Location:
The British
Virgin Islands is comprised of 36 islands in the Caribbean Sea (16
inhabited); located about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, north of
the Leeward Islands, and adjacent to the US Virgin Islands. The
principal islands are: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van
Dyke. Road Town, Tortola is the capital.
Geography:
The islands
of the BVI are grouped around the Sir Francis Drake Channel,
renowned as the most beautiful and tranquil of sailing waters in
the world.
Topography:
A majestic
terrain; mountains, rolling hills, lush green valleys, white sandy
beaches, quiet coves and crystal clear waters. Mt. Sage on Tortola
rises to 1,780 ft; Anegada, a coral atoll, is only 28 ft. above sea
level.
Climate
Balmy
tradewinds provide a most comfortable, subtropical environment.
Temperatures are rarely below 77 F in winter; or rise above 90 F in
summer.
Nationality (top)
British
Virgin Islanders are internally self-governed; the BVI is a
Territory of the United Kingdom.
Official Language: English
Official Currency: U.S. dollar
Population
Total
Population: 20,254.
(May 1995 estimate): 18,305
Average Annual
Rate of Growth (1990): 3.02 %
Reproductive Rate (1990) 20 per
1,000
Population Density (1991): 109 per sq. km. (282 per sq. mi.)
Adult Literacy Rate 98%
Ethnic Divisions: Over 90% Black of
African descent; remainder is of white and Asian origin.
For more
information visit the
British Virgin Islands
Governement website.
History (top)
It is
reported that Christopher Columbus sighted the islands in 1493, on
his second expedition to the New World; Overwhelmed by their
multitude, he christened the islands 'Las Once Mil Virgines' - in
honor of St. Ursula and the 11,000 maidens who sacrificed their
lives in 4th century Cologne. The Crest of St. Ursula is a national
symbol of the British Virgin Islands.
The islands were said to be inhabited by Caribs and Arawaks. The
Dutch established the first permanent European community here in
1648. In 1666 British planters took over control of the island
group from the original Dutch settlers. The islands attained the
status of British Colony, and remained part of the Leeward Islands
from 1872 until 1956, when the British Virgin Islands became a
separately administered entity. To preserve its close economic ties
with the U.S.. Virgin Islands the group did not join the 1958-1962
West Indies Federation of British Islands. In 1967, the new
Constitution provided for a ministerial system of government headed
by a Governor. The island group remains under British Sovereignty
today.
The
BVI is constitutionally autonomous of the UK except for external
affairs, defense, internal security, terms and conditions of
service of public officers and the administration of the courts.
These areas are the responsibilities of a UK appointed Governor.
The Territory features an internal self-government that has a long
history of political stability. There is an Executive Council, with
the Governor as Chairman, which includes the Attorney General
(ex-officio), the Chief Minister (appointed by the Governor from
those elected to the Legislative Council to handle financial
matters), and three other ministers appointed by the Governor on
the advice of the Chief Minister.
Infrastructure (top)
Highways: There are
more than 142 km (85.5 mi.) of motorable roads in the BVI. Driving
is on the left-hand side. There is one set of traffic lights.
Seaports: Port Purcell and West End on Tortola are the major ports.
Port Purcell has berth of 800 ft. and a depth of 24 ft. Thomas Bay,
Virgin Gorda and Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke are other principal
locations.
Airports: Beef Islands Airport, adjacent to Tortola, is the primary
facility; runway 3,600 ft. Two smaller airports are on Virgin Gorda
and Anegada.
Utilities (top)
Electricity: The BVI
Electricity Corporation provides 110 and 208 volt supply to
Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Camanoe. The
present capacity exceeds the average demand of the Territory.
Generators supply other locations.
Energy Consumed: Rate per KWH: 0-60 units 24c per unit 61-25,000
units 22.5c per unit 25,001-100,000 units 19c per unit over 100,000
units 16.75c per unit There is a flat meter rental charge of $2.50
per month.
Water: Water main supply is available in most areas of Tortola
through the Government's desalination plant. Areas not accessible
have supplies by cisterns or wells. Private desalination is
available on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Rate per Meter Usage
Gallon:
Rental: Domestic $12 per 1,000 $2 per month Government $18 per
1,000 $2 per month Commercial $25 per 1,000 $6 per month
Sewerage: A sewerage system exists in Road Town, Tortola. In other
areas septic tanks are used.
Communications (top)
The BVI
telecommunication system is among the most advanced in the
Caribbean, utilizing sophisticated technologies such as fiber
optics, video conferencing and tie lines. The islands are directly
accessible from abroad under the 809 area code. Electronic mail and
data base access to anywhere in the world is provided 24 hours per
day.
Cable and Wireless (West Indies) Ltd. Provides the islands with
direct dialing to all parts of the world, together with facsimile
and data services. They also provide marine radio services, using
Channels 16, 27 and 84.
News Media, Radio, TV
Television: Cable TV relays broadcasts on 28 channels throughout
Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Radio: There is a locally based AM station: ZBVI; and four FM
stations: Z Wave, Z Gold, Z Hit and ZROD.
