPT Director Joseph Smith Abbott. “[The container ship] did spare the historical wreck, but it did damage some coral and some boulders when it grounded.”

When Tropic Sun ran aground on August 29, NPT was quick to issue a closing notice and cautioned the public of the troublesome anomaly. In the meantime, government agencies worked to assess the area for damage and to devise a plan to remove the vessel from Salt Island’s Lee Bay. US salvage company Resolve Marine Services, along with BVI’s Husky Salvage, worked to safely remove the wedged vessel from the compromised national park. Husky’s Kevin Rowlette explained that the task would call upon two large tugs from Puerto Rico and his smaller, harbour tug.

First, pressurized tanks were used to gain buoyancy on the bottom of the ship’s bow and water was pumped from the ship to lighten the weight on the front of the ship. Then, in high tide, the tugs used their heavy force to lift and pull the massive cargo ship from its resting place. The ship was then transported to a spot outside Beef Island.

Regulating our Reefs By first reports, it seems like the famed dive site—the draw of thousands of tourists and home to ample marine life—remains relatively unharmed.

“It’s far enough from the wreck, and I don’t think it’s an area that most people would go anyway, unless you’re

Shannon Gore surveys the damage.

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25

need to ship?

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

that person that likes to snorkel by the shore,” Gore said of her examination. However, she added, this shouldn’t mean that situations like this should go unnoticed—and unaddressed—no matter how large or small the incident impacts the BVI’s reefs.

“You hear about a lot of groundings [in the BVI], but not much is done about it. In the USVI, you’ve got the equivalent of ambulance chasers, because it’s like an easy million dollars in damages done to these reefs. … You’ve got the cost of cleanup, cost of losses and all sorts of variables go into play. It just seems the BVI hasn’t gotten close to that point yet.”

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Capt Baboucar Sallah, director of the Virgin Islands Shipping

Registry, explained that in the BVI, where resources are limited, legal cases of large magnitude are usually the ones that get noticed and investigated, while small and isolated incidents often go unnoticed.

“If it’s an incident worthy of investigation, we will investigate,” he simply stated, defining worthiness in terms of potential for danger and environmental impact. “When you have an incident, my mind is on doing something about it, rather than finding out who is right or wrong.”

Last year, Capt Sallah said, “about two or three” incidents were investigated under the Shipping Registry.

“We’re glad we were able to get the ship off in record time, and that the owners cooperated with us,” the VISR director said of the Tropic Sun situation. Asked what sort of implementation the most recent incident will have on legislation or enforcement issues, the captain answered, “We’ll have to see what our investigation says.”

For the time being, the famous wreckage remains undamaged, its surrounding reef system alive and well. But in the wake of an incident that compromised its security, its important to remember just how delicate our islands’ marine life is. PY

From Salt Island, an uncommon sight.

Photo by Rebecca Paull-Rowlette.

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OCTOBER 2011

27

Artists’ Corner:

Painting

Bright Colours at Night

Story and photos by Dan O'Connor Lutai Durante prefers the night.

“Nighttime is more relaxing: hear the crickets, no one to disturb me, have a drink and a smoke,” he said, ashing his Marlboro menthol. “It give me more freedom; you can see things more clearly.”

For the BVI artist, the late evening hours afford him creative clarity to bring his emotions and memories to life. Lutai often paints images of the Virgin Islands of the past, when times were tough, but simple. When men herded cattle down steep hillsides to dirt roads; women cooked breadfruit over charcoal pits; children helped their fathers catch fish for dinner; and cruise ships, traffic jams and bureaucracy were a thing of another world. Many of the images he paints come from stories passed down from his grandfather, he explained.

“I can [paint] how he hook the fish; I can do my grandfather, how he rides way, way back,” he said, leaning out of his chair to demonstrate. “If you look at the posture and the sweat and maybe the happiness in it, too—and the tears in it—you would say, ‘Wow. These guys had to work hard. They had to build it from scratch, so we have to appreciate it now.’ These are parts of that picture; I can explain it. [My grandfather] told me so I can explain it … so now I can show the children.”

Lutai Durante and his contagious smile.

28

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Small portraits line Lutai's walls.

“It made me cry … to [have someone say] we have some art quality here in the BVI.”

“Man, I missed [the VI],” he said of his move to the big city.

“Instead of light—bright lights where I can see shadows—New York was grey, raining and storming, snowing.”

Lutai spent the better part of his twenties and thirties in the States, away from the Virgin Islands. His memories of the bright and saturated greens and blues, and simple living, began to slip.

His inspiration to paint dwindled.

“But then I moved back to St Thomas,” he continued with the

For the 52-year-old oil painter, art is not only a form of expression but a tool for educating.

