Open-Realty Blog AddOn Incomparable Riddgetop Views of ALmost the Entire BVI and Beyond Price:$5,995,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS. 1. It is a good idea to set off with a clear plan in your mind and a general vision of what you want your living room to look like. This does not mean that you have to know every detail, but a general idea will help you to achieve your goal. Behind every successful project, there is a strategy and a plan, the same should be applied here. 2. You should do as much research as you can before deciding on the look of your room. You can find plenty of home magazines and catalogues or surf the net for some great ideas of living room colors and styles. If you find something you like, tear the page out or print the picture off and keep it aside for reference later on. After you have a collection of different designs youcan then choose which ones suit you and your home, although this may be a little confusing at times it will help you in deciding what you do and dont like. 3.Lighting will be an important aspect of your decoration, as it creates good ambiance, and adds to the mood and atmosphere of the room. So choose your lighting carefully so that you can create the right feel for your living room. 4. Selecting the correct furniture is vital, again a good idea is to look through magazines and on the internet to match the correct furniture to the style of your room. After choosing, placing the furniture in the correct place and position is also important. It is never a good idea to line it up against the wall. Your room look small with this kind of arrangement. 5. Curtains can make a room, so choosing them is very important, a nicely decorated room with shabby curtains that do not match will make all your efforts void. a good tip is to choose curtains which match the color of the furniture. 6. Adding to the list of the most important parts of a room, flooring is also another that should be kept in mind as It is essential for furnishing. The coverings of the floor can be tiles, carpet or wood, and as you will see quite a bit of it, the color should tie in nicely with the furniture and walls. 7. You should ensure that there is a sufficient amount of free space to allow you to get walk around and daily activities otherwise the room will feel like a furniture shop. 8. Pick up any accessories that match in with your scheme to add zing to your room and make it unique. Craft shows and flea markets are good for this sort of thing. 9. If you are into plants you could always choose some colorful plants to provide a natural beauty to your new living room. 10. Some interesting paintings can really bring style to your room, so get out there and check out some art work that will compliment your choice of decoration. Decorating for the first time can be confusing especially with so many colors and styles to choose from, you can end up confused between colors curtains furniture and never know what you really want. Proper planning before starting any project is an absolute must and will help you to have some sort of vision in your mind so that you know what you are aiming for. Follow these simple tips and you are sure to have the perfect living room in no time at all!]]> The Government are to invest almost $700,000 to provide a new recreational park for the residents and those taking their BVI VACATION on Virgin Gorda. Hon. Myron Walwyn, Education and Culture Minister and At Large Representative said the total cost committed by the Government to date on the new recreational park in The Valley, Virgin Gorda is $471,707.26. Tenders for the additional site works are due to be opened on April 30, 2013, and are expected to be in the region of $100,000. Hon. Julian Fraser, Third District Representative then asked if the Minister could provide the House with the budgeted cost for the project, and the Minister said it would be somewhere in the region of $700,000. "Children have limited areas to play; older persons have no proper place to walk and have leisurely exercise. So it was placed in the budget to help assist and answer the requests of many residents in that community for adequate recreational facilities," the Minister concluded. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> BVI HOME? Do you want to reduce your utility bills? Although moving from a home that you have lived in for many years and possible brought up your family in can be difficult emotionally, there are ways to create a more suitable affordable living space within smaller homes, here are 5 tips to help you choose the perfect home when you are downsizing. Think about which rooms you can do without Before you begin searching for a your smaller home, sit with the family and make a list of what you like and dislike about your current home. Which rooms do you use a lot? Which spaces and pieces of furniture just collect dust? A good rule to use is the 6 times a year rule. Think about each room in your home and if you use them less than 6 times a year it is probable that you can do without them. While you are thinking about your living space, choose which rooms you could use for more than one purpose. If you work at home and require a home office, a good idea is to put a small sofa sleeper or small bed in your office in your new home for when you have guests visiting. If you enjoy hosting dinner parties, you do not need to have a formal dining room in your new home, why not put a table in the kitchen and create a casual dining space. Consider Purchasing Multi-use Furniture When you have decided which rooms you can shed without affecting your way of life, consider the furniture you may need. Multi-use pieces like sofa sleepers, bunkbeds, nests of tables and coffee tables with drawers are saving graces when living in smaller spaces If you have large pieces of furniture which are impractical - donate or sell them. If you are moving to a smaller home because your kids have left home, it will not be necessary to have so much furniture. Before you move, tell the kids to take what they want from their old rooms and also offer them any furniture which you will no longer be using in your new home. Once you have decided on the furniture you want to keep, measure all larger pieces and when you are viewing homes take a measure with you so you can be sure it will all fit in rooms and through the doorways etc.. Good Design is Essential In a small living space, design is especially important. Look closely at the storage space in any potential new home you look at. There are many older houses that do not have bedroom closets so you will need to bring space saving wardrobes or an extra dresser. Don't rule out homes which have little closet space, think about the possibility of building shelves and getting under bed storage boxes for seasonal clothes. If you are looking to move into an apartment, ask if there is storage space available to use within the building. It is important to explore all the options and to keep an open mind before you rule a place out. Look at how much light comes into any property you view as light will make any small space look bigger. If there is outdoor living space this adds to a property and gives the feeling of a bigger home. Choose a Place You Have Always Wanted to Live The money you will save when moving from a bigger home, may mean that you are able to move to the place you have always wanted to live in. Look at all locations to see what is available to you within your price range. Personal Space Regardless of how small you decide to go, don't forget that you will still need personal space, one of the main complaints from those who have already made the move is that they feel like they are constantly in someones way. Everyone has their own ideas of what personal space is to them and it is difficult to adjust to a smaller home at first. Be patient and you will all get used to it. Regardless of how small, ensure that you have a place of your own in your new home, it doesn’t need to be a whole room – even just an armchair tucked away where you can read and have some quiet time will be perfect. Downsizing is always a daunting process when you are used to having a large family home filled with people, however there are many positives to downsizing and it will not take long to adjust once you have found the perfect home for you.]]> The reassurance that the Government is committed to improving literacy and learning in the Virgin Islands, was given by the Hon. Myron Walyn, Minister for Education and Culture, as public libraries celebrate their 70th anniversary and Library Week 2013, in April. "I implore all residents to visit a branch of the Library near you, be it at Road Town, Virgin Gorda, East End, Anegada or Jost Van Dyke. Connect with your link to a world of information and access a free resource where books come alive and provide fundamental building blocks for our continued development," Minister Walwyn said. Over the past 70 years, the Public Library Service has grown in leaps and bounds and has been a very useful resource for those living in TORTOLA RENTALS. Just last year, Mr. Walwyn said, they launched their online Public Access Catalogue titled, 'VI LIBCAT' which stands for the Virgin Islands Public Access Catalog. Library patrons can now access the Road Town Library´s holdings with an electronic library card. Other programmes put into action by the Public Library Service include the weekly Saturday Morning Story Time Programme, with the last Saturday in each month reserved for the Dad´s Reach Out and Read Programme, and the Book Mobile Unit which travels to schools across Tortola delivering all kinds of literature. Source:bviplatinum.com ]]> This villa has 180 degree views and is perched atop the highest point in Leverick Bay, allowing for constant ocean breezes and panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see. Price:$895,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTAL means that you will have many fun times ahead making lots of great summer memories and you might even want to work away those extra christmas pounds by hitting the water and doing a few laps. Although, while these options are very exciting, owning a pool does also come with responsibilities, with water acting as a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and a range of other factors which can make your pool an unhygienic or unsafe area. It is important to look after maintenance as a priority, don't fret – pool maintenance is not a big deal and wont take up that much of your time, however if you want to truly make the most of your backyard pool it is something that is vital. Stop by your local pool supply store and make friends with the assistants so that you can get some good advice. Here are some maintenance tips that you should always remember: 1. Water and Chemicals To keep the water in your pool hygienically clean and safe for swimming, there are several chemicals that will help you, chlorine is the first and most recognized that will need to go into your pool as part of your maintenance. Chlorine is basically used to keep your pool clean and to break down and remove any build up of bacteria and algae – which of course you don’t want to swim around in, and you definitely don’t want your kids in. Sanitise your pool with chlorine regularly, and keep a check on the levels so you know it is safe for swimming. As well as chlorine levels, you should also keep a check on the pH levels in your pool – this is the measure of acidity or alkalinity. The water should be more a little more alkaline (slightly) as chlorine works most effective this way. As well as impacting chlorine, more alkaline water is better matched to our own skin and also means pool equipment won’t be damaged. 2. Keep it Clean Your skimmer basket and pool filter are your best friends when it comes to keeping your water clean. Your skimmer basket will collect leaves and other debris that falls into the water. Make sure you check and empty it regularly to keep your pool is as clean as possible. In addition, use a leaf net to rake up anything remaining and clean your tiles regularly. 3. Other Pool Additions Besides the chlorine and pH levels that are commonly known, if you are a new pool owner you may want to go to your local pool accessories store for other treatments which will ensure further cleanliness and the long life of your pool. You will need to add Algae preventatives regularly to control algae contaminants. Bare in mind that some of these additives can damage your tiles, so ask a professional and spend that little bit extra to get a good quality one that does no damage. Your filter system will have trouble getting rid of small particles on the surface, such as metal particles, which are often found. A ‘metal out’ chemical will help to eliminate these and finally a water clarifier should be added to ensure the water is not cloudy. 4. Keep an Eye on the Weather The other big factor in your pool maintenance to be aware of is the weather. Storms of any kind, especially dust storms, will leave your pool very dirty, and maintenance should be undertaken immediately. To decrease the amount of damage incurred, consider getting a pool cover and keeping the water under wraps when not in use.]]> The proof that you are a BVI resident will be enough, and the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB)has promised huge discounts at local hotels and spas, under the 2013 staycation initiative. Market Development Officer at the BVITB, Ms. Lynette Harrigan explained that since 2009, the Staycation initiative has grown with more people within the industry offering discounts to residents living in BVI PROPERTY. "I do have to say thank you to the properties that come on board because we have five star properties, villas, spas, car rentals and some great sailing packages so residents can really and truly take advantage of these specials and we have Dolphin Discovery offering a 50 percent off. You just have to show that you are a resident of BVI and that´s it," Ms. Harrigan said. "Maybe residents might have that feeling that they might not be as welcome as if they go oversees, but that stigma needs to stop because I never had a case where people have vacationed and said they have not have a great time, or indeed that they were not welcomed.” she concluded. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS and help to protect the environment. Here are a few tips to help you along the road to reducing waste: Reduce – Buy less small packages. Although individually wrapped packages and drinks are convenient, they are also wasteful. when you buy in bulk you will save money and you will have less packaging to dispose of. If you really like the idea of individually wrapped servings, you can always use small reusable containers to divide up the bulk product. Reuse – You don't have to throw out plastic tubs after you have used their contents, why not use them to store leftovers in. The containers can be used several times and when you do finally have to throw them out, you will know that you are recycling them after you have used them as much as you can. Say No To Bags – Instead of choosing between plastic or paper bags, don’t use a bag. If you are only buying a few items you may be able to carry them, try putting small items on pockets or purses and if you are getting a lot, take a backpack with you or any other type of reusable bag. There will be no need to recycle bags if you don’t use them in the first place. Reusable Containers – Buy reusable containers, such as water bottles and travel mugs. Instead of buying individual bottles of water which you will end up recycling or coffee cups that get thrown out, buy reusable ones. You can wash them out every day and refill them when you want them. Some stores, will let you bring your own containers to purchase things like fresh peanut butter, honey, olive oil, and flour (just to name a few). If you are interested in reducing waste but didn’t know where to start. These are just a few ways that you can help to reduce waste in your home and help to reduce your environmental impact.]]> A DREAM COME TRUE VILLA is a luxurious 6,500 square foot 5 bedroom, 6 bath vacation waterfront home on an exceptionally private estate blessed with breathtaking views of Virgin Gorda's Savannah and Pond Bays and the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the BVI. Price:$3,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> 'BVI In Times Past' was first staged before a sold out audience at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's Eileen Parsons Auditorium as part of the BVI Festival of Arts activities. It was held over and delighted the residents and those on VIRGIN ISLAND VACATION who attended Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall in Road Town last weekend. Lots of people were turned away at the first staging due to the unavailability of seats, forcing organizers to stage this second performance. The play, which is set in the period 1940's to late 1960's, depicts scenes of VI roots, heritage and culture. The play also spoke to the themes of the importance of the family structure and the solid foundation laid for the welfare of the family when men were breadwinners and shouldered their responsibility to support their family. The play-writer, Ms. Janice Stoutt, is a Virgin Islander and Barrister-at-Law who is passionate about her culture, heritage and country. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS. You should repair and repaint your home as soon as you notice paint starting to crack, blister and peel. If you choose to ignore these warning signs for too long you will end up with a much more extensive and expensive job. Here are some painting tips every home owner should know whether you are planning to carry the work out yourself or hire a professional. Paint options There are two basic types of exterior paint: water-based latex and oil-based alkyd. Latex cleans up with soap and water, dries quickly, has minimal odor and remains flexible longer so is therefore less likely to crack. Alkyd paints need shite spirit for cleanup, however many professional painters favor alkyd paint because it's long lasting and stain-resistant, the paint flows smoother and dries with fewer brush marks. However, alkyd paints do have a very strong smell and take more time to dry. Read the label Not many homeowners read the label of a paint tin, however they really should. there is a huge amount of information printed right on the tin that can help you to achieve a good paint job. Ensure that you read all the instructions about preparing the surface and outdoor air temperature. Most paints shouldn't be applied when the temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, however there are some paints that are specifically formulated for application when the temperature is as low as 35. Prep the surface The surfaces must be cleaned so they are free of all dirt, grime, mildew and chalky residue so that the paint adheres. A power sprayer provides the easiest way to accomplish this, but hand scrubbing with a hard brush can be just as effective. I is a good idea to use a hammer to tap in nails and then fill the holes with putty for exterior use. Once the putty is dry, sand it down until it is flush with the surface. Painting over the old paint on a surface is ok as long as it is in good condition. Make sure you sand any spots that have blistered or flaked off and prime any bare wood before painting. Brush or roller? The easiest and fastest way to apply exterior paint is with a roller and a paintbrush. You can brush paint onto narrow areas and edges and use a roller which is short with a small diameter to paint the larger and longer areas. Start in the shade It is not a good idea to paint surfaces in direct sunlight as it will dry too quickly which means it will not adhere properly and will blister and flake prematurely. So begin painting on the shady side of the house. If the surface is damp, wipe it dry. Then wait for the sun to move and the other sides of the house to become shaded — or just paint on an overcast day. Start from the top Begin painting at the top of the house and work your way down, apply paint to the bottom edge of the siding first and then paint the large surfaces. Always brush from one wet surface to another so that you can avoid lap marks and if this is not possible you should paint onto a previously painted area which has dried overlapping the surface by several inches. As you will be working high up, you must also remember basic ladder safety rules: Don’t reach too far to the side of you may topple over. Try to keep your hips within the horizontal rails of the ladder, remember its much safer to climb down and l=move the ladder and climb back up than risk falling. Since you'll be working high up, don't forget basic ladder safety: Don't reach too far to the side or you might topple over. Try to keep your hips within the horizontal rails of the ladder. It's much smarter to climb down, move the ladder and climb back up than to risk falling. Painting the exterior of a home is just one of those jobs most people don’t want to start, however if you follow these simple tips the job will be much easier than you first anticipated. ]]> Set high up on Spy Glass Hill towards the west end of Tortola and close to the BVI's best beaches, this unique setting provides spectacular ocean, island and sunset views, North to Jost Van Dyke and beyond and South back through to St. John. Price:$695,000 Read more about this listing]]> The annual Rotary Club of Road Town's Kite Flying Competition, was held opposite the cruise ship pier in Road Town yesterday, March 30th. The event attracted a wide cross-section of residents who and even visitors to the Virgin Islands on their VIRGIN ISLAND VACATION who wanted to capture the excitement and the colorful kites flown by the participants. The Best Local Kite went to Leroy James for his box kites. The Prettiest Kite award went to the colorful bird kite flown by little Denequa McSheen. The Longest Tail Award went to Demoi Marton of Enis Adams Primary School. The judges awarded Marlon D'Aguir first place in the highest flying kite category, over radio personality, DJ Turbo, who had won the award in previous years. D'Aguir's two year-old son, Marlon Jr. took the award for the Youngest Flyer. Project Co-coordinator of this year's kite flying event was Rotarian, Mr. Shan Mohamed, Managing Director of Nagico Insurances BVI. "It was a wonderful day for a number of families who spent quality time together trying to raise their kites. In the end that is what we want to promote as Rotarians," Mr. Mohamed stated. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS is a great way to not only save money but ensures that you achieve a fully coordinating look too. Before buying a new bathroom suite think about the look and feel that you want to create and ensure that you measure the room accurately.]]> Winners of the UNESCO World Poetry Day competition were recognized yesterday, at a presentation ceremony held at the Department of Youth Affairs. The Education Department stated that over 100 students from across the Territory submitted poems as part of UNESCO´s World Poetry Day competition, of which Ms. Nia Douglas of Cedar International School and Mr. Jahared Jones of the Agape Total Life Academy emerged victorious in the senior and junior divisions. Following the presentations, both students recited their poems to fellow classmates, family members and well-wishers who attended the ceremony, some of who are lucky enough to live in TORTOLA RENTALS. Every year on March 21, UNESCO celebrates World Poetry Day to recognize the important role of poetry in the arts and in cultures. The first World Poetry Day was celebrated in 2000. The Secretary-General said, "Today, I invite all authorities, concerned associations and civil society in this Territory to mobilize their efforts, so that poetry has the place it deserves, not only on this 21st day of March, but also in the long term." Source:bviplatinum.com]]> The Sugar Mill House is a one-of-a-kind property featuring two bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, three fully equipped kitchens, two outdoor dining areas and one indoor dining area. Price:$1,600,000 Read more about this listing]]> The inaugural BVI Festival and Arts activities came to an end yesterday, with a Mountain Top Art Gallery Showcase. Residents who live in TORTOLA RENTALS stopped to take a look at the Territory's cultural history, while the event also attracted a number of tourists from the two cruise ships that were in port yesterday. Hon. Delores Christopher, Fifth District Representative who spearheaded the Festival of Arts, stated that the activities were well thought out, and planned to take place over a period of a month, in an effort to get the community fully on-board. "Like you didn't have the events coming fast on each other and that was for a purpose, to get the build-up, to get people prepared. In the beginning, the community was not so much aware of what it is you are trying to do or what art you are trying to bring out and the objective, but by now they have caught on," she said. "It's the life of the people which the tourists also want to learn about; they want to find out what your culture is, lifestyle, what means a lot to you. They want to learn things about the country so this kind of activity fills that gap." she concluded. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer’s Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late ‘60s for Dr. Upjohn of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> The Virgin Islands Senior School, the Territory's first secondary school, is now a historic site, following a commemorative plaque unveiling held yesterday, March 12th at the Georges family building on Main Street. The building housed the first senior school which was established by Thomas Dixon Green on May 3, 1943. The ceremony was held in honor of Mr. Green, who was also the first Principal and Supervisor of Education in the BVI. Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith said Mr. Green established the school in the building which was his home, a building he rented from the Georges family, and ever since, the education system has grown from strength to strength over the past 70 years. Sir David Green, son of Mr. Thomas Green said during his remarks that his father would have been genuinely surprised and honored by this move. Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams said the site is now for residents and visitors staying in TORTOLA RENTALS to understand another part of the Territory's history. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> The Virgin Islands Senior School, the Territory's first secondary school, is now a historic site, following a commemorative plaque unveiling held yesterday, March 12th at the Georges family building on Main Street. The building housed the first senior school which was established by Thomas Dixon Green on May 3, 1943. The ceremony was held in honor of Mr. Green, who was also the first Principal and Supervisor of Education in the BVI. Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith said Mr. Green established the school in the building which was his home, a building he rented from the Georges family, and ever since, the education system has grown from strength to strength over the past 70 years. Sir David Green, son of Mr. Thomas Green said during his remarks that his father would have been genuinely surprised and honored by this move. Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams said the site is now for residents and visitors staying in TORTOLA RENTALS to understand another part of the Territory's history. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> Set above a lovely, secluded sandy beach, this approx. 5,600 sqft Mediterranean style Villa is truly unique. Exceptionally high vaulted ceilings allow this very spacious home to benefit from cooling ocean breezes. Price: $2,000,000 Read more about this listing ]]> TORTOLA RENTAL is also your place of work, it will help to set definite hours for work, lunch breaks and times to finish and be "home". 2. Set priorities every day: Try to set up a list of the work and home duties that you know you will have to perform each week and add anything else that may come up to those lists without letting your time merge into one. 3. Stick to your Guns: If you set yourself a certain time frame for an activity/task, then attempt to stay within that time. Sticking to the time-frames you set yourself is a great way to balance both your work and home-life each day. 4. Don't answer the telephone at home: This really is easier in theory. But, if you answer the telephone all day long at the office then, not answering the phone in your own home can help you unwind from work as well as reducing stress.You can always allow your machine to receive the call and then call back the person who contacted you at your leisure. 5. Listen to Music: Listening to music when working as well as at home can help you to relax and therefore balance your work and home life on a daily basis. Listening to music makes work and home activities more fun and they go quickly. 6. Have a way to relieve stress: If you are feeling stressed by either my work or home life, take a piece of clay or Play-Doh and manipulate it in your hands until the tension of the day melts away. Other activities such as baking and swimming can also help to balance work and home life. Balancing home and work life isn't easy, and usually it boils down to time management. It also takes some time to do this. However, it is necessary in order to avoid stress and to keep one's sanity.]]> BVI VACATION HOME. Bare in mind, size isn’t everything: small square footage could be beautiful when it comes to the best fit for you, your family and furniture in your home. also it is usually sensible to purchase now and personalize later. Make sure you like the floor plan first, too, and try not to focus on finishing touches. Don't look for perfection It is almost impossible to find the perfect house and it is also just as rare for any buyer to walk straight into a home and say its perfect in every way. So instead think of how you would make changes to the things you dont like to create a home that is good for you. Purchase a life, not an address It doesnt matter how lovely a home is, if it does not fit your lifestyle, it will not make you happy in the long run. If you are a walker, a captivating house close to the city's center will not be considered a good match. If you love cooking, an attractive house with a small galley kitchen will ultimately dissapoint. And if you love entertaining friends and family, a home without decks, a large yard, and a lot of room to fit will end up frustrating to you. Include new furniture inside your costs Frequently, a brand new house feels like a brand new start so you will want new furniture to fill all those lovely rooms. Take this into account while you calculate your costs. If money's an problem and you are selecting between two houses, choosing the one which will accommodate your current furniture would be a smarter choice. Choose a floor plan, not the finishes You can change the finishes in a house, such as tile, paint and countertops, at a lower price than altering the floor-plan. Select a house with a dining area, kitchen and living space which are the best size for the for your life, then tweak the finishes later. Don't choose according to investment For most of us, a house is also a home - a source of comfort, safety, happiness, entertainment and well-being. A home which is a great financial investment is only a good choice if it also satisfies your need for home comforts as well. Moving home is one of the most stressful situations a person can be in during their lifetime. So it is even more important that you choose the correct home so that you can be happy with the decision you made to move.]]> At a recent ceremony to open an additional 36 rooms at Maria’s By the Sea, hotel, which is very popular with those on a BVI VACATION operator Julia Dawson, referred to a youngster who has been volunteering at the property for months without pay. She said 24 year-old Wilford Blyden of Hope Estate here on Tortola is a special youth, Blyden who said he was the one who actually approached Maria’s By The Sea. “I am doing everything here at the hotel. From last year I have been in the kitchen. I worked my way into waitering, and soon I will work my way back in the front of the house to deal with the guests and booking them,” Blyden said. “I find this to be a stepping stone; getting my foot in the door. Much people wouldn’t do the same, but I find it as a way to get into the {tourism} industry,” he added. When he left college in 2011, Blyden spent a year trying to find a job in hospitality but was consistently turned down. He then turned to the Ambassadors programme, which was launched by the Ministry of Communications and Works, eventually, he obtained a job at BVI Ports Authority as a shed clerk. Blyden could not resist his passion for the hospitality sector, therefore, he opted to volunteer at Maria’s By The Sea while keeping his full-time job at Ports Authority. Source:bvinews.com]]> A magnificent 5.5 acre waterfront property that is unique in both its superb peninsula and beachfront location and its history. Located at the west end of Smuggler’s Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in the BVI, this historic property was built around an original 18th century gunpowder store. Price:$4,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice 2013 has named a variety of beaches on their list of Top 25 Beaches in the World with voters, and the Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, has made the list alongside beaches in Africa, the Mediterranean, Australia, South America, Europe and Asia. In addition, viewers are provided with links on where to stay in the British Virgin Islands, with Trip Advisor naming 10 hotels, six bed & breakfasts’/inns and 237 vacation rentals. The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board said it is pleased to welcome visitors to experience Nature’s Little Secrets, and discover the beauty and tranquility of this renowned island landmark. The British Virgin Islands is one of only six Caribbean destinations to make the list, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Aruba are also included. This is great news for anybody considering a BVI VACATION. Source:bvinews.com]]> Located by gorgeous Mahoe Bay, Villa Open Deck is only 200 feet away from the magnificent white sand beach at Mahoe with its gentle lapping waves and amazing nearby reefs where snorkelers spend hours marveling at the incredible colorful species of fish and coral formations Price:$1,950,000 Read more about this listing]]> For the second consecutive year, the fifth annual Tortola Sports Club Triathlon was won by Richard Morgan. The triathlon featured a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride and a 5-kilometer run. Morgan was also the fastest cyclist with a time of 32:15,” while John Argyros was second in the Men’s Division with a time of 1:52,’ followed by Adrian Dale in third place. Morgan shaved almost a minute of last year’s time when finished in just over 1 hour. Gillian Howe won the Women’s Division in 1:15.31.’ She beat last year’s defending champion Kay Reddy, who finished in fourth place with a time of 1:16.12.’ The Corporate Cup, which features teams comprised solely of employees of a particular business, was won by Deloitte 1, while KPMG took second place in the division. The next triathlon is scheduled for April 7th and is a great event to get involved with, especially if you are lucky enough to be on your annual BVI VACATION. Source:bvibeacon.com]]> British piano bar entertainer James Barr has been performing since 2001, and has played all over the world. From Australia to Alaska and from South America to Russia, Scandinavia and the Far East. He is originally from London and is now living in New York City. He has performed at some of London’s top venues including the new American Bar at the Savoy, Promenade at the Dorchester, Brown’s, The Churchill, and Scott’s of Mayfair. He also spent 10 years at sea working with Seabourn Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. James’ wide ranging repertoire covers contemporary pop and rock ‘n roll as well as jazz and easy listening, making him an excellent choice for all occasions, whether you are looking for a classy, chilled out atmosphere, or a wild party crowd pleaser. If you are on your BVI VACATION get the chance, go and see one of his performances at Sam’s Piano Bar at The Rock Café on Virgin Gorda. He performs nightly, except Sundays, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. , you will not be disappointed. Source:bvinews.com]]> This delightful 3 bedroom hillside home is immaculate. It has been maintained to the highest of standards and is 'move in' ready. Price:$1,495,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS is a very basic home improvement, yet it can be a perilous pit of tough choices, expensive mistakes, and strained necks. However with these few simple tips painting your home can be a breeze. 1) Remove Faceplates & Fixtures Take off outlet face plates, unscrew light fixtures, etc. Tape over the outlets and switches. Bag the light fixtures. 2) PPPPP (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Painting) The key to getting a good finish is good preparation. Make sure that the area you are painting is clean and dry, without any loose flakes of old paint. Be sure to fill any cracks with proper filler and prime before painting. Sand and wash the surface and the finally brush. 3) Protect Brushes Don´t wash brushes in between painting and never leave them sitting in filler. Wrap them in a plastic ziploc bag. If the fit in the bag completely, thats great but If not just bunch the bag around the handle and put a cable tie around it. 4) Keep a Rag Keep a damp rag in your pocket for odd drips of paint. Ensure you make it damp with the right solvent for the type of paint you are using. 5) Keep Corners Wet Whenever possible, try to work into a wet edge. Don't cut in edges too far ahead before rolling. Painting over a dried area produces overlap stripes! 6) Use/Learn The Right Stuff Ensure you use quality materials for the job, and also it is best to use professional grade brushes and roller cover for the job and type of paint you are using. Add in a knowledge of proper techniques, and you will get a good paint job. 7) Get a Sash Brush Full size Get a good sash brush (brush with bristles cut at an angle) and practice edging without tape. (For me) it's faster and there's no chance of it bleeding past the tape edge. 8) Base Coat After Taping For crisp lines when taping, paint one base coat when you have laid your tape. Then tape the top coat. 9) Power Roll Use a power roller. Rolling paint unpowered is tedious compared to using a power roller.Power rollers are not as expensive as you might think they are, and buying a roller will save you lots of time and strain on your back. 10) Find a Friend Enlist the help of a friend. Pay him or her in beer.]]> This custom home has been designed and built to a standard not seen in the BVI before and is surely one of the finest luxury homes currently available in the Caribbean. Price:$5,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTAL harbors a surprising number of sneaky allergy-causing culprits. Home allergy-fighting tips include: wash bedding in hot water, keep windows closed, keep room temperatures low. Here's where they're hiding, and how to send them packing. 1. Clutter A messy home is an inviting environment for things like dust mites, bugs, mold, and mice. It is a good suggestion to recycle old newspapers, magazines, cans, and grocery bags each week and keep the bins outside if possible 2. Carpet Dust mites love carpets and rugs, so ensure that you vacuum your home regularly. When you purchase your vacuum you should make sure that it has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap tiny particles. To get rid of the risks further, have completely bare floors that are easy to clean and mop. 3. Bedding Get rid of bed bugs by washing your bedding in 130 degree heat each week. 4. Bathroom Moist bathroom or basement walls love to breed mold, so try to keep them dry with sufficient ventilation. 5. Crumbs Crumbs and overflowing garbage attract mice and cockroaches -- and their droppings can aggravate allergies. Keep your space clean. Also, try boric acid and traps for the pests. 6. Open windows Refreshing breezes are great -- unless they blow pollen indoors. Keep windows shut between the high-pollen-count hours and keep the air-conditioner running if it is too hot inside and be sure to change the air-conditioning units filter every month. Removing shoes outside will avoid tracking in pollen particles. 7. Basement Fight mold with a dehumidifier set between 35 and 45 percent humidity. Dehumidifiers come in several sizes, however before you buy, get a humidity gauge to decide how much de-moisturizing muscle you need. 8. Houseplants Your potted plants can have sneeze-producing mold on their leaves, remove any moldy leaves as soon as you see them, and don't let water stay in the pots tray. 9. Pets Pet dander and saliva can cause big allergy problems to people, was and brush your pet on a weekly basis to lower the risk. Keep cats and dogs out of your bedroom. 10. Fabric furnishings Dust weekly, wash blankets and throws weekly in hot water or have them dry cleaned and pick up pet fur with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Suffering from allergies can make life very unpleasant at times, however if you follow these steps you may be able to alleviate allergies in your home.]]> Director Sharon Flax-Mars and other members of the tourist board hosted members of the media at the Moorings last Friday, as part of working to create a partnership with the local media. She said, “we just wanted to say thank you. It’s a partnership with the Tourist Board and with the media because at the end of the day, all of us should have a common goal and that is to have the BVI shine.” The Tourist Board Director said its important for the board to improve its communication and have more dialogue with the media, adding that it is important for the media to get an understanding of what the Tourist Board does, and for the Board to get an understanding how the media works. “I expect the media to be responsible and work with us because we have the same goal and once we recognize that and we respect each other, as far as having a basic professional courtesy, I believe it will go a long way. We depend on the media as well to get our message out to let the public know what we are doing, why we are doing it.” She concluded. The tourist board plays a big part in many peoples annual BVI VACATION. Source:bvinews.com]]> Based on Virgin Gorda, the jewel in the Crown of islands that make up the BVI's, Aquamare has set a new standard for luxury. A dream home from home can best describe the feeling of an Aquamare beachfront Villa. Price: $5,800,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS. The practice is very useful when you are trying to create a comfortable productive home office area. Here are a few tips to achieve the perfect feng shui environment for working in. Choose the best Room It's thought that energy flows in the door and flows upward first. Therefore the ideal space to create your office ought to be relatively near to the front of the home, on an equal or higher floor. It is suggested to try to keep your office away from dark closets and cellars. See Who Enters your Office Make sure to put your desk inside a command position, meaning not directly infront of the door, but facing it, and never facing a wall or window. The farthest corner facing thsee observe everything within the room. Though if you are residing in tight quarters, that may not be possible. If you need to place your desk against the wall, it is a good idea to place a big mirror in front of you. This does a couple of things - it allows you to see behind you and it makes like you can move forward without feeling like you are stuck. Positioning yourself so that you are able to see everybody who enters the office also allowsa you to be prepared for whatever business may come your way. Determine Your Element There are five elements in the practice of Feng Shui: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. It’s vital that you know how they work toward creating and balancing an positive Chi, or energy, flow. You need to incorporate all five to your office in certain form, and and it is a good idea to enhance those that best represent your personality and your industry to be able to make your ideal work atmosphere. An easy test that will help you pick which element suits you best would be to consider your preferred vacation place. Would you like the beach, the mountain tops, or perhaps a place with a more tropical climate? Need Inspiration? Add Wood. Wood encourages creativeness and represents loyalty. Any object, just like your desk, the ground, sections of wall, or any other wooden knick knacks, will satisfy this requirement. The colours green and brown best represent this element. Need an Increase in Productivity? Add Fire. Fire is proven to be probably the most powerful of all the elements. It's aggressive and said to represent passion and excitement. This element embodies energy and should be used to boost action and productivity in your office. Need Balance and Stability? Add Earth. This element produces a strong ground for building and strengthening relationships-great for companies searching to grow and maintain and grow customer base. Want to Rake in the Dough? Add Metal. Here's your moneymaker! Metal signifies harvest and financial success. Before you create a workplace made from steel, understand that an overindulgence associated with any of the elements will knock-off your office’s Chi and make disharmony. Need Assistance Communicating? Add Water. Water is the component of communication and opportunities-required for every office! This element is free-flowing and encourages networking, traveling, and knowledge (or learning). Finally... Energy can’t flow freely if it keeps stumbling over those stacks of paper and the random junk inside your office. So, clear it! Feng Shui is all about balance and organization. ]]> The 2nd BVI Football Association Schools Football League kicks off on Wednesday at 3 pm. with a parade of primary and high school teams consisting of kids who live in TORTOLA RENTALS from throughout the territory. “Last year, we had almost 550 youngsters on the program, and this year, it has jumped to 770, obviously, that has given us problems in terms of the logistics of organizing,” BVIFA President Andy Bickerton said. BVIFA Program director Vincent “Nabu” Samuel said the league will run over four months with over 300 matches in both divisions. “We are looking forward to this tournament with great anticipation, and the students are eagerly looking forward to what’s coming for them,” he noted. “They are going to have the opportunity for physical exercise, an opportunity to play in team games where they learn the lessons of responsibility, working together to be successful,” he explained. “Although they are in a football program, the benefits that come from the program are not just football, but also social. We’d very much like to encourage parents to come out to the games, it really makes a big difference to the children to see their parents supporting them.” he concluded. Source:bvinews.com]]> Endless Summer is the perfect vacation rental home. Recently completed, the property is situated just above beautiful Cane Garden Bay beach, elevated enough to provide stunning ocean ans sunset views out over the bay yet only a hort walk from the beach. All on the one level, the kitchen is fully equipped with the latest in stainless stell appliances and concrete countertops. Price:$760,000 Read more about this listing]]> At the Multipurpose Sports Complex on Tortola last evening, after taking a number of sectional prizes, Kadian Johnson went on to take the title of Miss Fifth Form 2012/2013. Four other Elmore Stoutt High School students, some of who live in TORTOLA RENTALS challenged Johnson for the title, Akeila Louis, La’Quan Reid, Sherise Stapleton and Armoy James. In addition to winning the crown, Johnson dominated the categories of Personal Development, Intellect, Best Poise, Best Talent, and Determined to Succeed. The contestants were required to be team oriented, respectful for authority, rules and the disciplinary policies of the schools in relation to conduct and uniform regulations. They must be poised, talented and intelligent, with a confident and dynamic presence, according to the pageant committee. All five contestants seem to be shining stars at Elmore Stoutt High, as Stapleton dominated in the People’s Choice and Miss Photogenic categories, and Reid earned the titles of Miss Congeniality and Best Career Wear. Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS cool while significantly reducing your energy bills. 1. If you want cool just one room, avoid using your central air conditioning unit. Purchase a portable air conditioner instead. Modern portable models have a high energy efficiency rating, so they will cool your room effectively and save you a lot. 2. Install mini-blinds or white colored window shades. Mini-blinds can be quite effective and reduce warmth from direct sunlight by up to 40-50 percent. Another idea is to hang bamboo shades or tightly woven screens on the outside of your windows. This can stop up to 80 percent of the suns heat getting through your windows. 3. Keep all the windows in your home closed throughout the day. In the evening you can open them open for ventilation and switch on a fan rather than using the air conditioning unit. 4. If you have a mini split air conditioner, ensure that the outside compressor is in the shade. However, trees and shrubbery should not be right beside it as it will need some room for air flow. 5. Ensure that you clean your air conditioners filter once a month as dust can build up which significantly reduces the air flow. 6. When you go to purchase your air conditioning unit, you must ensure it is the correct size for your room. A unit that is too small will not cool your home effectively, and a unit that is too large will consume far too much energy than needed. 7. If your air conditioning unit is old, think about replacing it with a new one as the modern i=units have a far higher energy efficiency rating. 8. Cooking, drying clothes or dish-washing produces lots of heat. Try to carry out all these tasks in the evenings when it gets cooler. Many people just switch their units on and set the temperature they require it to be at. Although this will cool your room, it will also cost you a lot more too. Moreover, excessive energy consumption is bad for the environment, so by following these simple tips you could not only save on your energy bills, but you could also help to reduce pollution in your area.]]> On Saturdays, you will find Omari Scott of the RBVIYC hard at work, teaching KATS students how to sail at the Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. Thanks to sponsorship provided by Ogier and Vanterpool Enterprises Ltd, this is the second 10 week session that has been organized by KATS and the RBVIYC. This time, 12 students have been able to sign up. There are many reasons teaching children to sail are important for our community. The BVI is often marketed as “the sailing capital of the world” the job opportunities are endless when one knows how to sail. KATS and the RBVIYC hope to enable students to maintain their interest beyond this first step in sailing. While KATS focuses on providing children with new opportunities, the RBVIYC can offer the necessary skills needed to progress to the highest levels of the sport, including competitive sailing. All residents and visitors staying in TORTOLA RENTALS are welcome to attend. Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, and its even more of a pain when the clothes just do not turn out right! Here are a few common problems and the solutions to assist you with your laundry woes - Problem #1: Your clothes come out gray or yellow. You might want to increase the amount of detergent in the next load, use a detergent booster, or raise the temperature of the water. However, the gray may be from dye that has bled from darks to lights, suggesting you need to sort better. Bluing in the wash sometimes corrects graying in white-colored materials. Problem #2: Detergent residue on clothes. Your powdered detergent isn’t dissolving properly. Ensure the loads aren’t too full. Use liquid detergent with cold-water cycles. Try letting the washer fill with water, adding the detergent, then adding the clothes. When the problem is triggered by calcium within the water, make use of a water-softening product in your next load. To eliminate hard-water residue from clothes, soak them in a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon warm water. Rinse and rewash. Problem #3: You have a problem with pilling. This is very common in man-made materials. Try turning synthetic clothing inside out before washing. (Pilling is caused by abrasion of fibres, and this helps to cut down on abrasion during the washing and drying cycle.) Maybe even wash your synthetics in a gentler shorter cycle. Using a liquid detergent might help. To eliminate pills, snip them off with battery energy-powered pill remover, or pull the fabric tight over a curved surface and shave the pills off with a safety razor. Problem #4: There is lots of Lint in your Clothes Better sorting of clothes will be required. Separate lint producers, for instance fleece sweaters, chenille items, new terry cloth towels, and flannel pajamas, from lint attractors, for instance corduroys, synthetic blends, and dark fabric. To eliminate the lint, use a lint roller or pat with sticky tape. Check to make sure pockets are empty of tissue together with other paper prior to putting them in the washer. Ensure the dryer and washer lint filters are clean. Nobody enjoys chores and although laundry is not one of the most difficult, it is a pain when your clothes do not come out properly, hopefully with these problems and solutions, you can avoid some of the pressing issues when it comes to laundry.]]> View the article here! Sea Changes in the Caribbean On a warm December evening on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma, vacationers mingled at a dinner party in a 5,400-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse suite overlooking the ocean. A chef cooked lamb and sautéed vegetables as Peter Nicholson, the condominium development's primary investor, gave a tour of the sprawling apartment—which is on the market for $2.99 million. ICE Portal Though the housing market in much of the U.S. has begun to improve, in parts of the Caribbean recovery is lagging. Shown here is the Grand Isle Resort & Spa in the Bahamas. More home buyers who want to tear down an existing home and rebuild on the same lot are doing so without wrecking balls and bulldozers. "Deconstruction" is a growing trend in the West Coast housing market. WSJ's Monika Vosough reports. As nice as it sounds, life hasn't been exactly paradise for some developers in the Caribbean. Mr. Nicholson took over the unsold portion of this resort earlier after it went into receivership. "I'm selling it at less than it cost to build," he said, noting that the same penthouse was priced at just over $6 million in 2008. Though the housing market in much of the U.S. has begun to improve— median prices in the U.S. rose 11.1% in October from a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors—in parts of the Caribbean, recovery is lagging. Among the hardest hit are hotel-condo developments attached to big-name luxury chains, some of which halted construction during the recession and have yet to restart. As a result, ample condo inventory and prices still at depth-of-recession lows are attracting vacation-home buyers looking for deals. Some islands, like tony St. Barts, have seen strong sales recently at the highest end of the market as international trophy-home buyers snap up prime properties. A handful of very high-end new residential developments are also cropping up elsewhere in the Caribbean, started by optimistic developers amid the downturn, many of whom didn't require bank financing. Following a $100 million upgrade to the resort, Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia, for example, recently rolled out residences with views of the Piton Mountains that range from $3.2 million to $9 million. Investors in some struggling projects say they finally see a comeback on the horizon. At Grand Isle, there were no new condos sold between 2008 and January 2012, when Mr. Nicholson purchased 31 unsold units. He has since resold six of them, flying promising customers down to the place to see for themselves, often giving them boat tours of the Exuma Cays, a set of remote islands nearby. Some of these are owned by celebrities like David Copperfield, Tyler Perry and Johnny Depp. "They're not walking across the beach and writing a check today," says sales manager Laurinda Jelinek. "It's a little bit of a harder sell." In 2009, the Four Seasons Resort adjacent to Grand Isle closed. It reopened in 2010 as an adults-only, all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay. Across the street, another development on the property called Roker Point has 91 empty lots arranged along cul-de-sacs and streets overlooking deep man-made canals, a project that was put on hold during the downturn. Marketing recently resumed, and a handful of the lots have recently sold, says John Goldsworthy, director of sales and marketing for the project. Construction has yet to start on any homes. John Cheadle, a lawyer and pilot from Nashville, Tenn., who has been visiting the island for years, decided to buy a three-bedroom condo at Grand Isle recently, saying he was drawn to the high-quality construction, oceanfront golf course and prices, about a third of what a friend from Nashville paid for a similar-size condo several years ago. "In my mind, I thought that this was the perfect time," he says. Colin Lightbourn, a Nassau-based broker with Coldwell Banker, says prices have largely recovered for prime properties in Nassau, Paradise Island and in Harbour Island, which are closer to major population hubs. Despite depressed pricing, Exuma has fared better than other Out Islands with sales picking up recently. "Prices came down to rock bottom," says Jenny Kettel, a local broker. "But people are coming back now to look." Here's a look at what's happening in some other destinations: Turks & Caicos On this small chain of islands not far from the Bahamas, total real-estate sales peaked in 2007 to around $250 million and by 2009 had dropped to under $50 million, according to Rick Newton of Resort Capital Partners. Nina Siegenthaler, a broker with Sotheby's International Realty Turks & Caicos, says prices have slid further this year, down about 30% from the peak, spurring sales activity. Sales volume as of the second quarter this year already topped $90 million, according to Mr. Newton. "The consensus seems to be with buyers I've worked with for several years is that we're now really at bottom," Ms. Siegenthaler says. One listing, a recently renovated home on the beach called Pelican House, was previously listed for $4.95 million and recently came back on the market for $3.95 million. Ian Miller, the seller, lived there with his family for nearly 12 years but has since relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "I don't think it will ever get back to the giddy heights of 2008 or 2007," says Mr. Miller, who owns a chain of fast-food restaurants. Meanwhile, he's renting the home for as much as $15,500 a week. Still, at least one developer is optimistic about the high-end of the market. The developers of Grace Bay Club, a major resort on the island, are currently building a small set of high-end beach-front villas not attached to the larger resort. "There seems to be less of an attraction to the condo-hotel project," says Mark Durliat, the CEO and principal of Grace Bay Resorts. Plans call for about 10 single-family homes on ¾-acre beachfront lots, starting at $3.6 million, with additional homes in the future. U.S. Virgin Islands Comprised of the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, the real-estate market in this U.S. territory typically lags about 12-24 months behind the United States, says Lee Steiner, of USVI Sotheby's International Realty. In terms of dollar volume, 2012 was the slowest year so far, down about 60% from a peak in 2009. A beachfront house in St. Croix can be had for $400,000, he says, about 40% less than it would have been a few years ago. Grande Bay Resort condos in St. John previously marketed in the $1 million range are now priced at $600,000 to $800,000. A recent sale includes a 7,000-square-foot waterfront home listed for $3.25 million that went for $1.675 million. "It's not uncommon to buy a property for 25% to 30% below asking price," says Mr. Steiner. British Virgin Islands David Johnson, a luxury-community developer from Michigan, is developing a low-density 400-acre resort on Virgin Gorda with homes and lots that range from $2 million to $30 million. Oil Nut Bay, as the resort is called, has sold $91 million in real estate so far this year, attracting buyers like John Mack, the former CEO of Morgan Stanley who is completing plans to build a home on his lot. "We fell in love with it," he says. The resort includes a marina, nature center, beach club and an 8,000-square-foot "town hall." Mr. Johnson says his development has 19 homes and lots remaining of the total 46 offered so far with $100 million in infrastructure already in place. "We're doing no discounts," he says. "It's premium pricing." Chris Smith, of Coldwell Banker Real Estate BVI, says sales in the territory are strong for homes in both the top-end of the market and the under-$1 million range. The softest market is homes priced from $1 million to $5 million. "People are expecting a deal at that level," he says. "Occasionally someone will come in and drop a price, but that's unusual." Anguilla Known for its quiet vibe and white-sand beaches, Anguilla saw several high-profile projects stalled during the downturn, including Temenos, which ran into financial trouble and halted construction after buyers put down million-dollar-plus deposits. Viceroy Anguilla Resort and Residences filed for bankruptcy before sales closed. In 2010, Starwood Capital Group took over the project and cut prices on villas, which ranged from $600,000 to $6.5 million. Developers of a new condo-hotel project, Zemi Beach, say they've made efforts to attract buyers who may be concerned about losing their deposits on stalled or shelved projects. Jeffrey Goldstein, one of the developers, says escrow accounts will be held at a U.S. bank with money that cannot be used for construction fees until the roof is about to go on the buildings. Prices range from $2.09 million to $3.12 million for two- or three-bedroom units. One of the eight buildings has been built so far, and the rest are slated for completion by mid-2015. Naomi Cambridge, who is handling marketing for the Zemi Beach project, says sales have picked up in recent months, including six sales in the past six weeks at Viceroy. "The market is buoyant." Cayman Islands Christian de Meillac, the London-based head of Knight Frank's Caribbean real-estate desk, says demand has remained relatively strong in Cayman because of the number of banks based there and a large number of expat residents. Camana Bay, a mixed-use project on 500 acres has been designed in what is called a "New Urbanist" style—it includes retail shops, bank offices and law firms, as well as multifamily homes for rent in a town center that opened in 2007. A 200-home, master-planned for-sale residential component was put on hold during the downturn but has resumed in a scaled-back form, says Jackie Doak, the chief operating officer of Dart Realty, the development company behind it.]]