Virgin Islands - British Overview Country Overview The British Virgin Islands make up the larger part of an archipelago of more than 60 islands and cays forming the northern extremity of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands comprise 56 islands, rocks and cays, but only 16 are inhabited. The islands are volcanic in origin, with the exception of Anegada, which is formed of coral and limestone and is the lowest lying. In general the atmosphere is quiet and uncommercialised, with miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches. The islands are situated in one of the finest sailing areas in the world. Tortola is linked by a bridge to Beef Island, site of the international airport. Road Town, on the south coast, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands. It has a colourful market and delightful West Indian-style houses. Many of the best beaches are on the northern part of the island, with names such as Smugglers’ Cove, Long Bay, Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay. Local island specialities include conch stew, shark and other fish delicacies. General Information Area: 153 sq km (59 sq miles). Population: 19,864 (official estimate 1999). Population Density: 129.8 per sq km. Capital: Road Town, Tortola. Population: 5000 (1997). GEOGRAPHY: The 56 islands, rocks and cays of the British Virgin Islands, only 16 of which are inhabited, make up the larger part of an archipelago forming the northern extremity of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. They are situated approximately 100km (62 miles) east of Puerto Rico, adjoining the US Virgin Islands. The islands are volcanic in origin, with the exception of Anegada, which is formed of coral and limestone and is the lowest lying. The topography is otherwise mountainous, the highest point being Tortola’s Sage Mountain, which rises to 550m (1800ft). There are remnants of a primeval rainforest on Tortola. Government: British Overseas Territory since 1672. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Frank Savage since 1998. Head of Government: Chief Minister Ralph O’Neal since 1996. Language: English. Religion: Mainly Christian, including Methodist (45 per cent) Anglican (21 per cent) and Roman Catholic (6 per cent). Time: GMT - 4. Electricity: 110/60 volts AC, 60Hz. American two-pin plugs are used. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 1 284 49. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone TDMA network operated by CCT Boatphone (e-mail: mail@bvicellular.com; website: www.bvicellular.com). Visitors with TDMA handsets can register in advance or after arrival on the islands (by dialling 0). Handsets can be hired. Fax Cable & Wireless provides a service. Internet ISPs include Caribsurf (website: www.caribsurf.com) and Cable & Wireless (website: www.candw.vg). Services are available in some hotels. There are a few Internet cafes. Post Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. Press The Island Sun and the BVI Beacon are published weekly. The tourist board publishes The Welcome every two months. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.19 12.10 6.195 5.975 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 13.79 9.455 6.130 5.995 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian No No Yes USA No No Yes OtherEU Yes No Yes Japanese Yes No Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months required by all except nationals of the USA and Canada in possession of a recognised form of identity (eg birth certificate). VISAS: Required by all except the following for a stay of up to 30 days: (a) nationals referred to in the chart above; (b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Guyana, Mozambique and Pakistan who do require a visa); (c) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela; (d)* transit passengers continuing their journey within 14 days of arrival provided holding confirmed onward or return documentation. Note: * Some nationals do require a transit visa for stays of less than 14 days and transit regulations vary. Enquire at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for details. Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business and Transit. All visas cost £28. Validity: All visitors are initially allowed for a stay of up to 30 days, but extensions to a maximum of six months can be granted by the British Virgin Islands Immigration Department, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (tel: 43701; fax: 44399). Application to: UK Passport Agency (see Contact Addresses section) or the nearest British Consulate or Embassy. Application requirements: (a) Application form. (b) Passport with six months of remaining validity. (c) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay. (d) Fee. Working days required: Generally four weeks. Temporary residence: Work permit and residence permit required. For further details, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Money Currency: US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Credit & debit cards: Major credit cards are accepted in some establishments. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Accepted in some places, particularly US Dollar cheques. All cheques are liable to a ten cent stamp duty. Currency restrictions: The import of local and foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of local and foreign currency is restricted to the amount declared on import. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the US Dollar against Sterling: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 1.46 1.52 1.58 1.59 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1400. Barclays Bank opens until 1500 and Chase Manhattan until 1600. Duty Free The following goods can be imported by passengers of 18 years and above without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230g of tobacco; 1.14l of wine or spirits. Note: (a) Import licences are required for a small number of goods, mostly foodstuffs. (b) Heavy fines and long jail sentences are imposed for the possession, sale or use of narcotics. Public Holidays Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 10 Commonwealth Day. Apr 21 Easter Monday. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Jun 14 Queen’s Birthday Celebrations. Jul 1 Territory Day. Aug 4-6 August Festival Days. Oct 21 St Ursula's Day. Nov 14 Prince of Wales’ Birthday. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 8 Commonwealth Day. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 31 Whit Monday. Jun 12 Queen’s Birthday Celebrations. Jul 1 Territory Day. Aug 2-4 August Festival Days. Oct 21 St Ursula's Day. Nov 14 Prince of Wales’ Birthday. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 1 N/A Malaria No N/A 1: A small risk of typhoid exists in some rural areas. Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Outbreaks of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever can occur, and bacillary and amoebic dysentery are common in the Caribbean. Hepatitis A has been reported in the northern Caribbean. Rabies is present, particularly in the mongoose. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical advice. Anyone at high risk should consider vaccination before departure. Health care: There are two hospitals on Tortola as well as Government Community Clinics on the other islands. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Hospital and other medical treatment for persons aged 70 or over and school-age children is normally free on presentation of proof of UK residence. Other visitors are charged for all services at rates applicable to residents and are advised to take out medical insurance before departure. Travel - International AIR: British Virgin Islands are served from the UK via Antigua. British West Indies Airways, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly to Antigua. The islands are also accessible via St Maarten and Miami. Connecting flights from Antigua are available with LIAT, American Airlines/American Eagle, Air St Thomas, Air Sunshine, Cape Air, Caribbean Star and Fly BVI. Approximate flight times: From Beef Island or Virgin Gorda to London is 10 hours, including stopover time in Antigua. International airports: Beef Island (EIS) is 14.5km (9 miles) from Road Town on Tortola; the islands are connected via a road bridge. An airport bus departs three times a day to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are also available. Airport facilities include light refreshments/bar (0700-2000), restaurant, tourist information and hotel reservations, car hire and left luggage (0800-2200). Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is 3.5km (2 miles) from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. Taxis are available. There is also an unpaved airport on the island of Anegada. Departure tax: US$10. Children under five years are exempt. SEA: The British Virgin Islands’ main ports are West End, Beef Island and Road Town on Tortola, as well as Spanish Town and the Yacht Harbour on Virgin Gorda. Regular services operate from Road Town, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda to the US Virgin Islands (St Thomas and St John). Departure tax: US$5 for all international departures, US$7 for cruise ship passengers. Travel - Internal AIR: Clair Aero Services operates between Tortola and Anegada (travel time – 15 minutes). SEA: Yacht charter is one of the major industries and bareboats can be hired for all cruises. A permit is required for all charter boat passengers. Local boats can be hired for special tours. The high season is from December to April. For current prices and a full list of boats for charter and hire, contact the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Ferries: The main routes are from Tortola to Marina Cay, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island and Virgin Gorda (Bitter End and Spanish Town). ROAD: There is a good network. Driving is on the left and there is a maximum speed limit of 64kph (40mph) throughout all the islands. Taxi: The BVI Taxi Association operates a wide selection of vehicles on a range of standard journeys at fixed rates. All drivers are capable tour guides. Taxis can also be hired on an hourly or daily basis. Car hire: There are a number of car hire companies in the British Virgin Islands. Documentation: A temporary British Virgin Islands licence is required; this will be issued on production of a current foreign licence for a fee of US$10. Insurance and British Virgin Islands licences are available from car hire companies. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Beef Island, Tortola to other major destinations in the British Virgin Islands and the surrounding area: Air Sea Virgin Gorda 0.05 0.30 Peter Is. - 0.30 Guana Is. - 0.20 Jost van Dyke - 0.40 St Thomas (USVI) 0.15 0.45 San Juan (PR) 0.45 - Note: PR = Puerto Rico; USVI = US Virgin Islands. Accommodation HOTELS: A wide range of hotel accommodation is available; a full list can be obtained from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). There is a seven per cent hotel accommodation tax added to all hotel bills. For further information contact the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, PO Box 376, Wickham’s Cay, Road Town, Tortola (tel: 43514; fax: 46179; e-mail: bviccha@surfbvi.com; website: www.bvihotels.org). Grading: Although there is no grading structure, many hotels in the Caribbean offer accommodation according to one of a number of plans: FAP is Full American Plan; room with all meals (including afternoon tea, supper, etc). AP is American Plan; room with three meals. MAP is Modified American Plan; breakfast and dinner included in the price of the room and, in some places, British-style afternoon tea. CP is Continental Plan; room and breakfast only. EP is European Plan; room only. SELF-CATERING: Villas, houses and cottages can be hired on a weekly or longer basis. Information