“I want to go back to my local scenes so we can show the children,” he said. “Nowadays they just want to hear Lady Gaga and all that mess, [but] let’s go back to the fungi days.”

Lutai paints predominantly with oils on canvas, a passion developed as a child but honed in his adult years. He has recently begun to work with woods, too. But his love for art wouldn’t have developed if it weren’t for the inspiring environs of the Virgin Islands.

Lutai was born on Tortola, but moved to St Thomas as a young boy. There, he attended primary school and high school. He still remembers a teacher who saw talent in his early work. They stayed after school, and he painted from the stoop outside the building. The bright sun and tropical environment made for the ideal outdoor studio. But he soon graduated and moved to New York, leaving the beauty and culture of the Caribbean far behind.

tale of his life journey. “They had police work there—it was fast, fast work, man. I tellin’ ya.”

There, in the midst of hard work and a tough life, Lutai started his family with his wife, Carol. He had a daughter, Alexandra; then another, Andrea; and finally, Edward. He was a busy father, a busy policeman—too busy to paint but at least back in the islands and closer to his roots. Eventually, he retired from the force and moved back to Tortola, where “things weren’t so hard— kinda boring—so I painted in the nighttime,” he said.

His work was noticed by members of the community, who displayed his canvases at locations like ScotiaBank and at the Bougainvillea Clinic in Road Town. The exhibitions sparked an interest among local artists and art lovers, who rallied to bring attention to the burgeoning scene in the Virgin Islands. Soon after, leading faculty from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston traveled to the territory to see firsthand how local culture was being memorialized through artistic expression. Moved by the collective works, the art teachers toyed with the idea www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

29

Real Estate 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.

The artist and his work.

of developing a school of arts in the Virgin Islands, through the H. Lavitty Stoutt Community College and with the help of the government. Difficulties to bring the plan to fruition stood in the way of the ambitious idea, but it didn’t stop the SMFA faculty to offer Lutai the opportunity to enroll under

British Virgin Islands Britannic Hall, P.O. Box 135, Road Town, Tortola T 1(284) 494 2446 E renata@smithsgore.com United Kingdom 17-18 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PT T +44 (0) 207 290 1616 E michelle.persaud@sgcommercial.co.uk

full scholarship to the institute. And he did.

Lutai took summer classes in Boston, where he learned perspective, and observed classes in pottery and was given advice from the “pros.” He casually attended a loose schedule at the school, but no doubt made an impression on his teachers, like Julie Graham, who has fond memories of her former student.

“What stands out for me is Lutai’s innate talent, passion and spirit,” Graham said. “He made an invaluable contribution to the class, offering his enthusiasm and cultural knowledge, which he balanced by his curiosity and desire to absorb [SMFA’s] approach to a contemporary art practice.”

One summer, Lutai stayed with his professor and her husband, where “his

“Tis not too late to seek another world” –Tennyson

www.smithsgore.com

great spirit and dedication won the hearts of us all,” Graham reminisced.

The warmth and appreciation from his peers and professors touched Lutai and perhaps fueled his passion to grow as an artist. As his eyes beamed, he said, “It made me cry … to [have someone say] we have some art quality here in the BVI.” Lutai has yet to receive a degree from SMFA. With his kids all in school and his wife left to bustle around the house, he was needed at home. But that hasn’t stopped his art from moving around the world, from the walls of banks in Switzerland to government houses in St Thomas to Rolling Stone front man Keith Richards’ London home. Diploma or not, his passion for art can now thrive.

“I want to do it eight hours a day. I want to start at 7 [pm] and go to 3 [am],” he said with an animated smile. “My kids, all grown up, I got them sayin’, ‘Okay, Lutai, we don’t need you anymore.’ So that’s fine. I can just drink my wine in my studio, relax and paint, and you can come, and we’ll all hang out. That’s the life.” PY

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OCTOBER 2011

31

CHAPTER 1

THE BEGINNING OF THE END Ben knew at that moment that they never should have left Sunset Cove.

Their small fishing boat struggled as the fuming sea made fools of them all. The light vessel was being tossed about—the stern lifting precariously before being hurled down the steep slope of the next wave. The propeller screamed as it spun, fighting to keep its grip on the water.

“Man, we need to go back. The engine, she won’t make it through this!”

Isaac had to shout to be heard over the noise of the gathering storm. Ben grappled with his rising panic, trying to keep it under control, mesmerized by the white water crashing on the corner of Scorpion Island—each wave managing to climb higher than the last, spray bouncing around the seabirds that were forced to abandon their perches.

As his friend started to turn the thrashing boat back for home, he yelled over the relentless noise. “That way is upwind, Isaac. If we try and drive back through that squall, we’ll be turned over for sure.”