> Description: This ideally situated property is located at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda above the famous Baths. Sea views are available from the Atlantic in the east to the Sir Francis Drake Channel, Tortola, and sunsets in the west. Price: $6,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> The Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton has confirmed that the BVI Health Services Authority, will receive $23 million of its $33 million budget from the Government. Chairman of the BVIHSA, John Cline said the records go back to about seven to ten years, and shows that the total revenue to be collected, is in the neighborhood of around $28 million. The Minister stated that his job is not to throw money at a healthcare system, but to ensure that the healthcare system evolves to become a much more efficient organization for those residents living locally in TORTOLA RENTALS. Minister Skelton explained that is why changes are made, so the timing of the health insurance and other elements are in sync, because it is estimated that healthcare in the country will cost around $79 million per year. He also agreed with the Second District Representative, Hon. Alvin Christopher, that the cost to run the healthcare system will be a lot higher when the new Peebles Hospital is completed. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, and although they have a very bad reputation, they are quite often full of items that you would regularly use... if only you could find them. Changing this twisted mess of cords, clips and coupons into a handy home for essentials is difficult. Organization, after all, means getting rid of all your junk. Here are a few ideas on how to achieve a less messy junk drawer to get you started: Clean slate Begin by emptying the drawer. Put everything onto a table or counter top so that you can see what you have in the drawer, then begin sorting through it all. Discard or recycle items that are damaged or that you simply don’t use. Be callous. Do all of the pens really work? Do you really need the business cards of people you do not remember meeting? As yourself: Should these things be here? Just by moving receipts to your office, kitchen appliance manuals to your home file, spare buttons to your sewing kit and loose coins to your piggy bank, you will see a big difference in the amount of things that are in your junk drawer. Divide and conquer Sort he remaining contents of the junk drawer by type: pens and pencils in a single pile, rubber bands in another, notepads in another. Once you’ve decided what really needs to be saved here and just how much you will need to store, you you can look for containers to hold each of items in an organized manner. If you want to you can purchase drawer organizing systems to help you in your quest for a more organized drawer. If you like to arrange inexpensively, it can be done, too. A piece of ice tray or egg carton, for instance, will keep small products in position. Old silverware drawer partitioning, empty margarine tubs or cheese boxes also are actually excellent containers. Secure and label Once you’ve work out how you would like your containers to sit in your drawer, you should use sticky-back Velcro tab to keep them in position. Simply fasten one side of the tab to the bottom of the drawer and the other side to the bottom of each container and press the tabs together to attach them together. Use store bought labels or make your own labels so that you can determine what is in each container easily. Putting it altogether You should tackle this project when you have enough time to dedicate to it, if you only have 15 or 20 minutes you will end up with a drawer that is more messy than it was before you started. Make cleaning your junk drawer a part of your monthly cleaning list. Remove any items that dont belong there, or the drawer will end up in a mess again in no time. Ensure you inform all family members about the drawer and explain what goes in there and what doesn't and warn them that you will be periodically throwing out all items that do not belong in there. Messy dis-organized drawers are a feature of most homes and it is difficult to keep on top of them if you do not have a system for them first. These tips above should give you some good ideas on how to keep on top of the junk drawer in your home.]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, and although they have a very bad reputation, they are quite often full of items that you would regularly use... if only you could find them. Changing this twisted mess of cords, clips and coupons into a handy home for essentials is difficult. Organization, after all, means getting rid of all your junk. Here are a few ideas on how to achieve a less messy junk drawer to get you started: Clean slate Begin by emptying the drawer. Put everything onto a table or counter top so that you can see what you have in the drawer, then begin sorting through it all. Discard or recycle items that are damaged or that you simply don’t use. Be callous. Do all of the pens really work? Do you really need the business cards of people you do not remember meeting? As yourself: Should these things be here? Just by moving receipts to your office, kitchen appliance manuals to your home file, spare buttons to your sewing kit and loose coins to your piggy bank, you will see a big difference in the amount of things that are in your junk drawer. Divide and conquer Sort he remaining contents of the junk drawer by type: pens and pencils in a single pile, rubber bands in another, notepads in another. Once you’ve decided what really needs to be saved here and just how much you will need to store, you you can look for containers to hold each of items in an organized manner. If you want to you can purchase drawer organizing systems to help you in your quest for a more organized drawer. If you like to arrange inexpensively, it can be done, too. A piece of ice tray or egg carton, for instance, will keep small products in position. Old silverware drawer partitioning, empty margarine tubs or cheese boxes also are actually excellent containers. Secure and label Once you’ve work out how you would like your containers to sit in your drawer, you should use sticky-back Velcro tab to keep them in position. Simply fasten one side of the tab to the bottom of the drawer and the other side to the bottom of each container and press the tabs together to attach them together. Use store bought labels or make your own labels so that you can determine what is in each container easily. Putting it altogether You should tackle this project when you have enough time to dedicate to it, if you only have 15 or 20 minutes you will end up with a drawer that is more messy than it was before you started. Make cleaning your junk drawer a part of your monthly cleaning list. Remove any items that dont belong there, or the drawer will end up in a mess again in no time. Ensure you inform all family members about the drawer and explain what goes in there and what doesn't and warn them that you will be periodically throwing out all items that do not belong in there. Messy dis-organized drawers are a feature of most homes and it is difficult to keep on top of them if you do not have a system for them first. These tips above should give you some good ideas on how to keep on top of the junk drawer in your home.]]> Tim Peck, BVI resident for over 20 years and Chairman of OBMI, leading firm of Architects in the BVI and Caribbean, designed this home on spec based upon his preferred lifestyle “...open, free-flowing, clean and modern, and thoroughly respectful of location and context.” The result is a comfortably scaled, contemporary Caribbean home. Price:$1,550,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS up for rental, you may be wondering how to attract potential renters to your property. Prospective tenants don’t just appear you have to draw them in. There’s more to writing and marketing a rental listing than detailing the amount of bedrooms and bathrooms. Attract tenants through getting creative with deals and offers – here are a few ideas to get you started: Offer free high-speed Internet with rent. Setting up an internet service with a provider when moving into a new home is annoying for tenants. A good way to attract tenants is by reducing the stress on their moving process by including Internet within the rent. An additional plus side is that you will be more likely to attract professionals who thrive on being connected. Provide cable television service. Another annoying-to-buy-but-nice-to-have amenity is cable TV. By including a subscription, you will attract the prime sports, or soap-opera loving tenants who just don't want to have to deal with the opening, closing, and moving of their accounts every year. Your complex might not have the most modern updates, but there’s something to be said for all-you-can-watch television. Offer free public transport The morning commute is a drag, and costly gas prices just make matters worse. An excellent eco-friendly method to attract tenants - especially individuals without cars - is to have a free transportation system which will ferry tenants back and forth from your city’s transit hub every day. If you are situated in an urban area or your budget will not stretch to hiring a transportation system , instead provide a month’s pass for the city’s subway or bus transit system. Give 1 month’s rent free of charge. When free Internet, cable, and transport are simply not cutting it, you could revert back to the tried and true 1months free rent. This type of deal will help you fill your vacancy faster, and prevent having to pay maintenance, insurance, and utility costs on an empty unit for several or months. After all who in their right mind would turn down saving a few hundred dollars on rent? It is not always easy to get your property rented to the right tenants and it can be a stressful time while you are looking for reliable people. With these few incentives you can attract the right people and the added extras may even convince them to stay in your property for a long period.]]> There has been a demise of the special community spirit in the BVI that many in the Territory grew up with. However, it seems that given the right opportunity, individuals living in TORTOLA RENTALS and businesses are more than willing to dig deep and give up their time to help. The Governor and his staff decided to mark the festive season, by coordinating a project involving the many local businesses that were keen to support community initiatives. Coordinator, Vincent Wheatley identified a family on Virgin Gorda, who would benefit from some assistance with their house and garden, a date was set and the phone calls to local companies began. The Moorings offered a boat to transport the workers across to Virgin Gorda, and Clarence Thomas, Qwomar and Caribbean Colors provided all the paint and tools they needed to give the house a perfect paint job. While Minnies provided a host of lovely plants, to get the garden back to its best. Source:bvinews.com]]> Sitting on approx 3/4 acre Lot in the ever popular Havers Estate, "Breeze Haven" consists of a two x three bedroom Villas separated by a pool and deck with a fabulous view. The Master Bedroom in "Windward House" has a delightful view and its own ensuite bathroom. Price:$895,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, you will need to make sure you are fully prepared. If you have not already planned your party here are a few ideas to assist you in everything from advice on how to make your candles burn longer to information on hangover reducing care packages. 1. Dim your lights and fill the house with votive candles. Candles are the most romantic and cost effective way to create a festive party feel. To make your candles burn for longer, place them in a zip lock bag and put in the freezer the day before your party. 2. Buy pink bulbs at your local home store and swap the ones that are already in your lamps for the evening – you'll be amazed by the difference this simple idea can make to the atmosphere! 3. They may be silly, but people still love the traditional New Year's Eve party products for example noisemakers, hats, tiaras, boas, and horns. It is a good idea to dot these products around the house in decorative bowls so that your guests can use them throughout the evening and of course at the stroke of midnight. 4. Invite your guests to bring their favorite tunes with them, that way you will have a good mixture of music that everyone will like throughout the evening. It is also a good idea to make several mixed Cd's so that you are not continuously changing the music. 5. Casino themed parties are very popular for new years eve parties, if this sounds like the sort of party you and your guests would enjoy, you can rent games from local companies. Also consider creating your own pretend play money for guests to use. 6. On New Year's Eve, serve a specialty drink at the beginning of the party and champagne at midnight, then invite your guests to bring a bottle so they can have their favorite drinks. As the host you should ensure that you provide all the mixers, such as soda, tonic, lemon, limes and soft drinks etc. 7. For your menu, A good suggestion is to serve light snacks, for example vegetables and dip, pretzels, mini-pizzas, and chips. Then around 10:30 pm. Put out a breakfast type buffet with pre-made casseroles, danishes, and fruit. It makes a change for the guests and puts something in their stomach towards the end of the night. 8. When midnight comes around there will be plenty of kissing going on, so put some mints in your bathroom to keep things fresh! 9. Have numbers on hand for your local cab companies just in case your guests require a lift home. 10. As a favor, provide your guests fun care packages in small paper bags New Year's Day. Fill the bags with aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, vitamin C and you could even provide them with hot cocoa in a to-go container for the journey. New Years Eve is one of the most special evenings of the year, people get dressed up to enjoy a fun evening of drinks, food and music with their friends and family. If is your turn to host this year, these tips should assist you in holding the best party ever!!]]> Thousands of people are expected on Jost Van Dyke for their BVI VACATION, for back-to-back live performances by renowned Jamaican musicians Shaggy and Tarrus Riley. Shaggy and Final Faze will be starting the show on December 29th, while the Tarrus Riley concert , with Showtime Band and West Lindy, will kick off Old Year’s Night on December 31st. The “Lucky 13” event which is being hosted by Foxy’s will run for three nights in total. Foxy’s owner, Tessa Callwood, said: “Our event offers so much freedom and there are so many places to enjoy the festivities. Unlike some places, you don’t have to be stationary in a field or amphitheater; you can move around and enjoy yourself. Great things are also expected by Acting Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Malcia Smith Hamilton. She said: “Foxy’s Old Year’s Night is an exciting event that has increasingly become an intriguing fete for a great number of repeat visitors and new tourists from around the globe.” Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTAL and baking snacks with these easy Christmas crafts. The good news is that it's not necessary to spend lots of cash to create these Christmas crafts. Carols in the air, kids under your feet – you may be wondering how you can keep your little oned occupied while you get your house ready for the holidays? These simple Christmas craft ideas should keep them busy: Here comes Suzy Snowflake Kid-friendly scissors and plain white paper are the starting point for making a snowflake. Fold the paper in two, then fold the right side of the paper over at a 60 degree angle and follow with the left side (this will give you your six-point snowflake shape). You will have a triangular with "tails." Next- cut off the edges of your shape in an arc – you will now be left with a pie-shaped piece of paper. Cut small bits of your pie slice away then carefully unfold your snowflake. To enhance this Christmas craft further, you can glue a piece of colored tissue paper to the back of the snowflake and hang it in a window. A Christmas craft for the little angel Does your little girl love making her own jewelry? Encourage her to think a little more at this time of the year to be festively creative. She may enjoy taking those beaded, braided or otherwise created strands for her necklaces and brecelets and turn them into Christmas ornaments, festive tree decoration or decorations to put on wrapped gifts. A Christmas craft for that reluctant crafter Is your son more likely to want to play with cars and trucks than to enjoy a little craft-time at Christmas? The key is to give him an appealing and easy Christmas craft idea: If he doesnt decorate his own stocking, Santa may not leave anything fun in it! Any child, boy or girl will be perfectly happy to plaster their name on their stocking using glitter, glue or paint. All-in-one craft materials If you aren't the craftiest parent, don’t worry, you can find many sets with easy to make kids crafts, so you can sit them down and they will be able to follow the instructions to create their very own decorations for the tree or walls. So when you are working hard at preparing the family home for your holiday guests, the children will not only feel like they are helping, they will also be having fun doing it and allowing you to get all the tasks that must be done before the big day.]]> In his quest for success, Ayodele Odutayo has traveled far and wide, from Nigeria to the British Virgin Islands, then to Canada where he attained his dream. The 24 year old medical student is a 2013 recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship, which is an internationally renowned postgraduate award. A total of 83 students from universities around the world are chosen each year – 11 from Canada, including two from the province of Ontario, where Odutayo studies. Odutayo attended St. George’s Primary in Tortola, and then BVI High school, before his family relocated from their TORTOLA HOME to Canada. “I think the teaching I received in Tortola around the core subjects (Math, English, and Science) provided me with a very strong foundation and enabled me to succeed in Canada. I do remember that the music programme in BVI High school was amazing,” he said. Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS is the prime gathering place for family and friends during the holiday season. Even though you welcome this role and responsibility, you could also worry about how to deal with the visitors who'll soon be arriving. Because, after all, even the most cheerful host can turn grinch-like. Here are a few tips to help you to make hosting a little less stressful: 1. Suggest the explore the area in which you live Provide your visitors with a list of neighbourhood points of interest, maps, and ideas to encourage them to leave the house for a few hours. Thiss will clear the area to allow you to clean and prepare meals in peace, and it also gives everyone a change of scenery each day as well as creating memories 2. Have food at the ready Just because you are the host doesn't mean that you have to be tied to the kitchen 24 hours a day as an on call cook. To make your life easier, purchase ingredients for sandwiches, or other easy to make snacks and invite your guests to help themselves to food. Have ample snacks and fruit around to allow them to just pick it up and go! 3. Make your guests fell at home Even if your home is small, create a space for your guests to relax. Make a basket with books and magazines along with other activities. Ensure you provide extra towels, soap and other assorted toiletries your guests may require during their stay. 4. Put your guests to work It is very likely that your guests will insist on helping - either in the kitchen area or elsewhere, so why not take them up on the offer! Give them tasks such as dicing veggies, washing dishes, or going to the store for extra provisions. 5. Games, movies, and cards Getting out a puzzle, board games or cards with plenty of snacks in the evening will provide the perfect evening activities for you and your guests. Alternatively you could show them how to connect to the internet or find a movie to watch. It can be very stressful to have a house full of people over the holidays, however if you follow these simple tips it can also be a pleasure, happy hosting!]]> The BVI Hoop It Up Foundation will be conducting their second annual Basketball camp from December 17th - December 21st. The 2011 camp had an enrollment of over 130 children, some of who live in TORTOLA RENTALS and they all enjoyed the training they had received. "This year we will have an guest American basketball trainer as well as a local professional player, we try to make the camp fun and also make sure the children receive structured and organized training, camps are what we do and we urge parents to pop in from time to time to show their support and see how we run our camps" said a camp spokesman. The camp will be open to boys and girls ages 5-18, and will be conducted from 9am - 1pm. The idea of the camp, is to give children the opportunity to learn and improve basketball skills during their Christmas vacation. The registration fee is $30.00, which includes a camp T-shirt, and application forms will be available at most local schools. Source:bvinews.com]]> Set on the picturesque island of Frenchman's Cay, this recently constructed, pristine example of rarely available waterfront property has been built to offer uncompromising luxury and seclusion to satisfy the most discerning of clients. Price:$5,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS that is decorated with princesses, fairy's or cars, this may be a good time to re-decorate. Teens often want rooms that are comfortable and decorated in a way that reflects their individual personalities as we all know that this is a place your teen will be spending most of their time! As a parent enough storage space is vital to keep clutter to a minimum. Don’t clash over color Hot pink walls may not be your ideal color, however when it is something that your teen wants, why not? Try to remind yourself that it is your teens room and not yours, amd as paint is quite affordable, whenever your teens current phase comes to an end it will be possible to re-paint without too much expense. Allow it to be personal Visit your local art and craft store and get some canvases and acrylic paint to allow your teen to create wall are that is personal to them. If they have lots of photos of friends, help them find a way to use them to decorate their walls by arranging them in frames, hanging from picture wire or even under a desk mat. If you are going to do this however ensure that the pictures are easy to remove (we all know how fragile teen friendships can be). Storage Teens tend to have many things and even though they no longer use some of these things they may not be ready to get rid of these childhood reminders just yet. Storage is a necessity so that things like stuffed animals, games, trophies, books and clothes these things can be kept without creating clutter. Offer to sort through these items with your teen and decide where they will be stored together so that they can easily access them should they want to. Loft space is a good place to store the things that will likely never be used again. If you have the budget for new furniture, consider a bed with undermatress storage or with drawers underneath. In a small room, a loft bed will give you plenty of space for a desk or a dresser. Similarly, shelves or hanging cabinets can help to free up several square feet of floor space. Laundry If you have a teen it is highly likely that their laundry never makes it to your laundry basket and instead is usually decorating the floor of their bedroom. The solution to this problem? Put a basket in your teens room for them to put their dirty laundry in, of course there is no guarantee that this will work but it is worth a try. Letting your teen decorate the hamper themselves in a style that matches their newly decorated room may encourage them to use it. Hang-out space All teens need a quiet place to study, listen to music or hang out with friends. Even the smallest room will have a space for floor pillows or a cozy chair and even a small table to put snacks on. Depending on what your rules are, you may want tin include a tv and a video console to keep your teen and their guests entertained. If you and your teen work together on this project, you can come to an agreement on style and color, you may have to be prepared to compromise as a teens taste is never going to be exactly what you had in mind. By following these few simple tips you can make the whole process as easy as possible.]]> The panel of experts has been announced as speakers for the 2013 BVI Business Outlook Conference, that is scheduled for January 16th at the Scrub Island Resort. Event organizer Russell Harrigan explained that the event, which is being hosted by Business BVI, will be held under the theme “Thinking Outside The Box – Our Survival Depends On It.” He stated that speakers will address the new economy which has emerged after the global meltdown and recession of the last two years. The conference organizer is of the opinion that this new economy is far more competitive and regulated. As such, he said the conference will address what a small territory such as the BVI needs to do to maintain and exceed its economic position, for the good of everybody living on the island inBVI Property. He was thrilled that Stephen Vanterpool, a native BVIslander who has worked at Microsoft Amazon and is now employed as IOS developer at NBC Digital, will be speaking at the BVI Business Outlook Conference on the issue of developing a sustainable third leg to the BVI economy. Scotiabank BVI Ltd was announced as sponsorship partner for the 2013 Conference. Source:bvinews.com]]> Tim Peck, BVI resident for over 20 years and Chairman of OBMI, leading firm of Architects in the BVI and Caribbean, designed this home on spec based upon his preferred lifestyle “...open, free-flowing, clean and modern, and thoroughly respectful of location and context.” The result is a comfortably scaled, contemporary Caribbean home. Making the most of the location’s spectacular views, it provides all the benefits of a manageable luxury condo with the privacy and pride of ownership of stand alone villa. Price:$1,550,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI VACATION HOME and just having some outside access doesn’t always have the desired effect. Potential purchasers may want to consider a house with inviting space outdoors. The important word you should keep in mind when determining the value of outside space is “usable.” Having a usable easily accessible outside space in the house that can be used all year round certainly helps sell a house. So if you are planning to sell your home and have the goods, you should be sure to showcase your wonderful outdoor space to potential buyers. If you have an outdoor space which is detached from your property, such as a garden one floor down from your condo, you should still point it out to your potential purchasers. Listed here are a few of tips about how to get the best out of your outdoor space Add comfortable, inviting outside furniture. Is the stereo system system connected to outside loudspeakers? If this is the case, be sure to point this out. Play music (softly) outdoors during your open house. Do you have a backyard grill? Make sure its clean and prominently displayed. Landscape. Plant flowers, pull weeds, thin out any scraggly trees and shrubbery, and make sure the grass is freshly mowed. Consider low-maintenance lawn options. Turf grasses and ground covers are a good way to help make your lawn more appealing. They’re low-maintenance too, which many busy professionals today will appreciate. And lawn alternatives can be, ironically, “green” - eliminating the need for herbicides and gas-powered lawnmowers. This may seem extreme, but you could also attempt to add a deck or patio to your backyard if you don't have one. It's definitely an investment, but often one that will pay for itself and more. An outside space is definitely an asset for anyone attempting to sell a house. Think of it as an extension of your home. The better it looks, the better the inside of your home will look - and, with luck, potential purchasers will love your home enough to purchase it.]]> At the A. O Shirley Recreation Ground yesterday, and after more than three hours exciting play viewed by an excited crowd, some of whom on their BVI VACATION, it came down to one play by national player Andre Adams. Adams made an 80-yard game winning carry, to give Arawaks the BVI Invitational 7's title, 12-7 against the visiting St. Thomas Buccaneers A. The path to the final saw both teams overpowering the other teams in the tournament, including St. Thomas Buccaneers B, the San Juan Rugby Club and the BVI Barbarians. Against the Buccaneers B, Jimmy Peters scored early to give the Arawaks a 5-nil lead, but the Buccaneers stormed back to take a 7-5 lead as Mark Grimes scored and then John Brugos converted the kick. With about three minutes left, the Arawaks inserted Adams for the first time. A superb The defensive stand resulted in a turnover, and a pass on the right wing gave Adams open field position to run. His only obstacle was a lone desperate Buccaneers defender, who missed the tackle and allowed Adams the easy score. Arawaks converted the kick for a 12-7 victory as time expired. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> The rolling hills above Lambert Beach provide views and vistas equal to any in the BVI. One home may face Virgin Gorda and the rising sun, while its neighbour looks towards Guana Island, Jost Van Dyke and glowing sunsets. Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS a thorough clean, it's very easy to get confused with all the different cleaning products on the market. Glass cleaner, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, stove top cleaner, disinfectant, deodorizer … they all have a long list of chemicals, trying to convince you that you cannot do without it for the task you need to perform But do you really need it? The answer is no. Rather than buying cabinets full of specific, costly (and toxic) cleaning products, you should use these five basic ingredients to carry out over 40 different household tasks, from removing tea stains to eliminating bugs. Baking Soda White distilled vinegar Ammonia Liquid dish soap Non-toxic Melamine foam pads Below, we’ve listed each product with the task it can be used for.. Now, you’ll have a much better problem to tackle: What do you do with all that empty cabinet space – not to mention all the money you have saved Baking Soda *Keep bouquets fresh by putting a teaspoon of baking soda in the water at the bottom of the vase. *Remove grease from baking sheets by mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing. *Ward off mustiness inside your linen closet by placing an open box of baking soda at the back. *Dust your bed mattress with baking soda to get rid of grime and moisture. *Eliminate fridge smells by placing an open box of baking soda on the back shelf. *Relieve baby’s diaper rash by mixing 2 tbsps of baking soda with the little one’s bath water. *Polish your silver with a mixture of salt, baking soda and warm water. *Clean your toilet bowl by scrubbing it with a 2-to-1 ratio of baking soda and olive oil. *Use as anti-itch cream for insect bites, poison ivy or rashes by mixing baking soda with water to produce an anti-itch paste. White vinegar Deodorize your kitchen drain by rinsing it weekly with white vinegar. Tie a baggie filled with white vinegar around your polished brass shower head to get rid of muck and built-up residue within an hour. Add a mug of white vinegar to your dishwater and soak for 25 minutes to shine glasses. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water to clean windows. Clean your dishwasher by eliminating detergent buildup and difficult-water stains: Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into your dishwasher and run on empty with warm water. Eliminate ant infestations by squirting bugs with a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar. Soften and freshen laundry by adding white vinegar to clean water. Clean chandeliers by making a spray from water and white vinegar. Ammonia To clean jewelery, soak in a solution of 1 part ammonia and one part cold water. Remove scuff marks and grime from white footwear by scrubbing with a solution of equal parts water and ammonia. Lift carpet stains by squirting a 50/50 combination of ammonia and warm water. Clean bathroom and kitchen tile flooring with a mixture of water and ammonia. To shine crystal, mix 2 cups of water with a couple of drops ammonia and wipe. Rinse with cold water. Remove sweat stains from clothing by dabbing with ammonia before washing. Clean hairbrushes by soaking in a combination of 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 cup water. Liquid dish soap Kill weeds on your sidewalk by mixing 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of white vinegar and 1 cup salt. Pour the mixture onto weeds. Make your own icepack that stays cooler for longer than regular icepacks by filling a Ziploc bag with dish cleaning soap and freezing for at least 30 minutes. To clean cloth diapers, add a couple of drops of dish soap to your washer and run with warm water. Prevent car repair tools from rusting by soaking them in a combination of dish soap and water. Clean ceramic and linoleum flooring by mixing of a small amount of dish cleaning soap with cold mop water. (Don’t use on hardwood flooring!) Prevent eyeglasses from clouding up by rubbing a little drop of dish soap to lenses. It'll leave a little layer of film that prevents them from clouding. Produce an effective DIY cleaner for showers and bath tubs by mixing white vinegar and dish soap. Non-toxic Melamine foam pads Remove crayon marks and fingerprints from walls. To wash leather child car seats, saturate Non-toxic Melamine foam pads with water, making sure you squeeze out any excess, then lightly rub onto leather. Remove tea stains from mugs and teapots by rubbing with a moist Non-toxic Melamine foam pad. Rinse dry and clean. Remove adhesive residue left by stickers by rubbing by rubbing with Non-toxic Melamine foam pads. Use the Non-toxic Melamine foam pads on porch posts and gutters to get rid of mildew and moss residue. Remove water rings from wood by dabbing the spot with mayonnaise, then wiping having a Non-toxic Melamine foam pad. Apply to plastic toys to sanitize, rinsing well with water after. Use on your vehicle to clean the steering wheel and dashboard. Who knew there were so many things that you could use these simple easy to find ingredients on, this great guide will help you to save money and free-up some much needed cabinet space!]]> The latest cruise ship destined for the BVI’s shores, is Vision of the Seas, a 78,000 ton ship which began its journey in Fort Lauderdale two days ago, making Tortola its first port of call. Vision of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean Cruises fleet in 1998. At the moment, Vision of the Seas is on a 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise and departs for St. Maarten tomorrow. She is to make five calls to the territory this year. According to the Government Information Service, the ship brought 1,995 visitors to the territory for BVI VACATION and was officially welcomed by Minister for Communications and Works Honorable Mark Vanterpool. Also present were Government officials from the Premier´s Office, BVI Tourist Board and the BVI Ports Authority. Many of the visitors chose to stay in the wonderful Source:bvinews.com]]> IThis well known successful business enjoys an excellent reputation among both tourists and the local business sector. Turn key operation located in the centre of BVI’s capital. Price:$700,000 Read more about this listing]]> Four youngsters will represent the British Virgin Islands in the Sagicor 22nd Annual OECS Swimming Championships. One of the lucky four, is Bradford Green, who attends Cedar International School, lives in a BVI HOUSE and represents Mako’s Swim Club. In its two years of participating in the contest, the BVI has won a total of 16 medals. The championships will take place at the Antigua Athletic Club from November 9th to 11th. Other participating countries include Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Another of the youngsters who will represent the territory in the Sagicor 22nd Annual OECS Swimming Championships, is Giselle Archibald Bowers. Giselle, like Bradford also attends the Cedar International School, and represents the Mako’s Swim Club. Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS owner or landlord, these 12 steps will assist you when you are in the process of preparing your home to show to perspective renters. Getting your property "Rent ready" means the home has been cleaned, fixed, or renovated so that it is in a rent-able condition for new tenants. 1. Re-key the locks. re-program the garage door and alarm codes. Re-key all outside doors, along with mail box, side gates and outside shed locks. Re-keying and recoding locks makes old keys useless - this is important as you will not know who may have had the old keys and codes. 2. Have the carpets professionally cleaned. Professional “full-steam and shampoo” rug cleaning is most effective. 3. Spruce the yard. Cut the grass, trim the shrubbery, prune the trees, pull the weeds, fix damaged sprinkler heads, replace dead or dying shrubbery, and then add new flowering plants (if it is the growing season) to flower beds. 4. Change air filters. Along with changing the air filters, clean the vents and surrounding ceiling areas, it's not a bad idea to replace any re-usable filters with disposable ones. Disposable air filters don't require monthly cleaning. 5. Get a professional top to bottom interior clean. Tenants expect their apartment to be clean for move-in. Professional cleaners will get all areas of your home clean. 6. Let in some light. Replace any damaged bulbs and consider investing in energy-efficient lights, which reduce energy costs and will not need to be changed as frequently. give outside lights that do not need changing a good clean, dirt and debris often make these lights dimmer. 7. Inspect ceiling fans. Ensure all fans (indoor and outdoor) are operating correctly and are dust-free. This is particularly important if the rental property is older and has not been inspected in a while. 8. Clean away all webs (cob and spider). Clean all indoor webs that are hanging in corners and walls. On the outside, clean all webs near to doorways, overhangs and lights. 9. Inspect and clean home windows and sliding glass doors. Home windows and (especially) sliding glass doors can gather dirt. A good cleaning will not just let in more light but can also make them work properly. 10. Clean, repair or replace screens. Torn screens makes it possible for unwanted pests to get into your apartment, and also make the property look untidy. 11. Spray for pests. It's better to achieve the property sprayed regularly than to wait until you have a problem with pests. It is a good idea to hire a professional pest control company to give the property a full treatment. 12. Paint, repair and fix. Fix any homes in the walls before applying fresh paint. Repair or replace any carpet that is damaged. Fix or replace any broken tiles. Renting your property can be a stressful process, and getting the home "Rent Ready" can be confusing. However these steps should give you a good guideline on how to prepare your home for new tenants.]]> A Pristine 3 Bedroom Home in Private, Gated Estate with Exceptional Ocean, Island and Sunset Views. Price:$1,495,000 Read more about this listing]]> A Pristine 3 Bedroom Home in Private, Gated Estate with Exceptional Ocean, Island and Sunset Views. Price:$1,495,000 Read more about this listing]]> Fine Foods supermarket in the East End area, is undergoing some major renovations and has been completely gutted since the closing of the store on October 20th. The store will be completely refurbished, and will open its doors on November 1st. Customers living on the island and those who are on BVI VACATION can expect to see the addition of a new and improved fresh meat case stocked with a wider variety of Fish, meat , and chicken and also an expanded fresh produce section. Based on the layout of the floor plan the aisles will be wider and more accommodating and the new color scheme should add the feel of a more relaxed environment. The Shareholders, Roadtown Wholesale Trading Limited and the residents of the Long Look/ East End area, are very pleased with the investment being made in this project as it will bring greater convenience, and will present a completely new and delightful shopping experience to the patrons and residents of the East End Community. Fine Foods was established in December, 1970 and five years later the supermarket was moved to its own building at its current location and has been serving the community ever since. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> We are delighted to present a beautifully designed two bedroom villa with a pool situated within a few moments walk of Long Bay beach. The design of the home allows its occupants to really take advantage of the stunning vistas down the length of Long Bay beach to the west and across Apply Bay to the North East. Price: $1,800,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, but only if it is well-maintained from year to year. In the case that your deck is showing signs of weather and wear, some simple maintenance together with a new coat of stain or sealer can make it look new again. The job is one that can be easily carried out over a weekend or 2 of DIY. Before you start, remove everything from your decking. You will need to sweep the entire area to eliminate any leaves, twigs, needles or branches, plus debris that is lodged between boards. Clean the deck well with decking detergent (available at most home centers and hardware stores) and follow manufacturer instructions on best use. Ensure the cleaner you are going to use is ok for that type of deck. A stiff bristle broom will be helpful when eliminating mildew stains, ingrained dirt and grime. When the deck is clean and dry, examine the state of the wood. Are there any boards that are loose, raised or have splinters? If there are they must be fixed. Does the wood look worn? A little sanding will help to revive the wood and raise the grain for better stain absorption. Tools and materials *Stain/sealer *Rubber gloves *Paintbrush *Roller with extension pole *Goggles *Rags and drop cloth Directions 1. Choose a weekend when the forecast is for dry weather, and if possible, try to avoid staining in sunlight. (Always test the stain on a small area and let it dry to ensure the color is the one you wanted.) 2. Use a bristle brush and start by heavily coating the open-end grain of the boards. Then brush two to three boards from one end to the other in long, smooth strokes. To avoid lap marks, ensure the edges stay wet so that wet stain is brushed into wet stain. 3. Apply one coat of stain and wait for it to dry. Remember more stain is not always better. In the event you over-apply, stain may peel or crack when unprotected against moisture, or may possibly not dry properly. allow the stain dry for 2 days before using the deck again and before you return your garden furniture. Seasonal maintenance will help to keep the wood deck in peak condition. As a general rule, if you see that the deck is repelling water, the existing stain is still doing its job.]]> The BVI Tourist Board is going all out to encourage participation, from both the local population and visitors on their BVI VACATION. Director of the Board, Malcia Smith Hamilton, said an exciting program has been planned to kick off this year’s tourism month. “The BVI Tourist Board is celebrating tourism in November with festivities to engage the general public both locally and internationally throughout the entire month. These festivities provide opportunities for camaraderie between the public and those charged with developing and maintaining the gem of Nature’s Little Secrets,” she said. She continued: “We encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate tourism with us during the month. We have designed a Tourism Month to entice foodies, lure adventurers, challenge photographers, empower youth, push green initiatives and stimulate an overall interest in our vast tourism product.” Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS: painting, purchasing furniture, getting on with roommates. Although these things are important, there are also smaller items that are just as necessary to have around in case you need them. You may not appreciate this today or tomorrow, but you will at some time. So, be prepared just like a good scout. The hardware store should carry everything in this list. Screwdriver, hammer and wrench Every home must have a little toolbox, but at the bare minimum you'll need this trio of tools. Imagine: How would you hang pictures with no hammer? How would you assemble your furniture with no screwdriver? How would you adjust your bicycle saddle with no wrench? Tape-measure If you're shopping for furniture, you’ll need to know exactly much space you have to fit in a bed, couch or dining room table. And when you’re hanging pictures, you will want to make sure that you are centering them. A tape measure can assist you with all these jobs. Scissors Scissors are highly underrated. You can use them to open boxes which are shipped to you, cut tags off your brand-new clothes, open that impossible plastic vacuum-packed container around the new earphones you purchased – In other words scissors can come in handy for a number of things so it is therefore sensible to purchase a sturdy pair. Bulbs The lightbulb burns out in your windowless bathroom. If you have bulbs stored in a drawer you will be able to solve the issue within 3 seconds. Otherwise, you will end up showering in the dark before you can go out and purchase some bulbs. Consider getting some now, before really becomes a problem. Calculator Maybe you can use an application on your phone or perhaps your computer, but whatever it is you will need a way apart from using your mind and your rusty grade-school algebra to complete math. For example, it’s unlikely for you to do your taxes without a calculator. And will your roommates trust your long division whenever you split common expenses with only paper and pencil? Be certain and buy a calculator. Flashlight If the power goes out, you will be glad you have one. Enough said. When you are planning to move into a new home, it is a good idea to ensure that you have these essentials, so that you can solve any problem that may arise as you are settling in. ]]> Hidden away, amongst the vibrant pink Boganvilla, leafy palms and manicured gardens, lies this most charming of Caribbean dwellings. A place where time really does stand still... Price:$1,600,000 Read more about this listing]]> The new H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's Culinary Arts Center was officially handed over by Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. the Honorable D. Orlando Smith, during a brief ceremony yesterday. "As my Government continues to `Brand BVI´ like never before, we are looking to this Culinary Arts Center to help us position ourselves in the global market, promoting to the world our talented chefs and local cuisine." The Premier said. He continued, "We all know that exceptional customer service can only lead to new and repeat customers and it can make our tourism product more attractive and marketable," further commenting, "Additionally, this new facility will help to introduce our students to careers in the tourism sector, thus making sure future generations have a greater stake in the society." Minister for Education and Culture Honorable Myron Walwyn, remarked that the Government of the Virgin Islands places much emphasis on the development of the Territory´s tourism, explaining that the new center is an example of such a commitment. This will be a great boost and will encourage those taking a BVI VACATION to return. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> This ideally situated property is located at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda above the famous Baths. Sea views are available from the Atlantic in the east to the Sir Francis Drake Channel, Tortola, and sunsets in the west. Price:$6,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI HOME for quite a few hours every day, it may be a good idea to build an inside play room for your dog. These rooms are far more comfortable than small crates, and when the area is filled with toys and amenities, your pup will thank you for this. Once you remove all the furniture from the room, you may need to make use of a storage unit, you can easily locate your nearest one by searching on the web. When the room is empty, it’s time for you to carry out some alterations. Depending on how old the dog is, you may want to install a doggy door, ideally one which leads outdoors right into a gated area where your pup can play and also relieve himself. If you do not install a doggy door, you’ll require a doggy toilet, and it is usually best to place this as far away from his sleeping area as possible. Inside his room you will need to ensure there is water and food, chew toys and a lot of ventilation. In fact you may want to put a large window in the room if it doesn't already have one. If you have to walk through the room frequently, it will be sensible to put the dog’s play area in the corner of the room. Also, make sure you've tile or hardwood floors in the room, as this will make it much easier to clean up the inevitable accidents. If your dog is a television lover, bring a TV into the room and leave it on animal planet while you are out. Rugs, padded beds and pillows are nice amenities, particularly if your pup is a burrower. Indoor playrooms are a great alternative to crates. They ensure that your dog is in a comfortable, yet contained environment. By having an indoor play room, you can be sure that the he is entertained and that your furniture is not getting ruined while you are out.]]> Three members of the BVI Yatch Club secured victories in their respective categories, bringing pride and joy to the BVI over the weekend, when they participated in the annual Columbus Day Regatta. Coach of the BVI team, Omari Scott, said the results are really encouraging. ‘I am really really happy with the results because the kids have been training very hard to better themselves and to become better sailors. I am even more impressed with Amelie Clark who is the only girl we have right now on the Opti-race team. I hope that we will continue to work hard and practice hard and hope for better in the future,” he said. The Opti-Champ category which involved a total of 19 competitors was won by the BVI’s Jason Putley. His team-mate Sam Morrell secured second position in that event. Matthew Oliver of the BVI finished third in the Laser-Radical category which involved five other contestants. Colin Brego and Nicholas Gartner of the St. Thomas Yacht Club finished first and second respectively. This would have been a great day out for anybody on their VIRGIN ISLAND VACATION here. Source:bvinews.com]]> Beautifully appointed villa nestled on the western shore of Virgin Gorda. Sandy beaches, teeming coral reefs, verdant tropical gardens. Breathtaking sunsets from the river rock pool. Elegant suites and living areas. Luxury amenities. Two beautifully appointed master suites with huge king size beds. En suites bathrooms with a romantic double shower or luxurious double jacuzzi. Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> BARBADOS REAL ESTATE? Not the type of home office that you have attractive furniture in, yet you only use it to store books. I am talking about the type of office at home you need to be productive in. Whether it’s your main place for working, you use it for paying bills, using the computer, etc… Your home office should somewhere you can be productive and feel good in whenever go into it, and then leave it! If you don't feel that your home office is what it should be here are 5 tips to make the space more productive: DECLUTTER: Create a list. Which items stored in the office are used regularly? What items have just been sitting there for weeks, months or even years without being used?! Before moving onto the next step - de-clutter. Figure out what office supplies you will need and give all others away or use in another room if you can. CLEAN: This tip is vital for just about any room you spend time in. when your environment is clean, so is your mind which will allow you to become more creative and productive. If there is trash, old newspapers, magazines or old paperwork cluttering up your desk, throw it out. PRIORITIZE: Decide which items can be used for activity in the office. If you have a television in your office and it distracts you from the purpose of being in there, take it out. Kid’s toys and other such items shouldn't be in your office space. When you start using the space for more than work, it is likely that you will perform that activity before you work. ORGANIZE: As you have completed the first couple of tips, its now time to organize your remaining space. Divide your office into zones. 1 - Storage: Things that can go into a closet, for example office supplies, reference materials that are rarely used. 2 - Desk Products: Only the bare essentials should be on your desk, pens/pens, computer, staple remover and tape. Anything should be put away in a desk drawer to avoid an untidy desk. 3 - Display: For books, and magazines use organizers designed for bookshelves. These organizers can group them together, and be easy to reach. A couple of pictures and souvenirs may be used to personalize your office space. LIGHT: If the room you are setting up your home office in is dark, figure out why. Open windows, buy different drapes, or fit light fittings which will brighten your office. When you can see clearly, you are likely to stay in the space for longer and be more productive. Ensure there is a good temperature and ventilation. If you are too hot or cold, you will want to leave the office quickly. Your office at home should be as comfortable as your living room. Productivity will be achieved when you are relaxed and organized, and want to stay in the space. Doing office work isn’t always enjoyable, however, you can make your office more enjoyable right?]]> For the last few years, BVI Cable TV has been providing a mixture of English and Spanish content. The problem is that the BVI is viewed as being part of the Latin American market. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, said the BVI and residents of TORTOLA RENTALS are not alone when it comes to the issue of Latin content being provided by cable operators to residents of in English-speaking countries of the Caribbean. The CTU and the International Telecommunications Union intend to sit down for talks at the World Conference on International Telecommunications, taking place in Port of Spain, Trinidad. "We intend to attend that meeting and to have a voice in that meeting with the help of the CTU in order that we can let the ITU know that the BVI is an English speaking country and the content that we are providing is not suitable for the BVI," said Guy Malone, CEO of the BVI Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. The concerns with Cable TV programmes started after new owners, Caribbean Asset Holdings, LLC Innovative Companies took control of the company in March 2011. Some of the concerns expressed about the new networks include the expanded range of Latin content, which is no use to residents of Source:bviplatinum.com]]> Set above a lovely, secluded sandy beach, this approx. 5,600 sqft Mediterranean style Villa is truly unique. Exceptionally high vaulted ceilings allow this very spacious home to benefit from cooling ocean breezes. Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> Scotiabank Limited, will be celebrating Small Business Week from September 24th, to the 29th, with branches focusing on entrepreneurs, with a series of activities which include a developmental workshop and small business customer displays in both branches. "At Scotiabank, we know the valuable contribution of small business owners to the growth of the British Virgin Islands Economy. We are excited to see the large amount of entrepreneurs who seize the opportunity daily to invest in their dreams and put their plans into action. I am particularly proud of the females who are involved in driving this market," said Andy Davis, Small Business Banking Manager with Scotiabank. Scotiabank Managing Director, Ms Joycelyn Murraine said "We are committed to helping entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals, offering relevant advice; services and tools that will help them start and grow their small business. We believe that financial literacy and business planning and knowledge are vital to our client´s business success." Scotiabank´s small business representatives will be having an open house, inviting the public living in BVI HOMES to speak with them about financing your business ideas. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> Versatile 3 bedroom Condo on Virgin Gorda ]]> Stunning ocean views and limitless secluded sandy beaches. Anegada is eleven miles long by three wide. It is the only coral island with amazing reefs, in the British Virgin Islands. This piece of property is unique as it is beachfront and in a prime location. Price:$200,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS to look, to operate, to feel. But how can you communicate this vision to your architect, and to those who will build the walls and fit the counter-tops. The way to achieve a successful home improvement or remodeling project is ensuring all parties - you, your architect, and your contractor - all completely understand that picture in your head. Listed here are a few good ideas to help you make your vision very clear: 1) Collect and Organize Whenever you see something you would like for your home, take a picture of it; tear the page from the magazine or print it from your computer. Even if the photo or drawing has only a small factor you want, get it on paper. A good way to locate lots of images is to get home magazines at book stores or diy stores. A great resource may be the internet, where one can find sites and create an “idea book” from 100s of 1000's of high-quality photographs. After you have some images, obtain a binder of some kind and organize all of your photos and cuttings into groups by room ensuring you keep it updated. 2) Look Inside It's very easy to consider that your puepose as the, homeowner, is to come up with solutions for your project. Even though there is definitely a time for this, it’s far more essential that you first concentrate identifying the problems. This means carefully and honestly analyzing your everyday life with regards to your home – does it do what you would like or need it to do? The more detail you provide about which elements of your home do and do not work for you will make it easier for you to come up with solutions. Request all who live in your home with you for their ideas, in detail – after all, they have to live in the home, too! Write everything down, regardless of how small or “crazy” it might appear. It’s through this type of honest inspection that you will have the ability to identify your real needs. 3) Research A successful design and contruction project is dependent on equal expectations; the more knowledge you have about construction and designs the better! You will find many great books and websites to help you better understand your home, and also the issues you need to know about to ensure your project is a success. It can be difficult to know where to start when you are embarking on a remodeling project, however with these simple tips you should be able to begin deciding what it is you need from your home for it to work better for you.]]> Over the next two weeks, Baugher's Bay locals will have a renovated basketball court as works to resurface the court are being undertaken. Work began last Sunday, and are expected to be completed by September 25th, when the court will be reopened. Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines said, "It means a lot to the locals because they have been getting some injuries on the court for the longest while, with I guess how it was done originally. So for quite a while they have been asking to have the entire court resurfaced.” " You know we started the Sixth District basketball tournament, but we could not play in Baugher's Bay because of seating, poor lighting and so on; so this year it will be held there. They started on Sunday, scrubbing the court to prepare it. “ she continued. Hon. Maduro-Caines said she approached Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith for assistance to renovate the court for the youth living on the island and for those who come out regularly for their BVI VACATION and "he gladly did" with monies from his special funds. Sopurce:bviplatinum.com]]> Set in 2 beautifully landscaped tropical acres, this 3 bedroom Estate home offers complete privacy and spectacular ocean, island and sunset views out over Spring Bay to Sir Francis Drake Channel. Little Trunk Beach is only a few moments walk from the property. Price:$2,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS or temporary storage space a lot more efficient. Think ahead by deciding what supplies you’ll need on-hand during the move, and ensure your toolbox is fully filled with the essentials. Heed these tips and breathe deeply - your possessions will be safe, sound and organized when you are finished. 1. Boxes and permanent markers. Boxes are much simpler to stack and organize than bags, and you can label all of them with bold markers for convenient identification. Find boxes free of charge in the supermarket, or buy some at the self-storage facility. Sometimes it’s easier to buy new to get sturdy construction and uniform sizing, which facilitates safer stacking and space-efficiency. 2. Packing tape. A great roll of duct tape could be a lifesaver in any situation. For that more visually sensitive mover, clear 2-inch wide packaging tape is the best tool to fasten your boxes. Remember, you never realize just how much tape you'll need before running out. To have a couple spare will come in handy as back-up. 3. Wrappings. If this involves protecting your possessions, you cant ever be too safe. Save newspapers while you begin to plan the move, so it's not necessary to scratch around for them at the last minute. Bubble wrap is fantastic for more compact precious items, while moving pads and packing blankets ought to be sandwiched between and wrapped around furniture along with other large pieces. 4. Dolly or flat-bed cart. There’s a high probability your storage facility may have one of these on-site to use for free for the move-in and move-out, but call ahead of time to make certain. You shouldn't need to inefficiently drag or carry heavy boxes over the parking area, individually. These prove useful for DIY home moving too, especially when you need to haul something to the farthest end of the home towards the truck outdoors. 5. Sturdy storage lock. A good self-storage lock ought to be a top investment to guarantee the security and safety of your possessions. Avoid standard padlocks or combination padlocks, which aren't made to withstand the best break-in attempt. Instead, select a closed-shackle padlock or disc lock. Your facility manager can suggest the very best type for his or her doors. If you follow these tips closely, you should have a smooth moving day whether you are moving into a new home or simply moving some of your possessions to a storage unit.]]> Users of the internet in the British Virgin Islands will soon benefit from a faster service, as the region gets its own Internet DNS server, this is great news to business owners and residents of TORTOLA RENTALS. The BVI will be the first British Overseas Territory and one of only a handful of countries in the Caribbean to have its own Domain Name System, or DNS. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has teamed up with U.S.-based Packet Clearing House, a non-profit organization, to strengthen the Territory’s Internet infrastructure. The equipment required is being donated to the BVI by PCH. The Chief Executive Officer of the TRC, Guy Lester Malone said, “The BVI was the first British Overseas Territory to establish an Internet exchange point. Now we are building on that foundation by adding additional equipment and services that will benefit Internet users and businesses across the territory.” The minister responsible for technology, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, said that development of the Information and Communications Technology sector is a priority for the BVI. He is pleased to see many businesses in the BVI using Information Technology. Source:bvinews.com]]> This beautiful island home is in immaculate condition.Built in 1993/4 and completely renovated in 1999. The masonry construction is mixed with beautiful custom joinery and hardwoods, some of which were rescued and restored from an old shipwreck. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> Minister for Education and Culture Myron Walwyn announced at a recent press conference, that H. Lavity Stoutt Community College was granted the status of Candidate for Accreditation, following a meeting on June 28, 2012 with the Middle State Commission on Higher Education in Philadelphia USA. This is great news for future pupils living in TORTOLA RENTALS on the island. The meeting allowed the institution to initiate a self-study, in preparation for an evaluation visit in 2014-15. If successful in the evaluation, HLSCC will be listed as a Candidate for Accreditation in the Commission’s Directory, and also in the list of Accredited and Candidate Institutions, published annually for the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. The Minister explained that “this achievement by the institution represents a major step on the journey towards full accreditation.” He pointed out that since its application in 2006, the College has been reviewing internal practices and implementing necessary policies and changes in keeping with MSCHE guidelines.” He announced that the next few years will call for intense effort on the part of the institution, as the final step towards accreditation is attempted. Source:bvinews.com ]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer’s Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late ‘60s for Dr. Upjohn of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price: $4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI VACATION homes, sorting out a musty basement or you just want to freshen up your home, here are some tips to assist you in eliminating odors. Find and eliminate the source of the smell: You will only be able to achieve so much to make a room smell more pleasant without eliminating the source of the smell completely. You might need to clean walls to eliminate mold, take up floorboards or carpet that are permanently soiled or take other drastic measures if you have serious odor. You will need to investigate so that you can find the cause of the smell and remove it before doing anything else. Clean areas one at a time: Carpet: Sprinkle baking powder over the area to soak up the odor. Vacuum the powder after an hour or so. To keep baking soda fresh, you can keep a box of it in the fridge. Basement: You may not believe it but onions are excellent odor eliminators. Cut an onion in 2 and leave on a plate in the basement to absorb moldy smells. Departing out clean, dry charcoal briquettes will also work. Kitchen: Make your sink smell fresh by putting orange, grapefruit or lemon peels in the garbage disposal. Living room: White vinegar, similar to onions, soak up smells. Simply Pour some into a bowl and close door to the room to eliminate odor. For better results, get air circulating within the room by opening doors and windows, you can even turn on a fan if you have one. Entire house: Heavy perfumed scents make an odor worse. Rather than using a perfumed candle or plug-in, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to eliminate air odors. If you still want that vanilla scent you can add a scented candle or plug-in afterward. Fresh fresh paint it Over: In the event you purchased an older home, it is likely that the home will have a musty smell. The house proprietors may have smoked in the house too. One of the easiest techniques to mask these smells is to repaint rooms to literally cover the scents that linger on the walls. If you follow these simple tips, you will have very pleasant odor in your home in no time. ]]> The Virgin Islands athletes returned home from the XXX Olympiad last week and shared their experiences at a press conference hosted by the BVI Olympic Committee. The focus of the conference was on the legacy of the Games, and the way forward for the athletes who may live in TORTOLA RENTALS who will represent the VI at future international games. Speakers included Mr Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC, London 2012 BVI athletes, 100m runners Mrs Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and Mr J’Maal Alexander, and delegates Chef De Mission and National Athletic Coach, Mr Xavier Dag Samuels, athletic coach, Mr Winston Potter, His Excellency Governor Boyd McCleary. As part of his role as Chef de Mission, Mr Samuels will present the BVIOC with a comprehensive report on the London 2012 organization, participation, and performance of the athletes and delegates. “Starting next year, we will see better days,” said Mr Potter. “We have a bunch of young athletes coming up and you will see some great performances. There’s a lot to be done in terms of organizing participation in games. The whole aspect of games has changed and we have caught up but over time the competitive arena has taken on different turns and we need to adapt to those turns.” Source:bvinews.com]]> Long Bay as long been established as one of Tortola's finest resorts, boasting a spectacular sandy beach, glorious ocean, island and sunset views and fantastic resort facilities including restaurant, bars, pool, tennis courts, spa and gym. Price:$485,000 Read more about this listing]]> A beautiful pair of Mikimoto pearl earrings and a necklace were presented to the newly crowned Miss BVI Sharie DeCastro, as the first pageant heirloom on August 16th at the Little Switzerland store in Road Town. The store is often visited by tourists staying in one of the many nearby BVI VACATION rentals. The Manager of Little Switzerland Josiah Russel, said his company is happy to collaborate with the Tourist Board on such a great initiative, stating that the now sentimental piece can be worn by Miss BVI to various events both locally and internationally. Tourist Board Representative Kevis Hughes explained that the venture was more than a year in coming and noted that he had the pleasure of selecting the heirloom piece. Hughes said that he drew inspirations from pageants such as Miss Universe and wanted the piece to have symbolism and meaning. “Mikimoto” is a name not only associated with the leading Japanese Pearl Jewelery House, but is also internationally respected for quality, expert craftsmanship and customer service. Source:bvinews.com]]> BVI VACATION home. Clutter eats equity - occupies space and causes homes to feel much smaller, most sellers have too many things in their homes. Whether you are planning to market your home, or simply want easy ways to de-clutter your home, here are some great tips listed below: Purge Have a critical look at all your possessions and decide whether you use regularly. Keep only that which you love, use or wear. If you are not sure whether you would miss the sweater or book put it away somewhere to see if you need it in a few days. Chances are you will not miss it at all. Assign a location Always searching for your car and house keys, the remote control or paperwork? Decide on a location for these items and ensure you always leave them there. Buy bins, put labels on them and encourage all who live in the household to put things in their proper places. Ensure that the bins are somewhere that makes sense- it shouldn’t be harder to find things now that they are organized. To save time going up and down the stairs, place a bin at the bottom of the stairs and place items that need to go up in there. When you or someone else in the house next goes upstairs take the bin and return the items to their proper places. Turn Clutter into Decor A cluster of items such as glass jars holding office supplies for example can look like a planned accessory for any room. Woven baskets for blankets, or wooden crates for bathroom products can all stand by themselves in a room without making the area appear cluttered.]]> Set amidst tropical gardens around a hillside, this new condominium development is the first of its kind in Virgin Gorda. Designed as a residential and resort community, Olde Yard Village offers a lifestyle of ease and convenience. Price:$295,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI VACATION home. Your children were raised in your home, you may still be able to see the pencil marks you made on the door frame marking their growth. You have enjoyed many hours on the patio. The dining has seen lots of great dinner parties. You may have even been raised in the home yourself, and it has been the family home for many years. You are very fortunate to have so many good memories. But beware: When the time comes to sell, a “love affair” with your home can work against you. Very often, people make decisions about selling their house according to emotion rather than reason. What they’re really doing is subconsciously damaging their chances for success - which may ultimately cost them money. Listed here are 3 strategies for detaching from your home and moving forward to get the best offer. 1. Acknowledge that selling your house may be stressful Many people get attached to their cars and find it difficult to sell them. To understand what it may be like to sell your home, magnify that reaction 100 times. People who have only been in their home for a few years will most likely have an easier time letting go than those who have lived in their home for many years. Either way, it’s usually stressful and emotional. Accepting that in advance can help you make better decisions in the future. 2. Ensure you’re truly prepared to sell. Take some time to make sure you are ready for the sale. Speak to your realtor and listen carefully to their suggestions. If you have hired a reliable agent but are still resisting their suggestions, this suggests that you might not be ready to let go yet. If this is the case, do not sell yet. Wait until you are completely sure. Perhaps you have no choice but to sell – which can be even more difficult emotionally. Get just as much support as possible from friends and family. Speak to your real estate agent and explain how difficult this process is for you. The more information you provide your agent the better they can work with you. Ultimately, your realtor is there to look out for your best interests and will work on the assumption you want to sell. However when you resist their suggestions because you are not completely ready to sell you are setting your relationship up to fail. This is a common cause of strain in the agent-client relationship. 3. Start thinking of your home as product to be marketed. Whenever you haven’t detatched emotionally from your home, it’s hard to see it as a product. But that is what it is - something you need to sell which, with luck, others may wish to buy. Frequently, a seller who is not emotionally ready to sell will insist on marketing the home at a higher value than the market will bear. This is why it is so important that sellers should be emotionally ready to sell, when they aren't they can easily sabotage the process. There have been instances where homes have been put on and taken off the market for more than a year with several agents. What started off as an overpriced home that didn't show well ended as a bargain for a buyer who capitalized on the sellers mistakes. Sellers frequently need to remove personal items from the home for the purpose of its staging. This can be a simple as taking down photos, certificates, knick-knacks from your recent holidays and other items that are personal to you. Aside from helping to show your home in the best light, this process can also help to make your home feel much less like your home and more like a product available for sale. It’s a subtle but important step towards detachment. Also, by getting rid of personal products, you’re getting a head start on the moving process. Your agent will probably suggest some changes to help your house become more appealing to buyers such as changing wall colorings to something more neutral. You should listen to your agent’s recommendations as they have experience in this so know what they are talking about. However, should you disagree with such suggestions, it’s another sign you may not be 100 % ready to sell. Go ahead and, cherish the memories you have from living in your home. But concentrate on the future, and think of the wonderful memories you will be making in your new home. Consider the excitement that change can bring. Pay attention to your real estate agents advice, after all that's why you hired them. ]]> The children in the First District area, took center stage during the opening of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta and the last lap of the VI's Emancipation celebrations. The children in the community led the torchlight procession, which represented what their ancestors used in their struggle for freedom. This year's cultural presentation was held under the theme, 'Emancipation and our culture through the eyes of our Youth'. Stuart Donovan, Chairman of the Carrot Bay Sub Committee thanked everyone for their continued support and recalled his childhood days with the donkey races and other cultural activities. He said the committee is committed to ensuring that the cultural aspects of festival are kept alive. The District One Representative welcomed Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture, who declared the fiesta open, and said he was impressed with the presentation of the committee, and noted that it was striking to him when he saw a number of children involved in the torchlight procession. Many of the spectators were those who are lucky enough to be enjoying a VIRGIN ISLAND VACATION. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> Why pay rent when you could buy a comfortable recently refurbished one bedroom apartment with all mod cons? From this ground floor Tobacco Wharf home you can easily walk into Road Town, across to the Sports Club, over to Riteway or the Cinema. Price:$295,000 Read more about this listing]]> The event attracted the largest crowd since the village opened last weekend as the likes of Kassav, Shurwayne Winchester and Skinny Fabulous thrilled the crowd, during the international soca night. Virgin Gorda Calypso Queen Sister Joyce was one of the performers, and she presented a new calypso song titled “What’s Good for the Goose.” Reigning Calypso King Luther B performed his winning song “Legacy” and last year’s song “Children Without Identity.” Kassav were phenomenal, and even after a lengthy performance, the crowd still wanted more. The nostalgia was clear as many said that seeing the veteran Band that is credited for the creation of the zouk genre, was a dream come true. The carnival atmosphere became even more energetic when five-time defending champions Showtime Band took the stage. The band itself advocated BVI patriotism with Alton Bertie who first waved his flag when he was introduced as a band member for Shurwayne. He planted the flag on his keyboard and kept it there as he played for Showtime Band. Those who are lucky enough to live in TORTOLA RENTALS could enjoy the fun evening. Source:bvinews.com]]> Combine the most incredible panoramic ocean, island and sunset views with some of the best finishing and detail work to be found anywhere in the BVI and you have one of the Virgin island’s finest homes. Price:$2,300,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, safety is always a top concern for tenants and they are prepared to pay more for security, even in tough economic times. Landlords who make security important will boost their reputation, keep tenants longer, safeguard property values and lower maintenance and repair costs. This really is much more important now as vacant foreclosed homes dot communities, local government authorities cut budgets and more former home owners have to depend on land lords. When searching for a condo, tenants should request upfront what land lords do to make sure the property is safe. At the least, each unit must have lockable windows and doors with a peephole. This is a legal requirement in some states and metropolitan areas. Inquire with the landlord to find out if they run background inspections on tenants and if there is a neighborhood watch program. Are there security cameras, a doorman and sufficient lighting in parking lots and pathways? The owner will only be accountable for what's included in the lease, so study it thoroughly prior to signing. If you would like something dealt with before you decide to take the property, ensure that it is written into the lease. You shouldn't be passive regarding your security and leave it to your landlord. Here are a few steps you can take: - Never buzz anybody in to the building you do not know. Exactly the same is applies to holding the door for somebody entering whenever you leave your building. - Buy timers for lighting, radios and televisions to produce a sense that someone is home when you are not. - If your new apartment does not include an in-unit home security system, purchase affordable but effective security technologies like small-entry sensors, wireless door chimes or motion sensors. - Use scare tactics like setting up window graphics advertising an security alarm or perhaps a "Beware of Dog" sign. - Ensure the landlord changes the locks before you move in, so you are the only key-holder for the apartment. Make sure one of your locks is a dead bolt. Security is a very important consideration for anybody moving into a new rented property. It should be top of the list for both renters and landlords so that both parties can be sure that the property is sufficiently secure.]]> A number of public officers, were recognized as the Government’s Employees of the Quarter, at a ceremony , which was held last week at the Public Service Training Center with many people that live in TORTOLA RENTALS in the audience. Acting Governor, Mrs. V. Inez Archibald delivering congratulatory remarks, said “It is a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to greet and welcome you to this ceremony, which has become the staple of the public service. I think you are all deserving.” Receiving the awards were Beverley Sergeant, Complaints Commission, Darlene Lettsome, Agriculture Department, Douglas Joseph, Her Majesty’s Prison, Erna Richardson, Department of Waste Management, Jermaine Baltimore, Department of Information and Public Relations, Melissa Young, Public Works Department and Wilton Frett, Department of Information Technology. The recipients, in their response, expressed their thanks to their co-workers who nominated them and those individuals who have molded them throughout their public service careers. Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS to put your home gym or personal workout space is equally as essential as choosing the best equipment. The most important thing is to make the area inviting. Paint is a good way to make your home gym more inviting, it is inexpensive and can really make a difference, choose your favorite color and add good lighting so that you can see what you are doing. Put the gym in a space that will keep you active and motivate you to go back and work out more. Would you like fitness videos, or Wii? Purchase a good, well-situated TV, as well as an equally good audio system, so that you can play what's going to keep you motivated to help keep working out. Have controllers available for everything. If you are planning to follow fitness dvd's, videos or a games console, purchase a tv with good picture and sound. Ensure the tv is in the correct position for you to have a comfortable work out and keep remote controls nearby. 1. Strength-building: You no more require a large rack full of different weights. Instead purchase hand weights that can be weight-modified with a click. Add an ab machine and the bench press if you wish to get serious. 2. Cardio and Heart Rate: Portable fitness options and small add-ons will help you go that bit further. Elliptical machines are compact, lightweight, and store easily under desks or perhaps in a closet. It is also possible to purchase folding treadmill machines and bikes, too. 3. Flexibility and Balance. Resistance bands are an affordable, effective choice for muscle firming. Balance balls work your core. And for something a little different, consider purchasing a T'ai Chi work out dvd. 4. Mind. Work body and mind simultaneously with music or perhaps a favorite interactive video. Purchase a good mat, one which does not emit a strong odor, and consider the color too. Coordinate your equipment using the hues of the workout space. Would you perform best in a vibrant, energizing atmosphere, or are you better off in a soothing, Zen-like atmosphere? Hang some mirrors and inspirational images to inspire you. 5. Safety. A non-slip, padded surface underfoot is important. Have enough space to extend your legs and arms without knocking items off the tables. Have a telephone nearby for emergencies. Make a portable first-aid box, with gel ice and Band-aids. And ensure any moving equipment you purchase comes with an auto-stop safeguard. Typically it is advisable to put your workout area in a part of the home you like to spend most of your time, and it is usually best to put it in the corner of a living room than in the bedroom as that's where you go to sleep. If you are strapped for cash, you can still create a good workout area by purchasing a couple of mats and weights. There are plenty of workout programs on tv to join in with each day.]]> The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee is inviting the public, including those on BVI VACATION to the Tortola Sports Club to watch the live broadcast of the parade of all competing nations and the entrance of the Olympic Flame. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, who qualified for the Games last year, will represent the BVI in the women’s 100m event and will be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. “This is the eighth consecutive Summer Olympic Games in which the BVI will be represented,” said Ephraim Penn, BVIOC President. “I know that the BVIOC echoes the nation in expressing its pride and support for Tahesia’s best efforts in her event. We also want to acknowledge the hard work and the tireless commitment from the other athletes who represented the BVI in the series of international competitions in the lead up to the Games with hopes of shaving off fractions of a second to make the qualifying times for London 2012.” J’Maal Alexander, a BVI national record holder with the fastest track time in his age group, will run in the men’s 100m. His participation in London 2012 resulted from an International Olympic Committee (IOC) invitation for the BVI to send a non-qualifying, wild card. Source:bvinews.com]]> Stunning ocean views and limitless secluded sandy beaches. Anegada is eleven miles long by three wide. It is the only coral island with amazing reefs, in the British Virgin Islands. This piece of property is unique as it is beachfront and in a prime location. Price:$200,000 Read more about this listing]]> Perched on a hillside - yet only a stone's throw from the water - is one of the most unique and fun vacation destinations in the British Virgin Islands. Price:$1,995,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI VACATION home, condos provide an affordable option to single-family houses in many areas. They’re perfect for people who like a maintenance-free lifestyle. But before buying, ensure you must do your legwork. Here are some fundamental points to consider: *Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, However you will not usuall find any basements or attics to store your extra possessions. *Outdoors space. Yards and outdoor areas are often smaller in condos, if you enjoy relaxing in a garden or entertaining friends outdoors, a condo may not be the ideal place for you. However if you dread working in the garden, this may be the perfect option for you. *Amenities. Many condos have pools and fitness centers, together with other facilities that would otherwise be very pricey in a family home. *Maintenance. Many condos have on-site maintenance personnel to take care of communal areas, carry out repairs within your unit, and let in workers when you're not home - very good news if you travel a lot. *Security. Keyed entries and security personnel are common in many condos. You’re also closer to others just just in case of emergency. *Reserve funds and association payments. Although these payments generally go towards amenities and offer savings for future repairs, you will have no option but to pay the fees determined by the condo board whether you are interested in the amenity or not. *Resale. The simplicity selling your unit may depend on what other condos are for sale within your building, due to the fact that all units are usually similar. *Condo rules. Although there is a residents election, the rules of the managing association will affect how you use your condo. For instance some do not allow home businesses, others prohibit pets while others do now allow owners to rent out their condos. Ensure you are fully aware of all the restrictions before you make the decision to purchase. *Neighbors. You’re much closer to others in a condo. wherever possible, make an effort to meet your nearest prospective neighbors. ]]> Five local artistes, Monique Chapdelaine, McKenzie Baltimore, Hashim Lewis, Breezy, and PG13 will be going up against 10 of their US Virgin Islands counterparts, in a quest to become the next VI Idol on August 11th. Alvin Marks of LP Entertainment, USVI, commended the local performers and advised the finalists to go onto the VI Idol website to see the performance of the 2011 finalists to get an idea of what is to be expected. During the competition Chapdelaine attained the highest score after she earned a high 10-point rating from all of the five judges for her rendition of “Heaven Must have Sent You.” Renowned artiste Baltimore earned second place with 49 points after he smoothly delivered his hit “Inseparable”. The two rappers that make up PG-13 earned 48 points for their performance and had the audience laughing with their funny lyrics. They were also commended for their hype and energy by the judges. Hashim got rave reviews from the judges for his choreographed performance and his snazzy outfit. While local rapper Breezy sang two of his popular tunes. Up for grabs is a $3,000 cash prize, a 10-song album, a music video to be produced in high definition, a cellular phone and the VI Idol trophy. Those who are lucky enough to be on a BVI VACATION can enjoy the event.]]> Read more about this listing New Listing, Location: Tortola Location Type: Hillside View: Spectacular Aircon: No Water: Not Applicable Price: $160,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI VACATION homes, that they leave empty and without supervision for days, weeks or months at a time. Here are a few tips on how to safeguard your home for both short and long absences. 1. A property which presents a “lived-in” appearance is a deterrent to criminals. Never leave notes that may inform a thief that your property is unoccupied. Ensure all windows and doors are locked securely before departing. An empty garage promotes your absence, so ensure you close and lock the door. 2. When heading out at night, leave a number of interior lights on and maybe leave a radio playing. You can purchase timer switches which will turn on and off during your absence. This is an excellent idea not just for an evening out, but for extended periods away too. 3. Don't leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, in a unlocked mailbox, on top of the door frame, or any other obvious places. 4. Stop deliveries of milk, newspapers or other services by telephone or personally before leaving. Request lawn or landscape care to continue, and also have someone remove advertising circulars along with other items regularly. Toys or yard tools scattered about can create the illusion of occupancy. 5. Inform the post office to forward your mail, or ask a reliable friend to collect it regularly. Full mail boxes are a real giveaway that nobody is home, either in condo complexes or detached houses. 6. Inform neighbors of your impending absence so that they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. If you can. Leave a key with them so that they can inspect your house intermittently. If you cannot ask your neighbors, request that a friend stop by every now and then. Ask them to alter the positions of your blinds and curtains and turn on different lights in the home. 7. Whenever you leave, don't publicize your plans. Some criminals focus on reading through newspaper accounts of peoples vacation activities. This includes blogging or posting on your internet sites that you're leaving. 8. If you discover a window or door continues has been forced or damaged when you were away, don't enter. The criminal may be inside. Use a neighbors phone immediately to summon police. 9. Don't touch anything or cleanup if a crime has happened. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence. 10. Remember to: *Lock before leaving *Trust a neighbor or friend with a key *Be a concerned neighbor and offer to watch out for others while they are away No one really wants to invite crime, so simply take a couple of precautions and you'll prevent a break-in.]]> Last Sunday saw the 2012 BDO Schools Football League finals day and awards ceremony taking place at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. The event began with Enid Scatliffe Blue facing Seventh Day Adventist, in an Under 7s exhibition match. This was followed by, Althea Scatliffe vs Joyce Samuels in the Under 12s Playoff for third and fourth place. Then First Impressions vs Cedar Blue in the Under 9s final, and First Impressions facing Cedar School in the Under 12s final. In a nail-biting Under 12s final, Leo Forte had scored early in the first half for Cedar School, but with Cedar increasingly confident of a win, First Impressions’ Gillaume Parkins equalized in the second half just minutes before the end of the match. With no goals in the extra time, it was all down to the penalties, and First Impressions beat Cedar 3-2. Earlier, the younger First Impressions team routed Cedar School Blue, who were missing several starters, in a 4-0 victory for the Under 9 title. The Schools Football League, in which BDO, one of the world’s top five accounting firms have invested over $40,000. This has unearthed some great talent, and some of the new players have surpassed expectations. The event was attended by residents and those on their VIRGIN ISLAND VACATION alike. Source:bvinews.com]]> Sea's Song Villa sits thirty feet above the Sir Francis Drake Channel on a bouldered promitory separating Long Bay and Nail Bay on the western shore of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. In a modern interpretation of traditional Caribbean architecture, this three bedroom three and a half bath villa complex is comprised of three buildings, each with covered verandas. Price:$2,950,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS – are fantastic investments due to there always being insufficient housing, and you'll find there are always lots of people who are able to rent but are not in position to purchase their own home. Due to the high price of owning a home, and the reality that it is usually purchased with borrowed funds, there will always be available tenants, those who are unsure of taking on such a financial commitment. The main advantage real estate provides offers is leverage. Having a small amount of cash – or possibly no cash at all, in a few cases - you can buy property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The second advantage is the price appreciation that occurs in real estate, whether it's through inflation, or remodeling, or just the fact that buyers and sellers are working in a fluctuating market, usually with only a little understanding about the real value of property. The house that you just bought yesterday for $60,000 may be worth $65,000 to another person. Locate that person and you have made yourself $5,000. Cost may also be elevated as a result of the law of supply and demand. The supply of housing is growing progressively, with the population which is expanding, through both the consistent flow of immigrants looking for a place to reside in and our reliance in the traditional way of growing our families. As long as the supply of housing fails to keep up with the demand, prices will continue to increase. Additional elements affecting the price of property will be the general economic condition in your area, the state of the surrounding neighborhood, the condition of your home, the financing terms, time-frame involved, owner financing, down payment, amongst other factors.]]> The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to the continued development of cruise tourism to enhance the experience for visitors on a BVI VACATION. At the recent cruise pier development community meeting, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool said he was pleased with the level of interest of the stakeholders that attended. He stressed that the development of the pier is paramount, if the Territory is to keep pace with the changing needs of the cruise tourism industry. Executive Director, Mr. Hugh Daley of Tortola Port Partners outlined how the development would look and its benefits to the people of the Territory. Minister Vanterpool revealed that the developer would make a $75-million investment in the project. He explained that $25 million will go towards the expansion of the pier and the installation of an excursion dock; $25 million to develop the landside; and another $25 million to improve the capital, historical sites, and beach attractions. Minister Vanterpool made it clear that the management of the port will remain solely under the control of the BVI Ports Authority. Source:Bvinews.com]]> Set in 2 beautifully landscaped tropical acres, this 3 bedroom Estate home offers complete privacy and spectacular ocean, island and sunset views out over Spring Bay to Sir Francis Drake Channel. Little Trunk Beach is only a few moments walk from the property. Price: $2,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS is concerned, everyone has certain goals and aspirations. However, we have discovered that there is certain information that every aspiring real estate investor should know: 1. Compare Property Values and Rents The best way of measuring a property’s market price is often the sale prices of nearby properties. Exactly the same is true for area rents. Low cost can frequently be justified with a reasonable rent and tenants who are able to afford a higher rent are able to afford to purchase a property instead, so reasonably price rent is necessary. 2. Be Cautious - Tax Laws and regulations May Change Don’t base your tax investment on current tax laws and regulations. The tax code is continually altering, and a great investment is a great investment no matter what the tax code. The best property using the right financing is what you need to search for as an investor. 3. Focus On Something You Know Begin in a market area you are familiar with. Whether you concentrate on fixer-uppers, house foreclosures, starter houses, low-down payment properties, condos, or small apartment structures, you will benefit from experience by concentrating on one area of investment real estate properties. 4. Be Aware Of Costs Moving In Understand financial statements thoroughly. What exactly are operating expenses? What exactly are loan obligations? Vacancy costs? Taxes? What does the cash flow statement look like? All these are key issues that must definitely be addressed prior to making a concrete investment. 5. Know Where Your Tenants Are coming From If the previous rent increase was recent, your tenants might be thinking about a move. If tenants possess a short-term lease, they might be living there only to attract trusting purchasers. It's also vital that you collect the tenants’ security deposits at closing. 6. Measure The Tax Situation Taxes are a fundamental element of effective property investing, plus they frequently make the difference between positive and negative cashflow. Be aware of the tax situation, and find out how it can be altered to your benefit. It is a good idea to speak to a tax consultant. 7. Investigate Insurance Policy If seller’s coverage is dependant on lower-than-current replacement value, your insurance cost may increase whenever you pay a higher purchase price. 8. Confirm Utility Costs Request the local utilities to confirm recent utility expenses, particularly if these costs are incorporated in your tenant’s rent. 9. Talk To Your Accountant Taxation is a key factor of successful property investing, so be sure you locate an accountant who's experienced with the constantly changing tax code. 10. Inspect Make certain that you always execute a thorough inspection of the property before purchasing it. Never, ever buy any property without at least studying the site. In some instances, employing professional personnel to look at the structural mechanical system might be a good investment.]]> The Public Information and Education subcommittee of the National Disaster Management Council, will for the next four weeks, be focusing on hurricane, flood and landslide awareness for residents and those on their BVI VACATION. Hoping to get the public to become more prepared for these disasters, a series of radio tips, print ads and posters and are to be released. Chairman, Geraldine Ritter-Freeman said, “PIE is working hard along with many private, local companies to get the public to be prepared in the event of a disaster. For this next week, we should start to see posters, print handouts, radio and TV messages, and also special incentives. I hope the BVI community listens!” Committee member, Linton Leonard said, “It is important for the public to get to know these tips for themselves and their families. We want BVI households to memorize the facts and procedures. In the event of an actual emergency these tips may be much harder to receive and we need to be ready.” The campaign officially started this week and will continue for the next four weeks. Source:bvinews.com]]> Set on the picturesque island of Frenchman's Cay, this recently constructed, pristine example of rarely available waterfront property has been built to offer uncompromising luxury and seclusion to satisfy the most discerning of clients. Price:$5,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> The audience which included residents of TORTOLA RENTALS of looked forward to an evening of eloquent speech delivery, at the first Toastmaster’s primary school speech contest in Virgin Gorda last evening. Emerging victorious was student Anya Stevens, of the Bregado Flax Education Center on Virgin Gorda. Mr. Reshawn Stevens of Assembly of God Cornerstone and Mr. Quentin Warren of the Little Rainbow School captured second and third place. Minister for Education and Culture Honorable Myron V. Walwyn in his opening remarks congratulated the Virgin Gorda Pioneers Toastmasters Club for promoting healthy dialogue and development of communication skills among the youth. A packed Catholic Community Center, saw the six students presenting speeches on the question, “Are students going too far with the use of Facebook?” Ms. Kimberly George, President of the Virgin Gorda Toastmasters Club in her remarks said that the Toastmasters Club is a training ground where individuals can learn in the areas of communication and encourages people to aspire to higher standards. All participants received a $50 gift certificate from National education BookStore, a certificate of participation and a gift bag with supplies for the next grade level. In addition, Ms. Stevens was awarded an iPad 3. Mr. Stevens received a Kindle Fire while Mr. Warren received a Netbook. Source:bvinews.com]]> TORTOLA RENTALS at the last minute. There are lots of things that you will need to do for the party such as sending invites, arranging decorations and buying food. It may seem like an impossible task but when you follow the suggestions and tips in this article, you will be able to easily plan and host a last minute 4th July Party that will be enjoyed by all and stress-free for you. Invites: You will have to inform your intended guests quickly that you intend to have a 4th July party, so technology needs to become your best friend. Send invites through sites such as facebook, myspace and twitter, send emails to your friends and family with details of the time, venue and any other information you may deem important for your party to be a hit. If you have the time you can always make an online invitation to send to your guests, this will also impress them at the same time! Request quick RSVP and keep track of them by making a list on your computer. If all else fails ask friends and family to assist you in calling perspective guests by phone to ask them to attend. The aim is to tell everyone you need to as soon as possible to ensure you have guests at your party! Decorations: Decorations do not need to be don't need to be very fancy, however they do make parties more enjoyable and fun. Your local store may have decorations that will be suitable, however for a wider choice, search online stores to see if they have anything that will be shipped to you in time for your party. Food: Do not over do the food and drinks at your party, keeping it simple will work much better for you. Barbeques are perfect for 4th July parties, so items like hotdogs, burgers, salad, chips and cold deserts will work best for you. If you do not own a barbeque or simply do not wish to be involved with all that food preparation, speak to your local BBQ restaurant and ask them to provide you with a spread for your party. Many will even deliver the food to you so that you do not have to go and pick anything up. Whatever type of food you decide upon, keeping it simple and delicious will please your guests, after all the most enjoyable part of 4th July is getting together with friends and family. Entertainment: Entertainment for your 4th July party should include music and fireworks, for the music something as simple as a CD player can be used or a karaoke machine - if you have willing guests this can be great fun. It is very easy to find fireworks around the 4th July as there are plenty sold in all the shops. Should you choose use fireworks, make certain that you've a fire extinguisher and hose for safety. Remember the most vital item for your 4th July party is that you Relax and enjoy the event with friends and family and don't worry about the little things, it will all turn out great in the end!]]> Set above a lovely, secluded sandy beach, this approx. 5,600 sqft Mediterranean style Villa is truly unique. Exceptionally high vaulted ceilings allow this very spacious home to benefit from cooling ocean breezes. Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI VACATION property? Anyone who has ever bought a home will tell you that they remember the excellent sense of finding the best property and falling in love with it. It is an inexpressible mix of comfort, excitement and dreams about to become reality. "Can we afford it? Will the sellers accept our offer? How quick are we able to pick up the keys?" the excited customers ask. Great vibes are a very good sign in deciding to buy a home. But you should not let your feelings overrule a fair appraisal of whether a specific home truly matches your requirements. Here are some of the many questions you will want to ask before you make the commitment to purchase. Price Your bank advises you are able to afford to buy the home you love, but are you happy with the regular payments you will be obliged to make? Is the down payment within your limits? Would you like to have enough money to pay exchange costs and moving costs? If the house is in need of repairs, transforming or redecorating are you able to save the required funds inside a fair period of time? Condition Together with price, the state of the home should be a top consideration. Does the home need a new roof? In depth upgrading of the electric wiring? New plumbing? Is the home disaster-ready. A fixer-upper home with tons of potential could be a great find or a cash pit. Will you be well placed to meet the monetary challenges and live with the mess and nuisance while the house is being altered to match your needs. Size and design Is the house the correct size for you and your family and has it got the right amount of bedrooms, bathrooms and other living areas? Is that tiny den big enough for your child's bedroom? Is one toilet acceptable and if not, what are the costs and headaches of adding a second one? Does the kitchen have enough drawer and worktop space? Is the garage wide enough and deep enough for your cars? Comfort Does the house have a heating system? An air conditioning system? Are the climate controls crucial to you? Are the windows big enough? If the house has 2 floors, are you happy with the fact that you will be walking up and down stairs each day? Is there a downstairs toilet for guests who can't use the stairs? Style Is the house too modern or too conventional for your preferences in furniture and soft furnishings? Resale Possibilities On average most people change homes every 7 years. If you wished to sell your house or were forced to by circumstances that were out of your control, would it be easy to sell it to an interested buyer? Features Some buyers tend to fall in love with expensive home conveniences that appear attractive and useful at the time, but later turn out to be more headache and less pleasure than originally thought. Do you want a pool? High-maintenance decorative trees? Built in household appliances? Costly hardwood flooring? Some houses are easier to visit than they are for people to own. So when you are looking around to find the perfect home for you and your family, although it is very easy to allow your heart to rule your head it is best to ensure that you look at the practicalities of each house. The best way to do this is to devise and carry a check list of your wants and needs to each viewing so that you can ensure you are picking the best home for you.]]> The residents of the British Virgin Islands are being given a unique opportunity to share their views on the proposed Cruise Ship Pier expansion. A local environmental consulting company, Environmental Systems, has been contracted by the BVI Ports authority to prepare an environmental impact assessment for the proposed Cruise Pier extension for visitors arriving for a BVI VACATION. Under the Town and Country Planning Act of 2004, EIAs are mandatory before the commencement of any development which can potentially impact the natural environment. Under the guidance of Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal, Environmental Systems will be conducting a social impact study, as a means of gaining insight into the public’s impression of cruise tourism in the territory. Information for this aspect of the study will be collected by conducting a survey. Some of the surveys will be administered via personal interviews which will be conducted by a local company, Virgin Islands Environmental and Technical Solutions, which has been subcontracted to assist with this aspect of the study. Other surveys will be administered online using the survey tool known as “Survey Monkey”. Source:bvinews.com]]> LAN-Y-MOR villa is situated high on a hill on approx 0.75 acres of land. Sitting at the end of a road, with no neighbors in sight, LAN-Y-MOR villa offers unparalleled serenity, seclusion, and privacy. At the same time, it is only two minutes by car to world class Caribbean beaches and the amenities, spa, and restaurant at Nail Bay. LAN-Y-MOR villa features expansive, panoramic, and unobstructed views. Price:$1,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI Home, it is still sensible to evaluate certain factors of the sale as well as the seller’s readiness to assist you. After you have been prequalified to borrow money, and you are in a position make an offer on the property, start by getting helpful information on the vendor such as their reason for selling. Ask these questions directly if you view the home, or ensure your Coldwell Banker agent can get the answers. Listed here are a couple of probing questions: 1. Reasons for selling? In a way, what you are really asking is, “How motivated are you to sell your home?” Assessing the type of answer you get with this question will help you along with your Realtor structure a potential offer. For instance, if the homeowner has already bought another property or perhaps they are trying to relocate, you might have a flexible seller. 2. How much did you purchase your home for If you are not comfortable with asking this question directly, have your Coldwell Banker agent get the answer using the tax records. You may think this is private information, however such statistics are publicly available. In some cases, if the seller purchased their property for a low price and gained equity on the property over a period of time, they may be more flexible when approached with offers. However, home proprietors who haven’t seen this type of increase in their home’s value may be less willing to reduce their asking price. 3. What Repairs have been carried out recently? If you have particular anxieties, such as pest treatment or possibly a new roof, ensure you discuss these with your realtor. Vendors will always be happy to inform you about any upgrades carried out on the home, but you may need to pay attention to what isn't mentioned. It is important that you ask as you are likely to be able to tell whether the kitchen or bathroom has been remodeled after viewing the home or looking at the disclosure document, however, you may miss more smaller issues that could impact the level of your offer. To further protect yourself against surprise restoration costs in the home, you might like to verify age and condition of major home appliances. If you can, look at the service records of important home home appliances (furnaces, water heater units, etc.) since these frequently act as markers of the home’s overall upkeep. You may even try obtaining a monthly estimate of utility costs these statistics will not only enable you to estimate future costs but sometimes highlight unhealthy energy consumption within the home’s infrastructure. 4. What can you tell me in regard to the neighborhood? Enable the seller to share the benefits and drawbacks with you. By asking the seller for overall impressions of the neighborhood, you will probably learn more about the location than you would if you asked a more specific question. Follow on from the sellers initial response with questions that are important to you and your family. Based on your needs, you are able to ask questions such as the following: Will there be any new construction planned in the neighborhood? Exactly what are your opinions in regards to the nearest schools? Are any companies or schools scheduled to close? How would you describe the neighbors? The research you conduct along with your Coldwell Banker agent before making an offer is probably the best way you can make certain that your family finds the very best home at the right price. When you approach the offer stage, keep in mind that you are not alone and can work with your Coldwell Banker Realtor to get as much information regarding the property as well as the particulars of the buying process. Do not be worried about asking questions about your potential offer. Though the whole process of making an offer on a property may seem scary, your diligence will assist you when you can finally call a house your home.]]> Professor Grant McCall left the BVI last weekend with a good impression for the future of the Islands, this is encouraging for anybody considering a BVI VACATION. The President of the International Small Islands Studies Association, commented at the conclusion of Islands of the World Conference, "The highlight of the conference was meeting students in the BVI. Seeing the future of this country through their eyes and what capable hands this place is going to be in. The students were intelligent, hospitable, outgoing and very knowledgeable about the BVI. They are impressive. What struck me the most is that they also had a perspective of the world and that to me was the highlight of this whole conference," he said. McCall said that the conference was extraordinary and many of the delegates were surprised that to find out that the BVI has a population of about just 30,000 people. "The town itself is beautiful and has a beautiful setting and the people here have been so helpful in helping us to achieve one of the most successful ISISA conferences ever. Everyone is just astonished by what they have seen and experienced," he concluded. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> Governor’s Point is an exceptional private family home located within the historic Mansion Hall Estate, Hodges Creek, Tortola. The home is built on a site of strategic and historic significance for the British Virgin Islands. Price:$2,950,000 Read more about this listing]]> TORTOLA RENTALS, hearing the hurricane warning messages and preparing in advance can prevent injuries or major damage to property. BEFORE * Know where your emergency shelters are – You can contact the nations disaster office to get details about the nearest shelters. * Have disaster supplies available Torch and additional batteries Portable, battery-operated radio and additional batteries Emergency first aid kit Non-perishable (canned food) and water Non-electric can opener Essential medications Cash and charge cards Sturdy footwear * Safeguard your home windows Permanent wooden shutters are the most useful protection. A less expensive approach would be to set up plywood sections. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is better--cut to the size of each window. Make sure to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do that well in advance of the storm. * Trim back tree branches Trim branches so that they are a safe distance from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees around your property. * Look at your house and Car Insurance Make sure guidelines are valid and coverage is suitable. * Make plans for pets Pets might not be permitted into emergency shelters for health insurance and space reasons. Speak to your local humane society for info on animal animal shelters. * Create an urgent situation communication plan Make certain that your family get sound advice. Train family members when and how to shut off gas, electricity, and water. Train children when and how to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. In case anybody is separated from one another throughout a tragedy (this is a real risk in daytime hours when parents are at work and children are at school). Make a plan for how to find each other again. Hurricane Watches and Alerts A hurricane watch is released when there's a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hrs. A hurricane warning is released when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or greater, or precariously high water and rough seas) are required in 24 hrs or less. Throughout A HURRICANE WATCH * Pay attention to radio stations or television for hurricane progress reviews. * Check emergency supplies. * Fuel vehicle. * Move outside items into the house such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that can't be taken inside. * Secure structures by closing and boarding up windows. * Remove outdoors antennas and satellite dishes. * Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Open only if essential and shut rapidly. * Store clean drinking water in clean jugs, bottles, and cooking items. During A HURRICANE WARNING * If it is necessary to evacuate your house, secure home and visit the nearest shelter. * Take blankets and sleeping-bags to shelter. * Listen constantly to the radio and television for official instructions. *Store all belongings and important papers in the most safe and secure part of your home. * Stay inside, keeping away from windows and glass doors * Have a flashlight with extra batteries on hand. Avoid naked flames, for example candle lights and oil lamps, for light. * If energy is lost, switch off major home appliances to lessen energy "surge" when electricity is restored.]]> Almost a hundred guests sampled delicacies from nine different establishments, at the launch of the British Virgin Islands newest cookbook, entitled, Taste. The participants included Cooper Island Beach Club, Golden Pavilion Villa, Good Moon Farm, daysail yacht Kuralu, Myett’s Garden Grille, Peter Island Resort & Spa, Sunset Watch Villa and YCCS Marina, Virgin Gorda. Chefs prepared recipes from the cookbook, including such treats as Mahi Napoleon with Rasta Rice and Tomato Basil Vinaigrette, Potted Rabbit & Rabbit Spring Rolls, and Asian Chicken Skewers. Editor Traci O’Dea said, “We could not have such a great cookbook without such great chefs. I loved seeing their recipes come to life at Old Government House Museum.” Any body was welcome including those on their BVI VACATION and all received a copy of Taste along with other goodies in bags donated by WorldHouse Caribbean. The launch will be featured on Chef Lisa Mead’s television program Galley Cooking with Chef Lisa. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home You will find several holidays to celebrate, however when the hot weather arrives every day is a day worth celebrating with family and friends. You do not need to work too hard when you are entertaining throughout the summer time. You will find many fun, elegant and inventive ideas that will help make your summer party a success. 1. Take the party outdoors. The sunshine will be your best friend as a host since the setting as the setting and decor has mainly been taken care of for you by nature. While you might still need to clean your home, you are able to focus more about the drinks and food, instead of decor. And when you make the outside decor simple, you could slowly move the festivities inside if it's too hot or if it becomes stormy. Stringing whitened lights is a simple and affordable method to add ambiance to the setting. Use vibrant, periodic flowers, for example fresh gerbera daisies in mismatched jars, for color and eclectic flair in your tables. 2. Keep the drinks and food simple, yet memorable and "summery." For those who have an outside grill, utilize it whenever possible. Make the most of great grilled flavor and avoid a hot kitchen, which leaves additional time to relax and interact with visitors. Some elegant grilled options include: grilled bread spread with essential olive oil and herbs to have as an appetizer, and shish kebabs or filet mignon. For drinks, create a punch instead of taking the time to mix individual cocktails. Sangria is a straightforward option since you can mix it the evening before. The more it sits, the nicer it tastes. 3. Plan outside activities so visitors can savor the beautiful weather and the company of each other. Croquet is a straightforward, fun and trendy game for summer time because it doesn't require an excessive amount of effort, and that means you can definitely play in warm weather without overexerting yourself. arrange sparklers to produce a romantic and festive atmosphere after night time falls. So all you need to do now is wait for your guests to arrive and relax and enjoy your party!]]> Set in 2 beautifully landscaped tropical acres, this 3 bedroom Estate home offers complete privacy and spectacular ocean, island and sunset views out over Spring Bay to Sir Francis Drake Channel. Little Trunk Beach is only a few moments walk from the property. Price: $2,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> The BVI Islanders, who have lost both the Terry Evans Cup and the Wendol “Poto” Williams Cups to One Love, finally turned the tide. They secured the win thanks to Nano Ottley’s hat trick, to beat their rivals 4-0, to lift the Heineken Challenge Cup on Saturday night, and collected the $1000 prize that goes with it. After 29 minutes, Nano Ottley put them up 1-0, a lead they secured into halftime. Five minutes into the second half, Anon Bascombe worked his way through traffic, to blast one past the goalie for a 2 goal lead. From a corner kick, Otto collected his second goal, from a header in the 62nd. He then completed his hat trick in the 86th minute. Islanders’ players pressured One Love several other times but could not convert the chances into goals. “Every win is special and basically, this is a combination of hard work and dedication from the players and at the same time working on our technique,” Islanders Captain Andy Davis said. “The last game we played these guys they beat us and we had something to prove tonight and we took the game to them, so it’s definitely special.” Source:bvinews.com]]> This year´s Elmore Stoutt High School´s annual spring concert had a change of direction from previous years, by dedicating the show to long-serving music teacher, and the schools current Assistant Principal with responsibility for discipline, Arthur Sellwood, who retires at the end of the school year. The Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall was lit up last evening, with musical talents from current students, and some former students who were taught by Sellwood during his distinguished career. The senior concert band delivered a Michael Jackson tribute, with songs from the late king of pop. They also performed `Caribbean Rondo´ and `Caravan´. The Jazz Band performed `Salt Peanuts´, `Papa was a Rollin´ Stone´ and Ray Charles´ `Mary Ann´. A group of eight men, who were former choir members performed the Boyz II Men `Water Runs Dry´ and a tribute to Sellwood `It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday´. Several former students, from as far back as the class of 1982, took to the stage with their instruments to perform a series of James Bond movie themes in honor of Mr. Sellwood. After the concert, Mr. Sellwood said that he was taken completely by surprise by the school's decision to honor him. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> Located by gorgeous Mahoe Bay, Villa Open Deck is only 200 feet away from the magnificent white sand beach at Mahoe with its gentle lapping waves and amazing nearby reefs where snorkelers spend hours marveling at the incredible colorful species of fish and coral formations. Price:$1,950,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands Home. Older houses have lower purchase prices in comparison to newer houses. They are usually situated in established communities, having an existing good reputation for schools, transportation and commercial centers. Older houses have mature landscape designs and period-style architecture and craftsmanship. If all this appeals to you, you might want to consider an older house. However, older houses will come with their fair share of issues. To enable you to make the correct home purchasing decision for you, here are a few important points you may want to discuss with your real estate agent. 1) Structural Issues The structural condition of older houses will vary. If it has been properly maintained, the structure will probably reflect the standard craftsmanship of years gone by aand will only require minor repairs, reinforcement or maintenance. More recent building work that may have been carried out on the house may not have been built to the high standard of the original home, and may need major repairs or makeovers. When the original building has not been well - maintained, you may be in for a significant structural overhaul. Neglected crawlspaces might have foundation and floor structure defects. Continuous water encroachment or past fires might have affected structural areas which are now hidden. Make sure your house inspector looks into the structure of the older house completely. 2) What Remodeling involves Lots of people purchase a mature home with the aim of remodeling it to make the house more comfortable and increase the homes value. As with many things in life, the choice to redesign an older home comes down to time or money. If you want to spend more of your time on the project ans less of your money, you will need to be handy and keep your weekends free from any other obligations for many months. If you are too busy to take the project on yourself and would rather employ someone else to do it, your realtor can recommend a contractor who is an expert in raising house value by remodeling older houses. 3) Zoning Issues Before buying an older house with the aim of remodeling and raising the value, ensure you thoroughly investigate zoning rules. Many older houses include zoning limitations, including pre-determined setbacks from property lines, limits on roof height, etc. If the house is on the municipal historic register, rules will probably be much more stringent in order to preserve the homes historic character. If you are thinking about alternative ways to use your older house, like making it an office, building an in-law apartment, etc., make sure you speak to your realtor about zoning specifics. 4) Price of Operations Greater repair and maintenance expenses ought to be added to the budget when calculating the all inclusive costs for buying an older home. Makeovers, repairs as well as pre-purchase inspection costs could be substantially more than if buying a newer house. Also, the possible lack of modern insulation materials means bigger electric and gas bills in order to heat and power the home. And, major home appliances, plumbing and heating systems will probably need maintenance within the first couple of years of your possession. 5) Termites In an older home, it is possible that termites along with other wood wrecking bugs might have broken timbers and structural supports for a long time before being detected. It is highly unlikely for any house stand for 100 years without any type of termite/ant/beetle infestation. It is important that you make it a priority to determine if there are any signs and symptoms of current infestation, and also to inspect the extent of the damage left from past infestations. If a wood insect has eaten away at the structural support of the house for a long time prior to being discovered, you may need to add reinforcement to the beams and posts in the basement. It's also necessary to safeguard the house against future infestations. You may want to consider employing a pest management company to carry out preventative treatments in addition to periodic visual assessments.]]> Sunsets and rainbows at day's end, a pristine pool perched perfectly above the turquoise sea, waterfront property just steps from one of Tortola's most unspoiled and hidden beaches - this lovely Caribbean villa and guest house are a quintessential tropical treasure. Seagrape is a meld of romance, privacy, style and whimsy, celebrating Caribbean architecture and color in both design and execution. Traditional hipped roofs, multiple covered verandahs and patios, classically shuttered windows and doors, and a magical position on the water in lovely Brewers Bay are the essential ingredients of this very private piece of paradise. Price: $1,850,000 Read more about this listing]]> The premier, Dr Orlando Smith, joined midwives and their supporters last Thursday, at the opening ceremony of IInternational Midwives Day, held at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. He stated that as a Physician, he has a deep love and respect for anyone involved in the medical field, but especially for midwives. Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Bernett Scatliffe spoke about the role of midwives in the world, and made mentioned an informal survey she conducted to assess how much persons knew about midwives. "There is a shortage of midwives in the country and the world, and those who are in practice are getting older," Mrs. Scatliffe said. She also reinforced the importance of midwives and encouraged more locals to be involved in midwifery. International Midwives Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 5th May, with the hope of heightening awareness to tackle global inequalities in maternal and newborn health. Over 350,000 women die each year, with millions more suffering infection and disability, as a result of preventable maternal causes. The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) is committed to reducing inequality through greater access to essential midwifery care worldwide, particularly in developing countries where 90% of maternal deaths occur. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home you might want to think about home inspections. Since many inspections fully check the home's infrastructure, foundations and roof, most property experts suggest that you search for issues before putting your house on the market. Though older houses may have more problems, houses of any age or type should receive a checkup by home owners before entering the market. This article describes the most common problems discovered by home inspectors while offering some suggestions on how you can ensure your home will pass its inspection. Plumbing Problems Fix leaks and clogs well in advance of the home inspection date. The inspector will check water pressure by activating multiple taps and flushing toilets simultaneously. Home appliances for example dish washers and washing machines are also going to be tested. Leaks and clogs will be evident during the checks performed by the inspector. The inspector may check the septic system. One method which may be used to test the system is to flush a dye down the toilet. The inspector will wait to see if the dye surfaces around the drainfield, showing a drainage problem. Insufficient or Inferior Electrical Systems An average home inspection will look into the electrical panel and circuit breakers that power your home for problems and test wall sockets throughout the home. The inspector will even look for ground fault interrupt outlets (GFIs) in the kitchen area and bathrooms. Configured to instantly turn off the power in the event of a short circuit, these special outlets are an essential safety feature for all homes. If your home is an older building, you may want to have GFIs installed and have your electrical system checked before your inspection. Other Systems The inspector will look into the cooling and heating systems, to ensure they are in correct working order and comment about their efficiency. The inspector will take a close look at the structure and foundation. All home appliances are going to be checked. The inspection report includes information about smoke sensors. Prior to the Inspection Do everything in you are able to make certain the house is in good shape before you try to sell it, try not to get frustrated when the inspection report has negative comments. Home inspectors write down everything they see. No house is perfect. Keep in mind that the home inspection report isn't a wish-list for purchasers. Read your contract carefully--it most likely states which systems ought to be in good condition at closing. For example, when the roof is older, but does not leak, it's in good condition. Should there be a leak, and it can be fixed, the roof will be in good condition. Your contract could also say that you're not obliged to undertake any repairs at all--even though purchasers may withdraw from the contract. Don't feel you have to adhere to any unreasonable demands for repairs.]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer's Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late '60s for Dr. Upjohn of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> The British Virgin Islands which requires spending time quality together time together. Don't fret. You will find ways in which you can connect with your workplace, during your vacation. Here are a few examples: Document Sharing Tools It's not necessary to stay in your workplace to handle your workload. Document sharing tools like Google Paperwork permit you to manage your documents, presentations, excel spreadsheets and forms from your own laptop. You are able to upload, access and share your work with your co-workers and hierarchy without having to pay a cent! The effective posting and saving tools permit you to easily manage your workload. Remote Desktop Access You may have big plans for the family and wish to work at home or on vacation. But may be concerned that an excessive amount of information on you computer will not allow you the versatility. Technology will assist you with this by permitting you to access your workplace computer remotely with the aid of inexpensive desktop remote access software. Online Fax needed If you are unable to gain access to a fax outside of your workplace, it is possible to subscribe to an inexpensive online fax service, which enables you to send and receive faxes from all over the world. Remote Meeting Your manager would like you to attend an essential meeting which typically falls right in the middle of your long awaited vacation. Worry not! A web-based meeting service enables you to attend any meeting from a remote location. A regular messenger service like Google Talk or MSN Messenger will help you conduct a relevant video or voice call to your manager or co-workers. Private Data Assistants Nowadays all mobile phone companies are providing multi featured private data assistants PDA's) that will help you manage your workload with greater versatility. Full of effective communications and office management tools, they permit you to access your emails and manage your documents. The synchronization of worldwide communication systems means it is much simpler to remain in touch than in the past. Holidays should be a special time for not only you but your family and friends also. Having the ability to keep in touch with what's going with your business, when you can't be physically present can alleviate anxiety. Whenever you take your Caribbean vacation, ensure you set aside some time to enjoy your surroundings, but also to consider the possibility of a real estate investment. Speak to a Coldwell Banker agent to discuss the possibilities.]]> Appearing for the fourth consecutive year, Chef Davide Pugliese, owner of the Wali Nikiti on Scrub Island, took his culinary talents to the 15th annual Meals from the Masters Celebrity Chefs Brunch, in Wilmington, Delaware. Davide, a citizen of the British Virgin Islands, joined more than 30 chefs from around the U.S. and England, to create specialty tastings for 1000 guests to help raise money for Meals on Wheels, Delaware. Chef Davide brought a taste of the Virgin Islands to a wet and cold day in Wilmington. His dish included a traditional Caribbean johnny cake that complemented a wasabi-cured salmon, topped with a drop of yogurt wasabi foam. Executive Director for Meals on Wheels Delaware, Mari Considine, said, "Each year it gets better and better. The chefs are aware that this a real foodie crowd and want to bring something different to the table." She continued, "We couldn't be more honored that the chefs travel from all over the world to raise awareness for Delaware's home bound seniors. It's truly amazing." Chef Davide has hosted a dinner at James Beard House and has brought his particular brand of Caribbean flavor to the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, FL, and culinary shows in Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. Source:bvinews.com]]> Virgin Gorda was the chosen location for the BVI Hoop It Up Foundation two-week Easter Hoops Basketball Camp. Players ages 6-14yrs attended the camp on Virgin Gorda, 9:30am to 12:00 noon, tutored by coaches Brian and Kennedy from the Bahamas, at the basketball court in South Valley. Players 15-20yrs traveled to Tortola and participated in the camp from 1:00pm- 3:00pm. All travel expenses were sponsored by VOICESS, a Virgin Gorda community group. This is the second time that VOICESS has made it possible for the youth players on Virgin Gorda to participate in the camp. In December, the group also sponsored travel expenses for the participants to travel to Tortola for the week-long Christmas Hoops Basketball Camp. VOICESS are a group of men and women from Virgin Gorda, whose primary purpose is community betterment to preserve and enhance the islands pristine beauty. Their goal is to elevate the quality of life of the people, so they can live a safe, vibrant, educated, and happy life. Source:bvinews.com ]]> British Virgin Islands, it is likely that you will have summer guests visiting for their vacations. If you are trying to figure out the easiest and best ways to entertain your guests with home activities, there are lots of ideas to consider. Whether there are lots of tourist spots close to you or visitors want to relax around the house, it is always best to prepare so that your summer guests have options If you are planning home activities for your visitors, here are some useful pointers for giving them a great summer getaway at your house. **Make your living areas inviting : While you may not consider it since you live in your home, your living areas may be the place where your visitors spend the most time. Take advantage of the stunning views which surround your home by cleaning all windows and ensuring a beautiful unrestricted view. Look around your interiors and see whether there are areas for guests to read a book in a snug chair, or possibly even place a throw blanket over the settee for cool summers nights. Think about your home as a hotel with conveniences that you would enjoy if staying there. **Prepare your outside home: Inevitably your outside home will be another area that your house guests will want to spend plenty of their free time. Make sure seating is inviting, clean, and has been completely washed and dried. Replace unpleasant furniture cushions, paint pine furniture, and dissolve your outdoor home with character. Add ornamental touches like plants, flowers, hanging baskets and shaded areas. Use umbrellas, fabric, arbors or other creative uses of overhead covering to guarantee guests are not sitting in direct sun if they do not want to. For pool areas, make sure the pool is clean, and has enough safe areas for children and grownups to stroll around furniture and landscaped areas. **Research local facilities: Before your visitors arrive, research local amenities and tourist areas in your hometown. Most locals forget how to be tourists! Visit your local travel agency, surf the net, or visit the tourist office to get leaflets, maps, and an inventory of attractions / tours for your visitors. While your visitors will like your house, part of the excitement of traveling is seeing the local tourists areas and eating the local fare. Throwing on a back pack and taking a nature hike perhaps just the activity your visitors would really like. Talk with your visitors before they arrive and ask them what they would like to do while visiting you, this may save a little time in planning, and avoid disappointment. **Tailor house activities to your visitors : Consider what kind of guests you are entertaining while selecting activities. For parents with youngsters, consider what activities will be enjoyable for them. Outdoor recreational equipment made available to play in the back yard, or even painting, ensuring that there are plenty of markers and lots of paper available can keep many children happy for hours. For seniors or those who want to relax and be still, consider supplying lots of reading materials, TV guide and remote control could perhaps be all they require as a break away from their home to feel nicely relaxed and rejuvenated by your home. Your home could be a more exciting destination spot than you ever realized. Take time before your visitors arrive to ascertain their interests along with the facilities of your home. Summer guests wish to enjoy their home, but also spend time with you and your family. Make this a summer to remember and to form vacation memories to last for a life-time. Who knows, you may just enjoy yourself as much as your vacationing house guests!]]> Presenting a delightful 2 bedroom villa with a pool sitting on almost an acre of landscaped tropical gardens at Leverick Bay in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. The property benefits from breath taking views of Norths Sound in two directions, out towards the The Bitter end Yacht Club and back towards Moskito Island and Blunder Bay. Sitting up on a ridge it also benefits from cooling tradewind breezes all year round Price: $1,300,000 Read more about this listing]]> The rolling hills above Lambert Beach provide views and vistas equal to any in the BVI. One home may face Virgin Gorda and the rising sun, while its neighbour looks towards Guana Island, Jost Van Dyke and glowing sunsets. The area above Lambert is fast becoming popular for the construction of upscale luxury homes with easy access to several incredible beaches and glorious uninterrupted ocean and island views as a major reason for this new interest. Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> It was announced, during a joint launching of the program between BDO and the BVI Football Association last Friday, that over 550 boys and girls from throughout the territory, are scheduled to participate in the BDO 2012 Schools Football League. In addition to supporting Football, BDO, which has also been a proud supporter of many youth events in the territory, including basketball camps put on by the BVI Hoop-It-Up Foundation, athletic meets, Kids and the Sea (KATS) and Makos Swim Club, is making its biggest contribution, with a $20,000 investment in the 2012 Schools Football League. Accompanied by BDO and BVIFA officials during Friday's press conference, Ryan Geluk, Director at BDO, presented the $20,000 check to Avanell "Clarky" Morton, BVIFA Administration Secretary responsible for youth, to assist the Association with costs of uniforms, awards, coaches, etc. required to operate the league. The BDO 2012 Schools Football League, which also involves public and private high schools, will kick off at 3 pm. from the Road Town Ferry Dock, with teams marching to the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds for the opening ceremony. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home, however perhaps no home improvement is quite as welcomed by the kids than a swimming pool. Installing a swimming pool in your back yard can be an excellent way to give your family and friends the feeling of a vacation all year round. There are many different types of pools so the first decision is which will suite you, your family and yard/garden best. There isn't any one best pool to meet everybody's needs or requirements, everybody requires something different. But with so many options how does one choose? The most important question that you will need to answer is whether you wish to add an in ground or above ground pool. There are benefits and disadvantages to each. With an in ground pool, it's a permanent structure in your yard and can add significant worth to your property. There also are plenty more shapes, sizes, and options available with an in ground pool. It is more elegant and may be employed as an ornamental or landscaping piece in your yard. However an in ground pool is much more permanent so once its built, its there to stay. An above ground pool is only semi-permanent, costs less, and needs less time to build. The key flaw to an above ground pool for many folks is that it is above the ground. This makes it less aesthetic due to it being such a massive structure in your yard. You must be certain that the type of pool you choose is the correct one, as there are very few things worse than having something you loathe sitting in your yard. If you opt for an above ground pool, there are 2 main shapes, the circle and the oval. The next thing to do is to establish how big you need your pool. Only you can decide this because everybody has got different size yards. This is the time to break out the tape measure! There are several things that you can do which will affect the amount of space you will need for your pool. These options will also add character to your pool. A deck can be built around the pool or alternatively just for the entrance. You could build the pool so that it is partially in the ground, this is a popular choice as it decreases the identifiable peak of the pool making it seem like an in ground pool. Next, you must decide whether or not you are going to have a flat bottom pool or if you're going to have a deep end. After you decide precisely what you are going to do with your pool you can begin selecting what model and liner you would like. Selecting options for an in ground pool can be much more intense than it is for an above ground pool. Again, step one will be deciding how big you need the pool but there are several shapes available that permit you to get a bigger size pool in a rather more compact area. It is likely that you will need more space for an in ground pool because you'll want a solid deck round the pool. There are other options you are able to add to an in ground pool like a spill over spa or a swim out. When you've selected your pool and all of your options it is time to take the final step and get everything started!]]> Set above a lovely, secluded sandy beach, this approx. 5,600 sqft Mediterranean style Villa is truly unique. Exceptionally high vaulted ceilings allow this very spacious home to benefit from cooling ocean breezes. On the ground floor, there is a large lounge and dining area, bathroom and open plan kitchen incorporating concrete countertops and top notch stainless steel appliances. Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> The BVI Football Association has set the stage for what they hope would be the return of Beach Soccer to Tortola this Easter Monday. The action will kickoff at 12 noon and will run until 6.30 p.m. All matches will be five-a-side and played in three categories: Under 10s, Under 14s, and Adults. The children tournament is sponsored by Gatorade, and the adults tournament by Heineken through their local distributors. The adults will play for the championship trophy and prize money of $300, $200, and $100 for first, second and third place finishes. The children will play for trophies as well as sponsors' products, watches and other gifts. Food, drinks, and music will be available in what promises to be great fun for the entire family. President Mr. Andrew Bickerton sees beach soccer not only developing for the benefit of players and tournaments, but for the benefit of the BVI tourism. The President went on to say that the BVI has the advantage of sun, sea, sand, and soccer that visitors will love to experience. The B.V.I Football Association invites all to Brandywine Bay as they seek to restore beach soccer for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Source;bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands you are probably interested in exploring the amazing underwater world, these ten tips for underwater diving in the Caribbean can help you in planning and executing the ideal diving excursion. There are 1 or 2 beginners tips you need to follow when you are planning your first dive. 1. Get certificated. Before scuba diving in the Caribbean you'll need to be authorized. This includes getting training from an approved instructor and successfully completing a class. Doing this as soon as possible will save you time. 2. Get a buddy. When you are scuba diving, it is a good idea to go with a friend. While diving with a friend is always advised, it is safer to go with a partner. Shady people and pirates still exist in some areas of the Caribbean. 3. Set a goal. Before planning the dive trip, set a goal for scuba diving. There are so many underwater sites to see that you will be spoiled for choice. You will need to decide what is most important to you. 4. Set the trip. After deciding on a goal of what to see, begin to plan your trip to ensure there is time for scuba diving on your vacation if you are just visiting. An approved travel agent can ensure you get to your chosen destinations. 5. Get a camera. An underwater camera is a must for scuba diving. Disposable cameras will be available in many places, but investment in a good camera may be a good option for the enthusiastic diver. 6. Call ahead. After setting the dates and time for the dive, call a dive shop in the area to make reservations. You will need to hire dive equipment before the dive. 7. Get a guide. When diving in unfamiliar territory, it is suggested that you go with a guide. Whenever scuba diving in the Caribbean, divers have to be mindful of areas of danger. A guide can steer you clear of these places. 8. Get to know the indigenous creatures. When you are scuba diving, you'll encounter a massive variety of sea life. Get to grips with these native creatures to learn what to keep clear of and what to get nearer to. 9. Know your limits. When scuba diving in the Caribbean, deep water adventures will be offered by local diving stores. Don't push your limits to new depths if you are on vacation and inexperienced. Stay within your limits, no matter how tempting the clear blue crystal water may be. 10. Keep your documentation safe. The final tip for underwater diving in the Caribbean is to keep your passport and other documentations in a safe or other secure area while diving. Predators will take advantage of you while you are well under the water and out of visible range. The Caribbean including British Virgin Islands has some of the most popular dive locations in the world as there is something for everyone from the beginner to the more advanced diver. When]]> Casa Cascadas is a signature acquisition for the discriminating buyer. Named Casa Cascadas after its three cascading water features, it is more than a vacation retreat. It is an astute investment in the unspoiled, undiscovered "Little Sister Island" of Puerto Rico. Price: $2,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> Three people will compete in the Ms. Teen Easter Festival competition, which takes place this Saturday, March 31 in the Catholic Community Center on Virgin Gorda, starting at 8 pm. The contestants are: Contestant #1 - Tecora Morgan, 15, fourth form student; contestant #2 - Tanieka Gludd, 15, fourth form student; and contestant #3 - J'sonnia Winter - 14, secnd form student. They will compete in categories such as Introduction, Back in Time wear, Platform, Talent, Evening Wear and Question and Answer. The winner will receive the crown and sceptre, the winner's trophy, handbag collection, shoe collection, a watch, digital camera, kindle, spa package and round trip tickets for two to Puerto Rico plus accommodations. Runners up will receive participation trophies, Kindles, bag collection, shoe collection, spa package, and round trip tickets for two to St. Thomas including accommodation. After great deliberation, the contest was won by a very emotional Tanieka Gludd. She also won Best Introduction, Best Career wear , Best Platform, Best Talent and Miss Intellect. Contestant #1, Tecora Morgan won Miss Poise, Miss Popularity and Miss Photogenic. Contestant #3, J'sonnia Winter won Best Evening wear. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Here are ten steps to assist you in your quest to find your very own piece of paradise. 1.Look at your finances. Do you have enough to afford what will essentially be a double mortgage payment? If the answer is no how much can you afford? It is a good idea to have this information before you begin your search. 2. What will be the purpose of your second home? Do you want a place by the beach? A mountain retreat? Do you plan to rent it out during the year? Will it be a permanent rental property? Is it going to be a business property? All these different options have different tax implications, so be prepared for that. The amount that you calculated in item one is vital for this. 3. Where do you want your second home to be situated? Will it be in a high end community? A gated community? 4. What kind of house? One story, two? Villa, Condo? What level of maintenance will be required? Is the property ready to move into, or are there things that need to be done? Getting an inspection will answer these questions! 5. What sort of financing will be needed to complete the purchase? This is a point to consider carefully, will the property be empty for a large part of the year? Or will it create an income? 6. Look into the property tax situation. Visit the schools, especially if you have children of school age or if you will be renting to those that do. 7. Insurance, tax, other considerations. These are all significant. If you're going to be living there, the interest is, tax-deductable. If youplan to let it out, the cost for that is deductible. Insurance is always vital. 8. Get a local realtor! This is the person that will know the area, the people, values of houses, and will be able to guide you to making the right decisions. They will have a list of helpful hints and tips for you to utilize when you are purchasing your second home. 9. Avoid impulsive buying! 10. Ensure that this 2nd home you are purchasing is close to all the comforts that you're going to need in the future. You may decide to retire here! Second home buying is becoming very popular whether for vacations homes, rental purposes or businesses. Many people are considering purchasing their second home with a view of retiring there in years to come. Ensure you have all the information and ask your real estate agent any questions you may have during the process so that you make the best decisions for you and your family.]]> Frenchman's Cay, an island connected to the popular west end of Tortola via a small bridge, is home to Sopers Hole Marina and one of the BVI's most exclusive and secure gated residential communities. Here can be found some of the BVI's most luxurious homes and Frenchman's Paradise, a newly constructed four bedroom home, raises the bar. Price:$3,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands for the very first time can feel like a big challenge. However, as soon as first time buyers can organize their focal points, carry out some helpful research and get in contact with a reliable realtor, confusion can rapidly turn into excitement. Bearing in mind a few of the fundamental tips layed out below might help pave the best way to an effective first-time home buying experience. 1. Before investigating the real estate market and looking for mortgages, you will have to evaluate your goals and focal points. Take a while to think and decide if it's the best time to buy your first home. You may even wish to ask yourself where see yourself in the next few years and consider how buying a home will affect your long term plans. 2. When you decide that you are ready to buy your first home, it is a good idea to research the home buying process so that you are well prepared. Though you might not understand everything you read, any knowledge you gain will help you avoid any unnecessary complications further into the process. 3. When you are purchasing a home for the first time the next important step may seem obvious, however it is often overlooked when people get caught up in the excitement of buying a first home. Very simply, any first time buyer needs to know exactly what they can afford. Too frequently, first-time buyers underestimate or just miscalculate the expense of owning their own home. Before trying to find your first home, consider whether your income is adequate and reliable enough for you to afford the mortgage payments. 4. When purchasing a home there are also upfront costs to think about. Although the amount needed for a deposit payment and possible settlement costs will vary, you will usually come across some up front expenses closing on your first home. Being ready for these expenses, in addition to any unpredicted costs that occur once you have moved in can help your transition into home ownership. 5. After identifying what you and your family can afford, you can start looking around - for houses and mortgages. By now, you should to have good idea about the kinds of amenities you're looking for inside a first home and what communities best suit your family's needs. As the search advances, you may want to attend some open house events within the communities you would like to live in. Even if you do not find your perfect home immediately,keeping active in the market provides you with a good chance of finding the best properties for you and your family's needs. 6. While you are viewing homes, you may benefit from researching the types of mortgatges available to you. If at all possible, figuring out what rates you qualify for and estimating mortgage payments will assist you in identifying your price range so that you can make an offer on the perfect property when it comes along. Searching for your first home is an exciting time, however it can be a very confusing process. It is very important that you keep your ideas realistic so that you do not commit to a home that will not be suitable in the long run. Happy House Hunting!]]> The Cada Players' cast of "Ringmaster" invites all lovers of stage shows, to join them at the College Theater for an exciting experience in performance art. According to show producer Sarah Penney, "Audiences will be amazed at the strength, depth and mastery of the local talent showcased in this production." Co-producer and founder of the Players, Joanne Penney, added that, "This is our 17th show since we began in 1997, and we aim to fully satisfy those with an appetite for a quality show that begins and ends on a high note." "Ringmaster" takes audiences on a journey through the dreams of Renaldo, the Ringmaster, as he struggles to win the heart of his life-long love, Mariella. The entire cast of "Ringmaster" has generously donated their time and talent so that all proceeds can benefit Harmony House, the children's home in Haiti run by Hands On Volunteers. The choreography is influenced by Samba, Bollywood, Hip Hop, Modern, Waltz, Jazz, Ballet, and also Slavic dance. Meanwhile acrobats, clowns, jugglers and gypsies intersperse the fun and frolic of the circus. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands home yard or garden they also add a touch more style to your home. Shade sail installation can be a tricky job, vital to setting up the sail fabric are 3 things : (1) possible attachment points ; (2) the dimensions of the space and ; (3) the position of the sun. These 3 aspects form the foundation on which your selected sail fabric will be anchored and will identify the final result of your installation efforts. For those who are buying their first sail shade it is a good idea to gain a knowledge of how they are installed, especially if you intend to install it yourself. Below you will find some handy hints and tips which will give you a basic knowledge on how to install your your new sail shade. What are the types of problems I may encounter? One of the main issues in shade sail installation is that you may require more than one person to set up the structure and a few tools and woodworking materials could be needed in the procedure. Second , Some are lucky to have regular shaped spaces, but this isn't always the case. Some spaces have unique dimensions, therefore it is hard to measure and find fixing points where the shade sail can be attached. Additionally , sail covers are tricky to position because you've got to take into account the direction of the sun, otherwise the structure won't provide any shade . Points to Think about before Installing Shade Sails In this part, much attention is given to the 3 most important points in building the basis for your shade structure. Below are the key guidelines which may be needed for first time installation Where to Set-Up - This first point answers the query : In what part of my home will I install the shade sail? Everyone knows that this sort of shade structure is the most efficient substitute for permanent enclosures like roofs, coverings or gazebos. Therefore they are excellent for use in the garden, terrace, deck, carport, or in the pool area. The area in which you position your sun sail is crucial in figuring out where the fabric will be attached and whether extra posts will need to to be put up. For example, in the garden, trees are often used as posts. alternatively, shade sails installed in decks are attached using metal hooks drilled / fixed in the wall. Get the Right Measurements In theory the size and shape of the area you wish to cover is something you should know even before buying the shade fabric as these dimensions will decide how big the fabric will be. However for some, this is something that is overlooked as many think shade fabrics are flexible to any size or shape. The correct measurements of the boundary of the area, the rough shape of the space and the sun's direction are all essential pieces of information needed for successful installation. Who will carry out the Installation? When thinking about setting up the sail structure, one can select between commercial installation and home installation. These 2 options have their own good points and bad points. Choosing commercial shade sail installation means the whole project is performed by a professional or an external party who are specialists in putting up these structures. One good point about using professionals is that you can be sure that the structure is installed properly and will not need to purchase or lease the required materials. However you have to pay for the services of these 3rd party installers. If you have completed DIY projects before, you may decide to install your shade sail yourself. With this option you are in control of the entire installation meaning you can design the configuration in the way you want it without needing to pay a 3rd party. However the complicated thing with home installation is that you will need to ensure that you have the correct tools needed for the project. Also you have to be extremely careful with the installation process as it is easy to cause damages to the fabric which cannot be fixed.]]> Beautifully appointed villa nestled on the western shore of Virgin Gorda. Sandy beaches, teeming coral reefs, verdant tropical gardens. Breathtaking sunsets from the river rock pool. Elegant suites and living areas. Luxury amenities. Two beautifully appointed master suites with huge king size beds. En suites bathrooms with a romantic double shower or luxurious double jacuzzi. Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing ]]> The second annual Superyacht Regatta took place at the Yacht Club, Costa Smeralda, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, and saw two racing days of beautiful conditions with clear skies, with moderate seas and winds. The second day of racing, saw the stunning J Class 138' yacht, Hanuman, move up one position to snatch the lead from the Wally 100. Indio was now in second place, and P2, Perini Navi build Philippe Briand design, is holding on to third place. The committee sent the fleet on a similar course to the first day's race, but in a counter-clockwise direction. The course took the fleet west to the Dog Islands and then south to Round Rock to the east of Ginger Island, east along the south side of Virgin Gorda, before rounding Pajaros Point heading towards the finish. Eventually, Hanuman crossed the line first, followed eleven minutes later by the 115' Farr Yacht Design, Sojana. 163′ Salperton, built by Fitzroy Yachts was third over the line. P2 beat the Classen Shipyards 115' Firefly, to the line by 19 seconds for fourth place and the Wally 100, Indio was fifth to sail over the line. After corrected times were calculated, Hanuman took the day with Indio second and P2 third. Source:bvinews.com]]> A magnificent 5.5 acre waterfront property that is unique in both its superb peninsula and beachfront location and its history. Located at the west end of Smuggler's Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in the BVI, this historic property was built around an original 18th century gunpowder store. Price:$6,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> the British Virgin Islands, regardless of whether for flowers or for food, are always fun. Watching things grow gives one a feeling of achievement. Where better to start a garden than in the BVI with warm temperatures and sun all year around? Beginning a garden in the BVI might not be as easy as it appears. One must first decide what kind of garden is desired, decorative or agricultural? Both will need planning and design. A garden for growing food is the simplest; just plough the land into rows, plant the seeds and add water, then watch them grow. Right? To a certain degree, yes, but what may grow may not be what you planted, or it may grow too much. Most BVI soil is fertile and there isn't any cold weather, so seeds sit in the soil and sprout crazily when they get the optimum conditions. It is possible to use chemicals, but they can often damage the environment. The right way is to dig up the land, add water and then let it sit for a couple of days, then physically remove all of the weeds and do it again. After around 2 weeks you'll have clean, poison free soil. Now is the time to plant your seeds. When planting crops and seeds, give them lots of room, because they'll grow. Particularly beans, melons, pumpkins and potatoes will spread quickly and if they are too close together, they will choke each other out. For decorative gardens lay out the garden with the flow of the land and pick species that match the lighting cycles. Bougainvillea, a climbing vine or shrub in numerous places, can fast become a tree in the BVI. Some plants like roses, actually need less warm weather with longer days to flourish. You eliminated the weeds and have the garden growing, now you need to think about pest control, and in the BVI that does not just mean insects, though they can be quite bad. In some parts of the world there is a worry about one or two deer, they're nothing in comparison to a herd of twenty goats that could turn up. Some places also have monkeys, so fences are not very effective. The best advice would be to Surround the garden with Alamanda and oleander, most animals will not walk through them! They also look more pleasant than rolls of razor wire on top of eight foot high fences! Insects will be an issue, they adore gardens far more than goats or people. Some plants help repel them, but sprays are best. Use them with care. You may crush Neem seeds in a blender with water and it acts as a repellent and is even safe to eat! Most gardens need mulching, it helps with water conservation, lessens wind erosion, and weeding ( those seeds of weeds will come back ). In the BVI, use coconut husks. They're simple to acquire, contain natural growth promotants, and when placed correctly add to the decorative style. They also rot over time and fertilize the plants. In the Caribbean the rhyme is "Mary, Mary, quite in contrast, how does your garden grow? With Yellow bells lined by conch shells all nicely in a row". And it also grows fast and bounteous!]]> The BVI Rugby Football Union will hopefully continue its winning streak next week, when the local team plays a round of matches against the visiting George Washington University Men's Rugby Club. The George Washington team also comes to the British Virgin Islands fresh from tough tests playing in Division II of USA Rugby. Nineteen of GW Men's Rugby Club will arrive here March 10th to play two exhibition games against the BVI National Team. The first of two exciting matches between BVI Rugby and GWU will take place on Monday, 12th March at 5:30pm at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. The second match is scheduled for Friday, 16 March, same time and venue. Lots of fun activities are also being planned for the George Washington University Men's Rugby Club, whose visit coincides with St. Patrick's Day on 17th March. The rugby teams, and rugby lovers will meet up at Captain Mulligan's for After Parties and breakfast. BVI Rugby would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support: Digicel, SHRM, Maples, Krys Global, DHL, RTW, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and the BVI Olympic Committee. The BVI Rugby Football Union trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30pm-7.00 pm at the A. O. Shirley Grounds and new male players aged 16 and over are invited. Source:bvinews.com ]]> British Virgin Islands Home ready for when your little one begins exploring. 1. Seeing the world through a child's eyes is a great method for parents to become more aware of the potential danger points when making their house safe. A good tip is to get down onto your hands and knees to be at your childs level and look out for sharp corners, electrical sockets, trip hazards, falling objects and anything that may be opened easily - for example drawers and cabinets. You'll notice lots of things that you would not notice when standing. 2. Your kitchen is one of the the most hazardous rooms in your home, small children are at risk from burns and scalds, potential poisoning accidents and it is also the place where sharp objects lurk. Prevent burnt fingers by using the back rings on your hob instead of the front ones. Store cleaning items in wall cabinets so that little ones cannot get to them, make sure the caps are in the 'off' position and where possible buy items that have child safety lids. Try to limit the amount of utensils you use in the kitchen so that you do not lose track of them or accidentally knock one on the floor. 3. Sharp corners, fire places, cables, wires and electrical sockets - the risks soon accumulate in the lounge. Always use a fireguard, even if you have an electric fire, because the warmth from the glass can still cause serious burns to children. Take away temptation from your child by moving ornaments and picture frames from their reach and keep wires away from little hands to stop your explorer tugging at them. 4. Now your little adventurer is mobile, the steps will seem like a fun place to play for them but falling down them is one of the most common accidents for toddlers. Purchase a wall-mounted safety gate at the top of the stairs - ensure it is screwed directly into the wall and doesn't have a bar across the bottom as this can also be a trip hazard. A pressure fit or wall mounted safety gate may also be used at the bottom of the stairs. 5. When your child moves from a cot to a bed they will then have the freedom of the whole bedroom - even if you are not there! Move all creams and lotions from lower drawers or use a lock and ensure nappy bags are also stored securely. When your child is in bed sleeping a soft sided bed rail will prevent them falling from the new bed. 6. As your child becomes more independent and curious, the toilet frequently turns into a new toy and the bathroom a preferred playground. Use a toilet lid lock to avoid belongings being lost down the toilet; it's very important that you ensure certain bottles and medications are put away in a locked cabinet. Radiators and towel rails are also something to be aware of as they can burn children when they are switched on. If your child is having a bath it is critical that they are supervised at all times. With these tips your toddler will be safe and you can have the piece of mind that they are safe in every room of your home.]]> Perched just above the beach amid lavish hillside gardens, Equinox House overlooks one of the most dramatic seascapes in the Caribbean and is only a short stroll from beautiful Long Bay Beach. Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> The Government has announced that local artists will soon be exposed to new strategies, in developing their talent and business skills to prepare them for the United Kingdom market. This is thanks to the newly formed partnership between the BVI London Office, and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. According to the Government Information Service, the partnership was officially established on February 20th 2012, at a planning meeting between London Office Director Mr. Kedrick Malone and 26 artists from the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports' conference room. The workshop and lecture will be complimented by Art Curator, Mrs. Ziggi Golding, an art expert living in London of West Indian heritage, who specializes in contemporary photography, art development, art sales and photography copyright. Mrs. Golding has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the London art market. Kedrick Malone, stated in the release, that the overall goal of the planned activities was to expand the marketability of BVI art locally, regionally and internationally, and to make initiatives like the BVI Art and Culture exhibition in London profitable for the artists and self funding. "The workshop and public lecture will support this objective, and the wider development of the arts in the Territory." He added. Source:bviplatinum.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home organized this year? This can sometimes feel like a difficult task, however these tips will help you not only organize your home but also save you money too. 1: See what you have. It is always said that visibility is the aim of any organizing project, and getting that visibility to your stuff enables you to make wiser purchases. For instance knowing that you already have three black shirts means you will not need another one. 2: Use what you have. Together with making wiser purchases, the visibility you will get from organizing your home enables you to avoid waste. Planning meals or being able to find and use what you have already purchased will mean less food being thrown away. You will also be more likely to make good use of coupons and gift cards if you have a system for finding them, an easy way to do this is have one specific place for them that you can get to easily. 