on properties is available from the Tourist Board. CAMPING: Only permitted on authorised sites. Details of sites and facilities are available from the Tourist Board. Backpacking is actively discouraged. Introduction There are 56 islands, rocks and cays in the British Virgin Islands archipelago but only 16 are inhabited. All of them, apart from Anegada, are volcanic in origin. In general the atmosphere is quiet and uncommercialised, with miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches and concealed bays offering privacy and peace. The islands are situated in one of the finest sailing areas in the world. The scenery ranges from jagged mountain peaks covered with frangipani to banana and mango groves and palm trees. Tortola, a major yachting centre, with a population of approximately 16,000, is the largest island of the group. It is linked by a bridge to Beef Island, site of the international airport. Road Town, on the south coast of Tortola, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands. It has a colourful market and delightful West Indian-style houses. Other attractions on the island are the Sage Mountain National Park and the J R O’Neal Botanic Gardens. Many of the best beaches are on the northern part of the island, with names such as Smugglers’ Cove, Long Bay and Brewer’s Bay. Cane Garden Bay is host to a number of bars and nightspots. There is an excellent view of the island and its coast from Sage Mountain, 550m (1800ft) above sea level. Other islands worth visiting are the coral island of Anegada, famous for the many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters and a favourite diving area; Salt Island, where salt is harvested each year and a bag sent to HM Queen Elizabeth II; Norman Island, with caves and a wealth of local sea-shanties and tales of treasure; and Virgin Gorda. On this island are found the famous Baths, a unique rock formation of dimly lit grottoes and caves. Most of its attractions can be reached only by foot or boat. The smaller islands have strange names that are often the result of a historical connection with smuggling and piracy – for example, Fallen Jerusalem, Necker Island (owned by Richard Branson), Great Camanoe, Great Dogs and Ginger Island. Sport & Activities Diving: The clear waters and unspoilt reefs provide ideal diving conditions, and qualified instructors are widely available. There are over 60 dive sites, many of which are within the Underwater National Park System. Night diving can be especially spectacular. Vertical walls, underwater pinnacles, coral reefs, caverns and wrecks, notably the HMS Rhone, which sank in 1867 off Salt Island, can all be visited. The marine life includes most Caribbean and Atlantic species of tropical fish and marine invertebrates. Humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays also make occasional appearances. Certification is necessary for equipment rental and air fills. Coral reefs are very fragile and divers should take great care not to touch the reefs or remove anything, dead or alive, from the ecosystem. For further details on how to protect the marine environment, contact the British Virgin Islands Association of Reef Keepers (tel: 65526; fax: 52013). Sailing: This is extremely popular. There are numerous modern marinas, and the Yacht Club in Road Town, Tortola, organises races and regattas and offers instruction in sailing and navigation. Yacht charter and one-day sailing trips are widely available. Day trips are also being offered on the Gli Gli, an authentic replica of a traditional Carib Indian dugout canoe. The highlight of the sail racing season in the British Virgin Islands is the BVI Spring Regatta, the largest regatta in the prestigious Caribbean Ocean Racing Triangle (CORT) series. The race and its shore-side activities and entertainment attract large crowds of spectators and party-goers. For entry forms and further information contact the BVI Yacht Club (tel: 43286; fax: 46117; e-mail: rbviyc@surfbvi.com; website: www.rbviyc.org). Fishing: Charters can be arranged for offshore fishing trips. Removing fish or other marine life is illegal for non-residents without a recreational fishing permit, obtainable from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour (tel: 43701, ext 2147; fax: 44283). Outdoor pursuits: In spite of the steep terrain, hiking is growing in popularity. There is a trail up Sage Mountain on Tortola, as well as along Ridge Road, with its dramatic views. A route runs up Gorda Peak on Virgin Gorda, and a hiking trail has recently been established on Jost Van Dyke. Horseriding can be arranged. On Tortola, tours to the Sage Mountain National Park and Cane Garden Bay begin near Meyers on the Ridge Road. Trips are also available through Virgin Gorda’s unusual landscape. Cycling and mountain biking are possible, with bicycles for hire in most of the islands’ resorts. Social Profile Food & Drink: There is no shortage of excellent restaurants and inns serving local and international dishes. Most food is imported but local island specialities are often available. These include lobster and fish chowder, snapper, mussel pie, conch stew, shark and other fish delicacies. In addition to the hotels, eateries can be found on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke. All kinds of rum punch and cocktails are served, plus a wide selection of imported beers, wines and spirits. Local spirits include Pusser’s Rum (originally produced for the Royal Navy’s pursers). Nightlife: Many hotels have special nights with live music or dancing. There are several bars offering live music and/or DJs on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola. A full moon party takes place on the beach at Apple Bay, Tortola every month. There is one cinema (on Tortola). The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board publishes details of all forthcoming events in its publication, The Welcome, which appears every two months. Shopping: Special