Charlie had frightened tears in her eyes, and looking at her made Ben want to cry, too. “Then what?” she asked. “Please do something!”

Kai was frantically bailing with the sadly inadequate plastic water bottle, his other hand pointing in the direction they had been going. Although unable to speak, the boy was demonstrating his determination to go on.

Editor’s note: The following excerpt was taken from the first chapter of the novel The Eye of the Storm, written by Alison Knights Bramble and published by aLookingGlass. The

Certainly they were closer to land now than they would be if they tried to turn back. Ben had to agree with him.

“He’s right. Let’s keep going. We’ll find some place to get ashore to wait it

publication and printing were made possible by sponsors

out. If we go back, we’ll risk capsizing.” As the word “capsize” came out of

including Caribbean Insurers Limited, INTAC, LIME, Rotary Club

Ben’s mouth, he realised two things: they had no lifejackets on board, and,

Tortola and Rotary Club Sunrise. All proceeds from the sale

even worse, Isaac couldn’t swim. How had he gotten so sloppy? Just over

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Taking the helm back from Isaac, Ben increased the speed of the idling engine and headed further into the gap between the two pieces of harsh land, Scorpion Island and Black Cay, both bordered with unforgiving rock faces. He watched the narrow channel force the sea into a funnel-like space building taller, whiter, waves that climbed on top of each other to reach the other end. They were in the worst place possible right now, but if they could just make it through, it had to be a little calmer on the other side, didn’t it?

Without warning, a rogue wave hit the four teenagers. A wall of blue water broke over the side of them. Kai was propelled head first across the small dory, and then there was a noise missing. The three others turned and stared at the silent motor, its throttle still in Ben’s hand. Isaac leapt up and reached for the starting cord. He pulled and pulled, pumping the choke and the revs, but the outboard engine was waterlogged.

32

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

2011 Sailing and Watersports Calendar Charlie’s face was grey with fear, her hair plastered to her cheeks. Kai continued to fiddle with the engine, but they all knew it was pointless.

Isaac turned to Ben, “So what now, eh? You the clever one, you got us here, now you get us drowned!”

“It’s not my fault. You didn’t have to come, anyway. You were the one that was calling us back, remember? Not wanting to be left on the beach.”

The ridiculous argument pulled Charlie back to her senses.

“For heaven’s sake, pack it in, you two. Fighting will not help. We are not going to drown! Let’s calm down and decide what to do.”

Both boys stared at the petite, blonde girl shouting at them and immediately fell silent... PY

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www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

33

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.

Across the Divide:

Real Estate Representation in the Virgin Islands

By William S. McConnell, USVI, and Willa Tavernier, BVI Buying or selling a home is a significant

agents work under the supervision of a broker.

financial transaction in a person’s life. If

Both brokers and sales agents, in the USVI, are

you're selling a property, it may be the most

licensed by the Virgin Islands Department of

valuable thing you own, and it is of utmost

Licensing and Consumer Affairs and regulated

importance to find an agent you can trust.

by the Real Estate Commission. Licensing

Before selecting a real estate agent, it’s

requirements for brokers are more stringent,

important to do your homework. This means

with a more challenging examination and at

checking referrals, searching for the most

least two years experience as a sales agent

experienced and accessible agent, and, of

required.

course finding the best representative for

What, then, is a Realtor? The National

your buck. The most important thing is to find

Association of Realtors is a nationwide

the agent that will work hardest for you. You

association of real estate professionals in

should discuss your potential relationship

the US. Most sales agents and brokers are

with the agent at length until you’re satisfied

members of Realtors, although membership is

that you’re both on the same page.

not required in order to be licensed. Realtors

In the USVI . . .

are required to comply with a code of ethics

Before discussing the consequences of

discipline against their members. However,

and have procedures in place for enforcing

using an agent, and that agent’s duties

Realtors is a private trade group, not a

and obligations, let’s look at the difference

governmental entity. Each of the principal US

between a broker, a sales agent and a

Virgin Islands has its own “board” of Realtors

Realtor. A real estate professional used by a

that acts as the governing body for the local

potential purchaser may be either a broker or

group of Realtors. For this reason, you will not

a sales agent. Both brokers and sales agents

see the term “Realtor”—in this magazine or

are agents. A broker’s license is required for

elsewhere—thrown around to describe every

agents who own their own businesses; sales

real estate agent.