3: Stop late fees and other unnecessary charges. If you implement a system for paying bills you will avoid costly late fees which could even damage your credit rating. Keeping a watchful eye over your bills and bank account, by doing this you may even notice those charges which occur each month for things like a gym membership you no longer use or even fraudulent charges. You may also learn that you do not have the correct tariff for your cable or cell phone which can lead to substantial savings. 4: Find actual money! When you are organizing your home, be vigilant for those checks you never deposited, gift cards and actual cash which you may have put in a safe place and forgotten about. Don't forget that rebate opportunities and warranty information can sometimes equal extra money too. 5: Get back some of your time. Your time is worth more than money, as you can never get your wasted time back. When you organize your home you will save the time you used to spend looking for your keys, your bills or missing shoes and instead spend that time doing something else that you enjoy more. Once you have organized your home, always try to maintain the systems you have put in place and keep it clutter free, this will give you more time to relax and enjoy your home.]]> This beautiful island home is in immaculate condition.Built in 1993/4 and completely renovated in 1999. The masonry construction is mixed with beautiful custom joinery and hardwoods, some of which were rescued and restored from an old shipwreck. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> This week we will be heading to Beef Island to practice for the first race of the season the "Beef Island Challenge" which is to be held on Sunday 4th March. If you want to practice on the course, a mountain bike is necessary as we will be going off road in some sections. The main course will be around 15 miles in total, with laps around the trails and roads of Beef Island. There will be categories for everyone including experts, veterans, masters, senior and grand masters, women, novices and juniors (15-18 years). Shorter, easier courses will be available for novices so we encourage everyone to come out and have a go! Having no bike is no excuse as bikes with helmets are available to rent at Last Stop Sports Bike Shop. Parents please make sure all childrens bikes are in good working order, with tyres pumped up and of course, working brakes. Cadets need to wear helmets fastened with a chin strap and suitable shoes (no flip flops or open sandals). The main adults race will begin at 7am and the Cadet's race will begin when the main race finishes around 9am. Breakfast will be hosted by Trellis Bay Cyber Cafe after the races at approximately 9:30am when the prize giving will be held. Source:bvinews.com]]> Five students, Nancy Phillip-Todman, Jana Penn, Mikhala Bagot, Timulji Hughes and Johnathan Cruz, were accompanied by Lecturer in the Business and Computer Studies Department Keshia Davis-Barnes. All members of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's Hospitality Club, traveled to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday 15 February to attend a conference being hosted by the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. "I strongly feel that it is important for our students to recognize and become familiar with industry professionals which would enhance their awareness of the endless opportunities provided by the tourism industry," said Ms. Davis Barnes. They all attended the NSMH's 23 Annual National Conference, being held from 16-19 February under the theme, "NSMH Nation: iDream iLearn iAm." The event is aimed at providing networking opportunities and building relationships with industry leaders and institutions worldwide. Head of the Business and Computer Studies Department, Marva Wheatley Dawson said participation in the conference is part of a wider initiative at the College, to provide greater exposure for hospitality and culinary students to the industry, enhance networking opportunities with international practitioners, and facilitate internships and work-study placements with business operators in the territory. Source:bvinews.com]]> Casa Cascadas is a signature acquisition for the discriminating buyer. Named Casa Cascadas after its three cascading water features, it is more than a vacation retreat. It is an astute investment in the unspoiled, undiscovered "Little Sister Island" of Puerto Rico. Price:$2,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands Home you will understand that this is one of the most stressful events any adult will experience in their lifetime, but what about your kids? A lot of kids don't even like changing their socks , so imagine how difficult it is for them to change homes, schools and friends. Because a home is a unique place of security and comfort for kids, many families can experience concerns about leaving their their familiar surroundings. Although parents understand the reasons a move is necessary, the reason is probably not obvious your kids. Discuss the impending move in a family meeting Call a family meeting to get everyone together to break the news about the move, focus on the "when", "where", "how" and "why" of the moving process. Ensure your kids understand that the move is a positive event for the whole family. Make new buddies but keep your old Prior to the move, give your kids a chance to spend some time with their friends to say goodbye. A good tip is to prepare a moving kit for the kids including fun cards that they can use to exchange contact details with their friends. Involve the children in the moving process Ask for your kids help in planning the route the family will take to reach your new home. When the van operator arrives, introduce her or him to the children. For safety reasons, ensure your kids understand the significance of keeping out of the driver's path when they're moving boxes and furniture into the van. A good idea is to make it fun for the kids by allowing them to decorate and label their own boxes and allowing them to pack their "special possessions." Alleviate fears If you can arrange it, take your children to see their new home and neighborhood before moving day. This will keep them involved and take the mystery out of the move, while you are there introduce them to their new neighbors to reassure them that they will make new friends once the move is completed. If it is not possible to get to the new neighborhood before your move, give the kids as much information on their new home and surroundings as you can, the internet can be very helpful for this - show them pictures of the house and surrounding area. Pursue new activities You can help your children make new friends by involving them in after school activities in the new neighborhood like sports, kids clubs, and any other class your child would be interested in. This will keep them busy and help them integrate themselves into their new surroundings with ease. Celebrate! After you have arrived at your new home and the move is complete, allow your kids to pick their favorite restaurant or type of food to celebrate their help in making the move successful, and the beginning of a new adventure.]]> Just over a year ago, the EarlyAct Club of Enis Adams Primary School, received its Charter from Ms. Monica Ramjeet, in a colorful ceremony attended by His Excellency Governor Boyd McCleary, Ministers of the Government, Hon Dancia Penn and Hon.Andrew Fahie and many Rotarians, school faculty and friends. One year on, the Club celebrated its first anniversary with a luncheon at the Moorings Mariner Inn on 8th February, 2012. During the last12 months, the Club has added 10 more members taking membership to 40. It has taken its commitment to Community to heart, with community projects at the school, and at the Esslyn Henley Learning Center, where for two years now students have received Christmas gifts from the Club. Club members have also supported many of the events of the sponsoring Rotary Club, including the annual health fair, the Kiddies Fiesta and the Clubs Christmas breakfast. Members of the dance troupe also figured prominently in the recent launch of the District Conference 2013 theme, the conference to be held in the BVI in May 2013. President of the EarlyAct Club, Mateo Parsons, opened the luncheon with a confident message of welcome. Remarks were made by Principal Carleen Parsons, Educator Mrs Braithwaite, Mrs Gregg, Charles Benjamin and DGE Vance Lewis; there was a common theme to all remarks with agreement that the EarlyAct Club was a credit to the school. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home? Do you want to reduce your utility bills? Although moving from a home that you have lived in for many years and possible brought up your family in can be difficult emotionally, there are ways to create a more suitable affordable living space within smaller homes, here are 5 tips to help you choose the perfect home when you are downsizing. Think about which rooms you can do without Before you begin searching for a your smaller home, sit with the family and make a list of what you like and dislike about your current home. Which rooms do you use a lot? Which spaces and pieces of furniture just collect dust? A good rule to use is the 6 times a year rule. Think about each room in your home and if you use them less than 6 times a year it is probable that you can do without them. While you are thinking about your living space, choose which rooms you could use for more than one purpose. If you work at home and require a home office, a good idea is to put a small sofa sleeper or small bed in your office in your new home for when you have guests visiting. If you enjoy hosting dinner parties, you do not need to have a formal dining room in your new home, why not put a table in the kitchen and create a casual dining space. Consider Purchasing Multi-use Furniture When you have decided which rooms you can shed without affecting your way of life, consider the furniture you may need. Multi-use pieces like sofa sleepers, bunkbeds, nests of tables and coffee tables with drawers are saving graces when living in smaller spaces If you have large pieces of furniture which are impractical - donate or sell them. If you are moving to a smaller home because your kids have left home, it will not be necessary to have so much furniture. Before you move, tell the kids to take what they want from their old rooms and also offer them any furniture which you will no longer be using in your new home. Once you have decided on the furniture you want to keep, measure all larger pieces and when you are viewing homes take a measure with you so you can be sure it will all fit in rooms and through the doorways etc.. Good Design is Essential In a small living space, design is especially important. Look closely at the storage space in any potential new home you look at. There are many older houses that do not have bedroom closets so you will need to bring space saving wardrobes or an extra dresser. Don't rule out homes which have little closet space, think about the possibility of building shelves and getting under bed storage boxes for seasonal clothes. If you are looking to move into an apartment, ask if there is storage space available to use within the building. It is important to explore all the options and to keep an open mind before you rule a place out. Look at how much light comes into any property you view as light will make any small space look bigger. If there is outdoor living space this adds to a property and gives the feeling of a bigger home. Choose a Place You Have Always Wanted to Live The money you will save when moving from a bigger home, may mean that you are able to move to the place you have always wanted to live in. Look at all locations to see what is available to you within your price range. Personal Space Regardless of how small you decide to go, don't forget that you will still need personal space, one of the main complaints from those who have already made the move is that they feel like they are constantly in someones way. Everyone has their own ideas of what personal space is to them and it is difficult to adjust to a smaller home at first. Be patient and you will all get used to it. Regardless of how small, ensure that you have a place of your own in your new home, it doesn't need to be a whole room - even just an armchair tucked away where you can read and have some quiet time will be perfect. Downsizing is always a daunting process when you are used to having a large family home filled with people, however there are many positives to downsizing and it will not take long to adjust once you have found the perfect home for you.]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer's Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late '60s for Dr. Upjohn of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands Home Recycling is a superb method to re-use things and to help in keeping the planet clean. By recycling, we are able to preserve the environment and reduce excessive waste. When recycling large home appliances or electronics, you will sometimes find guidelines that need to be followed. These products can occasionally contain dangerous elements that, if discarded incorrectly, may cause a significant problems with the ground or water. It's also worth noting that both home appliances and electronics can usually be recycled in a safe and efficient way, and when they are not recycled, they are can cause clutter, trash, and waste that may by very harmful to the planet. Home appliances Kitchen appliances are frequently tossed out to the curb for garbage collectors. After that, they end up in a landfill where they rust, and expel dangerous waste into the environment. Since appliances aren't biodegradable, they simply stay there and take up space. Large home appliances like fridges, ovens, freezers, washing machines, and dryers can be easily recycled. You should check out your local areas guidelines when you want to recycle these items. A great starting point would be to contact local charities. Many of these places will happily accept used home appliances, if they're still in working order. Other home appliances that can be recycled include microwaves, garbage disposals, dish washers, and air conditioning units. If they still work, think about making a donation of these items to a charity. They can often re-sell them, with the profits going towards the charity. It is important to note that products like freezers and fridges in addition to certain air conditioning units contain CFCs, which may be dangerous to the environment. Under the Clean Air Act, certain procedures should be followed when getting rid of or recycling these products. Many areas have a pick up service that will collect from your home and ensure that they are recycled properly. Many home appliances that are no longer in working order can be used for scrap metal. A Procedure is performed that will remove any dangerous elements and iron from the appliances, so that the case can be re-used. Construction companies can frequently use these home appliances and re-purpose them for a number of uses. This is another good option for recycling your unwanted appliances. It is always a good option to donate any home appliances which are working to charity. For those that are not functional, donating them for scrap metal is certainly a great alternative. Electronics Similar to home appliances, electronics can generally be recycled. Computer monitors contain dangerous elements like mercury, lead, cadmium, and other substances that may be very dangerous to the ground and water supply if they're discarded incorrectly. Newer television models also contain a few of these dangerous elements. Electronics which are working are great to donate to local schools and churches. Since many schools need as much financial help as possible, older computer systems and televisions can definitely prove useful. It is good to know that donations are tax deductible, which means donating them is even better. Stereo systems, old photocopiers and fax machines, and damaged or unused cell phones will also be recyclable. You will find some programs within the works which will take old cell phones, refurbish them for use elsewhere. There are certain stores who will take older electronics and make certain that they are recycled in the proper manner. Some of the large electronic companies have corporate electronic recycling programs. Often these companies can either refurbish and re-sell the item, or use spare parts on another way. It is always best to recycle old unwanted electronics to prevent them from sitting in landfill sites causing environmental problems. Some areas hold annual drives where people can come and donate their old electronics, computers are usually on the most wanted list. Many occasions you will see community events where local people could possibly get together, donate their old products, and discuss new ideas and applications them. There are many recycling programs available which will allow people to give their unwanted items, so why not ask in your local area. So when you are buying new products for your home it is always advisable to recycle, it is up to us to make a difference to how things are disposed of so that we may help protect the environment we live in for us and future generations.]]> Team BVI Sailing team showed up in force at Cowpet Bay, to challenge the sailors from St. Thomas Yacht Club at this year's MLK Jr. Day Regatta. This annual event represents one of just a few opportunities to get the sailors from all of our closely packed islands together for such an enjoyable event. Representing the BVI this time around, were an impressive group, composed almost entirely of BVI Belongers. This heavy local involvement is a direct result of the programs at the Royal BVI Yacht Club, to train sailors here in the art of competitive sailing, providing lifelong sport for these young sailors. In the Laser Class, BVI Islanders Matthew Oliver and also Mollee Donovan sailed the 4.7 rig (smallest Laser sail for lighter teenagers) finishing third and first, respectively. Mollee raced a superb regatta, finishing in first place in almost every single race. In the Optimist Class, small racing boats for children 8-15 years old, sailors all start on the same starting line but are scored according to age division. Team BVI was represented by sailors in the Green (beginner) , White (9-10) and Blue (11-12) Fleets . All sailors did great this weekend showing that their training with our resident coach Omari Scott has really paid off. Source:bvinews.com]]> Cane Garden Bay Cottages are comfortably sheltered in a beautiful coconut grove, just a few steps away from one of the most magnificent beaches on Tortola Island. Sitting in a spacious 1 3/4 acres, each of the four cottages are of the highest quality construction, with furnishings and amenities to match. Price:$1,295,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands Home it can be a stressful time for all those involved and your pets will not understand what is really happening so it can be very unsettling for them too. It has been said that one of the greatest worries for people moving home was how their pets would react! Below are a few tips which may help you and your pet deal with your move and help you all to settle into your new home quickly with minimal stress. 1. It is a good suggestion to keep your pets in one room throughout the packing stage, as allowing them to run around the house while all this is going on can make your pet much more anxious. Pets can sometimes sense something is going on and opt to hide in a favorite hiding place or in a neighbors garden, so by keeping them in one room and knowing where they are will help to move everyone from one house to the other all at the same time. 2. Ensure that your dog has its favorite toys and blankets and after you have moved, don't clean the bedding for a while after the move so that there are familiar smells to go with the unfamiliar ones. If your pet is traveling separately to you and is not used to being in a carrier, place the carrier in its living area few days before moving day so that your pet can get used to it. 3. Your pet may fear that it is not coming with you, so it is best that you give it a lot of attention and reassurance before and after the move. 4. Both dogs and cats have been known to try to return to their original home, to avoid this happening, it is a good idea to keep them indoors and only let them outside with supervision for a few weeks after the move. It is advisable not to let them out unaccompanied for at least a week after moving to your new home and just in case they do manage to get out, ensure they have an up to date collar and/or chip. If your cat will let you, putting them on a specially designed cat lead while you take them out for the first few weeks will help them to get used to their new surroundings without the risk of them getting lost. 5. On moving day, ensure you do not feed your pet for at least three hours prior to the move, this will help with any unpleasant accidents that may occur in the carrier during the move! 6. If you are really concerned about your pet during the disruption of packing up your home, you may consider putting them into kennels or a cattery for a few days, especially if it has been there before (when you are on holidays) and was happy there. It is important to remember that you will need to make reservations for your pet well in advance and to make certain that all their vaccinations are up to date. 7. Although cats especially do not like being sedated as it makes them feel anxious, your vet will decide whether this is the best course of action for your pet on moving day and may prescribe a mild sedative. 8. Dogs and cats (particularly) are territorial creatures and this will mean that when you move to a new home they will want to mark their territory, for cats this may lead to conflict with other cats in the area which for the most part you should let occur, if however you are concerned that your cat is fighting a lot check it regularly for wounds. 9. Pets like routine, so when you are preparing to move keep to their normal routine as much as possible and continue with it as soon as you can when you are settled in your new home this is applies especially to the times they are fed and taken for walks. Moving is a difficult stressful task and pets can pick up on your anxiety making them more anxious, so deal with your own stress first and then you will be able to deal with your pets and anything the move is likely to throw at you. Remember it will not be long until you are settled with your family and pets in your lovely new home!]]> The Virgin Islands will join with this rest of the world on February 2, 2012 to observe World Wetlands Day, under the theme, "Wetlands and Tourism." Acting Chief Conversation and Fisheries Officer, Mr. Kelvin Penn described the annual observance as it relates to the theme stating that the value of our wetland and their benefits can build stronger economies, sustainable livelihoods, healthy people and thriving ecosystems. "Wetlands Day is aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general, and the Ramsar Convention. With this, I urge the community to take a moment to appreciate the value of our local wetlands and take advantage of the benefits that they offer," he said. According to Mr. Penn, the western salt ponds are excellent examples of salt pond wetlands within the Greater Antilles. He reminded us that they support a number of endangered fauna and flora species, including the endemic Anegada Rock Iguana and the re-introduced colony of Caribbean Flamingos. "These birds nestle within the mangrove for feeding and good nourishment and the mangrove helps to prevent flooding during storms, and banks from scouring and erosion by waves. The salt pond comprises of a range of brackish saline lagoons and ponds amongst shrub dominated vegetation, tidal mudflats and mangrove. Each year tourists visit the site primarily for bird watching and locals use it for subsistence fishing, gathering of shellfish, bait collection, grazing, cutting of vegetation and mining," he concluded. Source:bvinews.com]]> The Royal BVI Yacht Club's Sailing team, showed up in force at Cowpet Bay to challenge the sailors from St. Thomas Yacht Club at this year's MLK Jr. Day Regatta. Representing the BVI this time around were an impressive group composed almost entirely of BVI locals. This heavy local involvement, is a direct result of the programs at the Royal BVI Yacht Club to train sailors here in the art of competitive sailing, providing lifelong sport for these currently young kids. In the Laser Class, BVI Islanders Matthew Oliver and also Mollee Donovan sailed the 4.7m vessel, finishing third and first, respectively. Mollee had a superb regatta, finishing in first place in nearly every single race. Jonathan Woods raced in the Radial Rig (medium size Laser sail) finishing in third place . In the Optimist Class, small racing boats for children 8-15 years old, sailors all start on the same starting line but are scored according to age division. Team BVI was represented by sailors in the Green (beginner) , White (9-10) and Blue (11-12) Fleets . In Blue, Sam Morrell placed second and third overall; in the White fleet Rayne Duff placed first, sixth overall; and also racing in White but not placing this regatta were Thad Lettsome and Sam Childs. All the young sailors performed really well this weekend. showing that their training with our resident coach Omari Scott has really paid off. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home home Buy low, sell high. Isn't that what we are taught from an early age? If you want to put this valuable life lesson to the test, 2012 may be the best year in the last 3 decades to do so. These tips below may just help you to get started in the buying process- 1. Consult a Mortgage Provider - Have your credit checked. - Ascertain what your price range is - Beginning with this particular step will answer many questions and take away any doubts or myths you may have. 2. Consult a Coldwell Banker BVI Realtor - At Coldwell Banker BVI Real Estate we are here to help, we will take you step-by-step through every aspect of the purchasing process. Whether it's suggesting a mortgage provider which has the very best options, values of property or information on maintaining your home when you have found the perfect place. Coldwell Banker provide the very best knowledge and understanding from beginning to end. 3. Get familiar with the local communities and types of homes in the areas you would like to live in. - Internet searches and open houses are an good way to begin your research. - Visiting the areas you are interested in to check out the local amenities and chat to people already living there will give you a feel for what living there will be like 4. Start putting money aside - If you have your mortgage offer in place and know that your monthly payments will be $1000.00 but are currently paying $750 in rent, putting the extra aside will help with the down payment and get you used to paying out this amount, it will also reduce any fears you may have about affording the extra payments once you are in your new home. 5. Write a list of what your wants and needs are from your new home and discuss with a Coldwell Banker BVI Realtor - We are here to help! - Be as flexible as you possibly can and realize that no home will be perfect and match every requirement you have, however you can come close, and even find a place that exceeds expectations. Final Thoughts By following these steps and consulting a Coldwell Banker BVI Realtor you are sure to make the best decision for you and your family. ]]> Imagine waking to the breathtaking views that this lovely Caribbean home in Virgin Gorda has to offer. This lovely, well-appointed 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa with a studio apartment on the lower level, is perfect for families vacationing with extended families, groups of friends, small retreats or couples. Price:$1,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands Home on the market or you simply want to make a change so that it looks more attractive, here are some inexpensive tips to ensure you get just what you want - The best house on the block! 1. Purchase a new door. The front door of your house is definitely the most important detail of your home as it is the first thing passers by, visitors and potential buyers will see. It is easy to give the entrance to your home a lift by giving it a new coat of paint, one of the best effects are wood colors such as mahogany. 2. Consider Shutters. If your home is older, purchasing shutters are a good way to add charm and character without it costing the earth. You can find relatively inexpensive shutters in homestores or alternatively if you want an individual feel why not look in antique shops. This is also a way to add vibrant colors to your home should you wish to do so. 3. Accessorize. Brass knockers, mail boxes, and lamps are all small investments which will make your house look great, however as these items can lose their shine over time so choose tarnish-free pieces, House numbers, kick plates and doorbell buttons are also good options. 4. Tidy up the grounds. Trim bushes to ensure that doorways and windows aren't hidden. Fill window boxes with vines, geraniums, and ornamental grasses, or plant perennials like climbing hydrangea. Your garden should complement the design of your home. If your property is contemporary, disregard the old-fashioned flowering plants and choose carefully trimmed spruces or spiral topiaries. 5. Paint right. Traditional colors are popular and the classics never go out of style, there are many different colors and shades to choose from and it is probably a good idea to check out the homes you like and ask the owners for the names of paint colors. Painting your home is likely to be the most expensive improvement in this list so do not hurry your choice. These 5 simple tips will help you to improve the outside of your home fairly inexpensively, so that visitors or potential buyers will feel welcomed into your home, and have a good impression from the first moment they arrive.]]> Following its first-to-market introduction of the iPhone 4, last summer, the full-service telecoms provider is continuing its exclusive Apple deal with introduction of the most amazing iPhone yet. LIME CEO, David Shaw says the iPhone 4S will again change the way people communicate. "This is another first from LIME. Bringing world class technology is our way of building communities and families in the Caribbean. The iPhone 4S is best in class, innovative and the ultimate 'every-thing device' that will change the way we access and share information. It shows what advanced technology looks and feels like and that's what our customers expect of us. We're very proud to partner with Apple to make this happen for the Caribbean," he said. Packed with incredible new features, including Apple's dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics, the iPhone 4S will be available in three models - the 16GB, the 32GB and the 64GB. Other features of this masterful device include an all new camera with advanced optics and full 1080p HD resolution video recording; iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5, the world's most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features; and iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that work with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and move it to all your devices. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home on the market, you may be considering an open house. If correctly executed, holding an Open House is a very efficient way to generate more marketing exposure and to attract interested purchasers, However it is not as easy as just cleaning and inviting potential purchasers to view your home. Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your open house event: Ensure Your Home is Ready: Just because you have put your home on the market, doesn't mean that it is automatically ready for viewings by potential buyers. As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a good impression, and this is also true of your home when you are hoping to sell. The first and most obvious task is to make sure you thoroughly clean the house, second would be to finish any minor maintenance projects so that your home looks more inviting. Hold your Event on a Weekend: Open Houses are more effective when held over weekends as this allows more people to visit without worrying about work commitments/kids etc. Let people know that you are holding an open house by putting directional yard signs at key points. Your real estate agent may also help to inform potential buyers that the open house is happening. Stage Your House: Most people arrange their furniture to their own tastes and families lifestyle, however it is good to bare in mind that potential buyers are more attracted to homes which appear spacious, So when you are staging your home think of how a potential buyer may see it and remove any clutter or unnecessary furniture. Sign-In Sheets: It is a good idea to get visitors details, so creating a simple sign in sheet for people to provide their name, phone number and email address, will help when you want to contact the visitors after the event. Create and print leaflets: Create a simple leaflet giving brief information on the house and your contact details so that you can hand them to visitors upon arrival. Offer Refreshments: One of the oldest tricks in the book is to bake cookies before an open house, this gives the house a pleasant and inviting aroma and will also provide treats for your guests and encourage them to stay longer to ask more questions about your home. Purchase fresh Flowers: A great way to emphasize your homes beauty is to purchase fresh flowers form your local florist and place arrangements in a vase, not only will it improve the look of your home it is also a conversation starter so that when visitors comment on them and ask where they came from it is a great opportunity to explain about all the good shops and amenities in the area. Be Professionally minded: Visitors may express their opinions on aspects of your home which they do not like, be professional and remember that you are not selling your home, but merely a house which buyers will want to make their own. Answer Questions: You will never be able to guess the amount of questions the prospective buyers may ask regarding the house and surrounding area, so it is always best to be prepared to answer questions about: Property taxes, major appliances, heating and air conditioning systems and questions concerning the local community. If there are any questions that you are unable to answer, inform them that you will get the answer and contact them via phone. Find out if a prospective buyer is pre-approved: Not all visitors will be interested in buying your home, however for those who are showing that they are by asking questions, don't be afraid to inquire if they have been pre-approved for a mortgage. If they are not pre-approved, It is a good idea to recommend that they seek financial advice regarding the mortgage to begin the process. Follow-Up: A good tip is to send a thank you email to all those who attended your open house and left contact details, you can include a link to the listing of your house so that they can view the pictures and details again and ask if they have any more questions regarding the house. In the following days call each person and politely inquire whether they are considering purchasing your home, if the answer is negative, again thank them for their time and ask if they have any feedback on your home which may help make the house more appealing to other potential buyers. If you get a positive response, offer for them to visit your home again for a second viewing. Placing your home on the market can be a stressful process, and sometimes it can feel like there is no interest at all. Open houses are a good way of showing off your home to potential buyers without the pressure. Why not discuss holding an open house with your realtor today, you might just find that it is the best way to sell your home! ]]> Sea's Song Villa sits thirty feet above the Sir Francis Drake Channel on a bouldered promitory separating Long Bay and Nail Bay on the western shore of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Price:$2,950,000 Read more about this listing]]> H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, will be conducting a week of orientation and registration exercises beginning on Tuesday 10th January, for students taking classes during the 2012 Spring Semester. The exercise will target new students, and will be held only at the Paraquita Bay Campus, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Thereafter, the registration of new and continuing students will take place at Paraquita Bay and the Virgin Gorda Center. Registration will continue on Monday 16th January, but from this date, a "late fee" will be charged. All students are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the registration process which runs from 11-13 January, pertaining to their respective categories. Students may communicate with their advisers either electronically or face-to-face. Electronic advising will allow students to access the College's SONISWeb portal through the website www.hlscc.edu.vg. Face-to-face advising and registration will be available at both the Paraquita Bay and Virgin Gorda locations. As a comprehensive community college, HLSCC's offerings are designed to prepare students for transfer into the upper division of baccalaureate programmes of other colleges and universities, or for immediate job entry or career advancement. Source:bvinews.com]]> Victor International ant Yacht Club Costa Smeralda are pleased to announce the completion of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Virgin Gorda Clubhouse. Oil Nut Bay is a private community nestled on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda. Developer of Oil Nut Bay and chairman of Victor International, David V. Johnson states, "We have combined the finest real estate marine property in the Caribbean with one of the world's leading yacht associations, combined with decades of tradition and sailing excellence, to create an unparalleled Caribbean resort destination. YCCS Virgin Gorda and Oil Nut Bay offer the highest standards and services for owners and guests." The British Virgin Islands are recognized as one of the finest cruising destinations in the Northern Hemisphere. The trade winds and predictable weather patterns, dramatic and mountainous island landscapes, protected bays, clear waters, beautiful sandy beaches and world-class fishing, scuba-diving and snorkeling continually draw yachtsmen to the BVI from around the world. For over 40 years, YCCS has been one of the leading yacht clubs in the Mediterranean with its base in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. The new YCCS Virgin Gorda, enables the international sailing and yachting community to enjoy YCCS' legendary expertise in the organization of top-level international sailing events, and hospitality services second to none in the British Virgin Islands. The new Marina offers superior facilities and services. Located in the pristine waters of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, it has 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters and a draft of up to 9.1 meters. The Marina design includes a central T-shaped dock measuring 267 meters that is accessible from both sides. Source:www.oilnutbay.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home onto the market, home staging is a critical part of the sale process because if you wish to make the most money from your home and get a quick sale, you will need potential buyers to feel its a hot property. These 20 top tips will help you understand what the main dos and don'ts are for successful home staging. Do 1.Set your listing cost by using area comparables 2.Put personal collections away somewhere safe. 3.Give your home a fresh coat of paint. 4.Clean windows and open curtains. 5.Fix all running toilets, or risk flushing profits down the drain 6.Remember that outdoors is just as important as indoors so prepare your entire living space to the same high standard 7.Visit model homes to see how they look and feel, and incorporate these aspects into your home 8.Grind a lemon inside the waste disposal, this will smell great for when potential buyers are visiting 9.Display fresh flowers, fake plastic flowers do not give off the right impression 10.Keep your day job, hire an expert and assist them in what they do best Don't 1. Tell yourself that the higher the asking price, the more options you will have when negotiating - You could end up idle on the market. 2. Leave obstacles like bikes and scooters laying around in the front yard 3. Do any major renovations 4. Use scented air fresheners, instead dot fresh flowers around your home 5. Leave personal paperwork laying around 6. Think the house will sell itself, your home needs look the best to sell 7. Clean up by putting everything in the closets 8. Leave incomplete DIY jobs 9. Be scared to ask for help, there are many professionals who can assist with staging 10. Allow pets to greet the visitors at the door Does your house look like a show home yet? It is always best to look at your home as if you were a highly critical buyer. Home staging properly is very important especially in a difficult market when potential buyers feel it necessary to offer below the asking price. When you present your home in the best way possible it will strengthen your position as a seller when negotiating price.]]> Construction is nearly complete on the second of two luxury homes on the hillside overlooking Brewers Bay on Tortola. Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> Melanie Amaro, who recently won the American X-Factor competition along with a $5-million recording contract, has said she is committed to promoting the BVI. She was responding to a statement in a telephone conversation today with Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. D. Orlando Smith, who said the BVI Tourist Board will speak with her about possible areas of mutual co-operation. "I love the BVI, it is my home. I will definitely promote the BVI. When people ask me where I am from, I am always proud to tell them I am from the BVI," Amaro said. The Premier also congratulated Amaro, "You have made the Government and people of these Virgin Islands extremely proud. We were rooting for you from day one. We were admiring your progress; all hands were on deck voting for you each week, Melanie. We had thrust our weight behind you 110 percent because we wanted you to win," he said. "We were intrigued with your poise, grace, humility and the strength of your voice," he said, adding, "You are an inspiration to us all and we are so proud of you, so much that December 23 was declared 'Melanie Amaro Day'. Source:bvinews.com]]> Only eight fortunate purchasers will be able to take advantage of a very luxurious, very secluded and very special Villa community on the beach in beautiful Brewers Bay. Combining first class design by award winning Architects, OBM International, with a world class waterfront location, residents will truly be able to escape to their very own Caribbean refuge. Price:$2,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> British Virgin Islands you will undoubtedly notice there are many home alterations under construction, together with various lawn signs for roofing contractors, replacement windows, or kitchen remodeling. While these bigger projects may increase home value, it is possible to find low-cost projects that can also add to the value of your home. 1. Paint the Interior. If you have not given your home a new coat of paint for 10 years or more, your ceiling is most likely looking dull and the colors on your walls are out of style. New homeowners will often make the decision to use the same color throughout most of the house. And the color of choice tends to be white or a neutral color. It is possible to increase the value of your home by choosing to use more contemporary colors and opting for more vibrant colors for just a few rooms in your house. Freshly painted ceilings will brighten your home. 2. Refinish the front door. First impressions mean a great deal and if your front door is needing work this will be setting the wrong tone straight away. Refinishing front doors does not usually take much effort. If it's painted, make sure you sand the surface to make it rough before applying a new coat of paint. If it's stained it is advisable to use a very fine grade of sandpaper to guarantee the sealer will adhere to the surface. When you are preparing the door for that finish coat, check the weather stripping for damage. With soaring energy costs, adding newer and more effective weather stripping will help in reducing your costs in utility bills. Whether you are painting or staining, start the task early in the morning that way the surface will dry before you need to close the door for the evening. 3. Replace your bathroom fan with one that's rated for a room twice the size. Bathrooms are the second most costly room in the home to remodel. Apart from leaking pipes, nothing will cause much harm to your bathroom other than an excessive amount of steam from the shower. Replacing your bathrooms fan with one ranked for a room twice its size will rapidly remove moisture and protect your bathroom from mold. 4. Replace kitchen cabinet hardware. Although the kitchen is easily the most costly room in your home to remodel, there are other options which will cost far less to make your kitchen look fresher. Replacing your kitchen cabinet hardware with self-closing hinges and new knobs or pulls can change the look of your kitchen - quickly and inexpensively. 5. Replace laminate kitchen counter tops. This is actually the most costly project on this list, however it can significantly improve the look of your kitchen - for under 15 % of the price of remodeling your kitchen completely. Laminates previously came in just a number of shades of white, however now it is available in most colors and designs, a lot of which resemble much more expensive solid surface materials, like stone or tile. Another advantage to changing your laminate kitchen counters is that it could be a one-day job rather than the 8-12 weeks of disruption you would experience when completely remodeling the entire kitchen. 6. Landscape the front yard. When the shrubbery is overgrown, the wild birds are eating grubs in your lawn, and dandelions are the only flowers left in the yard, maybe its time to get out the gardening gloves and tools. Landscape designs today do not necessarily mean three evergreen bushes on the left and on the right - there are many options of plants that will add color and style to your yard. Visit the local landscape designs center to see the dozens of ideas they will have for you. 7. Attack the list of maintenance jobs you've been meaning to get around to. Properly maintaining your home means keeping minor jobs minor, instead of allowing them to get bigger, and much more pricey. 8. Refinish your hardwood flooring. Scratched and worn hardwood flooring detract from your home's value, and when left unprotected, you may need to replace them, resulting in a huge cost. Paying an expert to refinish them may be beneficial - going too far when using the sander can leave permanent indentations in your flooring. Find a list of companies in your area. And when you are refinishing your flooring, consider staining them for any dramatic, new look. So if you want to ring in the changes this new year and add value to your home inexpensively, these tips should help you on the right path to a new fresh look for your home while adding value at the same time.]]> Governor Boyd Mc Cleary and family, along with the Premier Dr. the Honorable D. Orlando Smith, joined staff, patients, and friends at this year's Peebles Hospital Christmas programme, continuing a long standing tradition. Opening the proceedings, Hospital Nursing Director, Ms. Jascinth Campbell-Hannibal, gave apologies on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition Honorable Ralph T. O'Neal, who was absent, due to being ill. She asked that persons hold him in their hearts, and to send prayers during this time. Governor Boyd Mc Cleary brought season's greetings, as he expressed his pleasure, along with his wife Jenny and daughter Emily, in being able to join in the tradition this year. "It is important to remember those who are here, and to make it a happy day as it can be for them." The Honorable Premier, expressed his thanks to the Governor and his family, as well as to all who were in attendance. He specially noted, long standing attendants; Mr. Elton Georges, Ms. Margaret Bord and Teacher Inez Turnbull. "I have been coming here for many years and I am happy to be here this year. Christmas is a time when everyone should get together and forgive, it is a time to heal, as we move forward towards the New Year." The Premier said. Gratitude was expressed to Morgan and Morgan Trust Corporation Ltd., Mossack Fonseca & Co. (BVI) Ltd. National Bank of the Virgin Islands, SOL SLU Ltd., Smith's Ferry, First Bank of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Glenroy Forbes, and the Honorable Ralph T. O'Neal for their monetary contributions in making this year's annual Christmas programme a success. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home it's very easy to allow New Year's Eve plans take a backseat. When the gifts have been bought, wrapped and given, the food is all cooked and eaten and all of the the relatives which were visiting have left, who has the energy to plan a party? Well, you can! Just follow these simple tips to help you ring in the new year in style. Step One: Send invites via email, phone calls and texts, this will allow you to receive and keep track of RSVP's quickly and easily, you dont need a fancily designed invite to ask close friends and relatives to celebrate with you and this way it is possible to make last minute plans. A good tip is to invite your guests to arrive at around 8pm, so that you have time to catch up and build up to ringing in the new year together. Step Two: Plan the menu. Don't feel as though you need to make all the food yourself. Look at your grocer's freezer section for prepared snacks. Other easy refreshments are fruits and veggies cut into bite-sized portions and offered with cheese cubes. If your finances are tight, request visitors to create a snack, dessert or drinks to share. Speaking of drinks, consider planning one special cocktail or punch (and possibly a non-alcoholic version for designated motorists) and asking visitors to bring wine, beer and/or champagne if they so desire. Step Three: Organize a playlist. Are you unsure what tunes work well for a New Year's Eve party? Take a look at the internet for good ideas, using a free Internet radio service is also a good tip, as this means you'll avoid needing to purchase any music and have the ability to mix your choices should you so choose. Step Four: Clean. You want your house to be presentable for when visitors arrive, but don't stress too much over cleaning because you almost certainly have plenty of cleaning to complete after everybody leaves. Concentrate on the basics in the most used areas and make sure anything you wouldn't want your guests to see is put away. Step Five: Party! Consider buying some noisemakers, party hats, etc., to add a festive touch to your party. Remember New Years Eve is an exciting event filled with the anticipation of what the new year may bring, so enjoy with friends and family and ring in the new year they way you want to!]]> For the purchaser whose lifestyle dictates beauty, luxury and prestige and who is not willing to compromise on quality of construction and finish, spectacular views, convenience of location and all round comfort, this 6 bedroom newly constructed home with pool should be at the top of the list. Perched high on Soldier Hill, the property provides breathtaking vistas out over Brewers Bay and indeed north west to Jost Van Dyke and St Thomas. Price:$4,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> During its upcoming Athletes Awards Recognition Gala on December 28th at Drakes Point, the BVI Athletics Association will hand out two Lifetime Achievement Awards. They are to be awarded to Rose Phillips King-Adams, and Theda Bucknor-Forbes, who have contributed a combined 37 years of service to the association. King-Adams was the territory's leading female athlete in the 1970`s, and at one time held the 100, 200, 400m and Long Jump National Records. She was on the territory's first CAC Championships team, finishing seventh in the long Jump IAAF World Championships, and Carifta Games teams. After her career, she served as association secretary through 2002. Last year, during the association 40th anniversary, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to all the presidents who guided the association between 1970 and 2008. During the event, the association will dole out numerous awards in eight categories, recognizing athletes and coaches who have served a minimum of five years. Colonial Insurance will be handing out the Comeback Athlete of the Year award, which recognizes an athlete who has been injured, returns to make a national team and meets the criteria established. Since January 2010, Colonial Insurance has been supporting the association's athletes rehabilitation program, which assists athletes in getting treatment from injuries. They will also present the Junior and Sr. Division awards while Premier Dental will recognize the Youth Division awards recipients. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Home this year, there is no need to panic . You will find a couple of easy tips for you to follow to ensure your Christmas goes off well without a hitch. Being organized is paramount and to really make it memorable try doing something different to the traditional sit down lunch. As you live in a warmer climate you may even decide to have your Christmas lunch outdoors on the patio. Your Christmas party could be a pool party in which your guests can enjoy a cooling dip in the pool! Plan your Menu Ensure you know what you are going to be cooking and that you have organized a day to collect the meat or seafood you have ordered. You might like choose to serve a traditional Christmas feast indoors, or if you are going to enjoy the outdoors with a barbecue, seafood, meat, and salads are a good option. Of course whether it is formal or casual, deserts are always important for guests with a sweet tooth! Formal or Casual? Do you enjoy a classic formal Christmas with a fancy meal, making use of your best silverware or perhaps a Christmas outdoors round the barbecue more your scene? Either option is a terrific way to celebrate Christmas and also to spend some time with family and friends. For any formal Christmas decorate your table with candles, tinsel and other Christmas decorations. Set out your good tableware and serve your meal with all the trimmings. Select the best wines you can buy, with a nice sparkling wine to accompany the start of the meal. If you decide on a casual Christmas lunch turn on the barbecue and prepare some prawns or bake a whole fish. You may even prepare meats on the barbecue. Pavlova is a superb dessert on a warm day, along with a fresh fruit salad, or you can even serve serve Christmas pudding cold. Decorations To get into the festive spirit make sure you decorate your home. As well as the Christmas tree decorate the table and hang up tinsel and baubles along with other decorations round the room or yard. Presents Know in advance whether your family and friends are giving presents. Some families go all out and purchase presents for every member of the family, others don't bother at all. If you're watching your spending possibly organize a secret Santa, where each member of the group buys one gift for just one other member of the family. It should be taken care of some time before Christmas to give each person enough time to purchase gifts.]]> Telecoms Company, LIME opened its 4G experience center last Friday, at its Flemming Street store effectively bringing the world's latest and best in mobile technology to the BVI. Promising speeds much faster than any service available in the market at the moment, the company says customers can visit the store to touch, feel, play and interact with the latest devices in a 4G powered environment. "4G is alive in BVI, and everybody is invited for a test drive. We are proud to bring the latest in mobile technology the BVI, with a leap that will result in our network being up to sixty times faster than we have ever had it," said Sean Auguste, General Manager, LIME BVI. "The center is just the start of the roll out of the network, which will take place over the next three months, until we deliver a full 4G network to the BVI at the end of March 2012," he continued. The 4G Experience Center is part of the US$80M investment the company is making to finance major improvements to its regional mobile networks, which will enable its customers to access blazing fast Internet and numerous sophisticated data services on their wireless devices. Highlighting the benefits of the technology to the business sector, Auguste pointed out that organizations which operate in markets where 4G is available are enjoying improved productivity and new ways of working. Source:bvinews.com]]> British Virgin Islands Christmas time will always be celebrated in the warm weather the island benefits from, of course for many this is a big difference to the normal Christmas in their home country. So how do you bring on the Christmas spirit in a warmer climate? Are you considering decorating your home with a Christmas palm tree? You are definitely not alone, this has become a very popular choice for many people living in tropical or beach locations, enjoy celebrating the holidays with a festive beach or tropic theme with your palm tree. Theme Ideas When you are decorating a palm tree, there are several themes that you may choose including beach, tropical or nautical themes. If you have decided on the beach or tropical theme then a good way to decorate your tree would be with flip flops, Hawaiian t-shirts, surf boards or sand and seashells and you may even decide to decorate the rest of your home with these types of items also. If you decide on a nautical theme, boats, rafts and fish motifs can be used, good colors for a nautical theme are blue, red and even a little green. Decorations Decorating your home for the holidays is a lot of fun especially with this type of tree. Seashells and starfish are a good choice if you want to stay with a white or off-white theme, they are also very decorative items when used in a garland. Another way to decorate your home with a tropical feel is to make some of your own ornaments, old clear bulbs filled with sand are very effective when hung on a tree. If you decide on a nautical theme, boats, rafts and fish motifs can be used, good colors for a nautical theme are blue, red and even a little green, try to include a little sparkle in your decorations to give it that festive cheer. Lighting String lighting is another wonderful way to decorate for beach, tropical and nautical themes. You can purchase the traditional white colored bulbs or even blue would look great for any theme, and if you want to make the lights even more original why not hang flip flops, Hawaiian T-Shirts, or surf boards on them. Where to find Beach or Tropical Theme Items Christmas accessories for beach and tropical themes are easily found in shops and online stores, as well as at craft events, if you are lucky enough to live along the coast why not go to the beach with the family and choose some seashells to decorate. Whatever theme you choose, your home will be inviting and festive for you, your family and friends to celebrate this magical time of the year together. ]]> Perched just above the beach amid lavish hillside gardens, Equinox House overlooks one of the most dramatic seascapes in the Caribbean and is only a short stroll from beautiful Long Bay Beach. This exquisite mediterranean style villa is thoughtfully nestled around an open air courtyard and swimming pool. The view sweeps out over nearly an acre of hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillea, which cascades on to a vast palm grove that cradles two of the most breathtaking beaches on the island . Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> Praises poured in from vendors, residents and visitors for the well-organized 13th annual Christmas on Main Street which has been hailed a success. However, there were mixed reactions from vendors regarding the purchasing power exercised by shoppers. The annual event started on Friday, December 2nd and concluded on December 3rd. For Erminie Mathavious of Locally Yours, the event was a success for her business. She said that this year it was more organized, better designed and it was more incisive in terms of the placing of the booths. Mathavious, who has been part of the event for four years, said for a year of economic hardships, people came out and supported the businesses. She said that for her business, people appeared to be more inclined to move towards a healthier lifestyle, hence they bought her products. The event which is organized by the Association for the Advancement of Small Businesses (AASB), has developed a good reputation with vendors, Main Street businesses and the community in general, and has been a great boost to the community's Christmas spirit and a great start to the Christmas season in the BVI. At the official opening ceremony on Friday night, Ministers of Government urged residents to support businesses that operate in the BVI in order for the money spent on products to remain in the BVI. The Ministers stated that businesses too must play a role by offering affordable prices. They also said said that in the coming months, they will be announcing plans for the improvement of the capital. Source:bviplatinum ]]> British Virgin Islands Home, including the dining room and also the dining furniture too, as a lot of the Christmas celebrations will center around the Christmas feast. In fact creating a festive dining table for Christmas is a big part of the fun of decorating for the holidays. The traditional colors of Christmas are red, green and gold, which are wonderful colors to produce an effect with. These are also colors that will match with most dining room furniture and decor too. There are many ways in which you can bring your dining table to life for this special time of the year. Begin with a vibrant colored custom tablecloth of either red or green colors which can be matched to crockery you are going to use as well as the table decorations and the other accessories you choose to decorate your table with. The centerpiece you choose for the dining table is a very important element. There are many different centerpieces to choose from, you may decide on a wreath with bells and bows or festive ornaments of Santa Claus, Rudolph or frosty the snowman. A traditional table centerpiece which is guaranteed to catch your visitors eyes is an elegant candle display in a candelabra or maybe the candles can be offset with some Christmas greenery, baubles or sparkles, Thick pillar candle lights are usually the best type to use for this kind of setting and creating different levels of candles produce a lovely visual effect. You can purchase a ready made centerpiece with candles, however this will take some fun out of creating your festive setting for the Christmas feast. Your dining chairs can also be incorporated into your festivities as it is easy to decorate as little or as much as you want, if you are looking for a subtle feel for your chairs why not attach a few ornaments on each or for a more dramatic look a good idea is to take some bright red, gold or green ribbon and attach to the chairs with bows, you can even purchase novelty seat covers in the style of Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeer and many more. This method of decorating your chairs is a simple method to give an intensive festive feel to any dining room. If you want to decorate the other pieces of furniture in your dining room such as the fire place or the dresser, you may want to create Christmas bowls by filling festively colored bowls with things like pine cones, bells, baubles or candles. Place setting on your table can be offset by using color coordinated china and scattering sprigs of holly, glitter or even have a miniature Christmas tree for each person at the table. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration and by creatively decorating your home you will really enter into the Christmas spirit and make the holidays unforgettable for you, your family and friends.]]> Frenchman's Cay, an island connected to the popular west end of Tortola via a small bridge, is home to Sopers Hole Marina and one of the BVI's most exclusive and secure gated residential communities. Here can be found some of the BVI's most luxurious homes and Frenchman's Paradise, a newly constructed four bedroom home, raises the bar. Price:$3,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> The National Parks Trust 50th anniversary concert series came to a close last evening, with a captivating performance by nine-time Grammy-award winning artist John Legend. It was the largest crowd of the weekend with hundreds turning out to see the American star John Legend took the stage at exactly 9:30 and performed most of his chart-topping songs, which included "Save Room for My Love", "Wake up Everybody", "Green Light", "Every Time She Comes Around", amongst others. He opened his show by covering "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele and "Redemption Song" by legendary Jamaican artiste, the late Bob Marley. One lucky young lady got pulled up on stage and danced with John Legend as he sang to her. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and a rose. The highlight of the night was his performance of "Ordinary People" with the piano as the crowd sang along. At one point he stopped but the crowd kept singing. The artiste closed his act with "I Will Stay With You" and said that he hoped he would be invited back to play again in the Virgin Islands. Prior to John Legend's performance, the crowd was also entertained by UMI Fashions, the HLSCC jazz ensemble and Blue Essence Band. Source:bvinews.com]]> in the Beautiful British Virgin Islands is exciting, but it is also a daunting experience when you move your old things in and realize that both you and your old furniture don't fill the area or the requirements of a real home. Often, you will have to budget carefully to be able to obtain the products you need but still be in a position to save for a rainy day. It is important to make sure that you purchase quality items where it counts, and only scrimp in the areas which will not affect your daily life. It is essential that you first obtain the things that you need to enable you to live in your home comfortably and build on your furniture and decor in time and at your leisure. Here are a few tips to help you to choose what to buy and when to buy the items which you will need for your very first home. 1. beds are one of the most important items you will buy for your home so it is important that you choose a product that will last. It is not a good idea to purchase a used mattress or an extremely cheap bed as they will only fall to pieces and you will be losing lots of money. Do not choose to buy a head board and footboard no matter how beautiful they are over a quality mattress. You might have an attractive resting place, however the rest you will get on a cheap mattress will not be good enough. If you're not able to purchase a quality mattress immediately, buy comfortable airbed and sleep on that until you have enough money saved for a good bed mattress. A comfortable airbed will often cost around a hundred dollars, and after you have finished with them they can always be used for any guests you may have coming to stay. 2. Outfit the dining area with a table and chairs which can be used for dual purpose when needed. Dining area furniture can be bought fairly inexpensively at discount furniture stores. Choose a table that can be extended for a game night or for when you have company over, and select upholstered chairs that will be comfortable for visitors should you sit around after dinner. Upholstered chairs are also easily moved into the living space for when you have visitors over and can be easily dressed up with slip covers for seasonal parties. 3. Choose a good solid sofa. Not including your bed, your sofa will be the most important item of furniture within your home and is likely to get the most use. It should to be comfortable, durable and upholstered in nice fabric of your choice. It does not need to match your other furniture as this can be covered easily to fit in with your sofa. 4. Search for deals on chests of drawers and wardrobes. These products are very good for storage and look elegant inside a hall or living space, as well as in the bedroom. If there is a lot of closet space in your home, you may decide to place them in there out of sight to hold linens, Compact disks or movies rather than clothes. 5.Make sure you have enough light. Many houses have bright, harsh overhead light fittings which are helpful when cleaning and when you need to see every corner of a room, however these are not friendly on a daily basis. You can purchase affordable lamps at discount stores and use them to soften the edges of the room without restricting the and causing you to feel like you are living in a cave. Buying your first home is a very exciting time, however it is important to purchase the basics for your home first and then build on this to ensure that you have enough money and also that you are happy with how your furnishings look together, it is very easy to get caught up in the excitement and impulse buy which will be a disappointment in the long run. Buying a first home is one of the biggest milestones in life so make sure that you enjoy it!]]> A DREAM COME TRUE VILLA is a luxurious 6,500 square foot 5 bedroom, 6 bath vacation waterfront home on an exceptionally private estate blessed with breathtaking views of Virgin Gorda's Savannah and Pond Bays and the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the BVI. Price:$3,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> Minister of Education and Culture and Moorings Mariner Inn owner, Myron Walwyn, captured the Pioneer of the Year Business Award at the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) award ceremony at the Scrub Island Resort and Spa. Walwyn, who was not present at the event, was recognized for his significant contribution to the tourism and hospitality sectors in the BVI, his establishment of a successful law firm in the peak of the recession and his commitment to the community, the operation of several well established businesses under his management company, as well as his commitment to encouraging BVI Islanders to book their vacations right here in the BVI were also recognized. Chairman of the Board, Dr. Birney Harrigan, in her remarks said: "His law firm is committing 100 hours of legal assistance, a quota that has been exceeded every quarter. As an attorney who remains diligent to helping all persons in the BVI community with justice; as a businessman he has invested in several ventures and served on various Boards throughout the community. He remains steadfast in his commitment to empower young people to help them find their rightful place in the territory and further their contribution to the community." The award is awarded annually to the entrepreneur who has played a major role in the development of the tourism and hospitality sectors in the BVI, his overall performance, what the entrepreneur's vision for the future is, his ability to develop new ideas and products, and originality and distinctiveness in business operations and sales. Source:bvinews.com]]> This newly constructed, 5,165 sqft, four bedroom residence is composed of two separate buildings connected by a covered porch. This house is situated on a 1.4 acre site in Belmont Estates and is within walking distance of the beautiful Long Bay and Smuggler's Cove beaches. Enjoy spectacular 180 degree views from Little Tobago to the west, to Jost van Dyke to the north to Cane Garden Bay to the east. Price:$2,700,000 Read more about this listing]]> Tastemakers, seasoned gourmets, chefs and winemakers from around the world, have started to arrive in the British Virgin Islands. They are to join residents of the British Virgin Islands, to participate in the five dinners of the 2011 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners, which will be held between November 16th and 20th at exclusive private villas and special locations in the British Virgin Islands. The BVI Tourist Board is a major sponsor, together with Allivictus, OHMS and Caribbean Cellars. Mr. Ajit Mathew George, Founding Chairman of the BVI Charitable Fund stated that $100,810.26 in net proceeds from past Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners have already been distributed to 9 beneficiaries in the British Virgin Islands. An itemized list of who received these net proceeds is available to review under BVI Charitable Fund on www.winemakersdinners.com. The five award winning international winemakers who will be in attendance, and personally pour their wines, include Michael De Loach of Hook and Ladder Winery, Russian River Valley, California, USA; Gonzalo Lainez of Bodegas Roda, Rioja, Spain; Philippe Marchal of Maison Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France; Jim Bernau of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Oregon, USA; and Regina Martinelli of Martinelli Winery, Russian River Valley, California, USA. All the winemakers are volunteering their time without any compensation and donating their wines. The wines, all of which have been personally selected by the above winemakers, will be carefully paired with five course gourmet dinners prepared by superb chefs from throughout the world, under the leadership of Executive Chef Mathayom Vacharat from St. John's Catering. Source:bvinews.com]]> BVI Home? Here are 10 reasons to indulge yourself and invest in your very own home theater system! 1. Endless Options. To enjoy the comforts and conveniences of home can be more enjoyable. With today's blue ray, 3-D, dvd, cable, or satellite you can view nearly everything you want to in your own home. You choose, put it on your screen and watch things how you want to. 2. Go far without going out. When you have a home theater all the action and drama comes to life and will keep you on the edge of your couch, bed or dining table. You are able to bring all the entertainment to you instead of going out of your home and encountering busy streets, using gas, time and effort 3. Relax. You're in your own home, so make yourself comfortable. It isn't Broadway, so you don't need to bother getting dressed up, filling the tank or calling a sitter... but if you wish to anyway, go right ahead. You can be as comfortable as you want to and be safe in the knowledge that there will be nobody showing up who isn't invited. 4. Choose your Settings. You know all about compromise. Want more light, but your partner would like less? Or what about different sound levels for different things you watch. You can set your home theater up your way and adjust the settings to your taste to make your viewing experience perfect for you and your spouse. 5. For frugal flick fans. You may love movies, but a ticket nowadays can cost more than a decent meal. Queues, limited seating and sky-high snack prices damper the experience of visiting a movie theater, particularly when it can be done your way without needing to pay. You will no longer need to worry about checking showtimes and planning around them. No longer will you need to pay admission fee, you choose what popcorn to pop, what else to snack on, whether you wear shoes or socks or not and how you are comfortable sitting, laying or standing to watch a film. Save lots of cash along the way and you can make a trip to the theater when ever you want to! 6. Surreal Sports. If you like football it is much cooler to watch those hard hits and close-up replays on a screen. For all your sports, highlight shows and dozens of channels, home theaters really are a home run. A home theater allows you to enjoy the game without having to be there without the possibility of being stuck behind a 6 foot 8 fan or perhaps an annoying couple making out. In your own home you can create whatever scene you want for the game, or even DVR the event or watch just part of it. 7. Satisfy everyone. You will want the best system you can buy for the money you have available, and you can have all your friends and family enjoy the benefits as well. You will no longer need to trek to the different destinations your team are playing at. Bring the action right into your own home with a home theater system that livens your senses, sets the atmosphere you want and when, and keeps visitors coming back for more. Perhaps you should start charging admission. 8. Free up family time. The home theater is here to add excitement and fun to any evening of the week. Whether you work long hours, travel or shuffle the children everywhere they need to be, there's very little time to plan activities with your family. Having a home entertainment system means you are able to get home from work, press a button and have access to viewing entertainment for the entire family. If you have a large group in your own home, have everybody take a turn in choosing a channel as necessary. 9. So where should you sit? The home theater enables you to plan a seating arrangement to suit your tastes, you could even make a themed room like a bar or try to recreate the feel of an actual movie theater, the options are endless with your own home theater. Whether you would like the theater to be situated in your bedroom, basement, garage, kids' room, a home theater really is an investment which will add value to your life and property value alike. 10.Best of all - You can do it all over again, when ever you feel like! So what better way to enjoy your favourite movies, programmes or games than in your sweats on a comfy sofa with your favourite snacks in your own home theater. ]]> LaVida is a brand new, luxurious, fully air-conditioned 5 bedroom, 7 bathroom beachfront villa in a secluded, private setting. Every room faces west with 8'x10' sliding glass doors that provide ocean and beach views as well as breathtaking sunsets. Price:$5,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> beautiful white sandy beaches of The British Virgin Islands a reality and you have found your dream home. Now for the tricky part - Moving with your children. Overseas moving with children isn't always easy. Nevertheless, if you have done some research and are completely prepared both you and your children can grow and learn from this experience. Why Overseas Relocation with Children is Challenging? children see their homes as the place in which they feel comfortable and secure, it is where they have school, family and friends close by. This is the place in which they learned their language skills and cultural codes. A lot of children will still be in the process of finding out how to socialize effectively, as well gaining a sense of control. For children moving abroad is much like cutting the umbilical cord. In the middle of their learning process they're going to have to start again: find new friends, get accustomed to a brand new home, neighborhood, school, country, become familiar with a new language and adapt to new cultural codes. Relocating Overseas with children is difficult for you as a parent not only are you currently busy with all the errands, you're also dealing with a roller coaster of emotion, excitement, fear, sadness. All of this can take its toll on energy and attention which can cause short tempers, induce chaos in the home, and in turn affect your ability to help your children. Relocating Overseas with children - Important Things to remember children might rebel - This is their way of trying to gain some influence in the situation which they cannot control. Your children may have mixed emotions - One day your son or daughter might be thrilled and excited, then blue and depressed the next. Responses from children will be different based on their developmental age - Moving with small children isn't like moving with pre-teens or moving with teens and some might question if abroad moving and adolescents "go" together? children vary in personality - This influences the time a young child may take to adjust to the move. Some youngsters are naturally outgoing and have the ability to make friends immediately while for many other children it may take several weeks. Special needs children - If your little one has special needs, it's most important to check so that you know the education options and resources within the new location. Being conscious of the down sides when you're planning for overseas moving with children, and following some suggestions can make an optimistic experience for both you and your children. Relocating Overseas with children - Advice for children of any age Inform your child about the move as quickly as possible - Explain to them your reason for moving overseas, however don't think you need to provide all the details immediately. Give them some time to digest this news, and consider it. Communicate with your children at all times - Let your children feel that they can ask you anything they need to, answer all their questions as best you can. Be truthful and open as this will help your children to feel confident. Stay positive about the relocating overseas - Tell them all about the new experiences, encounters and opportunities which will be available to them in the new country. Your children can sense the way you are feeling so if you are positive about the expatriate experience they are more likely to be too. Let your children know that they can help with the moving tasks - children should get involved in packing and unpacking their own room. It may be a good idea to ask them to prepare their own special moving box to include all their own personal belongings they feel they might need during the move. Upon arrival in the new country you can ask your children to arrange their new room. Help your children plan their goodbyes - Some would like to have a leaving party, while others may want to have a few friends over. Allow them to to exchange gifts, e-mails, telephone numbers, addresses etc. In the destination country explore the new place - Take them to their new school, or kindergarten. Show them around the neighborhood. discover where the shopping mall and parks are, etc. Overseas Moving with children. Recommendations for fun activities To make overseas moving with children fun, relaxing as well as educating there are some activities suggested below. Depending on what age the children are will depend on what activity you think will be best suited. Children Coloring Pages Childrens coloring-pages If your child loves to color, he/she'll love this particular activity, and you'll get some spare time to focus on the moving abroad tasks. This is an excellent activity for children to complete on the flight. You will find many websites that provide free coloring pages. Coin Collecting for children This can be used as a hobby to help your children learn about the currency of the destination country, and the value of money. It is likely children will be intrigued by the change in currency. Planes Activities The majority of you will be flying by plane to the destination country. For a lot of children this is their first flight. Why not take this opportunity to keep them occupied by explaining the history of flying and even build some model planes. Cameras for children Photography is a terrific way to get a children involved in the moving abroad adventure. What's better than letting your children take pictures of friends, family and school? Or how about letting them take pictures of the new country and sending them back home. What a good way to keep in contact! Scrap booking for children Another fun activity for collecting memories is scrap booking. You may either do it as a family activity, or let your children scrapbook on their own or with friends. Language Games Hangman, scrabble, crosswords, and many more exciting games are a very good way to rehearse your child's vocabulary in the new language. You will find some good foreign language learning software's that the children might enjoy. Electronics for children Children are becoming tech-savvy from a younger age, and the market offers a multitude of electronics for children from leapfrog items to Mp3 players, game boys, and ipods. Most of the electronics are educational, small, convenient to carry while offering hrs of great activities for the children. Journals Some children might discover that keeping a journal enables them to cope with the difficulties of moving overseas. It's where they are able to freely express all their feelings, without the worry that they may offend anyone and knowing they cannot be judged. Origami for children This can be a great and educating craft for children, especially when you're on the road. You just need papers, scissors, coloring pens and an origami instructions book. Trivia for children A great activity for families on the road. You can play it everywhere, and simultaneously your children are now being educated. Books for children Many books about moving overseas offer suggestions for families and children on how to cope with the transition. Some books are interactive and leave space for coloring, writing, pasting and many more activities. You should select a book based on your child's age. Geography for children So what would be more appropriate than teaching your children some geography? Demonstrate to them where your destination country is situated. How far away it is from your home country, What the climate is like etc. Audiobooks for children Digital audiobooks are extremely enjoyable. You are able to choose together with your child a common story and download it for their MP3, Ipod device, computer or other wireless mobile device. Even when your child isn't an enthusiastic reader, he/she will enjoy the spoken audio experience.]]> Minister for Education and Culture Honorable Andrew A. Fahie congratulated thesuccess of the Territory's students for their performance in the 2011 Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Examinations. Minister Fahie said that of the nine OECS countries, "The British Virgin Islands has maintained its number one standing in the 2011 CXC Mathematics examination with an 83.12 percentage pass rate." The education minister continued, "Also, I am pleased to report that of the nine OECS countries, the British Virgin Islands has maintained its number one standing in the 2011 CXC English examination with a 72.22 percent pass rate. This is good news!" The minister attributed the Territory's success at the regional level to initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Education which include PowerSchool and the overall use of technology in schools. "Preparation is never time wasted. Over the past four years, through many initiatives like the use of PowerSchool technology in schools, we continue to prepare our students and teachers so that they can help us move our education system from good to great." The Minister congratulated all students, teachers and parents for a job well done. The Ministry of Education and Culture supports the work of the Caribbean Examination Council, the leading provider of examinations for secondary schools in the English-speaking Caribbean. He added, "These results are a testament that our students are excelling. These results are a testament that our 98 percent secondary level pass rate reflects credibility. These results are a testament that PowerSchool is making a positive difference in our students' lives and in our education system." Source:bvinews.com]]> An Outstanding, Unique and Perfectly Private Home Amongst the Boulders Price:$3,900,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI Home, particularly if a night time chill causes you to retreat inside earlier than you'd like! Outside fire places can be very appealing they bring warmth and also the sweet aroma of burning wood on chilly fall evenings. Outside fire places draw family and friends together to talk, eat together or celebrate, and you can easily extend your outside living deep into fall and early winter if there's a warmth source. This is the main reason fire pits, fire places and chimneas are fast becoming a popular deck and patio accessory. The additional benefit is that they are a great place to cook (from simply roasting marshmallows and chocolate to baking a pizza) along with a comforting source of light that gives romanticism to any occasion. Purchasing an outdoor fireplace is a decision which needs to be considered thoroughly. Is this type of deck and patio accessory really what you are looking for? Is it the right decision for your family and your home? Prior to going out and get a brand new outside fire place, consider these essential details - Pros Fire places could make your patio the your favorite space and be a popular place to spend time with friends and family. The aesthetic worth of a genuine-fire smell and also the soothing seem of the crackling fire. The exercise and satisfaction of creating your own fire and chopping up your own wood if you opt to get out there and harvest it yourself. Also, outside fire places are often the only method to legally have a fire on your property. If you reside within city limits there may be laws against having fires which aren't enclosed. Cons Safety factors are always the most crucial responsibility around any fire. You have to be prepared to keep a close eye on your fire for the whole time it is burning, particularly if you have young children who may put their hands into the fire or on the hot surfaces. Maintenance regimes may differ in time and intensity based on which kind of fire place you purchase, but it will be a regular and necessary task. You will have to empty ashes and cast iron fire places will require regular care to prevent rusting. If you buy a fire place which has a pit design with no chimney or flue then smoke may hover at head level and cause annoyance to both you and your neighbors. Fire places with no flue burn less effectively and often smolder a lot more because of insufficient air flow. When you are considering purchasing an outside fire place, consider where you will be using it. If you are planning to use it on wood decks or in close proximity to flammable material this could be hazardous, specifically for clay fire places which are known to fail and break unexpectedly. Cast iron fire places often stain the surface they are placed on. An easy solution for outside warmth and light is a tabletop fire bowl, which typically lights with a clean-burning gel fuel. To cover a larger area, there are portable options like a chimnea or fire bowl. The chimnea is similar to a potbelly stove, and enables a fire to light rapidly, burn more than a conventional fireplace and keep smoke from your eyes. The design also safeguards against rain extinguishing the flame. Fire bowls are available in many styles and sizes, so are easily adaptable to many outdoor situations. Adding a grate over the top and it can be used for cooking, choosing one with wheels may be beneficial to you as then it is possible to transport the fire to wherever the party is happening. Fitting it with mesh screens reduce sparks. You should read and stick to the manufacturer's instructions which will advise you how to use and put out your fire bowl. For example, putting a fire bowl near structures, trees or overgrown roof-lines ought to be avoided. So ensure you read the instructions and follow the same safety precautions you would with an open fire. A fire pit may also be designed and built to be a permanent fixture on the patio area. They may be built of stone, brick or concrete and will provide both warmth and cooking facilities. A conventional fire place with chimney is definitely the most impressive option for outside entertaining all year round, but they do not have to be traditional in the way they look or function. For structural integrity and adherence to safety codes, it is always best to employ a licensed designers and builders who will have a greater knowledge of the type of fireplace that would best suit your surroundings. An outdoor fireplace will enhance your life more than any luxury appliance you may purchase for the inside of your home, just imagine getting home at the end of the day and enjoying a glass of wine round a warming fire. Families and friends have been brought together to chat and share stories for many years and this is something that is available for you to enjoy all year round.]]> The British Virgin Islands Swimming Federation will field a seven-member team to the 21st Annual OECS Swimming Championships set to take place in St. Lucia November 4-6, 2011. Team Coach, Elsworth Phillip said that the team is an increase from last year, when the BVI fielded just two swimmers. Elinah and Amarah Phillip competed and medalled at the 20th Annual OECS Swim Championships in St. Lucia in 2010. Since the 2010 competition, Phillip said that the Makos Swim Club has provided exposure for local swimmers through a two week competitive swim camp at the Nova Southeastern Aquatic Center in Davie, Florida. "We are seeing more persons getting involved in swimming. We have been training Mondays to Fridays at Prospect Reef and the team was selected based on consistency and performances. We could have taken more swimmers, but some of our local swimmers do not feel they are ready at this stage and have asked for more time to train," Phillip said. He added that the local team, while fielding more swimmers this year than last year, is still relatively small when compared to other countries in the OECS competition like St. Kitts and Antigua, who are likely to send over 20 swimmers to the competition. Local competitors are swimming against the tide due to lack of financial support and proper training facilities, but they continue to forge ahead with their different programs. The team will depart the BVI on November 3 and will return on November 7. Source:http://www.bviplatinum]]> BVI Home? Do the kids drive you mad with their video games and having their friends over? Perhaps you have a keen pool or snooker player in the family, or maybe you are simply looking to add some more fun to your home for when you have family and friends over? Creating the "Ultimate Home Game Room" is not as hard since you may think. "Ultimate" does not always mean it has to be the most expensive game room either. It simply means it's ultimate for you, your loved ones and your friends. The basic elements needed for each game room include "games & signs". Thats as easy as it is to create that game room atmosphere. Obviously some organization will be needed, you wouldn't want a mess of posters, pub signs and neon signs filling up your walls Creating Your "Ultimate Home Game Room" The best place to start is with the wall colors Many of the best looking game rooms have two-toned wall color schemes. This means creating a high border around the room of about 12-24 inches wide. Then painting the rest of the room in a complementary color. Selecting a color scheme is fun. You could use things like your winning super bowl team colors, your senior high school / college colors, the colors of your home country or perhaps a favorite painting or place you've visited. If you still find it impossible to choose the colors, just choose 2 complimentary colors. It is often a good contrast if you use a darker color for the border and a lighter color for the rest of the room. This has two advantages - It will brighten the room and help your signs and posters stand out. The next design decision will be the type of flooring. There's a number of different types of flooring that can be used in game rooms. A couple of good examples would be hardwood, vinyl, cork, bamboo, carpet tiling, ceramic tiling, rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting. If your game room is in your basement then hardwood flooring should be disregarded as an option for flooring due to moisture problems in basements. Checkered tiling is a very popular look for game rooms and it always looks best to match the colors to your walls. Now comes the "FUN PART". You may want to create a theme for your game room or just produce an all out fun room for everyone to enjoy... The first thing to begin with at this stage is the furniture. If you are developing a theme your furniture must match. For instance if you are opting for a "Beach or Hawaiian Theme" then the best tables, chairs and accessories would be made from wicker or rattan. Otherwise if you simply want a great game room make sure your chairs and tables match. The next factor to think about would be the lighting. For those who have a theme, say a sports theme, then look for pub lamps, swag lights and floor lights which have your favorite sports team name on. To have an Asian theme you'll want bamboo lamps and hanging lanterns. For general game rooms, bar lights with your favorite drink or food on would be perfect! Now you are ready to decorate your walls! You will need Posters, Neon Signs, Clocks and much more to get started. Once you have decided on the types of wall hangings you will have in your game room, there are many online shops which could have just what you are looking for. Leave gaps and spread all your items out, this way you will ensure that they are noticed and appreciated. Remember that you spent time painting your game room so you would not want to hide it completely. Now it is time to choose the best games tables, however do bare in mind that it is not just the cost that matters when you are shopping for these it is also a good idea to measure your room to ensure the tables you decide on will fit in comfortably. The most popular types of games tables are undoubtedly pool and snooker. Two other great additions are Foosball and air hockey. One game that's overlooked a lot is Shuffleboard, it is a game which is fun for the whole family and is simple and easy to play. Why not consider other game room games, for instance a pinball machine is good fun or even a retro slot machine. A space saving game like darts may also be considered. If you want to design part of the games room especially for the kids and their friends, why not install a TV screen on the wall with their games consoles attached, a comfortable sofa may also be placed by this area for comfort while they spend time gaming. Music is a great element to add to any games room and what better way than with a jukebox, this will provide your game room with individuality and also create another focal point for visitors. The best way to get great sound from a jukebox is to connect it to a hidden stereo in the room. Now you have all the basic elements to create the Ultimate Games Room although you will always find various accessories to add to the room. However with the basics covered you can get ready to have some of the best parties and get togethers around! ]]> Based on Virgin Gorda, the jewel in the Crown of islands that make up the BVI's, Aquamare has set a new standard for luxury. A dream home from home can best describe the feeling of an Aquamare beachfront Villa. Price: $19,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> For a hospital that specializes in Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery, a state-of-the-art physiotherapy service is essential to compliment the management of our patients. That has been the driving force behind the establishment of our physiotherapy department at Bougainvillea Clinic, in Road Town, Tortola. Stefanie Luxton, our physiotherapist, was trained in both Physiotherapy and in Exercise science at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. Between 2004-2010 she worked in both hospital and community physiotherapy services in Brisbane and latterly held the position of Rehabilitation Consultant with the Australia Post, before relocating to BVI. As soon as you walk into the department you will be immediately impressed by the pleasant ambiance of the facility. The Gym is well equipped with a wide range of modern equipment and ample room to help our patients onto the road to recovering muscular strength, improved range of joint movement, essential for recovery of function of both upper and lower limb. At Bougainvillea Clinics Physiotherapy unit, our patients' treatment does not merely consist of a series of treatment sessions in the unit, but you will receive a customized set of instructions regarding the exercises to be continued at home. These instructions are either printed for those who prefer or given via our internet based computer software so that they can be accurately followed at home, thus maximizing the benefits received from attending our department. Source:http://www.bviplatinum]]> BVI Home a place in which you feel safe and secure, a good homeowners insurance policy is a good place to start. Insurance Not the most exciting word in the dictionary in-fact most people will find their eyes glaze over when just reading the word. However it is a very important subject which all homeowners should have a good understanding of. Virtually all mortgage lenders will require customers to acquire insurance cover to protect their investment as if the home you live in was to suffer major damage or be destroyed the real owners which in most cases are the banks will be the party who suffer great financial loss. Introduction to Insurance You do not even need to "own" your home to require home owners insurance many land lords require their tenants to have cover. However whether it is a requirement or not, it is a wise decision to have this protection anyway. This is a step by step guide to understanding home insurance. What does a Homeowners Policy Provide? A Standard Homeowners insurance policy that the insurer will provide will cover costs related to the following: *Damage to the interior or exterior of your property - In the event of damage caused by fire, hurricanes or other severe weather, lightning, vandalism or other disasters, your chosen insurance provider will compensate you to ensure that your home can be fixed or even completely reconstructed if so needed. Damage that's caused by surges, earthquakes and poor maintenance is usually not covered so if you require this specific type of cover you will need to add this to your policy. *Loss or damage to your personal possessions - Clothing, furniture, home appliances and the majority of the other contents of your home are covered if they are destroyed within an insured disaster. You may also get "off-premises" coverage, which means you could file claims for lost jewelery, for instance - no matter where in the world you lost it. There may be a limit on how much your insurer will pay for claims. Even if your Rolex watch or mink coat is damaged at home, there will still be a limit on how much your insurer will reimburse you, unless you purchase a separate floater policy which insures items for their full value. You will pay extra for this cover. *Personal liability for damage or injuries triggered by you or your family - This clause even includes your pets! So, if Fido bites your neighbor Doris, wherever the bite happens, your insurance provider will pay her medical bills. Or, if Junior breaks her Oriental vase, you are able to file a claim to pay her. And when Doris slips on the damaged vase pieces and successfully sues for discomfort and suffering or lost pay? You will be covered for that too, just like if someone had been hurt around the premises of your home or property. While policies begin in the range of $100,000 coverage, experts recommend getting a minimum of $300,000 worth of coverage based on the Insurance Information Institute. For added protection, a couple of $ 100 more in premium may buy an extra $1 million or even more through "umbrella coverage". *Hotel or house rental while your house is being reconstructed or fixed - It's unlikely you'll ever need this protection, but when cases like this do occur, it will without a doubt be the best coverage you invested in. In the event that your house is completely destroyed or is damaged to the point where it becomes inhabitable, you may need to rent another house or stay in hotels until it's fixed or reconstructed. This part of homeowners' coverage would pay you for the price of rent, hotel, restaurant foods along with other incidental costs as you were unable reside in your home. Before you decide to book a suite in the Ritz-Carlton and order caviar from room service, however, bear in mind that guidelines impose strict daily and total limits - but, obviously, you are able to expand the daily limits if you are prepared to pay more in coverage. Various kinds of Coverage All insurance coverage is certainly not produced equal. The less you pay for your premiums the less coverage you will receive and vice versa. The below are the three basic levels of cover: *Actual cash value - This value covers the home and your possessions after subtracting depreciation (i.e. just how much the products are presently worth, not just how much you paid for them). *Replacement cost - This is actually the cash value with no deduction for depreciation, which means you would have the ability to repair or rebuild your house to its former value. *Guaranteed (or extended) replacement cost - Probably the most comprehensive, this inflation-buffer will pay for whatever it is to fix or reconstruct your home - even when it's a lot more than your policy limit! Certain insurance companies offer extended alternative, meaning it provides more coverage than you bought. Choosing an Insurance Provider Cost is essential, but it's not the only factor that should be considered. Insurance is a very important purchase so you need to make sure that you choose a provider who is legitimate and creditworthy. Prior to signing the contract, get advice from your local insurance department to make certain the organization is licensed, as all insurance companies are required to be. Second, check its financial strength by visiting websites from the top credit reporting agencies. Finally, consider asking relatives, friends and colleagues for recommendations. It makes sense to gain an understanding of other peoples experiences, so ask someone who has filed claims before, about the level of customer support, how quickly claims was evaluated, processed and compensated, additionally for their general level of satisfaction with the insurance provider. As with every insurance policy, they're under-appreciated by the purchaser until they're needed, and this is when they quickly become a blessing. Getting setup with a comprehensive home owners policy will help in making your home become a place of comfort and security. ]]> Set above a lovely, secluded sandy beach, this approx. 5,600 sqft Mediterranean style Villa is truly unique. Exceptionally high vaulted ceilings allow this very spacious home to benefit from cooling ocean breezes. On the ground floor, there's a large lounge and dining area, bathroom and open plan kitchen incorporating concrete countertops and top notch stainless steel appliances. Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> The Island Resources Foundation, a non-government environmental leader in the Caribbean since 1972, has launched the second phase of its BVI Environmental Profile Programme. Research activities will commence in October for Virgin Gorda, to be followed in 2012 by similar efforts for Anegada. An earlier Environmental Profile, for the island of Jost Van Dyke, was prepared by the Foundation in 2009, in partnership with the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society. The Foundation brings considerable experience to the current project, having previously prepared Environmental Profiles for eight Eastern Caribbean countries. According to IRF vice president, Judith Towle, environmental profiles have long served as an effective way of helping to ensure that environmental issues are included in development planning. Environmental Profiles are not just another research study, stated Towle, many of which are species-specific, site-specific, or sector-specific and do not comprehensively address environmental issues and conflicts. Environmental Profiles provide not only inclusive environmental information, analysis and recommendations, but do this within a single, island-specific document that makes this information available for easy access and use by policy makers, resource managers, researchers, developers, students and the community at large. BVI Government support was secured through a generous grant from the Office of the Premier. In meetings with IRF earlier this year, the Premier Ralph T. O'Neal, acknowledged the importance of having Environmental Profiles available in the Virgin Islands to help guide better-informed public policy decisions. Source:http://bvinews.com]]> Construction is nearly complete on the second of two luxury homes on the hillside overlooking Brewers Bay on Tortola. These warm and inviting 4 bedroom homes are constructed from masonry, red cedar and local stone.The second home will feature a large wrap around deck from which to enjoy the glorious views of Tortola's fabulous North Shore and the ocean beyond. Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> Ten students from the BVI Technical Vocational Institute received certificates of achievement for participating in the Fire Safety Awareness Week Cadet Training Programme during a closing ceremony held yesterday at the Fire and Rescue Services headquarters. Acting Chief Fire Officer William Penn also shared brief remarks. "The Cadet Training Programme is an annual event that is designed to broaden the horizons of school students, get them thinking about a career path and to impart crucial fire safety information," he said. Penn also encouraged them to be leaders. "After being exposed to the discipline of this programme you all should now understand that you have to take responsibility for your own actions and become leaders among your peers." The students all agreed that they had a great experience taking part in the Cadet Training Programme. "I liked the knots and lines," "I would love to become a fire fighter," "I will be better behaved," "I had an awesome time," and "tomorrow when we go to school we will see if the fire extinguishers are charged or needs to be replaced," were among the many comments the students shared regarding their experience. The Cadet Training programme is an annual event that takes place during Fire Safety Awareness Week. The programme lasted for three days and during that time the students were exposed to all aspects of fire safety. They learned the definition of fire, and were educated on the triangle of fire, fire spread, how to use the rescue equipment and operate the appliances. Source:http://bvinews]]> The British Virgin Islands, embrace the chance to produce a luxurious atmosphere for friends, family, and visitors. Surprisingly, it is possible to design a formal dining area without a massive budget. You don't have to be considered a billionaire to produce a room that's elegant and uniquely you. You might want to think about making a considerable financial investment however, there are different options depending on what you want, it is possible to find products on a tight budget, or purchase them in excellent secondhand condition. Even when your living space is small, it is still possible to design it so that it appears elegant. Simply do your very best to not cram in more furniture than the room needs. Avoid purchasing something because you think you should have it. By overdoing it, it is easy to transform a design approach from classy to clutter. Generally, a formal dining area isn't a space that you use every day to spend time or eat in. It's often a place that's used for special events only, where one can host holiday dinners or social events. From a visual perspective, a formal dining area helps to put your home's best face forward. Many people follow a fancy, elegant, and ornate designing approach, while others incorporate simplistic designs which are equally classy. A formal dining area is a space where one can devote just as much attention as you wish to decor. Stylistic Particulars & Color In the past, some formal dining rooms doubled as drawing rooms. These spaces were very elegant with ornate wallpaper and Victorian styles. Imagine: large windows, red-colored velvet drapes, a grandfather clock, 18th century portraits, fire places, and delightful Persian rugs. These were large dining spaces that could fit as much elaborate decor as possible. Obviously, if you would like a more sophisticated Victorian theme, you should go for it. If you have the money to spend, invest in decor which will reflect the elegant design styles from the 18th century. Let your room reflect the flamboyant type of byzantine era, or tone it down a little for a room that's as simplistic and chic as it is elegant. Generally, today's formal dining rooms incorporate more contemporary styles for example bold colors and minimalism. While an over-the-top modern theme might not work well, you can still consider including splashes of vibrant colors and rectangular shapes. There is no cookie-cutter method of creating a formal dining area, and you will test out different colors, trends, styles, and methods to achieve your preferred effects. rely on contrasting shades, or blend colors to orient and streamline your formal dining room's look. Select a color or pattern to direct the dominant focus of your theme. Neutral shades and pastel colors are fantastic options to consider if you are unsure where to start or how to find a unifying decorative theme. Cream, olive, green, beige, mango, yellow, pastel pink, and faded burgundy are options worth thinking about. Bear in mind that symmetry is a major stylistic principle on most dining rooms. Consider it: your plates and silverware are arranged symmetrically much like chairs. Keep symmetry in mind when you're choosing decor, lighting, mirrors, and other elements of design. Furniture Many formal dining rooms use wood as the defining characteristic for elegance. Choose cherry wood chairs and tables in a deep mahogany or brown, or choose elegant oak - it is dependent on your preferences. Bear in mind that you should choose a top quality and sturdy wood. Usually, pine isn't well suited for formal dining area furniture due to its light color and less than ideal quality. Use wood which will impress your visitors. Everything in regards to a formal dining area ought to be elegant, especially your tableware. Put your crystal glasses and hand-painted dishes on display in a large curio cabinet with glass windows. If you have something that's beautiful, take full advantage of it and keep it displayed Lighting The lighting in a formal dining room should produce a relaxing ambiance. Overall, the light should be dim with the focus directed at the prepared meal. An overhead light over your dining table is the easiest method to make this happen. Consider installing a chandelier or hanging overhead light to emphasize the dining room's elegant look and feel. Also give consideration to the different effects that different kinds of light create. Compact fluorescent lights produce a whitish hue while LED lights have a bluish tint. Halogen lights create a warm and golden effect. Additional choices for lighting in formal dining rooms include recessed light, tall floor lights, and sconces. A formal dining room that maximizes its natural light looks especially elegant. A skylight might not be well suited for this kind of space, but a sizable bay window may complement the room's architecture. If you think that your space is simply too bright, install drapes or curtains to help the room appear dimmer. Translucent curtains will filter light while adding color to it. Curtains with a pattern will add decorative style to your dining room by having an artistic feel and look. Decor Personalize your formal dining room. If you value art and sculptures, put some on display - just make certain to arrange them so that the room still appears symmetric. For those who have one painting on one wall of the room, place another painting on the opposite wall for symmetry. Personalize your dining room's style even more by adding family portraits and photography. Nothing states elegance like family, so put yours on display. For those who have wallpaper, take care not to over clutter your walls with photographs. Your visitors will like your art if you incorporate your personality, so have fun expressing yourself with a style that is completely yours. Walls Paint and wallpaper are generally both ideal choices for walls in a formal dining area. Choose neutral shades, ornate designs, or test out pastels or bold colors - what you choose depends on the aesthetic effect you wish to achieve. Many people may incorporate metallic elements like a gold or copper color in the form of wallpaper or paint. If you are concerned about overwhelming your formal dining area with a particular color, incorporate accent trims or accent walls to add a little detail, design and color. Some formal dining rooms have walls that are made from oak wood panels. This may sound like a choice that you'd enjoy for the room, especially if you wish to give your dining room an earthier and natural aesthetic. So if you are fond of throwing dinner parties for friends and family but do not feel that your dining area is formal enough, these tips should give you some ideas on how to achieve the look you want.]]> The British Virgin Islands , embrace the chance to produce a luxurious atmosphere for friends, family, and visitors. Surprisingly, it is possible to design a formal dining area without a massive budget. You don't have to be considered a billionaire to produce a room that's elegant and uniquely you. You might want to think about making a considerable financial investment however, there are different options depending on what you want, it is possible to find products on a tight budget, or purchase them in excellent secondhand condition. Even when your living space is small, it is still possible to design it so that it appears elegant. Simply do your very best to not cram in more furniture than the room needs. Avoid purchasing something because you think you should have it. By overdoing it, it is easy to transform a design approach from classy to clutter. Generally, a formal dining area isn't a space that you use every day to spend time or eat in. It's often a place that's used for special events only, where one can host holiday dinners or social events. From a visual perspective, a formal dining area helps to put your home's best face forward. Many people follow a fancy, elegant, and ornate designing approach, while others incorporate simplistic designs which are equally classy. A formal dining area is a space where one can devote just as much attention as you wish to decor. Stylistic Particulars & Color In the past, some formal dining rooms doubled as drawing rooms. These spaces were very elegant with ornate wallpaper and Victorian styles. Imagine: large windows, red-colored velvet drapes, a grandfather clock, 18th century portraits, fire places, and delightful Persian rugs. These were large dining spaces that could fit as much elaborate decor as possible. Obviously, if you would like a more sophisticated Victorian theme, you should go for it. If you have the money to spend, invest in decor which will reflect the elegant design styles from the 18th century. Let your room reflect the flamboyant type of byzantine era, or tone it down a little for a room that's as simplistic and chic as it is elegant. Generally, today's formal dining rooms incorporate more contemporary styles for example bold colors and minimalism. While an over-the-top modern theme might not work well, you can still consider including splashes of vibrant colors and rectangular shapes. There is no cookie-cutter method of creating a formal dining area, and you will test out different colors, trends, styles, and methods to achieve your preferred effects. rely on contrasting shades, or blend colors to orient and streamline your formal dining room's look. Select a color or pattern to direct the dominant focus of your theme. Neutral shades and pastel colors are fantastic options to consider if you are unsure where to start or how to find a unifying decorative theme. Cream, olive, green, beige, mango, yellow, pastel pink, and faded burgundy are options worth thinking about. Bear in mind that symmetry is a major stylistic principle on most dining rooms. Consider it: your plates and silverware are arranged symmetrically much like chairs. Keep symmetry in mind when you're choosing decor, lighting, mirrors, and other elements of design. Furniture Many formal dining rooms use wood as the defining characteristic for elegance. Choose cherry wood chairs and tables in a deep mahogany or brown, or choose elegant oak - it is dependent on your preferences. Bear in mind that you should choose a top quality and sturdy wood. Usually, pine isn't well suited for formal dining area furniture due to its light color and less than ideal quality. Use wood which will impress your visitors. Everything in regards to a formal dining area ought to be elegant, especially your tableware. Put your crystal glasses and hand-painted dishes on display in a large curio cabinet with glass windows. If you have something that's beautiful, take full advantage of it and keep it displayed Lighting The lighting in a formal dining room should produce a relaxing ambiance. Overall, the light should be dim with the focus directed at the prepared meal. An overhead light over your dining table is the easiest method to make this happen. Consider installing a chandelier or hanging overhead light to emphasize the dining room's elegant look and feel. Also give consideration to the different effects that different kinds of light create. Compact fluorescent lights produce a whitish hue while LED lights have a bluish tint. Halogen lights create a warm and golden effect. Additional choices for lighting in formal dining rooms include recessed light, tall floor lights, and sconces. A formal dining room that maximizes its natural light looks especially elegant. A skylight might not be well suited for this kind of space, but a sizable bay window may complement the room's architecture. If you think that your space is simply too bright, install drapes or curtains to help the room appear dimmer. Translucent curtains will filter light while adding color to it. Curtains with a pattern will add decorative style to your dining room by having an artistic feel and look. Decor Personalize your formal dining room. If you value art and sculptures, put some on display - just make certain to arrange them so that the room still appears symmetric. For those who have one painting on one wall of the room, place another painting on the opposite wall for symmetry. Personalize your dining room's style even more by adding family portraits and photography. Nothing states elegance like family, so put yours on display. For those who have wallpaper, take care not to over clutter your walls with photographs. Your visitors will like your art if you incorporate your personality, so have fun expressing yourself with a style that is completely yours. Walls Paint and wallpaper are generally both ideal choices for walls in a formal dining area. Choose neutral shades, ornate designs, or test out pastels or bold colors - what you choose depends on the aesthetic effect you wish to achieve. Many people may incorporate metallic elements like a gold or copper color in the form of wallpaper or paint. If you are concerned about overwhelming your formal dining area with a particular color, incorporate accent trims or accent walls to add a little detail, design and color. Some formal dining rooms have walls that are made from oak wood panels. This may sound like a choice that you'd enjoy for the room, especially if you wish to give your dining room an earthier and natural aesthetic. So if you are fond of throwing dinner parties for friends and family but do not feel that your dining area is formal enough, these tips should give you some ideas on how to achieve the look you want.]]