BVI Newbie Guide
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A Letter from the Production Team Welcome to the British Virgin Islands! aLookingGlass is happy to present the fifth incarnation of the ‘must have’ guidebook BVI Newbie; a publication fit for visitors and residents and the perfect accompaniment for your adventure, whether you are here for a fun-filled two-week vacation or entering a heavenly 20-year retirement plan. This publication—created as a comprehensive appendage for everything BVI—has all you require, guiding you from the beginning to end of your epic journey. We all remember our first day in the BVI and several of us who were here before the conception of BVI Newbie, unanimously agree that we wished we had a resource like this to escort us to the most blissful spots and allow us to surf the immigration administration procedures with confidence. Among the many great opportunities and amenities here, if we could select one activity about the BVI that surpasses them all, we would pick the luxury of island-hopping. This entertaining indulgence of cruising between islands that are situated minutes apart, provides incomparable amusement and enjoyment. Visitors and residents are allowed to see isles that are so diverse from one another, you would think you were travelling between different worlds. In this version of BVI Newbie, we welcome expansion to certain sections, a whole new chapter in BVI Newbie Junior and an innovative design. The BVI Newbie website, if you haven’t already seen it, has been completely revamped to have a quicker and clearer interface – look out for our BVI Newbie events throughout the year. Also, our online Ask Newbie section—which is now running in its third year—is available for any further questions you may have. Whether your stay is a vacation, a temporary living arrangement, or for life, we wish you the best with this phenomenal location. If you appreciate it for all it has to offer, you will have some of the greatest memories of your life. aLookingGlass, Publishers of BVI Newbie PS – Look out for aLookingGlass publications throughout the year! We have books and magazines suiting a variety of tastes. See you around. A message from the Premier of the British Virgin Islands elcome to Nature’s Little Secrets, an exceptional travel destination and W‘staycation’ for you and your family. If you are a returning visitor, welcome back for more of what we have to offer. If you are a first time visitor, welcome to an unforgettable experience. If you are a resident, pause for a moment to take advantage of our natural splendour. Take a tour of our beautiful islands so you can bask in the breath-taking scenes of our emerald mountains. Renowned in the Caribbean for the ‘best sailing waters’, I recommend that you take some time to sail in our signature waters. While here, hop on an excursion to one of our relaxing havens like Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda or Anegada. You are sure to have an open-air tropical experience as you dine at many of our restaurants that serve the best in local cuisine prepared by our ‘gold medal’ chefs. If you decide to spend the day on Tortola, visit the Crafts Alive Market for shopping and souvenirs. There, you can also find indigenous paintings that will give you a glimpse of our culture. Also, visit our museums to experience our traditional culture. Remember to take your camera with you today as I have just described an enviable combination of pleasurable activities and unforgettable sightseeing adventures worth capturing. We deeply appreciate your confidence in our destination. Again, welcome to this part of paradise. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE Premier of the Virgin Islands Welcome from the Governor of the British Virgin Islands It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the fabulous British Virgin Islands. If you have just relocated to the BVI, like I have, you will realise you have over 40 islands, islets and cays to explore. You can’t fail to be enthralled by the clear blue Caribbean waters, the pristine beaches and lush greenery of the hillsides as you approach Beef Island by plane, or Tortola by ferry to start your adventure. But the beauty of the BVI is more than that which meets the eye. During your time here, you will have the chance to discover the Territory’s people, history and cultural heritage, its cuisine and the unique characteristics of each of the islands. BVI Newbie will give you plenty of ideas on what to see and do during your time here. I hope you will enjoy unlocking Nature’s Little Secrets as much as I am doing, and that your time in the BVI is a rich and rewarding one. Welcome again, and thank you for choosing a life in the British Virgin Islands. John S Duncan, OBE Governor The vision behind BVI Newbie’s quirky culture and recognisable branding, Cunha