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

35

Selling Agents, Listing Agents and Transactional Agents Each local Board of Realtors has its own multiple listing service (MLS). The MLS is a cooperative system for allowing each agent’s properties to be shown by multiple agents. While the MLS is a great resource for prospective purchasers, a potential purchaser should be aware of the duties her agent has to a potential purchaser— and to the seller. A listing agent is the agent of the seller, and therefore owes certain duties to the seller, including obtaining the best price for the property.

Road Town, Tortola

Non-listing agents can be either sellers' agents

want “your” agent to act on your behalf in

or buyers' agents. In the USVI, most agents,

negotiating the best possible price and terms

when they are not acting as listing agents,

for your purchase. Sellers' agents can be a

nevertheless act as seller’s agents. Technically,

great resource for information about their

a sellers' agent showing you another broker’s

clients' properties, however, they are ethically

listing, will be acting as a subagent, that is, as

precluded from acting as advocates for the

an agent of the listing broker, who is an agent

buyer in the negotiation of a final contract.

of the seller. Buyers' agents, of course, represent

Sellers’ agents will submit offers on the terms and

the potential purchaser; such an agents' primary

conditions you specify, but it will be up to you

duties are to the potential purchaser, not to the

to determine what price to offer, and whether

seller. While some agents in the USVI do act as

to request any variations from the standard

buyers' agents, a substantial majority continue to

contract terms.

act as seller’s agents.

You may find that your comfort with a

The prevalence of sellers' agents in the USVI is

particular agent is more important than whether

in contrast to the prevalence of buyers' agents

that agent is a buyers' agent or sellers' agent.

or so-called “transactional agents” in most other

Regardless, you should find out up front in what

mainland US jurisdictions. A transactional agent

capacity your agent will be acting, whether the

is neither an agent for the buyer or the seller, but

agent is a Realtor and has MLS access, and how

works “for the transaction” in a way that should

that agent will be compensated.

benefit all parties. While common in many US jurisdictions, transactional agency is essentially unknown in the USVI, although it may soon

In the BVI . . .

Because of the regulatory regime governing real

become more prevalent.

property in the British Virgin Islands, involving

As a practical matter, should you care

registration, taxation, and sometimes licensing

whether a sellers' agent, buyers' agent or

(for persons who are not BVI citizens), it is typical

transactional agent is showing you properties?

for a real estate agent to be involved in real

This depends primarily on whether you

estate transactions. Most real estate agents

36

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

in the BVI act for sellers and attempt to find buyers who wish to purchase. While it is rare for a real estate agent to represent a buyer, this can always be arranged.

There is no regulatory regime for real estate agents other than the general trade licensing regime applicable to all types of business.

However, there are a number of well-established and highly respected agencies in the BVI, including international firms.

The real estate agent’s remuneration is commission based, with the commission calculated at a percentage of the selling price, usually 10%. Listing agreements may be exclusive or non-exclusive (the latter is typically referred to as an “open listing”). Where the listing agreement is exclusive, even if another agent, or the seller himself, finds the purchaser, the real estate agent must be paid the agreed commission.

Facilitating sales—guiding a seller through the selling process.

Obtaining surveys—real estate transactions will require a land survey to ensure that the boundaries are, and in the case of built properties, a structural survey and a termite inspection is standard. The real estate agent can obtain these reports in short order, as these firms usually have standing arrangements with the relevant professionals.

Alternately, an attorney acting on behalf of either buyer or seller can arrange for these matters.

However, real estate agents do not provide title services such as title searches and settling title (clearing encumbrances, raising requisitions, or resolving boundary issues). Nor do they provide registration services—all real estate transactions in the BVI must be registered at the Land Registry. An attorney is needed for these aspects of the

Services provided A real estate agency can provide the following services on behalf of sellers: Exposure—marketing the property to prospective buyers.

Valuation—obtaining an appraisal of the seller’s property to guide the negotiation process. A real estate agent can also give you an

transaction. Most real estate agents would have a panel of lawyers that they can recommend to act for either buyer or seller.

Also, the real estate agent does not have the power to sign the final contract—usually referred to as an agreement for sale—or to sign the transfer documents. These must be executed by the principals i.e. the buyer and seller themselves. PY

informal opinion on how much your house is worth, because of their experience and knowledge of the market.

Facilitating negotiation—assisting the seller with evaluating and negotiating offers to buy.

BVIPG0411-1 15/4/11

12:03

Page 1

William S. McConnell is a property and business attorney at Dudley, Topper and Feuerzeig, LLP, a Lex Mundi Firm based in St Thomas.

Willa Tavernier is a property and business attorney at O’Neal Webster BVI, a Lex Mundi Firm based in Tortola.