> The thing that sets the BVI apart from most of the Caribbean is the spectacular ocean vistas created by the proximity of its islands along Drakes Channel. Privateers Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, just to the East of Tortola, is just about the best spot to take full advantage of these stunning ocean and island views. Price:$1,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> BVI home why not consider Solar power, with the Caribbean's constant trade winds and year round sunshine, it is one of the best locations for Solar power and once you have installed your panels you will notice the difference in your bills straight away. Solar Panel Installation This general information guide to solar panel installation will address these subjects: Solar Panel Purchases Solar Panel Installation Tips Solar Panels and Wells Where to purchase solar power panels? You can buy solar power panels from a number of solar panel producers. Prices change constantly, so shopping around is essential. It may be a good idea to search online for your solar panels as there are plenty of different products available from the internet Solar Panel Installation Tips When considering installing solar panels it is advisable to employ professionals who know what they are doing as electrics can be dangerous. Solar Power Panels are usually placed on roofs, building tops, or stand-alone facilities. It is essential to set up your solar panel to ensure that it will get the most direct exposure to the sun - you need to make certain your solar panel is maximally effective all year round. To achieve this, you will find several web-based guides that will help you correctly setup and install your solar power panels by monitoring the positioning of the sun on the horizon during the course of the year. Position your cell in sunlight Solar Power Panels perform at optimum capacity when put into direct sunlight. Attempt to position your solar panels directly underneath the noontime sun for optimum efficiency from your solar unit. Notice obstructions to sunlight Remove any obstructions which could be in danger of hindering the effectiveness of your solar panels, including branches and anything which may be casting a shadow over your panels. Trace the path of the sun to find out if any objects are casting a shadow over your solar panels. If it is the situation then the operating efficiency of your unit will unquestionably suffer. Mounting your Solar Panel Solar Panel Mounts are used to install solar power panels. Solar panel mounts are available in three types: pole mounts, roof-ground mounts, and flush mounts. With such mounts, you will be able to install your cell onto an RV, on the top of or on the side of the pole, on your roof, or even set them up as a free-standing unit. Water moving with solar power panels A great way to put solar power panels to use would be to install a solar-powered water pump for your well. Although windmills have typically been used to power such systems, a solar-powered system works equally well, and it is equally friendly to the environment. Your Well Pump You should select a quality well pump to be used together with your solar-powered well pump system, one which makes the best use of your energy and does not require an inefficient, wasteful transformer. Your well drilling provider will probably provide you with the standard well pump, a 220 volt alternating electric current model. The issue with this type of high-voltage pump system would be that the transformer required is very inefficient and could be a huge strain on your inverter throughout start up. This could make the the power in the home dip, and also the lights to dim, which could result in a full-out inverter failure unless of course you've got a top-quality inverter. Avoid this type of high-voltage system if you're able to, and instead, choose a 120 volt AC model, which is a lot more efficient and doesn't put nearly as much pressure on your inverter. The Solar Panel Your solar panel doesn't require a high wattage rating to be able to run your solar-pump, just seek advice from your well-drilling company to determine which wattage rating you require from your solar panel. An essential consideration when establishing an outside solar panel system for the well pump is to buy a mounting rack that provides lots of clearance between your ground and your solar panel and keep it in an open space away from trees. You wouldn't want any large pets, floodwater, or falling branches to break your system. Installing solar power into your home will not only reduce your utility bills until eventually your home does not require any power from the city's power grid, it is also considered one of the best clean energy sources as it creates zero pollution. The world is changing and if you are considering doing your part in helping to reduce the dangers to the environment this is a very good start. Although the solar panels are expensive initially, the benefits both for homeowners and the environment are priceless! ]]> In a spectacular display of young elegance and beauty, 16-year-old Ashellica Fahie walked away with the coveted crown of Miss Teen BVI 2011. The pageant took place on Saturday night at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College under the theme 'Through My Eyes', where Fahie outdid her other four competitors. Apart from her crown, Fahie secured the title of Best Dress and Miss Popularity, Miss Poise and Best Cultural Costume. The winners will receive $3,000.00, $1,500.00 and $1,000.00 scholarship awards, respectively. And will also be afforded the opportunity to participate in regional and international pageants in the year ahead. Doniesha Maduro Findlay whose platform was Child Abuse and Kimberly Herbert with her platform of Youth Empowerment, were sashed first and second runners up respectively. Findlay was also voted as Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic and Best Talent, while Jemesha Nibbs was adjudged the Most Determined to Succeed. Fahie, with a presentation on the Adverse Effects of Teenage Pregnancy, joins a long line of successful young beauties in the BVI, the most recent being her predecessor Miss Sylvanna Charles who is the first BVI beauty to secure the coveted Caribbean Talented Teen crown. This is the ninth successful year of the Miss Teen BVI pageant. Source:/bvinews.com]]> Fantastic vistas of Brewers Bay and beyond Price:$1,600,000 Read more about this listing]]> The Beautiful British Virgin Islands It is always best to be prepared for any weather front that may occur especially during hurricane season, as even though the islands may not be hit the chances of heavy rain are more likely. Waterproofing is a wise technique to safeguard decks, patios, fencing, garage flooring, wood siding and much more. Water, sunlight and mildew can be seriously harmful to wood which has not been treated. Similarly, wind-driven rain and ice can pound on the front yard and ground water can seep into your home and wreak havoc with basement walls. You will find various kinds of waterproofing items available on the market, but materials that safeguard wood and masonry are two of the most common types. Keep the following questions in your mind while you think about the range of waterproofing products available: *Would you like a waterproof product which will safeguard wood from mildew? *Is the deck and patio in constant sunlight? *Are you currently treating your basement walls for water damage and mold? *Are you aware how to get a wall ready for applying a waterproof product? *Will a clear of colored wood stain look better on your wood patio decking? Uses, Types and Application Tips Water is essential in life, but an excessive any good thing may become destructive. To prevent harm to wood and concrete surfaces both inside and outside your house, using a waterproofing solution will help keep decks, verandas, patios and cellars looking good for many years to come. You will need to to learn about the different choices available to treat both wood and masonry. Not only do waterproof products reduce the damage caused by water, many of them offer defense against harmful Ultra violet sun rays and sun-damage. Some contain pigments that may enhance the look of any surface with a little color which is another benefit. It is good to research benefits and uses of waterproof to find the correct solution for your wood or concrete surface. Wood Waterproofing: When moisture gets to wood, cracks occur. Ultraviolet sun rays on wood siding will also be harmful because they cause discoloration and accelerate wear by breaking down wood materials. Scratches triggered by people walking on decks and chairs, mildew or mold from leaves that accumulate in moist corners and ground-in grime all age a deck or patio before it is time. Even pressure treated decks can usually benefit from waterproofing. A 2-step procedure for cleaning and waterproofing is the best choice to enhance the look of wood products and stop further damage. Wood Waterproofing: When choosing a waterproof product, you will have the choice of either oil- or water-based solutions. Oil-based items generally last longer simply because they penetrate the wood deeper than water-based finishes. Water-based finishes, however, are simpler to wash. They're also more flexible upon application as moist wood accept a water-based finish whereas oil-based finishes require wood to become totally dry before using. Masonry Waterproofing: Waterproof merchandise for Masonry prevent water from leaking through cracks in basement walls, garage flooring, patios, concrete block walls, pools and fountains. They are often able prevent damage before it happens by supplying a tough water barrier. This kind of waterproof may also be used after water damage and mold has happened. Existing water damage and mold can be recognized by whitened chalky streaks on concrete blocks or walls, that are actually calcium salt deposits that water brings to the surface. Use masonry waterproofing within your basement or outside your house to safeguard exterior surfaces, for example drive-ways, pathways and other concrete structures, from wind-driven rain. Masonry Waterproofing: Selecting the correct masonry waterproof product depends on the kind of material you're sealing and also the preferred effect. True waterproofing materials stop the the flow of water through concrete, retard the transmission water vapor and resist radon gas. Sealants, however, are just made to repel water. Waterproofing for masonry can be purchased as clear penetrating coatings, pigmented coatings and film-forming items. All can be found in both water- and oil-based formulas. Application Tips: Before sealing wood or masonry, you have to prepare the area for application. If wood or masonry isn't correctly washed, the waterproof solution won't adhere and won't last. For the best results, consult the manufacturer's instructions prior to starting your project. Application Tips For Wood Existing surfaces - *Use a general cleaner to remove dirt, mold, mildew or clear, oil-based waterproof solution that has weathered *Use a more powerful solution to remove weathered, semi-transparent stain or water-based coatings *Use stripper to remove solid stains *Keep pressure washer PSI under 1,200 to prevent damage to wood *Protect surrounding vegetation by wetting with a hose and covering with a tarp New surfaces - Allow new lumber to lose its mill glaze - wait 2 to 3 weeks so the surface can weather Safety Apparel - *Eye protection *Rubber gloves Tools - *Brush *Garden sprayer Application Tips For Masonry Existing surfaces - *Remove existing paint or other coatings by scraping, sandblasting, sanding, wire-brushing, pressure washing, chemicals or a combination of these techniques *Repair hairline cracks with waterproofing mix *Repair larger cracks by cleaning out and patching with mortar *Mist area with fine spray before applying waterproof solution *New surfaces - *New concrete must cure a minimum of 30 days Safety Apparel - *Eye protection *Protective apparel *Skin protection Tools - *Airless sprayer *Brush *Sander *Scraper Now you are all set to begin the project of waterproofing your home, these handy tips should help you to choose the correct products so that your home will look good and feel waterproof for many years to come... Happy Waterproofing! ]]> Annual Back to School Regatta, which is scheduled for this weekend in Sir Francis Drake's Channel, with a start off Nanny Cay. Event coordinator Richard Wooldridge said that while the regatta is not the biggest regatta they organize, it's an event they use to get kids who have been away for a long summer, sailing again. "It's open to any sailor from any school," Wooldridge said. "This year, we are doing something a little different in that we are opening it up to adults, so long as they dress up like children and behave childishly." While racing will be done at Nanny Cay, where the youth sailing operations are now based, event registration will take place Friday at the Royal BVI Yacht Club headquarters in Road Reef from 6:30 pm. onwards. There's a late registration starting at 8 am. on Saturday. Racing begins at 10 am. on Saturday and 9 am. on Sunday. Saturday's racing will have two sessions, while there will be one on Sunday morning. Registration for the event is $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Last year's regatta attracted six sailors from St. Thomas. Wooldridge said he's expecting another 6-8 from St. Thomas this year, and he knows of two who participated in a camping trip in Maho Bay on Virgin Gorda, which included St. Thomas Optimist sailors. "We have 15-16 Optimist dinghies available, and there are about half a dozen lasers," he said. "If I can source all of those boats out sailing, that's as about as good as we can do." Wooldridge said they are also monitoring the approaching weather system, which could affect the event. Source:virginislandsdailynews]]> Annual Back to School Regatta , which is scheduled for this weekend in Sir Francis Drake's Channel, with a start off Nanny Cay. Event coordinator Richard Wooldridge said that while the regatta is not the biggest regatta they organize, it's an event they use to get kids who have been away for a long summer, sailing again. "It's open to any sailor from any school," Wooldridge said. "This year, we are doing something a little different in that we are opening it up to adults, so long as they dress up like children and behave childishly." While racing will be done at Nanny Cay, where the youth sailing operations are now based, event registration will take place Friday at the Royal BVI Yacht Club headquarters in Road Reef from 6:30 pm. onwards. There's a late registration starting at 8 am. on Saturday. Racing begins at 10 am. on Saturday and 9 am. on Sunday. Saturday's racing will have two sessions, while there will be one on Sunday morning. Registration for the event is $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Last year's regatta attracted six sailors from St. Thomas. Wooldridge said he's expecting another 6-8 from St. Thomas this year, and he knows of two who participated in a camping trip in Maho Bay on Virgin Gorda, which included St. Thomas Optimist sailors. "We have 15-16 Optimist dinghies available, and there are about half a dozen lasers," he said. "If I can source all of those boats out sailing, that's as about as good as we can do." Wooldridge said they are also monitoring the approaching weather system, which could affect the event. Source:virginislandsdailynews]]> British Virgin Islands Home ready for vacation rentals, these 10 steps below are a helpful guide on how to prepare your home and also how to market it effectively. 1. Determine whether your home is really appropriate vacation Rentals - While you will find many vacation rentals currently available today, it certainly helps if your property has unique features. It is very important that you determine whether your home is marketable and desirable. Asking yourself the following questions will help: Is my property within a frequently visited geographic area? Is my property's location desirable (i.e. On the beachfront, great sights, or near to landmarks for example amusement parks, etc.). Is my property modern with the amenities that lots of vacationers are searching for for example high-speed internet, jacuzzi tubs, etc. 2. Prepare the interior & exterior of your home to rent - Once you have determined that your property is appropriate for vacation rentals, you will need to be sure that both the interior and exterior of your home will meet the standards vacationers will expect. When people travel and rent vacation homes or condos, the overall guideline would be to make certain that everything works, there is nothing damaged and that the property is completely presentable. 3. Choose a Good House Keeping Service - If you have made a decision to rent your home as a vacation rental, it would be in your best interests to find a good house cleaning service or maid that can clean your home for you when your visitors depart. Obviously, you could do this this by yourself, however, if your reservations begin to increase in frequency, most proprietors often wish to delegate the cleaning of the property to make their lives easier. 4. Create a System for Supplying a key or Entry Instructions to Visitors - If you are planning to rent your home as a vacation rental, you will have to in some way provide your guests with a key. Most property owners tend to use a lock box on the property which may be bought at the local home improvement store. Other property owners use property agents to supply the key and meet the guests to check them into the property so that they can show them around and answer any questions the guests may have. 5. If you choose not to use an agent for the check in and out of your property, it is important to provide Instructions for the Visitors upon Arrival - With every property, you will find some things that you would like your holiday rental visitors to be aware of when they enter the property for the first time, for example how to use certain electronic appliances, where you can put trash, if you should recycle, where extra linens and towels are kept, exactly what the rules from the neighborhood are (i.e. noisy music, parties, etc.), along with other elements. You need to give them some instructions that they can clearly follow to ensure that their stay is an enjoyable one for both your guests and yourself. 6. Take good quality pictures of the property and surrounding area - It's vital that you take good quality photos of the property and keep them on your PC or any other digital media disc. Photos speak volumes for the property and can make the difference between a successful vacation rental property and an unsuccessful one. Additionally, staging the home correctly is definitely an added plus to give people the sense of what it will be like when they are staying in the property. You need to take photos with a camera that's a minimum of 5 mega pixels. If you cannot get a top quality camera, you need to employ a professional digital photographer to take the photos. This is will be beneficial in the long run. 7. Make a Description of the Property, describing the Amenities and nearby Activities and Bed room/Room Layout - It is extremely important to provide potential visitors with accurate specifics of your home. You will need to come up with a descriptive paragraph or two regarding the property and also make a list of the local amenities and activities, and bedroom/Room layout. You should use this information when marketing your property on the various websites you choose. 8. Decide whether you want to use a Rental Agent or Property Management Company - You are able to still 'do-it-yourself' as well as utilize rental agents and property management companies to rent your vacation rental. You will just need to make sure that you simply keep an up-to-date list of your own rental dates if you are leasing the home yourself in addition to utilizing a rental agent, however, it is possible to be non-exclusive with rental agents and property management companies. 9. Purchase Holiday Rental Software to help with the management of the property- While everybody thinks they can do everything themselves, we sometimes might take too much on. It is a good idea to find the best holiday rental software system which can help you with booking and controlling your vacation rentals property. 10. Begin Marketing your home and Booking reservations - Now that all the preparation is done, you are ready to start marketing & taking bookings for your property. The operation is relatively simple. You will find several sites which have been created to help you with this. Now that you have read these steps to help you to prepare your home for vacation rentals and have learned a little about the marketing options. You are now ready to begin the process yourself, what are you waiting for - start marketing your property today!]]> A DREAM COME TRUE VILLA is a luxurious 6,500 square foot 5 bedroom, 6 bath vacation waterfront home on an exceptionally private estate blessed with breathtaking views of Virgin Gorda's Savannah and Pond Bays and the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the BVI. Price:$3,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> After competing in the world's largest beauty pageant, Miss Universe,Miss BVI 2010, Sheroma Hodge is exhilarated and determined to share what she's learned from this eye-opening experience, especially with young women who aspire to become Miss BVI. "The level of pageantry at Miss Universe is above any that I have seen and I think it's important to use my experience to help raise the bar for pageants in the BVI," Hodge stated. Showing very little signs of exhaustion after traveling 19 hours, Hodge stepped off the plane at Terrence B. Lettsome airport looking cool and casual. When asked about her experience in Sao Paolo, Brazil,she said, "It was amazing! It was like traveling around the world and meeting people of many different cultures," noting the new relationships made with fellow contestants Miss Australia, Miss Canada, Miss Turkey, Miss USA and Miss Bahamas. Hodge's positive outlook followed her onto the Miss Universe stage. When it came time to walk in front of the worldwide audience the beauty queen remained calm and confident throughout the two-hour event while supporting the other women. She even made her own predictions. "I was rooting for Miss Angola, I am happy that she won. Miss Angola is a very humble person and I know she will execute her reign in the best way possible," she said. Miss Hodge also thanked the Festival & Fairs Committee for keeping the public abreast of her activities throughout Brazil, and for sharing information and photos with the media to whom she expresses gratitude for carrying her stories. Source:bvinews.com]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer's Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late '60s for Dr. Updike Lite of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price: $6,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> The British Virgin Islands really is a dream come true, with the perfect weather and beautiful beaches there is not much else one could wish for... however if you are looking to perform some home improvement and want to make your home more luxurious, why not add a hot tub to your little piece of paradise. Hot tubs are not just a gimmick, they are perfect for that early morning refresher, late night soaks to sit and view the stars or a great for social family gatherings. Hot tubs are also very therapeutic for the body and soul, easing stress and any aches and pains. Designing a Custom Deck for Your Hot Tub There are three main factors to consider when designing the custom deck for your new hot tub. 1. First of all the deck must be fully level and secure so that it doesn't sink or shift 2. The deck needs to be sturdy to enable it to take the weight of the hot tub when it is full and has people in it, just as a guideline- hot tubs can weigh 3,000 pounds or more when they are full and with the weight of several people it can become even heavier so the materials used should be capable of withstanding this type of weight. 3. It is important also that the deck is bigger than the hot tub to enable easy access in and out for those using it and also the space around the tub will help when you need to perform maintenance. Hot Tubs and Second Story Decks If you are lucky enough to have a deck coming from a bedroom on the second story of your home, you may be considering installing your hot tub there so that you can enjoy the view and convenience. Having a hot tub upstairs can then be made into a private retreat, away from neighbors and if you have views from your backyard it is the perfect setting to enjoy them. As mentioned above you will need to make sure that the deck is able to withstand the weight of a hot tub, and it may be the case that you have to hire a contractor to add additional support to the deck to ensure it is strong enough. More Custom Deck Considerations 1. There are several other considerations which need to be thought about when you decide to have your custom deck in your yard. 2. The deck needs to be fairly close to the house so that you don't need to go to far to use your tub. 3. You will need to ensure that there is an electrical box close to the deck so that you can plug the tub in and run the electric to it easily. 4. Ensure that there is a hose nearby so that the hot tub can be filled with ease. Drainage around the deck will need to be adequate as it is necessary to drain and fill your tub periodically. Build Your Deck Around Your Hot Tub! Mostly when people choose to place a hot tub on a deck, they build the deck first and then place the tub on it. However there is another option which you may prefer - why not build the deck around the hot tub? This can help to create more space around the tub and give it a more built in look. Patio Materials If you decide that you would prefer to put your hot tub on a patio, and you are in the designing and planning stage, the most important decision you will make first is which materials you will use. In previous times patios were strictly made from cement slabs, however now quite often they can be made out of brick, stone, slate, stamped or colored concrete. Whatever type of materials you may choose, make sure first and fulmost that it can stand the weight of the hot tub as mentioned before and if you have a contractor building your patio be sure to inform them that you plan to install a hot tub on the area so that they know what steps to take. Patio Design 101 If you do not have much knowledge on how to design and plan a patio to surround your hot tub, don't despair as many hot tub dealers and manufacturers offer software which will help you create the patio you want. The software can be installed on your home computer or many have the option for you to set up an account on their website to use the software online. The programme helps you plan and design your perfect patio and helps you choose the type of surroundings you want, it is good to get an idea of how the finished article will look. Create Your Own Patio Planner When you are shopping for hot tubs, it is a good idea to create your own plan to take with you so that you can give the sales assistants an idea of exactly what you are looking for, it is a good idea to include measurements, type of materials you want, photographs of your yard. A patio planner can also help you to decide on colors and designs so that you can take it home and decide how it would look. The Big Picture When you are planning and designing your hot tub it is not only the materials, location and the size which needs to be considered. You will also want to consider the landscaping elements, Would you like a water feature in addition to your tub? What types of trees, plants or shrubs will complement the hot tub? Do you have a view from your yard? If so where would be the best location for the tub? All of these decisions are vital for you to ensure you get the perfect hot tub for your home. Privacy and Your Backyard Planning Some people are happy to have their hot tub out in the open, while others would prefer a little more privacy when they are relaxing. Location is a very important part of the planning process, do you want to be in full view of the neighbors? Where is the best place to put your hot tub so that you can have maximum privacy? It may be that you will need to put up trellis around the tub so that you cannot be seen or even fencing the area off. Other options for privacy include purchasing a gazebo or enclosure which will surround the hot tub, this will not only keep the tub private but also create a cozy feeling. Not only will you and your family get lots of enjoyment from your purchase, you may also be making a good financial decision for the future as a hot tub can actually increase the value of your home. So now that you have these basic tips for hot tubs and installation, what are you waiting for! ]]> What are some of the 100 things you'd like to do before you die? Most people would think of something that includes beauty, exoticism and of course something that is memorable and adventurous. On September 1 2011, ABC News editors published an article about David Freeman's 1999 book 100 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE. The article, which can be found in the travel section of abcnews.go.com, included an additional eight noteworthy things recommended by expert authors and editors based on their favourite destinations. Sailing in the British Virgin Islands was listed second, with skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland being first on the list. Karen Schaler, recapped her experience in the BVI and endorsed the BVI's famous "Pain Killer" cocktail as one that visitors must try. Praising the sailing experience offered within the BVI, Karen Schaler, author of 'Travel Therapy' says, "Chartering your own sailboat and stopping by Peter Island, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke is a glorious experience." "The BVI Tourist Board is honoured about the country being added to this esteemed list. It not only shows that our island is beautiful, but that we as a territory provide a spectacular experience that stands out above the rest, and as we continue to market Brand BVI the world will know of this remarkable product that we offer," said Hadassah Ward, Director of Tourism. Source:/bvinews.com]]> Fantastic home away from home on the beach in Virgin Gorda, BVI Price:$3,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> Shornelle Bertrand and Kelsey Skerritt, both 2011 graduates of the Elmore Stoutt High School, gained invaluable work experience at Sol before starting their tertiary education at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). The two young ladies joined the administrative and operations sectors of the Sol office in Tortola for five weeks, preceding the start of the new Fall term at HLSCC. Shornelle was involved in the customer service and operations side of the business, while Kelsey assisted with data entry and assisted in company procedures. "Highlights of working there included learning to deal with customers, appreciating the importance and relevance of office procedures and gaining a better understanding of what a business entails. I signed up for work experience last summer as well but felt I was more involved with 'real' elements of the business here at Sol. It will be interesting to see how this real life work ties in with what I will learn on my course at HLSCC." Shornelle said. Kelsey, who ultimately would like to open a daycare center, was equally enthusiastic about the quality and value of her time at Sol. "I learnt a lot from my experience at Sol," said Kelsey. "I had to deal with customers and interact with other employees which was great for developing my interpersonal skills and preparing me for the time when I will have to deal with teachers, parents and guardians. I also improved my computer skills but one of the most unusual and fun aspects of this placement was going up to the tanks to measure product and dispatch control." Shornelle and Kelsey enrolled at the HLSCC as Fall 2011 students in Business Management Studies and in Teacher Education respectively. Source:/www.bviplatinum.]]> For the purchaser whose lifestyle dictates beauty, luxury and prestige and who is not willing to compromise on quality of construction and finish, spectacular views, convenience of location and all round comfort, this 6 bedroom newly constructed home with pool should be at the top of the list. Perched high on Soldier Hill, the property provides breathtaking vistas out over Brewers Bay and indeed north west to Jost Van Dyke and St Thomas. What is most striking on entering St Edmunds is the level of detail and the degree of thoug Price:$4,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> Workers have begun the preparation work to enable the installation of traffic signals at the Wickham's Cay II intersection in Road Town. Trinidadian firm JoClaud Enterprises Limited has been contracted to install the lights. The Government has since disclosed, that a total of three signalized intersections will be located on Tortola, after the installation of the traffic signals at the Wickham's Cay II Intersection; the others being located at the Station Avenue and James Walter Francis Intersection, and the Admin Drive and Waterfront Drive Intersection. Works Minister, Julian Fraser said "The low cost of the project is a demonstration of Government's commitment to efficiency in project expenditure, as the equipment to be utilized was taken from our inventory," he stated in a Government Information Service press release. The Minister emphasized that the lights are needed, and stated that Wickham's Cay II continues to undergo development and expansion through land reclamation, building construction and improvements to the yachting marina facility. The Works Minister stated that it is important to note that several other options were considered prior to the Cabinet decision. However, traffic signals at Wickham's Cay II have been identified as the best way forward to provide a solution to safer accessibility to and from the Cay, given the increasing volume of traffic. Works are expected to conclude early next month. Source:www.bviplatinum.]]> Fantastic home away from home on the beach in Virgin Gorda, BVI Price:$3,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> The BVI Hoop It Up Foundation is inviting the youth of the BVI ages 5-16 years, on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola, to sign up for the second season of Books and Basketball After School Camp. The camp will consist of two days of basketball training, and two days of academic tutoring. The camp will take place on Mondays through to Thursdays, starting on September 12 and ending December 8, from 3:30pm - 5pm. A full bus service will be provided on both islands. This service will transport the kids from their school, and take them to the camp site and from the camp site to their respective homes. After the first month, each child will have to maintain a C+ average in order to be eligible to continue in the camp. The Organizers have implemented this requirement because, although they need to improve their basketball skills, they also need to stay on top of their academics. At the end of each month, each child will have to submit a grade sheet which will also show a behavior and punctuality report. The Basketball training will be conducted by Steve Parillon, who has now retired from the professional ranking and other local coaches. The tutoring will be conducted by some of the best primary and high school teachers on the islands. Source:/bvinews.com/ ]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer's Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late '60s for Dr. Updike Lite of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price:$6,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> As a warm up for the forthcoming 2011-12 school year, the BVI Cricket Association, in partnership with the West Indies Cricket Board and ScotiaBank, will be holding a cricket camp on the grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay from 15-20 August. Open to boys and girls of all abilities aged seven years and upwards, the week-long camp will run from 9:00 am. until 12:00 noon each day, and is completely free of charge. Refreshments and t-shirts will be provided, and transportation will be arranged from Road Town to the College and back as necessary. Grassroots Cricket is the next step in the development process, encouraging youths to "graduate" to the hard ball version of the game and learn more technical aspects of the sport, while still learning to have fun. The camp will cover all aspects of the game's basics from batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping. Each day will feature games as well as drills and all participants will be encouraged to enjoy team sport and social interaction. It will be conducted by fully qualified WICB local coaches and, overall, the programme will offer a fun-filled and safe environment. The camp will not be a "one-off" event, as starting in September, the association will continue to be active by either holding or supporting cricket sessions in various schools throughout Tortola and Virgin Gorda, as well as continuing to hold the Grassroots Cricket Academy at the HLSCC grounds every Saturday afternoon. Source:bvinews.com]]> This wonderful estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer's Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late '60s for Dr. Updike Lite of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners who have maintained and improved what is a truly special property. Price:$6,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> At its 6th annual pension education and economic development conference ,held at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami, Florida, on July 13-15, 2011, Atlantic Connection Ltd. recognized Clarence Faulkner of the British Virgin Islands for his "continued support and his exceptional contribution to Global Fiduciary Education and Fiscal Responsibility." During the presentation, Atlantic Connection Co-founder and Executive Director Calvin White stated that, "over the years he had known and interacted with Faulkner and recognized his unwavering passion and commitment to protecting pensions in the Caribbean Region." White recalled the inaugural meeting in Bermuda some 6 years ago, where discussions were held on how countries within the Caribbean region could better protect and manage their respective reserves. "Leaders emerged during the conversations," White stated, "and there was no doubt that Faulkner was respected by his peers." Since that time Faulkner has rendered invaluable support to the Atlantic Connection conferences, providing advice and ensuring that the conference agenda items were relevant and substantive to the Caribbean region. In October 2010, Faulkner was asked to chair a Working Group, commissioned by the Heads of CARICOM Social Security Systems to determine the most effective mechanism to pool resources within the region, which enhances the management of regional reserves, and contributes to the long term sustainability of regional Systems. Source:bvinews.com]]> This beautiful island home is in immaculate condition.Built in 1993/4 and completely renovated in 1999. The masonry construction is mixed with beautiful custom joinery and hardwoods, some of which were rescued and restored from an old shipwreck. The property is situated in 1.923 acre lot that has been expertly and lovingly landscaped into a spectacular tropical garden, complete with assorted fruit trees, mature palms, plants and herbs and a rock lined water path with a bridge across. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing ]]> The ever popular piano bar entertainer, Mike McCabe is in the British Virgin Islands to perform from now until August 31 in Sam's Piano Bar at The Rock Cafe on Virgin Gorda. Mike is a popular cruise line and dueling piano bar entertainer and a multi-talented musician known for his varied brand of music, comedy and sometimes-boisterous audience spontaneity. Playing the piano since he was 5, Mike also taught himself to play guitar, bass, drums and saxophone,and now he's working on mastering the banjo! Mike was named one of the "top 5 entertainers" in Pittsburgh, where he played at Sing Sing's and Jellyroll's, two popular dueling piano bars. In 2005, Mike moved to Florida, appearing in such venues as Jester's and Sangria's in St. Augustine, McKnight's in Pointe Vedra and Culhane's Irish Pub in Jax Beach. He also began "cruising" for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. During the last 5 years, Mike has become a "favorite entertainer" in the Schooner Lounge on RCL cruise ships the Enchantment of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, and most recently, the Adventure of the Seas. You can catch his performances Mondays through Saturdays, 8.00pm until 1.00am in Sam's Piano Bar at The Rock Cafe. Source:bvinews.com]]> Following the success of the Bar & Restaurant renovation project in December 2009, the same team of local companies were contracted to renovate the resort's guest cottages in 2010. The first four rooms were completed in February 2011 featuring spacious beachfront balconies, luxurious 'wet-room' showers and furniture made from recycled teak. The remaining six rooms will be ready for the start of the new season in October 2011. Duplex in design, the guest accommodation sits on top of cisterns that collect rainwater for the resort. This elevated position provides superb views of The Sir Francis Drake Channel and the islands beyond. Seventy five percent of the resort's electricity is provided by a state-of-the-art photo-voltaic solar array. Management and staff at Cooper Island Beach Club said they are committed to supporting sustainable tourism in the BVI. The use of organic shower amenities and Eco-friendly cleaning products enables shower water to be recycled for garden irrigation. Tree trimmings are turned into pulp and compost, and even the used fryer oil from the kitchen makes bio-diesel for the generator. Cooper Island Beach Club is the only Eco-dive resort in the British Virgin Islands, offering inclusive packages with their on-site PADI 5 star Dive Operation. Source:bvinews]]> Set amongst 7 pristine acres of beachfront land in the North Sound, Virgin Gorda - the boating playground from the smallest sailing dinghies to the world's largest megayachts - "Little Bay" is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Price:$15,000,000 Read more about this listing]]> Keith George, the son of Rose Solomon and the stepson of Llewellyn Solomon, has completed an intensive leadership program with honors and a distinction. He will receive his Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College, School of Business and Leadership in New York City, NY, on November 17th. The College Review Board has selected George's masters' thesis, titled "The Relationship between Teachers' Transformational Leadership Behaviors and Student Engagement," for publication in the scholarly journals, which will become part of the featured body of research in Leadership. Mr George hypothesized that, to the extent instructors at a particular medium size community college demonstrate behaviors associated with transformational leadership, there will be a significant and positive relationship with course engagement of students attending that institution. Also, with an increased awareness and practice of transformational leadership, the possible outcome may result in stronger commitment (Ross & Gray, 2006) and engagement by instructors, further resulting in a cascading effect on their students. George has been living in the United States for over 15 years and has worked as a contract consultant with some of Americas' Fortune 500 companies, including U.S. Energy Savings of NY, Verizon Corporation, and Tyco/ADT Security and Surveillance Services. Source:/bvinews.com ]]> Perched just above the beach amid lavish hillside gardens, Equinox House overlooks one of the most dramatic seascapes in the Caribbean and is only a short stroll from beautiful Long Bay Beach. This exquisite mediterranean style villa is thoughtfully nestled around an open air courtyard and swimming pool. Price:$2,200,000 Read more about this listing ]]> Two technical interns from the University of Portsmouth, England, are in the Territory for five weeks working along with the Department of Disaster Management. The Interns, Stephen Mountford and Scott Turnbull will spend their time here in the Virgin Islands assessing and mapping variations in social vulnerability in Road Town and undertaking flood hazard mapping, evacuation and mitigation planning of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada. The Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Sharleen DaBreo said, "We are pleased to be able to accommodate these interns who will be able to provide us with detailed structural information on social vulnerability aspects, as well as the vulnerabilities of buildings susceptible to floods, tsunamis and storm surge." Stephen Mountford, a Geography student at the University of Portsmouth is focusing his research on highlighting the most socially vulnerable areas in the Virgin Islands, which will be used to assist the DDM in focusing their disaster mitigation efforts on the areas which need it most. Whilst Scott Turnbull, who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Hazards will be concentrating on the flood hazard mapping, evacuation and mitigation planning aspects. His final project will consist of detailed maps of the hazardous areas that may flood during a time of intense rainfall showing areas of high, medium to the lowest vulnerable areas. Both students are currently pursuing post graduate degrees in Crisis and Disaster Management. This is the second year that the DDM has hosted students from the University of Portsmouth. Source:bvinews.com]]> This beautiful island home is in immaculate condition.Built in 1993/4 and completely renovated in 1999. The masonry construction is mixed with beautiful custom joinery and hardwoods, some of which were rescued and restored from an old shipwreck. Price:$4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> LIME BVI is connecting with the BVI community by embracing this year's August Festival theme. LIME announced it is pleased to sponsor local resident and costume designer Terrance Browne in conjunction with Freedom Mas Camp. LIME gave their Fleming St store a new look for the festival. Amongst the decorative palms, feathers, balloons and all things glitter and glamorous for 2011 August Festival, they created a wave of excitement at the store at 2pm last Friday afternoon. Local DJ Bertrum was on hand all afternoon to pump up the volume on calypso tunes from local band Extreme. The afternoon was topped off with a brilliant display of stunning costumes on some very beautiful all-Caribbean models. The combination of the models, the vibrant colors of the costumes, as well as the calypso tunes, brought in the crowd from outside to join the crowd already inside the store. LIME invites all BVI residents, young and old to join their sponsored troupe to celebrate the BVI's 177th year of freedom from trans-Atlantic slavery. This upcoming event is another opportunity for LIME deliver on its promise to build, connect and serve the BVI community. The first 150 registrants receive a LIME pack which includes a LIME water bottle, LIME rag, LIME bandana - all contained in a neat LIME backpack. This year LIME is leading the way in playing 'mas with class'. LIME is constantly working on improving life in the Caribbean, not only by their telecommunication services, but by sponsoring festival groups such as 'Freedom Mas Camp'. These events can benefit the community and all the locals can enjoy themselves whilst supporting such events. Source: bvinews.com]]> This newly constructed, 5,165 sqft, four bedroom residence is composed of two separate buildings connected by a covered porch. This house is situated on a 1.4 acre site in Belmont Estates and is within walking distance of the beautiful Long Bay and Smuggler's Cove beaches. Price:$2,700,000 Read more about this listing]]> Scuba diving is great fun for those people who take part, as long as they have had expert tuition. That is exactly what happened thanks to Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society (JVDPS). According to JVD Scuba owner, Captain Colin Aldridge, "There is nothing better than giving local youth the opportunity to dive with us so that they can better appreciate the true natural resources underwater here in the BVI. Students' certification is part of a project, organized by the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society (JVDPS) with certification instruction generously donated by JVD Scuba, BVI Eco-Tours and equipment and other support from SeaTrek BVI. This all resulted in great news for five local youths, Anath Blyden, Catherine Blyden, Nekesha Chinnery, Wayson Hatchett and Nykolas Callwood, recently completed their PADI Open Water Diver Certification Course on Jost Van Dyke at JVD Scuba in Great Harbour. Captain Aldridge went on to say, "We congratulate the students in doing an excellent job and becoming certified Scuba divers!" Last week, JVDPS collaborated with SeaTrek BVI, an educational organization that offers scuba diving and marine science summer camps for teenagers. SeaTrek's newly launched programme, FATHOMS, which focuses on marine sciences and community service, is working towards involving students in coral reef monitoring in the BVI. Through this programme, Jost Van Dyke students will be given the opportunity to participate in coral monitoring and other marine science education activities. Source:www.bviplatinum.]]> Set on the picturesque island of Frenchman's Cay, this recently constructed, pristine example of rarely available waterfront property has been built to offer uncompromising luxury and seclusion to satisfy the most discerning of clients. Price:$5,200,000 Read more about this listing]]> The Makos Swim Club, the first swim club in the Virgin Islands, is proud of its many accomplishments, the most recent being its attendance and outstanding performance at the St. Thomas Stingrays Invitational. This has all been made possible by David O'Neal and the Management of the Prospect Reef Resort where the team trains. The coaches and athletes are dedicated to hard work and they want to leave a mark for the Virgin Islands in the sport of competitive swimming. During its most recent competition on June 3-5, 2011 in the St. Thomas Stingrays Invitational, the Makos did just that, they left an imposing mark. The competition included the Makos of the Virgin Islands, the Stingrays of the United States Virgin Islands and the Blue Finns of Georgia USA. The Makos four senior swimmers displayed great talent and amassed 25 medals after competing in 28 events. Initially only 4 athletes were taken to compete, but three novice swimmers (Dimorii Maduro, Shamoy Todman, and Gregory Nelson II) who came along in support of the team decided they too wanted to compete having less than 2 months of competitive training under their belts. With other Makos swimmers, family and friends there to support, the event definitely was a success not only for the swimmers, the coaches and the Makos Swim Club, but for the VIRGIN ISLANDS. The Makos Swim Club greatly appreciates the contributions of The Prospect Reef Resort, Verne Wheatley, Myron Walwyn, The Virgin Gorda Charitable Company, and the Makos Swim Club family. Source:bvinews.com]]> An authority on all things wedding, BRIDES magazine got together with signature travel network and its more than 6,000 A-list travel agents to determine the top honeymoon destinations around the world. These destinations were featured by BRIDES magazine in their annual "Best Honeymoons" issue and again today at Caribbean Week, a week-long celebration taking place across New York City. As Caribbean Week celebrations continue throughout the city, BRIDES magazine presented their list of the world's top 20 honeymoon destinations, with the British Virgin Islands highlighted among them. Of the 20 romantic retreats listed, 10 Caribbean islands were featured. The British Virgin Islands was included in this venerable list for its clear-blue seas and its endless list of exhilarating activities. With wedding season heading into full-swing, now was the perfect time for BRIDES to showcase these 20 amazing honeymoon destinations. And it is no surprise that the British Virgin Islands would be featured on this list. The BVI is a newlyweds' paradise, with the perfect mix of exciting activities from sailing to snorkeling to island-hopping, as well as a laid back, couples-friendly atmosphere. The top-notch spas, luxurious accommodations and abundance of first-class cuisine make the BVI the perfect choice for any honeymoon. Source:www.sacbee.com]]> This beautiful island home is in immaculate condition.Built in 1993/4 and completely renovated in 1999. The masonry construction is mixed with beautiful custom joinery and hardwoods, some of which were rescued and restored from an old shipwreck. The property is situated in 1.923 acre lot that has been expertly and lovingly landscaped into a spectacular tropical garden, complete with assorted fruit trees, mature palms, plants and herbs and a rock lined water path with a bridge across. Price: $4,250,000 Read more about this listing]]> The 18th graduation of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College takes place on June 9th. The ceremony will commence at 4.00pm on the lawns of the Paraquita Bay Campus and the public are invited to attend. Overall, the 2011 class consists of 221 students, with 173 graduating from various HLSCC offerings and 48 from the Chartered Management Institute programmes available through the College. Premier Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal and Chairman of the College's Board of Governors Dr. Charles Wheatley will deliver greetings to the graduates. Vice President Dr. Anne Monroe will also deliver brief remarks introducing the 2011 class, while President Dawson will award certificates and bestow degrees to the graduating students. HLSCC was established in 1990 as the British Virgin Islands Community College. The institution was subsequently renamed in honor of the founding chairman of the College's Board of Governors, the late Chief Minister Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt. The first graduation exercise was held in 1994. The class includes two pairs of mothers and daughters, one mother and son, and one pair of twin sisters. One student who is graduating with a 4.0 grade point average, and this years Student respondent Lvella Tephanie Titley, who is graduating with the Associate Degree in Science, Business Administration, and Accounting Concentration. Source:www.bviplatinum.com]]> Beautifully appointed villa nestled on the western shore of Virgin Gorda. Sandy beaches, teeming coral reefs, verdant tropical gardens. Breathtaking sunsets from the river rock pool. Elegant suites and living areas. Price: $3,500,000 Read more about this listing]]> Boys II Men, the most successful R&B band of all time, took to the stage as the BVI Music Festival concluded with an incredible finale. The group which has sold over 60 million recordings, is celebrating twenty years in the music business and during their performance, reminded the audience of the legacy Boyz II Men has built. An hour long performance proved that the three member group that includes Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris had not lost their touch and connection with their fans, both male and female alike. The group who found fame with Motown Records in the 1990s, spoke highly of Motown music which they believe has the most influential music on the planet. In the 1990s, the quartet won four Grammy Awards and in 2009 the trio was nominated for two Grammies. Following the event on Sunday night, President of the BVI Music Festival Cane Garden Bay Ltd, Daniel 'Pops' Cline thanked everyone for supporting the event and he was very happy that they had a good time. He said the committee were elated. Cline also thanked Producer for the event, Neil Blyden of Neil Blyden and Associates who he said made it all possible. Neil Blyden promised the audience that bigger acts will be coming to the BVI. "If you think that this is big just wait,this is the kind of entertainment you will see in the BVI from now on, more and more internationally famous acts to come," he said. Source: www.bviplatinum.com]]> Setting a New Level In Luxury Beachfront Homes for the BVI Price: $8,800,000 Read more about this listing]]> First Team All-New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association (NEISA) honours, were the prize awaiting BVI Olympic hopeful Alec Anderson as he continued his impressive run on the intercollegiate circuit. For the first time in history, the Roger Williams University Sailing Team was ranked number one in the United States in the rankings as determined by Sailing World. April saw the team win the New England Coed Dinghy Championship, in addition to the Central Series Four and the Friis Trophy. The Hawks also placed second in the Kreuger Cup, the Central Four and the Gibb Trophy. In addition the Roger Williams University Sailing team gained a berth to the ICSA Coed Dinghy National Championship after a third-place finish at the ICSA Coed Dinghy Western Semifinals in Long Beach, California. In the NEISA Coed championships, the Hawks had an easy victory with a total of 72 points, while their nearest challengers, Brown University, finished on 30 points. Division A saw Skipper with the assistance of three different crew members,Seifert, Bellaosa and Wilson, attaining first position, gaining four first place finishes and nine others in the top four. Division B saw Skipper Anderson assisted by crew members Pimental and Salt-marsh taking first place, gaining six victories on the way. Source:preview.bviplatinum.com ]]> We are delighted to present to "Sundown", an exceptional 3 bedroom villa with pool and simply stunning views of Drake's Channel, Pete rIsland, Norman Island, St John, Soper's Hole marina and beyond. This wonderful Caribbean home provides the best of all worlds..fantastic views, great breezes, great neighbours and a house designed for indoor/outdoor living. Price:$1,600,000 Read more about this listing]]> ST. THOMAS- After months of organizing, and countless, endless days and nights of repeatedly performing their dance moves hoping on the day to give a flawless performance, the time has finally arrived for the children to take center stage on Friday for the 2011 St. Thomas Carnival's Children's Parade. Also the parents of the dedicated children are hoping that the significant amount of money they have all designated finally comes to fruition The Carnival will see the extravagant costumes depicting this year's theme, "Let Our Cultural Spirit Enliven, Carnival 2011," the parade will make it's way from Market Square to Lionel Roberts Stadium. The children do an excellent job, and the parade is always a wonderful success. Visitors often comment on the energy and overall performance of the children. Making comments like 'that was really amazing, the smallest kids were out there really having a grand time, it was great'. Steel pan music, children dressed in their fantasies of Disney land, candy and pokeman, little circus members from lions and monkeys to clowns and acrobats, Japanese outfits and dragons, Indians and majorettes - the performance our young Virgin Islanders give is first class.]]