Newspaper: There are two newspapers, each published weekly: The
Island Sun and the BVI Beacon.
Transportation Air Services: Daily passenger flights between the
BVI and the U.S Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua
and St.Kitts are provided by LIAT, Sun Air, American Eagle, and
Windward Island Airways.
Ferry Services: Daily passenger services between the BVI and the
U.S. Virgin Islands are provided by three carriers: Speedy's,
Smith's Ferry, and Native Son. Ferry service accounts for more than
half the passenger movement to and from the BVI.
Air Cargo Regular services are provided by international carriers
through LIAT Air Cargo and
Shipping (top)
Containerized freight
is easily accommodated at the deep water harbour facilities in Port
Purcell, Road Town, Tortola. Regular services, international and
regional, are provided by the following:
Shipping Lines: Atlantic, Nedloyd, Saguenay Shipping and Tropical
Shipping Co.
Shipping Agents:
• BALTIC SHIPPING CO.
LTD., P.O. Box 67, The Valley, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin
Islands
• G.E.W. DAWSON., P.O. Box 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin
Islands
• ISLAND SHIPPING AND TRADING CO. LTD., P.O. Box 61, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• O'NEAL & MUNDY SHIPPING CO. LTD., P.O. Box 250, Pasea Estate,
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• TROPICAL SHIPPING CO LTD., P.O. Box 250, Purcell, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Island
Living in the BVI (top)
The
focus of life in the BVI centers on the water. The islands have
often been called the watersports capital of the world. They are
perfect for marine activities such as snorkeling, scuba, diving,
day sailing, fishing and more.
The islands, virtually untouched, hold a certain fascination that
leaves one amazed at their natural beauty. Land based activities
include hiking, horseback riding, tennis and other sports.
The most popular activity is sailing our sheltered waters. The BVI
boasts one of the largest concentrations of bareboats in the
world.
Daysail yachts cater to visitors staying in hotels and guest
houses. (top)
Because of its sheltered waters and steady tradewinds, sport like
boardsailing, snorkeling and scuba diving have become popular
pastimes. The BVI is renowned for its beautiful reefs, replete with
colourful corals and exotic tropical fish. With its crystal clear
waters and these untouched reefs, underwater activities are very
popular.
For land based activities one can visit our Botanic Gardens; go
hiking through one of our popular trails to one of our National
Parks: go horseback riding; play tennis; or simply relax in the
sun.
Guest accommodations in the BVI are excellent. They offer more than
just a place to stay. Though the setting and style may be rustic,
services and facilities are contemporary and the staff are well
trained and friendly.
In many instances you get a continuous rapport with the friendly
people. The young man who serves you lunch may be the same person
who plays in the fungi band at night, or acts as your chauffeur to
the airport. There are no fancy floor shows, casinos or late night
discos; just quiet, peaceful and serene relaxation that keeps you
in tune with nature.
Dining in our restaurants is as much a featured attraction as any
other activity. Many of your favourite cuisines are presented
together with many of our local dishes prepared from our homegrown
fruits and vegetables, in a home-style setting. Our supermarkets
are stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables and other produce to meet
your cooking needs.
To keep in touch with the rest of the world while you enjoy your
stay here, Cable TV is provided on 25 channels which include all
the major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, TBS, ESPN, etc. All the
major international papers magazines are also available. For the
avid movie goer you can enjoy a top rated movie of your choice in a
small but comfortable cinema on the main island, Tortola. (top)
Our churches include Methodist, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Seventh
Day Adventist, Baptist, Church of God, Jehovah's Witness,
Pentecostal and Church of Christ. There are cultural clubs such as
Rotary, Lions, Ladies Club, etc.; and civic organizations such as
Alcoholics Anonymous sponsored by the Council on Alcohol and Drug
Abuse (CADA).
The possession, sale use or distribution of illegal drugs
constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law, and conviction on
drug charges can lead to stiff fines and jail terms.
Government of British Virgin Islands, Trade & Investment
Promotion Department, Office of the Chief Minister Road Town,
Tortola British Virgin Islands, Tel: (284) 494-3701 Ext.2008 and
Ext . 2009 : Fax: (284) 494-5676.
The Legislative Council consists of the four ministers and nine
other popularly elected representatives; led by an appointed
speaker from outside the Council.
The judicial system is under the direction of the Eastern Caribbean
Supreme Court, which includes the High Court of justice and the
Court of Appeal. Other bodies are the Magistrate's Court, a
Juvenile Court, and a Court of Summary Jurisdiction.
Elections are held at least once every four years.
Economy (top)
LABOUR:
The BVI has
a well-educated, English speaking workforce that is easily
trainable and adaptable. A Community College provides business and
vocational training, as well as continuing education to the
existing workforce.
Unemployment is very low, and labour can be imported when
absolutely necessary.
The minimum wage is 4.00 per hour for an eight hour day.
There are no labour or trade unions in the BVI.
For more information regarding business and offshore investing
please visit
lowtax.net.
For more
General Information About The BVI
click here.
Note: these links
will take you to sites outside Caribbean Realty Ltd. and we are not
responsible for any information there.