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37

38

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

A Metallic Take on

NATURE

Refined metals crawl along the walls of villas and businesses in the Caribbean. Coppertone leaves sprawl across a coarse canvas, while abstract turtles and fish find themselves suspended as fixtures of modern, metallic amusement. The artistic assortments of nature and marine life travel to the Virgin Islands from Guadalajara, Mexico as the interpretative work of talented craftsmen, their vision the new must-have decorative wall piece.

The fixtures seem the perfect addition to a cozy Caribbean bungalow, the custom made metals can even warm up a room with amendments made for candleholders with the ability to light up any room. Accentuated by additional lighting, these creative pieces seem to pop out of the wall.

What perhaps makes these pieces so unique is their ability to bring nature and modernism together as one. The delicately crafted pieces carry a resounding amount of strength and durability—enough, even, to stand up to the strongest force of nature. Their metallic structure allows these shining pieces to cast a reflective glow when illuminated by soft candlelight or a twinkle when hit by the high Caribbean sun. They seem to offer a room a subtle bit of bragging rights and offer themselves well to conversation.

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

39

The intriguing, three-dimensional fixtures first caught the eye of Arawak Interior’s Roy Keegan, who spotted them while dining fine Mexican cuisine during a shopping trip through Central America. There, the metal fixtures were often used as signage on a rocky background or as a romantic addition to a low-lit dining room.

Immediately, he said, he knew the natural life wall pieces would be a perfect addition to the contemporary Caribbean living theme.

He’s since called upon several Mexican artists to lend their expert hands to cater to his Caribbean clientele. Custom fixtures currently fill Arawak’s warehouse and line the walls of its showrooms. Still, artists remain on call to personalize a piece or entire project to a client’s particular fancy. PY

+1.284.494.5240 Road Reef Plaza, Road Town, Tortola

40

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

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

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

41

Takeoff

Royally Ready for

By Hugh Whistler, MBE Capt RE (ret’d)

The Corps of Royal Engineers were formed in the British Army to both design and construct fortifications and to lay siege to the enemies' forts. The Sap, a shallow trench, dug at an angle for protection from enemy fire to bring guns and attackers forward, gave the Royal Engineers the nickname “Sappers,” one that they are all justly proud of. Initially a corps of officers, it later added soldiers of many skills as its remit expanded to bridges and balloons, roads, railways and airstrips, ferries and rafts—anything that the army needed to move or attack the enemy.

In 1794, a military expedition was assembled for the purpose of once more expelling the French from the islands they held in the West Indies. Colonel Durnford was in command of a party of eleven Royal Engineer officers.

They were responsible for both laying siege to French forts as well as constructing new British ones. Lieutenants Richard Dowse and Douglas Lawson were sent to the BVI to construct a ring of forts around Road Harbour to protect the harbour from attack from the French, when convoys were

A bird's-eye glimpse of the original Beef Island runway.

Photos provided by Hugh Whistler.

42

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

assembled here before returning to England. The work would have been carried out by local labour as well as soldiers of the West Indies garrison and Royal Navy personnel to help mount the cannons. The remains of their wok can be seen at Fort Burt, Fort Charlotte, Fort Shirley and Fort George as well as at Fort Purcell (commonly known as the Dungeons)—and at many minor gun emplacements.

A Sapper's shelter near the runway worksite.

No doubt other serving Sappers visited the BVI besides the author who in 1965 temporarily ran the Public Works Department for a month, an issue I’ll delve into in an upcoming article.

In 1967, after retiring as a Sapper, he assisted Lt Col Mitchley (commanding the Royal Engineers Airfield Construction Regiment) in his Anegada survey as well as on Beef Island where his 53 Field Squadron under the command of Major Nigel Clifford came in March 1968 to extend the 2,500-foot dirt and grass airstrip to a 3,600-foot tarmac strip—Operation Treasure Isle it was called. Some 100 strong counting mechanics, medical and signals soldiers made up for the temporary workforce. This project cost £216,000 (about $350,000 US) and was done by clearing and levelling the site and mixing cement with the existing tarras (decomposed granite) to form a solid base—as had been done in 1965 for the West End road—and then laying tarmac over it.

The soil's technician was Captain Cyril Woodfield RE, an experienced army engineer who had worked his way up from the ranks—a hard thing to do in the British army—and had survived one of the infamous Chindit expeditions. These raiding columns marched several hundred miles behind the Japanese lines in Burma during WWII through the jungle and swamps.

Cyril well remembered the squelch of leeches between his toes. After inflicting considerable casualties and disruption on the Japanese, though only after having nearly 75 percent casualties themselves—mainly from disease and exhaustion they were extracted—or walked in Cyril’s case—back to India.