purchases include carved wooden items, straw-work, jewellery made from conch (pronounced ‘konk’) shell, seeds and the attractive batik material, designed and made locally. Special Events: For a full list of events taking place in the British Virgin Islands, contact the tourist board (see Contact Addresses section). Some of the major events taking place in 2003 are listed below: Feb BVI Botanic Society Annual Flower Show. Mar Annual Agricultural Fair. Apr 19-20 Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. May Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta. July-Aug BVI Emancipation Festival Celebrations. Oct Karibik Trophy. Dec 20 Scratch/Fungi Band Christmas Fiesta. Social Conventions: The British Virgin Islands remain linked to the British Commonwealth, and the islanders reflect many British traditions and customs. The development of tourism proceeds with great caution; hence the unspoilt charm of these islands and cays remains the chief attraction. The pace of life is very easy-going and visitors can expect old-fashioned British courtesies. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Dress is informal for most occasions apart from the formal requirements of some hotels. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Tipping: All hotels add a ten to 12 per cent service charge. Business Profile Economy: Tourism and financial services are the islands’ main economic activities. Agricultural production is limited by poor soils, and relies mainly on livestock rearing, but some fruit and vegetables are produced for export, along with fish, livestock, gravel and sand. Rum is an important export commodity, and its distilling is the principal industrial activity. There is also a small mining industry, producing salt and materials for the construction industry. Tourism employs one-third of the working population directly or indirectly. The hotel and restaurant sector is particularly strong, with many customers arriving on day-trips as well as extended stays. The majority of visitors come from the USA – 350,000 annually – but the Government is looking to attract custom from elsewhere, as well as trying to dampen the islands’ reputation as a resort for the wealthy. The offshore financial sector, which has been operating since the mid-1980s, has been a spectacular success, by virtue of the British connection, benign legislation and political uncertainty in rival centres (notably Hong Kong and Panama). However, in the last three years, the Government has been forced to respond to international pressure to tighten its regulatory regime in order to prevent money-laundering. The British Virgin Islands’ main trading partners are the US Virgin Islands, the USA and Puerto Rico. Business: A shirt and tie are required for the summer months, with lightweight suits being acceptable at all other times. Best time to visit is December to April. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Development Bank of the Virgin Islands, PO Box 275, 1 Wickham’s Cay, Road Town, Tortola (tel: 43737; fax: 43119). Conferences/Conventions: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board can offer advice (see Contact Addresses section). Climate The climate is sub-tropical and tempered by trade winds. There is little variation between summer and winter. Rainfall is low, varying slightly from island to island. Night-time temperatures drop to a comfortable level. Required clothing: Tropical lightweights. Dress is generally informal but beachwear is confined to beaches. History and Government History: The islands were annexed by the British in 1672. Two hundred years later, they were incorporated into the British colony of the Leeward Islands. The governor of the Leewards continued to run the Virgin Islands until 1960, at which point direct responsibility was assumed by an administrator (later restyled governor) appointed from London. The 1967 constitution (see Government) gave the islands internal self-government. As Virgin Islands politics evolved, two parties initially dominated – the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and the United Party (UP) – although a strong influence has also been wielded by unaffiliated independents. The VIP has been led throughout most of its lifetime by H Lavity Stoutt. As it has more often than not held a majority on the Legislative Council, Stoutt served four terms as Chief Minister, ending only with his sudden death in 1995. Stoutt was succeeded by his deputy, Ralph O’Neal. The election of February 1995 was notable for the first challenge to the duopoly of VIP and UP in the form of the Concerned Citizens’ Movement. The Movement grew out of public anxiety about the growing incidence of drug trafficking and drug use in the Virgin Islands. To some extent, this was an inevitable consequence of the islands’ efforts to boost their ‘offshore’ finance industry. At least one high level investigation has been carried out jointly by the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the British police. By the time of the most recent election in May 1999, the islands’ politics had fragmented still further, with the formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP). The party performed spectacularly well, although it fell narrowly short of the 38 per cent vote attracted by the VIP, still under the leadership of premier Ralph O’Neal. Nonetheless, by winning five seats on the Legislative council, the NDP eclipsed both the Concerned Citizens’ Movement (with just one seat) and the United Party (which won no seats at all), to become the main opposition to the VIP. Government: Under the 1977 constitution, the British monarch appoints a governor to take responsibility for defence, foreign affairs and internal security. The governor also chairs the executive council, which has five other members. The Legislative Council has 13 directly elected members, one ex-officio member and a speaker. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.