has been creative director and co-owner of aLookingGlass since 2009. In addition to contributing to the long term goal of developing BVI Newbie’s ethos, he is also the print production manager and art director of the online and offline publication. editorStephen -L Francein-chief S L F as he is sometimes referred has continued compiling new additions and updates for BVI Newbie’s fifth edition of the book. His passion for writing and knowledge from running aLookingGlass’ monthly publication Virgin Islands Property and Yacht has assisted in determining the new sections as well as the most effective distribution spots where BVI Newbie can reach you. Erin Paviour-Smith is our latest Newbie. She has joined us all the way from New Zealand where she worked for one of the largest Australasian publishing companies, Fairfax Media. She was brand manager on three of New Zealand’s top selling magazine titles - Cuisine, NZ Life & Leisure and NZ House & Garden. Erin brings a strong understanding of sales and marketing within the publishing industry to BVI Newbie alongside her love of the ocean. Scott continues to gift BVI Newbie with his distinctive creativity by evolving his ‘castaway scrapbook’ style from the 4th edition into the fresh and splashy 5th edition for 2015. With his vast experience in graphic design for kids, it only made sense to cater for children living and visiting the BVI with a new specialised section Newbie Junior; this with his two boys and their island friends in mind. Maros has successfully revamped our website on several occasions making the interface easier to use and more attractive. Now in 2015, he has succeeded again in making the online segment the greatest friend a new visitor or resident can have, right at their fingertips. Françoise Frank keeps aLookingGlass’ accounts and office in order. By no means a newbie herself, Frankie is always available for useful advice and tips. Founding Editor – Traci O’Dea BVI Information • Islands at a Glance Outer Islands • Notable Historical Figures Island names-did you know? • National Parks and Hidden Gems • BVI Global Finance BVI Public Holidays 2015 Immigration and Work Permit • Finding a Job Starting a Business in the BVI • Company Formation Finding a Home • Preparing to move CMoney and Banking • Home Insurance Health Insurance • Transportation • Utilities Security • Communications • Island Pets Energy, Water and Waste- Resource Management Wining, Dining and Limin’ O Eating and Drinking Establishments Spas and Salons • Culture and Festivals Sports and Recreation • Activities for Kids Getting off the Rock • 2015 Full moon Calendar Socialising in the BVI • Getting Married NStarting a Family • Education and Schools Healthcare • Laws, Police and Crime Religion • Service Organisations Tropical Weather • Flora and Fauna Shopping • Where to Shop T Shipping and Duty Costs Beaches • Sun Protection • Where to Surf 2015 Sailing Event Calendar Marine Industry and Watersports Sailing Schools • Racing • Beach Safety Flags 10 Snappy Snorkel Spots • Aqua Activities Fishing • VISAR E Taxi Fares • Ferry Schedule Directory • Contributors N The information contained in the BVI NEWBIE is for general information only. While our authors newbie have made every eff ort to be as accurate as possible, aLookingGlass, publisher of BVI NEWBIE, junior assumes no responsibility for the accuracy Introduction • Cool BVI History of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives Our Marine Life • BVI Adventures no warranty or guarantee in regards to any T information placed in its publications. BVI NEWBIE and its contents are the intellectual property of aLookingGlass Ltd. Neither this BVI NEWBIE: 2015. 5th Edition magazine nor any part of it may be reproduced ISBN: 978-0-9569697-5-0 without written permission from aLookingGlass Ltd. Designed in the British Virgin Islands Published by aLookingGlass For more information or advertising rates, contact Printed in China S [email protected] or (284) 494.7788. This book is jam packed with info, but if you do not find what you’re looking for – never fear. Ask Newbie at bvinewbie.com/ask Post your questions and a member of our team will respond within 24 hours during business hours. Just scan here! Executive Authority vested in Her Majesty, Etiquette Queen Elizabeth.” Generally, the BVI is a relaxed place, but The Virgin Islands Constitution Order a few items of social etiquette are worth 2007 established a new Constitution mentioning if you wish to immigrate along for the Virgin Islands to replace the with your emigration. Constitution of 1976. The Constitution It’s considered rude not to greet includes a chapter setting out the strangers you encounter in the BVI. Before fundamental rights and freedoms of noon, say ‘Good Morning’ whenever you the individual and provisions for their enter a room, shop, car or even meet enforcement.