He somehow survived to continue his Army career and returned later to the BVI to work at PWD and married the daughter of the founders of Caribbean Printing Company; to work later at CPC and start the Welcome magazine. A typical resourceful Sapper. PY

www.bvipy.com

OCTOBER 2011

43

For A Less Taxing Life, Own a Home in The BVI.

RAKU R A M B U TA N C R O O K B AY N A I L B AY $8,8000,000 $3,500,000 19 room custom beachfront 4 bedrooms with pool. Right home. No other BVI home on the beach. Indonesia meets finished to this standard. Caribbean in some style!

DOS SOLS VILLA L E V E R I C K B AY

MEDITERRANEAN VILLA C R O O K B AY

$2,200,000 $2,000,000 Walk to the beach from this fabulous Spacious 4 bed Villa, vaulted ceilings, 4 bedroom home with pool. Simply cool breezes, breathtaking stunning views of North Sound! views, moments from beach.

SEVEN PEAKS C A N E G A R D E N B AY $3,250,000 Sitting on a rare 4 acre water-

SEA’S SONG VILLA GOVERNOR’S POINT LO N G B AY MANSION HALL $2,950,000 $2,950,000 Historic Estate Home moments When you dreamt of a water-

front Lot, a 4 bedroom home

from beach & marina. Wonderful front home, it probably looked island views & breezes. like this. 3 bedrooms, 2 beaches.

with landing area. Very private.

FORT BIG PA L E S T I N A $1,550,000

T H E R E E F S AT C A N N O N P O I N T E S TAT E B A L L A S T B AY C A N E G A R D E N B AY $1,550,000 $1,600,000 4 bed hillside family home. 2 acres on the water at Brand new architect’s home Jaw dropping ocean and island Cane Garden Bay. Stunning marries contemporary luxury comfort. views over Nanny Cay Marina. views, lots of potential. with Caribbean

VILLA TOO HARBOUR HOUSE SEASCAPE S PA N I S H T O W N L E V E R I C K B AY L E V E R I C K B AY $1,200,000 $1,400,000 $1,300,000 4 bedrooms with extra 1 bed 2 bed with large pool in lovely breezy 3 bed home with guest apt on apartment. Fantastic North Sound spot. Natural stone floors. Glorious lovely 2 acre Lot, perched on hill Views. Walk to marina and beach. views of North Sound. New kitchen. above Spanish Town. Fantastic views.

MANANA L E V E R I C K B AY $995,000 3 bed with pool vacation villa, one Lot off the water. Walk to beach, bar, marina, pool.

O L D E YA R D V I L L A G E VIRGIN GORDA $695,000 Fabulous 3 bed condo, finished & furnished to the highest of standards. Pool, spa, restaurant, gardens

Wa t e r f r o n t H o m e s w i t h D o c k s

FOR SALE $700,000

GUN POINT $6,5000,000 5.5 acre historic peninsula site, Smuggler’s Cove beach, recently renovated 5 bed home with pool.

INDIGO LANDING $5,200,000 Waterfront Frenchmans Cay,

D I A M O N D E S TAT E $6,000,000 Unique 10 acre estate. Full

dock & mooring, luxurious &

of charm and character. Over 1000’ of oceanfront. 120’ dock.

secluded. Exquisitely finished.

N A N N Y C AY M A R I N A FROM $850K Brand new 2 & 3 bed waterfront homes with docks within Tortola’s premier marina.

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)

Limin’ in the Virgin Islands

By Susie Younkle

While most people think of citrus fruit when they

A few tips about limes: look for bright green fruit with thin,

hear the word “lime,” Caribbean residents and

smooth skins. If you plan to juice limes, choose fruit that is

knowledgeable visitors know this word has a dual

heavy for its size, a characteristic indicating juicier limes.

meaning in the islands. “Lime” also means to hang

Before juicing, ensure the lime is room temperature and

out or chill with friends.

firmly roll it around on a countertop so you’ll break apart

Cooking with limes is as much a part of island cuisine as

the pulp and extract the maximum amount of juice. A

limin’ with friends is a part of everyday life. However, while

small handheld juicer is one of the rare single-purpose

limin’ is all about relaxing and taking a break from work,

utensils I keep in my kitchen. It’s also ideal for a space-

the citrus fruit is the opposite—it’s a culinary workhorse.

constrained boat galley.

Lime is an indispensible and pervasive ingredient in

The green part of the peel, known as the zest, is a

Caribbean kitchens, and mine is no exception. Limes rank

concentrated source of lime flavour. In fact, lime zest

right up there with olive oil, garlic and salt & pepper as

is as useful as juice, since the zest adds a huge hit of

one of my can’t-live-without ingredients.

flavour to foods. Take care when zesting a lime, so that

Lime is a versatile fruit whose bright and fresh flavour

you don’t use any of the bitter white pith located under

is used across a wide spectrum of foods: marinades,

the green skin. A citrus zester (such as Microplane brand)

salsas, seviche, desserts, and vinaigrettes and salad

makes quick work of zesting and is a useful purchase if

dressings (such as my lime cilantro salad dressing). It’s

you frequently zest limes.

also a key ingredient in drinks and popular cocktails such

Small lime trees dot yards and hillsides throughout

as margaritas, mojitos and rum punch. I love to make

the BVI and bear fruit all year long. Look for bags of the

limeade, a simple but tantalizing combination of lime

tiny limes for sale occasionally at roadside stands or

juice, sugar and water. It’s a delicious drink to quench

supermarkets. Better yet, find a friend who has lime tree

your thirst on a hot day.

in her backyard. Pick some limes and then “lime” with your friend as you sip a cool limeade.

Lime Cilantro Salad Dressing & Limeade Ingredients

Instructions

Limeade

Limeade

2 C water

Add tequila and a splash of orange liqueur to transform limeade into

1½ C freshly squeezed lime juice

a fantastic straight-up margarita.

¾ C white sugar (preferably superfine)

Combine all ingredients in a covered pitcher and shake very well. If

Lime Cilantro Salad Dressing

a twist of lime.

²⁄³ C cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped ¹⁄³ C canola or vegetable oil 3 Tbl lime juice

Use this dressing sparingly, as a little goes a long way on a salad.

½ tsp fine lime zest

Place first five ingredients in a food processor or blender and

1 small garlic clove, minced

combine very well. Add sour cream and blend just until mixed. Add

possible, refrigerate a few hours before serving. Serve over ice with

Lime Cilantro Salad Dressing

½ C light sour cream

salt and pepper as desired. Makes about one cup of dressing. Toss

Salt (about 1/4 tsp) and freshly ground pepper, to taste

with mixed lettuce, sliced cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes.

PY

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!

46

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Property & Yacht Directory Use the legend to reference the businesses listed.

Legend: Regions

BB EE FB NC PA

Brandywine Bay East End Fish Bay Nanny Cay Pasea

PI PP PR RR RT

Peter Island Port Purcell Prospect Reef Road Reef Road Town

ACTIVITIES

Dolphin Discovery (PR) – (284)494.7675

ALTERNATIVE & BACKUP POWER

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

ARCHITECTS

OBM International (RR) – (284)494.2148

SB SH TB VG WE

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

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

shipping

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

Travel

Electronics

BVI Airways (RT) – (284)494.3247

Cay Electronics (RT) – (284)494.2400

Yacht Charters & BrokeRs

FURNITURE

BareCat (SB) - (284)495-1979

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Clarence Thomas LTD. (RT) – (284)494.2359 Drakes Traders LTD. (FB) – (284)494.3282 Think Simple (RT) - (284)494.2801

INSURANCE

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

INVESTING

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

Marine

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

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

BVI Charter Yacht Sales (RT) (284)494.4868

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

BVI Charter Yacht Society (RT) - (284)494.6017

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Yacht Shots BVI (NC) – (284)495.7550

Representing the finest selection of luxury crewed charter yachts in the BVI | bvicrewedyachts.com

PROPERITES

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

BVI Yacht Charters (RT) - (284)495.4289

Provisioning

Riteway Food Markets (RT) – (284)494.2263

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Coldwell Banker Real Estate (NC)– (284)495.3000 Dougal & Associates (RT) – (284)495.3003

48

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

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Want to see your property listed?

Send a 250 character or less description with a headline, price and contact details to info@ alookingglass.com or call us at (284)494 7788.

Property Listings A

B

1

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

M

N

O

P

Q

Legend: Regions

2

R

S

T

The Settlement

Anegada

Tortola

3

Virgin Gorda Jost Van Dyke

4

Northern Islands

5

Prickly Pear Island Moskito Island

Southern Islands Anegada

6 7

Jost Van Dyke

8

Little Jost

Virgin Gorda

Marina Cay Spanish Town

Beef Island Road Town

Buck Island

The Valley

n

Fallen Jerusalem

Long Bay

10

Road Harbour Round Rock

Cooper Island

Nanny Cay

Great Thatch

Ginger Island

Frenchman’s Cay

Dead Chest

12

Carval Rock

Salt Island

13 14

Scrub Island

Cane Garden Bay

Sandy Cay

Little Tobago

11

Oil Nut Bay

Great Camanoe

Little Camanoe

Tortola

Green Cay

Great Tobago

Necker Island Eustatia Island

The Dogs Guana Island

9

L

Pelican Island

Peter Island

Flannigan Island

Norman Island

TORTOLA 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 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.

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 not to be missed! US$225k | (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 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 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 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 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$1,250,000 | (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

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OCTOBER 2011

49

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

Cooten Bay Home for Sale: Owner Motivated – New on the market Beautifully designed and finely executed this 4 bedroom, 3 bath main house along with a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment located off the Ridge Road, is a steal at this price. Purchase today and use the income from the rented apartment to pay your mortgage. Bring your clothes and move into this architectural beauty which features Brazilian cherry wood flooring, granite counter tops, modern fixtures and luxurious furnishings. US$975,000 | contact monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com Looking for an Investment Opportunity? We have the deal of a lifetime for you; an apartment complex with 5 income generating apartments and there’s room to add others. At $675,000.00 this property will not be around for long; call us today to finalize your sale! dameonn@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

Chambra House - *NEW*: 2-storey, 3-bed, 3-bath main house with den, studio, entertainment room. 2-storey guesthouse. View over Brewer’s Bay, Atlantic ocean. US$980,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

L8 1/2 acre Lot: available at Hawks Nest. Simply stunning views back to Virgin Gorda. Very buildable. US$145,000.00 | contact Chris (284)495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

Hummingbird Haven: Romney Park. Elevated 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home on two levels. Large decks and very solid construction. Ample parking and a well tended garden. Beautiful panoramic views to the South and West.

US$1,500,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

J8 1 acre Lot: available at Trunk Bay. Breath taking beach and island views, all the way down the island chain to Necker Island! US$295,000.00 | contact Chris (284)495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

Hodge's Creek Land: 0.8 acres beautiful parcel of land with a magnificent view over Hodge's Creek Marina. US$400,000 US$300,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Soldier Hill Property - *NEW*: On the ridge between Cane Garden and Brewer’s Bays 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 Bamboo Ridge: 3-bed, 2-½ bath upstairs and 2-bed, 1-½ bath downstairs apartment located on the Ridge Road easy access to Road Town. US$795,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM L8 THREE BEDROOM WATERFRONT HOUSE: Located at the southern end of Tortola with views of Beef Island and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Close to beaches and amenities. US$795,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

K7 ½ acre Lot: available at Little Bay. Walk to beautiful beach from this very buildable Lot. US$185,000.00 | contact Chris (284)495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

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

G10 2 BEDROOM HOUSE AT BELMONT ESTATE: Overlooking Smuggler’s Cove and offering spectacular views of Jost Van Dyke. Main house with great room, kitchen and master bedroom suite. Separate guest cottage. 0.8 acres.

US$775,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.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

K8 3 BEDROOM HOUSE AT LITTLE DIX HILL: Located on 0.416 acres this 3 bedroom, 2½ bath villa encompasses approximately 1,800 sf and includes great room, TV room, kitchen, master bedroom suite and two guest bedrooms sharing a full bath.. Spacious swimming pool terrace. Beautiful landscaped grounds and private location. US$565,000 | (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

Casa Del Mar: Newly constructed 4 bedrooms exceptional family home located on Tortola’s north side. This home is situated in a very private community, near to Tortola’s great beaches, Cane Garden Bay to the west and Brewer’s Bay to the north. This beautiful home sits on 0.399 of an acre.

US$890,000 | contact monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com Sea Cow’s Bay Land: Located near Oleander Estate in the hills above Sea Cow’s Bay, these 6 Lots have spectacular views; these lots are perfect to build your dream home. Lots are from .6 of an acre 1.0 acre, these lots are ready to build with water, electricity and cable available. US$85,000+ | contact dameon@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com.

H9 Cane Garden Bay: Hillside Land with stunning ocean views located in Cane Garden Bay; 0.596 of an acre; 1.472 acres & 2.00 acres, any of these lots could be yours today to start the home of your dreams.

Contact dameon@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com Private Lots for Sales 0.5 Acres: Located on the North Shore are two parcels of land, with stunning views, available to build your own dream home.

View at www.trudebvi.com | US $100,000+ | contact Monica (284) 494-2500 Great Mountain Area: 4 Lots in a Private Estate for sale | prices start at US$67,000 | Contact dameonn@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com.

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P8 Sea Grape Condo: Magnificent ground floor 2bedroom, 2 bathroom condo fully furnished, A/C, full use of resort amenities, tennis courts, pool, gym.

The option is yours; live on property or rent the condo | US$395,000 contact Monica @ monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com South Sound Virgin Gorda: Lots available for sale starting at US$200,000.

Own a piece of “paradise” today | contact Monica at monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

NORTHERN ISLANDS 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

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

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

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

www.oilnutbay.com 284.495.5400

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www.yccsmarina.com 284.346.2000