> The rolling hills above Lambert Beach provide views and vistas equal to any in the BVI. One home may face Virgin Gorda and the rising sun, while its neighbour looks towards Guana Island, Jost Van Dyke and glowing sunsets. The area above Lambert is fast becoming popular for the construction of upscale luxury homes with easy access to several incredible beaches and glorious uninterrupted ocean and island views as a major reason for this new interest. As a prime exhibit in this gallery of new homes there lies, nestled between the entrance to Lambert Beach Resort and the road to Little Bay, a glorious three-storey residence ideally suited for gracious contemporary living. With views to the north and west, this mini Palazzo features a swimming pool, a grand entry hall replete with a spiral staircase, three full bedrooms with en suite spa tubs and walk-in closets, and an open-plan living area making for a perfect entertainment space. The ground floor is given over to a separate one-bedroom flat suitable for either a nanny or a granny, as a living area for an older child or as an at-home office Price:$2,000,000 Read more about this listing ]]> The Royal BVI Yacht Club (RBVIYC) junior sailing programme were pleased to receive their first financial contribution courtesy of Sol Petroleum and Nanny Kay. Country manager for Sol, Deborah Benjamin and Nanny Cay boatyard manager, Keith LiGreci, recently joined the young sailors at Nanny Cay beach to present them with the first quarterly installment. The two businesses had agreed to make contributions to the RBVIYC earlier this year, from every gallon of fuel sold at the Nanny Cay marina, much to the delight of the children. Benjamin Stated, "to see the pleasure of the children and to watch them on the water, it is then you can see just how much and how welcoming the contributions help the RBVIYC and how much more they can achieve. Sailing is an activity that should be part and parcel of living in the BVI and we staunchly support efforts to expand the experience to the young sailors of this community." Whatever your age, skill level or knowledge, we welcome anyone with a desire to "get out on the water!" With arguably the best sailing location and conditions in the world, on the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea, we believe there is no better place to sail. Source http://bvinews.com/]]> Delightful Light and Airy Villa Catches Dramatic Views and Breeze of North Sound, Virgin Gorda Click here for more info and pictures]]> On April 15 2011 The British Virgin Islands Conservation and Fisheries Department will be holding Earth Day which will be celebrated by way of inviting residence to participate in a clean up. Earth Day which is usually held on April 22 will be conducted in the Baughers Bay area and will commence at 3.00pm on the beach. The clean up will be the territory's environmental service activity and will be held under the name 'Billion Acts of Green'. The event is held so that people who live on the islands and those around the world are reminded of how important the world is to us and how it should be looked after so that we can continue living on it. It is also to remind that each of us has a shared responsibility to care for the earth by looking after the environment around us. Cynara Duncan is the Environmental Education Officer with the Conservation and Fisheries Department and he describes the population of the world as 'Environmental Stewards'. Locals, civic groups, schools, churches, businesses, volunteers are all invited to register with the department and take part in Earth day so that they can help preserve the environment. Source: BVInews.com]]> Lovely three bedroom family home with large covered balconies on Windy Hill. Over an acre for complete privacy. Great views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. Fantastic master suite. $4,000 US. More information on our Coldwell Banker Rental page.]]> RISMedia.com: "The new Coldwell Banker Real Estate iAd campaign includes three different banner ads that consumers can find on their favorite iPad apps, all focused on finding that perfect neighborhood for their next home: *Design your own neighborhood * What is your ideal town like? * Build your perfect place to live "After tapping on the iAd banner, users are greeted by a Coldwell Banker agent to guide them through the process of creating their dream town. To get started, consumers drag and drop different categories into the virtual neighborhood including: home, travel, shopping, education, restaurants and active living. "For each category that is placed into the virtual neighborhood, users are encouraged to use a sliding scale to determine what's most important to them. For example, for the travel characteristic users can determine if they want a neighborhood with easily accessible mass transit or if they prefer an area where having a car to get around is a priority. This interactive experience helps create a picture of a town that is right for them. Consumers can also shake the iPad to create a random dream community. Finally, an image of the dream neighborhood can be saved to the photo album with one tap, and consumers can share it with any of their contacts via e-mail, all while staying in the ad. "After having fun creating the neighborhood or town of their dreams, consumers can use some of these characteristics to find a dream home of their own by downloading the free Coldwell Banker Real Estate App from the App Store. The app pulls agent and property videos into a user's real estate search for cities and countries around the world. In addition, the app's neighborhood rating system, powered by Yelp, allows users to easily identify neighborhoods that match their must-have criteria, and the property and agent videos help bring that perfect neighborhood to life."]]> Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Victor International have opened the new Yacht Club, Costa Smeralda Marina (YCCS Marina), in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. From their press release, "The ideal home base for cruising theCaribbean, the YCCS Marina VG is setting a new standard in the BVI with the highest level of services & amenities offered. The Yacht Club building is on schedule for completion and is making significant progress, slated to officially open in December 2011. "The YCCS Marina was designed by ATM and built by Bellingham Marine and Meridian Marine of the BVI. It offers 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters in length and draught of 9 meters and has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the magnificent islands and anchorages of the Virgin Islands and the Leeward and Windward Isles. The YCCS Marina has been developed in partnership with Victor International, a Michigan and BVI based company, to the highest standards of design and construction. "For more than 40 years, the renowned YCCS has been one of the leading Yacht Clubs in the Mediterranean with its home base in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy. Following the expressed wishes of the Club's Members for access to quality facilities and services on both sides of the Atlantic, YCCS decided to expand. The location of the new YCCS VG, on a private peninsula on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the protected waters of the North Sound, was chosen based on a number of important attributes. Besides the natural beauty and fame as a sailors paradise, the safe and friendly environment of the region was a key factor." (image from Wikipedia and KineticNews.com)]]> Coming soon will be one of the largest and most publicized regattas in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta (BVISR). The Director of BVISR, Judy Petz, has worked with writers and photographers to produce a 48-page booklet on the history of the competition, including interviews with some of the original participants. The booklet captures a unique vision of the history of racing in the Virgin Islands and will be available at the Regatta Village, at Nanny Cay Marina, throughout the event. New this year is a 'Classics' division, which will allow some of the original Squibs, that raced in the first regatta in 1972, to compete again, some even with the original crew. One of the most prominent big boat entries will be Virgin Limited Edition's 105-foot catamaran Necker Belle, the largest yacht ever in terms of square footage to compete in the regatta. Owner Richard Branson will be on board, as will sports media commentator and Olympic sailor and silver medalist Shirley Robertson. A CNN crew wlll film the event for the program "Mainsail." Plenty of day and evening activities are planned, including music, fireworks, and dancing. Visit BVISpringRegatta.org for updates and calendar, and come join us in the festivities. (Photo courtesy of the Regatta web site, 2010.)]]> HLSCC.edu.vg. (resource: BVINews.com)]]> The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College offers 4 moe events to finish off the 16th Performing Arts Series. The Performing Arts Series at HLSCC was conceived in 1994 as a way of exposing the British Virgin Islands community to a wide range of world-class musical presentations not readily available in the Territory. Initially, the Atrium of the College's Administrative building was chosen as the stage for these presentations and, although there were several jazz groups included in each season's programmes, the title has remained "Classics in the Atrium." In recent years, with a new 420-seat capacity auditorium at the Paraquita Bay Campus, there has been an expanded range of performances, such as dance groups and larger musical ensembles. Theatrical presentations have also been hosted by various groups in collaboration with the College. During last season, there were 15 performances featuring gospel music, classical, jazz, soca, a Chinese dance group, a local performer, and the College ensembles. Don't miss seeing one of the remaining performances this year: Saturday March 19 Rhythm & Blues Showcase Nicole Jackson Saturday April 1 Classics Eroica Trio Saturday May 28 HLSCC Summer Concert Featuring HLSCC Chorale, Chamber Players, Woodwind, Brass and Jazz Ensembles For more information, visit the Performing Arts page of HLSCC.]]> Caribbean Hideaways: Discovering Enchanting Rooms and Private Villas (Rizzoli, $50), by Meg Nolan van Reesema, explores more than 30 destinations in the Caribbean, three in the British Virgin Islands: Guana, Tortola, Virgin Gorda. The accommodations are accorded "hideaway" status by being refuges with seclusion and serenity. Many are far from town centers and popular beaches. Visitors often have to make a concerted effort to get there; some are difficult to find, which the author maintains is part of their appeal and forms the "tingling suspense" of a good part of the journey. As reported by CaymanAirwaysMagazine, "A seasoned travel journalist and consultant to villas and hotels, van Reesema spent the last three years checking in and out of over 400 hotels - and taking note of those whose design, atmosphere and underlying stories spoke to her." Of Guana, the eighth largest island in the B.V.I. chain, she writes, "a true island hideawayv where seclusion and distance from the throngs of tourists are sincere guarantees." The author details amenities, services, and histories, which are supplemented by rich photos taken by Jessica Antola. If you're looking for your next Caribbean vacation destination, Caribbean Hideaways is certainly worth a read, and we hope you will chose BVI to visit on your next trip. ]]> INSIDE YOUR HOME: 1. Make rooms appear larger by packing away extra furniture. Rent a storage unit if necessary. Better yet, give away what you won't be using in your new home. 2. Clean out closets so everything appears orderly. Most people demand neatness in a home they intend to buy even if their own homes are a mess. 3. Keep blinds and draperies open and your windows clean to let as much natural light in as possible. 4. Make sure your kitchen is spotless. Rid clutter from countertops and organize your drawers and cabinets. Buyers will look inside. 5. Clean the refrigerator. Remove pictures, artwork and magnets from the door. 6. Make sure bathrooms are spotless. Hang your best towels for showings, and repair all fixtures. 7. Clean the floors. Wax wood floors and shampoo carpets. Bleach the grout in tile floors. 8. Dust everything in sight. Don't leave dead insects in the windowsills and light fixtures. 9. Prune all plants and get rid of ones that are dying. 10. Take down posters or artwork from your teens' rooms and put away all toys in younger children's rooms. You want buyers to see themselves in the home, not you and your kids. 11. Make sure your utility room is clean. Don't let laundry lie on the floors or stay in the washer or dryer. OUTSIDE YOUR HOME: 1. Clean the garage thoroughly. 2. Mow the lawn and keep it watered. Edge the sidewalks. 3. Weed any flowerbeds and trim trees and shrubs. Get rid of dead flowers, plants and shrubs. 4. Sweep all sidewalks, patios and porches. 5. Put away all toys, bikes, skateboards, lawn mowers. 6. Repair any broken sprinkler heads. 7. Make sure that pets are kept out of the way and pet areas are clean and odor free. Take the pets with you when you leave for showings. 8. Water the lawn only very early in the morning or in the evening. Put ammonia sulfate on your lawn to green it up. 9. Clean the roof and gutters. 10. Repair a broken or sagging fence. Make sure that the fence gate opens and closes without having to use excess force. 11. Fix the doorbell if it's broken and make sure that the front door is free of debris and dirt. Make sure it opens and closes with ease. 12. Park cars down the street during showings. You want buyers to easily find a place to park. These simple steps can do wonders to enhance your home in the eyes of buyers and maximize the profit of your home sale. Contact any agent at our Coldwell Banker office to discuss ways to make your home sell faster and for more money.]]> Geoff Holt, the disabled sailor who was crowned sailor of the year for his epic voyage across the Atlantic last year, has been chosen for the 40c, 50c, and $1.50 BVI stamps. They will mark his 3,000 mile adventure in yet another way, in addition to the other honors he has received. Holt said that it is a great honour, and added, "It all came about from when I was there last January. I met the postmaster general at a meeting and I jokingly said it would be nice to commemorate the trip and charity Sailability. I didn't think any more about it and then a few weeks ago I got sent these proofs. After that they got the Royal assent and agreed to take us back out there. It's all been very exciting. Who ever thinks they are going to be on a stamp? It's very kind of them." Holt, his wife Elaine, and son Timmy, were flown to BVI for the launch of the stamp. The ceremony was attended by some of the youngsters from BVI Sailability, a charity that provides access to sailing for everyone. Mr Holt said: "The launch was actually on my birthday and the sixth birthday of Sailability, which was completely coincidental, but it was lovely. The premiere and governor were all there and everyone sang me Happy Birthday." Learn more about Salability, a "not for profit", volunteer-based organisation which, through the activity of sailing, enriches the lives of people with any type of disability, the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged, on their web site. (resource and photo from Portsmouth.co.uk)]]> Harbour House is an inviting and spacious, light and airy 4 bedroom Villa perched above Leverick Bay Marina and beautiful North Sound, the boating playground of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. It is set on a little knoll, perfectly positioned and designed for catching the cooling breezes and the breath taking ocean and island views. All the amenities of Leverick Bay Resort - a fantastic snorkeling beach, swimming pool, restaurant, spa, grocery store, tennis court, diving and watersports - are just a short stroll away. The Villa is ideal for entertaining or a group vacation. The open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area is octagonal in shape, maximizing the ocean and island views. The lounge opens on to a large terrace area. The bedrooms are all spacious, comfortably furnished and provide great ocean views. Beneath the main house is a studio apartment and plenty of storage space. There's even a covered area to park the car out of the sun when you are off island. The Lot itself is not too steep, a rare find in the BVI, making access to the delightful gardens very easy. Total 4 bedrooms + studio, 4 baths, 3500 SF living area, 0.643 ac lot. Asking $1,400,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker listing page for more photos.]]> Thinking of buying a home? Not sure what to do in today's market? Then you need to read Before You Buy! It's the essential, must-read survival guide for everyone thinking about purchasing a house in today's real estate market. Before You Buy! is the no-hype, straight talking, indispensable, step-by-step guide to understanding this market and purchasing a home safely, sanely, and at a price you can afford. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Chief Executive Officer Jim Gillespie worked closely with Corbett while the author was researching and writing Before You Buy! Gillespie wrote the foreword for the book, which also features his personal insights throughout, culled from his nearly 36 years in real estate. "I am proud to have collaborated with Michael on this book, and I appreciate his passion for helping consumers manage through the complexities of the home buying and selling process to make the smartest decisions," said Gillespie. "We believe expert real estate agents who utilize the proper tools are instrumental in a home buyer's success, but there is no denying that today's consumer is empowered to enter the process more prepared. "Mortgage rates are at historic lows, so now is a great time to buy to avoid the uncertainty of these rates increasing in the future," Gillespie continued. "Michael does an exceptional job in breaking down the various phases buyers go through so that they can make excellent lifestyle and financial decisions." This book offers all buyers control of the process. First-time buyers and experienced homeowners alike will learn how to uncover hidden dollars and eliminate costly expenses at every step. But most importantly, they will learn how to avoid the traps and pitfalls that put so many buyers into bad deals, risky mortgages, and unaffordable homes. In addition to advice from Gillespie, contributors included Suze Orman, Barbara Corcoran and Jean Chatzky of NBC's Today Show, and Donald Trump. "There's never been a better time to buy real estate than right now. Michael's Before You Buy! is a must-have if you want to do it smart, safe, and with real success!" Barbara Corcoran, Real Estate expert for NBC Today Show, Best Selling Author and Founder of The Corcoran Group "The book that every homeowner must read before they put their house on the market." Jim Gillespie, CEO Coldwell Banker Real Estate To find out more about the book and the places you can buy it, visit our Coldwell Banker book page.]]> CNN.com has voted Peter Island in the BVI as one of its top 10 Caribbean retreats, the prime places to relax and indulge with a partner. Here's the information: "Peter Island has all the romantic essentials: secluded beaches, luxurious suites and villas, and a quietly attentive staff. Located on one of the largest private islands in the Caribbean, the resort is the only attraction (excluding wild goats), and five different beaches ensure you'll have your own stretch of soft sand. "Go Ahead, Indulge: Surrounded by lush gardens, the spa offers an Indian Ayurvedic program, including massage and yoga. "Make A Date: Escape to Honeymoon Beach, where the hotel will drop you off with a picnic lunch to enjoy the day under the shade of a lone palapa. "Best Sunset: Sign up for the Sunset Loop, an exciting ride up the curvy mountain roads to one of the highest points on the island. "Rates: Oceanview rooms start at $740" Visit PeterIsland.com Special Offers for more information. ]]> Sunsail and Sail magazine announced a new partnership called Flotilla Adventures, a series of flotilla sailing charters in the British Virgin Islands. The themed vacations will begin with a Family Fun flotilla in June, followed by an Action/Adventure flotilla in November. Each trip will feature a Sail host, as well as a Sunsail captain and host. "Flotilla Adventures offers a new sailing experience to the large market of sailors interested in a sailing vacation," Sail publisher Josh Adams said. "This partnership combines Sunsail's vast flotilla experience with a Sail expert to create a memorable sailing week." Flotilla Adventures kicks off June 10-17 with the "Family Fun" island-hopping flotilla adventure, hosted by SAIL's charter editor, Meredith Laitos. Meredith and the Sunsail crew will lead the flotilla in a week of hands-on sailing for both kids and parents, windsurfing, stand up paddling the Baths, snorkeling, treasure hunts under sail, dinghy races at the Bitter End Yacht Club, and more. The BVI is famous worldwide for its excellent sailing opportunities. Be sure and visit our Coldwell Banker office when you come for your sailing adventure, and learn about real estate in the British Virgin Islands. ]]> recent article by Venessa Wong, "You Don't Need Millions to Own a Tropical Home," the author makes a convincing case for a purchase in the Caribbean. "Whether in the market for a second-home or a permanent residence, adventurous buyers can find island life to be a healthier, more laid back, and certainly warmer alternative. And now is the best time to buy in years. Unless of course you like digging yourself out of snow drifts." Wong's key points: 1. Prices are down. "The global recession badly hit second-home markets across the Caribbean. Residential prices fell in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to reports on globalpropertyguide.com," among others. 2. Lifestyle. "With only a tepid recovery underway, many Americans are still questioning the value of buying a primary residence, let alone a second home on a distant island. Still, some big price reductions for beachfront homes - and a thirst for a more relaxed lifestyle - could tempt the most cautious investors." 3. Inventory. "Activity may have improved, but buyers are not yet flocking in huge numbers to buy island homes. In fact, in a snapshot study Coldwell Banker shared with Businessweek.com, searches for Caribbean island homes by U.S. consumers on coldwellbanker.com dropped about 20% in the December/January period from July/August. (As this is a new feature, year-on-year comparisons were not available.)" 4. Tax Angles (for US buyers). "Mortgage interest and property tax are tax-deductible for owners who use the property as a second home - and do not rent it out. For owners who rent out their homes to cover costs, certain expenses may be deductible, but rental income is usually reported depending on how often the owner uses and rents out the home. According to Edward Mermelstein, a real estate attorney in New York, there is no restriction that the home must be on U.S. soil. "If the rental market is strong, the owner's expenses can be low. Nearly two-thirds of second homeowners are able to cover at least half their mortgage by renting out their vacation home to travelers, according to Victor Wang, public relations manager for HomeAway.com." 5. Research local differences. "The main challenge for home buyers looking for an island getaway is understanding local markets, as well as their laws. Although the Caribbean is only a short flight from the U.S., the islands have their own procedures and rules. "Not only are island homes vulnerable to dramatic hurricane seasons, but the cost of many staples, ranging from gasoline to food, can also be more than on the mainland, because most of them usually have to be shipped in. On some islands a prospective home buyer can encounter safety concerns, and local services and infrastructure, such as roads or wireless service, may leave much to be desired." The combination of rates, inventory, and price reductions is at least worth your consideration, even if you do a buy and hold until retirement in the future. Our Coldwell Banker agents can explain local laws and markets, and, of course, suggest the best areas to suit your needs and investment goals. Just call or email our office.]]> Stunning, newly renovated two bedroom, 2 bath, fully furnished penthouse at Tobacco Wharf. Beautiful kitchen, stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms finished to the highest standards. Breathtaking views over Road Harbour, The Moorings and Village Cay Marina. Vaulted ceilings. Central air. Close to town in this waterfront location. Excellent rental opportunities. 1400 SF interior. Asking $595,000. See more photos on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.]]> The 2011 Billabong BVI Kite Jam returns to Necker Island, in BVI, Feb. 26-March 4. The competition attracts pro and amateur riders from all over the world to sail in a relaxed atmosphere, far away from traffic jams and city stress. This year's locations have been selected, the flat waters identified, and winds expected to average around the 12-15 knot range. Conditions aren't brutal, and, if anything, are also great for the learner or intermediate. According to SurferToday, "The 2011 Billabong BVI Kite Jam means 'no pressure." All kiteboarders know that peers decide the overall winner, so prepare to enjoy and train your speed and tricks. Richard Branson has been training hard and might be a strong contender. Expect great food, tasty cocktails, beautiful girls and boys and heavenly sights. 'We intend to show the world how much of a diverse sport kiteboarding is and how all disciplines can be enjoyed in the beautiful British Virgin Islands,' promises Charlie Smith, co-founder of the BVI Kite Jam." Watch a video at BVIKiteJam.com and plan to join us in BVI for the event. (photo courtesy of BVIKiteJam.com)]]> Jamaica-Gleaner.com, "Analysts say that fibre-optic networks such as the one now being launched put LIME in a better position to go after corporate clients - who are more likely to make decisions based on hard economics -even as it seeks to claw its way back in favour with the young 'cool' crowd of mobile phone users who have largely been captured by Digicel. Digicel is estimated to be beating LIME nearly three to one in the mobile market. "'LIME's network is well positioned to benefit from growth in wholesale markets,' said Managing Director of Carrier Services Martin Fijman. 'The Caribbean is a major traffic corridor between South America and the major Internet, content and carrier hubs in the United States, acknowledged as one of the fastest growing inter-continental routes in the world today.'"]]> Manana is a two bedroom, two bath villa with pool overlooking Leverick Bay in North Sound on Virgin Gorda, BVI. Enjoy the pool, waterfall, and patio all overlooking the sea. One of the original "round houses," Manana has been fully renovated and refurbished with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,200 SF, A/C, cistern and desal system. A short distance to two beaches on Leverick Bay for snorkeling and swimming in the clear waters. The home is 50' above tide line, high enough for the view but close enough for the sounds of the waves to be clearly heard. Leverick Bay Resort offers shops, restaurants, spa, tennis, and water sports. North Sound has 3 other resorts, and six restaurants. Asking $9,950,000. More information and photos on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.]]> UKFloringDirect.Co.UK for an exhaustive list of links on home energy efficiency. When you are ready to buy or sell, be sure and stop by our Coldwell Banker office to discuss the market.]]> Those in the know recently confirmed that Sir Richard Branson still intends to develop an eco-resort on his 124-acre island of Mosquito (or Moskito). He plans to build 20 villas and a beachfront restaurant powered by wind turbines and solar panels. The project's manager, Ryan West, said, "Talks about the resort with the Town and Country Planning Department continue. Up to now, the timing hasn't been quite right for the project. Hopefully, this year we'll be commencing." The beautiful real estate is a mile from his other island, Necker, his home in the Caribbean. Moskito was once home to a resort known as Drake's Anchorage, and located in the North Sound, just off shore from Anguilla Point, Virgin Gordan. In the past, it has been a popular destination for visiting sailors and scuba divers. Branson purchased the island in 2007. Read more about the island at BareboatsBVI.com. Photo courtesy of that source.]]> BVIPlantinum.com)]]> Nestled on top of the ridge at Leverick Bay, Altamera is the perfect spot to enjoy the breath taking vistas of North Sound and beyond. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is positioned to maximize the 270 degree view. The home is wrapped by a very large covered terrace; a well-equipped kitchen and dining area is adjacent to a spacious lounge. The bedrooms and bathrooms are to the rear of the home, on the same level as the main living area. Each has its own unique and private balcony and ocean view. There's a large cistern and the property is connected to city water. The electricity supply to the home has been buried underground. There are one or two perfect sites for a pool, both with stunning views. Leverick Bay community features a restaurant and bar, beach, pool, and grocery store. With Sir. Richard Branson planning to build on neighbouring Moskito Island, the Oil Nut Bay development making good proress, and a new yacht club being formed, North Sound is clearly going to be the place to be in the BVI in the coming decade. Asking $1,200,000. More information on photos on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.]]> CaribPlanet, Caribbean Music 101, "Soca is a modern form of calypso with an up-tempo beat. There is a popular misconception that soca is a fusion of American soul music and traditional calypso. Hence the name "so-ca," soul/calypso. Though this sounds plausible, it is simply not true. Soca music originated as a fusion of calypso with Indian rhythms, thus combining the musical traditions to the two major ethnic groups of Trinidad and Tobago."]]> http://redtape.msnbc.com/2010/12/ten-things-web-users-should-fear-in-2011.html "When security experts look back at 2010, they will see a major turning point in the world of cyberscares. The virtual and the real collided in new, dramatic ways during the past 12 months, and the Internet will never be the same. "Gone for good is the glamour of annoying outages caused by hackers sending e-mail attachments and launching Web page attacks. Now, computer criminals are being credited with stalling a rogue nuclear power plant program, and with bringing world diplomacy to its knees. Things are getting serious. "A more subtle, but perhaps more immediate danger for Web consumers surrounds the explosion of off-the-PC Internet applications. The Web is on nearly half of U.S. cell phones now, but that's only the beginning. It's also on TVs, DVD players, tablets like the iPad and even kitchen appliances. What's the risk? How many consumers do you know that are ready to purchase anti-virus software for their blu-ray players? Predictions have been made for a long time about mobile Web viruses. Given the explosion of new, unprotected gadgets, 2011 appears to be their year. "1. Geolocation Even the most dimwitted of stalkers can turn tools [like Twitter and Foursquare] into playgrounds...Criminals will catch up to this during 2011 and I hope you don't end up in the headlines. Use location services with extreme care. One tip: Have a friend 'stalk' you to see how easily a stranger could follow you, then adjust your usage accordingly. "Physical stalking is far from the only risk, however. Computer criminals can observe a person's traveling behavior to craft incredibly convincing phishing e-mails or other cyberattacks. "2. New Media Platforms The threats could be simple, such as fake Web pages that pop up on TVs, asking users to submit personal information. Or they could be complex, such as theft of stored passwords, or even hijacking of the machines for use in botnets. "3. Mobile Phones Until now, cell phones -- even smart phones -- have operated in very controlled environments. But the proliferation of the open-application environment of Android, and the "jailbreaking" of iPhones, has created a much more hacker-friendly world for cell phones. "4. Mobile Gadgets The explosion of mobile gadgets this year will create both a new playground for bad guys, and a new incentive to target operating systems that also control smart phones...The market for tablet-based antivirus software, meanwhile, is virtually non-existent...The combination of tablets and smart phones will prove to be a target-rich environment for the bad guys. "5. URL shortening URL shortening services (like bit.ly) are great, but they are also an incredibly easy way for hackers to send you to an unexpected Web page. By definition, the shortened URL obscures the real hyperlink [so it becomes problematic to make sure the link you click is to the destination you intend]. McAfee says there are more than 3,000 URLs being shortened every minute online. That's a lot of hacker potential. "6. Friendly Fire This year, next generation viruses like Koobface will make it easy for hackers to personalize their attacks, using tools to gather information about you leading to specially crafted e-mails and other attacks. "7. The end of spam. What? 'Social media connections will eventually replace e-mail as the primary vector for distributing malicious code and links,' McAfee says. 'The massive amount of personal information online coupled with the lack of user knowledge of how to secure this data will make it far easier for cybercriminals to engage in identity theft and user profiling.' "Tweets from "friends" will lead to widespread infections. Facebook chats will trick people into giving up personal information, or clicking on malicious links. Promiscuous friending will allow bad guys to connect with all of your friends, creating an easy attack vector with a wide footprint. All of this will happen in an environment where consumers tend to trust more than traditional Web pages or e-mail -- in other words, their guard is down, and attacks will be up. 8. Cloud Computing Cloud computing is a marketing term that describes a world where people store data and use applications on remote computers, rather than on their own desktops or laptops... As the cloud moves into mainstream usage, hackers will follow. 'Cloud services will become prime targets for hackers wanting to gain access, not just to a specific company's data but possibly to multiple victims simultaneously,' warns ISCA Labs, a computer security company. "The cloud will also raise fascinating and troubling legal issues for users. Say you've stored all your family photos, or all your company's data, on a cloud service. What happens if there's a billing dispute, like those that arise with cable companies and cell phone providers? And what if that cloud provider refuses to release your data until you pay that hefty early termination fee? The best defense against that: Backing up all your data on your own computers, a rather un-cloud-like activity... "Meanwhile, many in the computer security world see widespread and lasting implications for cloud computing from the WikiLeaks incident...What if a provider like Amazon decides it doesn't like my data? Conceptually, if WikiLeaks can be cut off, anyone can. "9. Hactivism outbreaks The spreading of previously non-public information, against a government's will, is a new form of attack, and one that can't be stopped by added improved packet filtering. The only way it can be stopped is by government officials taking a huge step backward and following the advice of many lawyers I know -- never type anything that you wouldn't want to see in the newspapers. Expect a lot more secure phone calls and a lot fewer "secure" e-mails between government officials...[WikiLeaks] has proven the ability of one small organization to evade a powerful government's ability to shut it down. That will inspire other groups. "10. More Targeted Malware, Backed by Nation-states McAfee warns that companies of all sizes that have any involvement in national security or major global economic activities should expect to come under pervasive and continuous... attacks that go after e-mail archives, document stores, intellectual property repositories and other databases." While not all of these items will relate directly to your use of your own computer or mobile device, we want you to be safe. Again, read the entire article for a more thorough analysis of cyberspace in 2011.]]> TrackAlerts.com. Our congratulations to Ms. Harrigan and Ms. Malone.]]> Islands of the World XII Conference of the International Small Islands Studies Association is slated for May 29 - June 1 at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Held every two years, the conference will have the theme, "Globalisation: Islands Adapting to Change." Topics will include tourism, financial services, disaster management, agriculture and fisheries, climate change and conservation, history and culture, health, social and economic development, entrepreneurship, Caribbean governance and business, alternative energy and sustainable development, education and literature, philanthropy, and information technology. The main objective of the conference will be to discuss how islands across the globe and, in particular the BVI and wider Caribbean, are adapting to changes associated with globalisation. Read more at 2.BVIPlatinum.com. ]]> Let's get straight to the point. If you want the best views in the British Virgin Islands, and possibly the Caribbean, you need to take a look at 'Rising Sun.' This luxurious 4 bedroom Villa is everything a Caribbean dream home should be. To get there, you take a short five minute boat ride from Beef Island, Tortola to the island of Great Camanoe. Once there you land in a delightful small private Marina that marks the entrance to the luxury residential estate known as Indigo Plantation, home to 19 exclusive residences. A golf cart will then take you over well maintained tarmac roads up to the 2.064 acre site and to the entrance to Rising Sun. At this point, stop, look around and be amazed at the absolutely incredible views. You can see islands and ocean to the South, North, East and West...it is truly breath taking. Having recovered, you can make your way into the home. The villa is 4 bedrooms/4 baths and finished as you would expect in a Caribbean home of the highest quality. On the practical side, there's DSL, Satellite TV, large garage, utility room and workshop and lots of storage space. Price includes dock, boat and car. Asking $2,000,000. More photos on our Coldwell Banker listing page.]]> The Complete Diving Guide: the Caribbean, Vol. 1, covers Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago, and Barbados. By Colleen Ryan, $22.80. 2. The Complete Diving Guide: the Caribbean, Vol. 2, covers St Maarten/Martin, St. Barts, Saba, Statia, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua, and Guadeloupe by Brian Savage, $29.95. 3. The Complete Diving Guide: the Caribbean, Vol. 3, covers Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands by Colleen Ryan, $22.80. 4. For Aruba and Curacao, try Best Dives of Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao, by Joyce and Jon Huber, $6.64. 5. For Cayman Islands, the most recent is Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Cayman Islands, $18.24, 2007. Cayman has just sunk a ship to create a new diving reef, so you might look for a more recent book in a few months. 6. For the Bahamas & Turks & Caicos, try Fodor's Bahamas 2011 Plus Turks & Caicos, $13.59, just released Fall, 2010. All prices and titles from Amazon.com. Prices may vary by used or new, hard cover or paperback.]]> Guana Island Resort is on a small private island of 850 acres with 7 powder-white sand beaches, miles of tropical forest with verdant hills and valleys, and birdlife to attract the most ardent bird watcher. The resort is at the edge of the Caribbean where it meets the Atlantic. The resort offers only 15 rooms, split into hilltop cottages overlooking Muskmelon Bay. The villas have private pools and one, a private beach. There are no TVs, radios, or phones, but the resort does offer complimentary wi-fi throughout. Prices include 3 meals a day, wines at lunch and dinner, tea, snacks, and all island activities. Offered are 2 tenis courts, sunfish, kayaks, pedal boats, windsurfing, croquet, table tennis, and hiking. For an extra fe, you can try waterskiing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and a sail to other BVI islands. In keeping with its small size, the resort offers friendly service, and guest get-togethers, such as beach BBQs, picnics, and afternoon tea. Accessible by boat only, Guana island is a perfect hideway. (photo courtesy of Guana.com)]]> More Mistakes That Can Delay A Quick Sale Mistake #6: Failing to Look at Your Home as if You were a Buyer Often, sellers become too comfortable--or at least tolerant--of the clutter and imperfections of their homes. And, while potential buyers may tolerate the same sort of imperfections in their own residences, when it comes to your home, most buyers have higher expectations. Use the following checklist to ensure buyers see your home in the best light and improve your chances for a quick sale. When a buyer sees areas that need maintenance or repair, he or she see areas where they can discount your home's sale price. Exterior: 1. Painting your home's exterior will make it look years younger and cleaner. 2. Trim back trees and shrubs and mow the grass. Weed and plant flowers. If the yard is neglected, buyers might wonder what other aspects of your home have been neglected or need maintenance as well, and they may not bother to request a showing. 3. Sweep all sidewalks, front walkway, and patio areas. 4. Clean windows and replace any broken or cracked panes. 5. Park extra cars down the street. 6. Put away bikes and toys. Remove rusted swing sets or broken playground equipment. 7. Don't leave hoses stretched out in the yard where someone might trip over them. 8. Water lawns very early in the morning or late at night so prospective buyers and/or their children won't track into your house after a tour of your yard. 9. Make sure roof is debris-free and in good condition. 10. Keep pet areas, like litter boxes, out of sight. Interior: 1. Make sure your kitchen is extra clean--even the oven. Put away all dishes and any extra items from your counter tops. Store your toaster, blender, and small appliances to create space. 2. Carpets and all other flooring should be clean and vacuumed. 3. Open all curtains, drapes and blinds, and turn on the lights 4. Place fresh flowers and plants throughout the house. Dispose of dying plants. 5. Make all beds. Put away toys in your children's rooms. Remove clothes from floor or chairs. 6. Straighten your closets. Crammed closets look smaller. 7. Organize your laundry room. Use hampers and baskets. 8. Remove unnecessary items from your bathroom counters and make faucets shine. If your shower curtain is torn or frazzled, invest in a new one. 9. Secure jewelry, cash, and prescription medication not just out of reach but out of sight. Don't leave any valuables available to a thief. 10. If you're going to get rid of old or unnecessary furniture items and home decorations when moving, go ahead and dispose of those items now. Rooms look larger when they aren't crammed with furniture. Mistake #7: Offering Explanations about Your Home during Showings Potential buyers usually feel more comfortable when homeowners are not present. If you have to be at home, resist the urge to offer explanations, point out perceived flaws or offer to repair items. People differ in opinion and preferences. Your home's floor plan, which you may have always found less than satisfactory, might be just what appeals to a potential buyer. The general rule is, the less said and the smaller your presence, usually the better. Mistake #8: Not Knowing How to Price Your Home to Sell Determining the market value of your home is one of the most challenging aspects of the selling process. If the listing price is too high, you'll limit financing and reduce offers. Sometimes, home sellers believe that they have to set the selling price higher than actually expected because it gives them an opportunity to negotiate and accept a lower offer. But often buyers who might be most interested in your home find a flaw they don't like immediately - your asking price--and they don't even take the time to drive by or ask for a showing. By the time the price is adjusted, you've already lost exposure to a large percentage of potential buyers. It's critical to find out, where and how fast, the market is moving when setting the selling price and negotiating an offer. Any of our experienced Coldwell Banker realtors are aware of market trends. Mistake #9: Not Planning Your Move Before Your Home Actually Sells Many sellers simply don't plan their move early enough, then they feel totally overwhelmed when it's necessary to move sooner than they expected. Organize your move before a contract is ever signed. Don't wait until the last minute to ask movers to estimate the cost of your move. When you have to move quickly, the price can skyrocket according to need and you have no basis for comparison. Fill out a Personal Household Inventory for each room. This is important for establishing the declared value of items for moving companies and can be used as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as accurately as possible, the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Prepare a separate high-value inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary" value, such as antiques, china, crystal and electronic equipment. Attach any records of purchase or invoices to the completed inventory. Mistake #10: Being Inflexible or Unwilling to Compromise Sometimes, it is necessary to bend a little when it comes to the sale of a home. If you are inflexible about the date you can move out, price, necessary repairs, and other contract items, buyers can become discouraged or even angry. It is often necessary to compromise. Agreeing to a repair that might cost you an extra couple of hundred dollars out of pocket, might actually save you much more than this amount in interest on your home loan in the long run. While you don't want to give away hard-earned equity, often sellers must look at the overall savings involved. Your Coldwell Banker realtor will advise you on any contract items and how to best achieve a win-win situation with any buyer. If you have any questions about how to position your home for a successful sale, just stop by our Coldwell Banker office and talk to any of our experienced, knowledgeable agents.]]> As reported at About.com, "The White Bay Villas and Cottages, on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, is offering a comprehensive seven-night stay for travel from now until April 30, 2011. For $3,000, couples get a week's stay in a one-bedroom villa or cottage, a four-wheel drive vehicle to use, complimentary snorkel gear, and $150 worth of vouchers towards two dinners at Corsair's restaurant. Visit the resort's website for more information. Call 800-778-8066 to book. Here's a good description from the resort's web site: "The beachfront White Bay Villas and Seaside Cottages on Jost Van Dyke are the perfect place for a Virgin Island vacation with serenity, peace and relaxation. Our Caribbean Rental Villas offer complete accommodations to suit your every need. A family-friendly island, Jost Van Dyke offers many comforts that larger, more commercial Caribbean islands don't. You can walk to beautiful White Bay beach from your from your vacation villa anywhere, anytime day or night and feel completely safe. "There are many activities available such as Eco Tours, Caribbean Sailing and Scuba Diving. Have a special Caribbean Wedding. "With a year-round population of less than 180 residents, Jost Van Dyke retains the island culture that much of the Caribbean has lost. We still fish, have gardens, and engage in boat-building, yet we have all the modern amenities you desire." ]]> British Virgin Islands and LIME will pay their rent or mortgage for 1 year (US$12,000.00), plus TWO shopping sprees for clothing ($1,000.00) and groceries ($500.00). Two runner-up prizes also will be awarded: a family vacation for 4 or a Samsung entertainment package. Be sure to continue to text up, top up, or purchase a handset to be entered into the Week 6 Draw and Grand Prize Draw. You could be the Grand Prize Winner. Visit LIME online for information on their services.]]> 10 Costly Mistakes that Can Delay a Quick Sale Mistake #1: Listing Your Home with Just Any Real Estate Agent Choosing the right realtor can make all the difference in finding a buyer and concluding a successful sale. Before you list your house, ask friends or business associates to refer realtors to you, and why they recommend them. During the interview, ask the realtor if you can call a list of his or her clients who have had a successful sale. Ask how long it takes on average for the realtor to sell a home in your price range and neighborhood. Ask if they have any guarantees. Ask if you can get out of the listing agreement easily if you are dissatisfied with their services. Listing your home with a realtor who is not actively working for you can waste months of your time and thousands of your dollars. Mistake #2: Not Enhancing Your Home's "Curb Appeal" When a potential buyer drives by your home, their first impression will be based on your home's "curb appeal." If the buyer is disappointed by what they see, they may not even bother to request a showing, no matter how wonderful the interior of your home is. Almost half of all houses purchased are sold before prospective buyers open their car door and walk into your home. Ask your realtor what you can do to improve your home's appeal, so that the property shows at its very best. Mistake #3: Insisting that Your Home Is Shown Only When It's Convenient for You While no one wants dinner frequently interrupted or to spend Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon leaving their home for no purpose, often the only time buyers can see your home is after work or on weekends. Plan ahead. Keep the house orderly and make the time away from home fun. Remember this last minute showing may be the last buyer you will have to show your home to. Mistake #4: Attempting to Hide Problems With Your Home Be honest with your realtor about problems with your home and property relating to health, safety, or the environment. During home inspections, most problems will be discovered anyway. It's better to factor any issues into the listing price, or state up front you, as seller, will correct specific items prior to sale. Mistake #5: Inadequate Marketing Marketing today requires much more than a "For Sale" sign in the yard. Prospective buyers with their busy schedules don't take the time to simply look through the classifieds and drive by homes that might be of interest. Buyers want information immediately. You need to ensure your real estate agent will use all the internet and local resources available to market your property worldwide. Effective twenty-four hour marketing will ensure that your home receives the necessary exposure to attract a ready-to-act buyer in the shortest amount of time. Tune in next week for Part 2 and be ready for that quick sale in the new year. If you have any questions about how to position your home for a successful sale, just stop by our Coldwell Banker office and talk to any of our experienced, knowledgeable agents.]]> Just below Virgin Gorda, along Sir Francis Drake Channel, are Ginger, Cooper, Salt, Peter, and Norman Islands. Norman Island is the most renowned, because of Robert Louis Stevenson's book, Treasure Island. Norman's major attractions are the three Treasure Caves, where crystal clear water and a marine garden make it a perfect snorkelling destination. Norman also features hiking around Santa Monica Rock or the trail between Bight and Spyglass Hill, and Bight and Benures Bay beaches. Of the other islands in this chain, Peter offers beautiful beaches, the famous Peter Island Resort and spa, biking along White Bay, snorkeling, and sailing. It is accessible by ferry from Tortola. Ginger Island is more rugged and unspoiled, with two of the best dive sites in the BVI, Alice in Wonderland and Ginger Steppes. Salt Island also has good diving around the 1800s wreck, the British mail steamer Rhone. Cooper Island is for relaxing, on the white-sand beaches, or a leisurly snorkel in Cistern Point. Enjoy some of the less-traveled islands in our British Virgin Islands chain, and come soon!]]> The development of THE ESTATES AT SCRUB ISLAND is well underway. Located just ten minutes from Beef Island Airport, this luxury community is unlike any other in the British Virgin Isands. Only 55 generous hillside lots will be developed, all with magnificent Caribbean views and access to the area's newest marina for boating and fishing. A 60-slip marina will offer the ability to handle 100+ft. yachts. A Five Star Resort will be right outside your door. This is an opportunity for those few who have always wanted to call the BVI's home, now or in the future. Lots range from 5.51 acres - 1.7 acres, price dependent on size. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> The reopening of the Virgin Gorda International Airport (Taddy Bay Aerodrome) was timed for the holiday traffic, and is welcomed by pilots and residents. The airport restarted operations December 6. Closed for the past 11-plus months, crews have made improvements to the airport in order to bring it into full compliance with Air Safety Support International regulations. A lot of the people who rent villas on Virgin Gorda fly directly into the airport there, as opposed to going into Beef Island. Airlines that fly into and out of Virgin Gorda International Airport include Air Sunshine, Fly BVI, and Island Birds, along with other private and charter aircraft. ]]> 2 parcels of waterfront land for sale on Little Bay, one $400,000 and one $200,000. Water, electricity and contcrete road access already provided. Gentle gradient and very buildable land. Contact our Coldwell Banker office for more information.]]> coldwellbanker.com site received an aggregate score of 96. The site was awarded maximum points in the overall narrative and overall visual design segments. "Innovation is one of the key pillars to our success at Coldwell Banker," said Helen Galasso, vice president for platform development/ebusiness at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "This wholly re-thought and re-designed version of our site features optimizations that enhance the experience of searching for and finding a home online, which is so critical to today's consumer." The new version of the site was launched in June, in collaboration with FD kinesis. The Coldwell Banker website was selected from more than 1,100 entries representing nearly one dozen countries. (resource: RISMedia.com)]]> This spectacular oceanfront estate home, set on 10 acres in Privateer's Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, is full of charm and character. Built with no expense spared in the late 1960s for Dr. Updike Lite of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family, it has been loved and cared for by the current owners. Both the main and guest house are built almost entirely from local stone, and positioned in such a way that the ocean and island views from both are simply breath taking. The main house consists of three bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, and Great Room which leads on to a large covered terrace. The cottage features one bedroom and bath, lounge, kitchenette, and outdoor shower. The private swim dock, 120' long, is just enough to get you beyond beautiful "Diamond Reef" into swimmable waters. The property includes two workshops and a studio, two generators, bathrooms for staff, a desalination plant capable of producing 2000 gallons of water a day and over 100,000 gallons of cistern. Installing a pool if necessary therefore would pose no problem. Wheeled transport includes a classic 1974 Land Rover; 1993 Subaru Van; and a 2008 Yahama large tire Golf Cart. Floating transport includes a 26' Glacier Bay power catamaran with twin Honda engines, a 17' Whaler with a 50hp 4 stroke Evinrude and a 1/2 share in a 17' Whaler work boat with a 70hp 2 stroke Evinrude. The property is being sold furnished. Own this 1,000' of oceanfront in the British Virgin Islands and create your own private retreat. Asking $6,000,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos and details. ]]> BareboatsBVI.com for more information. ]]> British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands and Gibraltar. (resource: UPI.com) ]]> Moving Checklist for Homeowners who have sold their property: 1. Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks ahead of the move. 2. Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, lenders, and bank of your change of address. 3. Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified about your move. 4. Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new home. 5. Cancel the newspaper, or change the address so it will arrive at your new home. 6. Check insurance coverage for the items you're moving. Usually movers only cover what they pack. 7. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable. 8. Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight. 9. Check with your condo or co-op about any restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits for moving. 10. Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste. If you're moving off-island, be sure to: 1. Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets. 2. Get copies of children's school records for transfer. 3. Ask friends, business associates, and your Coldwell Banker agent for introductions to anyone they know in your new location. 4. Consider special needs for pets when traveling. 5. Let a friend or relative know your route, departure and arrival information and flight schedule. 6. Empty your safety deposit box. What to Have on Hand for the New Owners 1. Owner's manuals and warranties for appliances left in the house. 2. Garage door opener or other security devices. 3. Extra sets of keys, and information about condo entry gate or fitness center access. 4. A list of local service providers - the best plumber, yard service, etc. 5. Numbers of local utility companies. 6. If it's a condo, how to contact the condo board. Coldwell Banker has many resources for relocation. Just ask one of our agents how we can help with your move.]]> A recent post on the Travel page of the NY Times rated Anegada as one of the Caribbean's best beach spots. "What better place to hit the beach than an island almost entirely surrounded by one? The 11-mile-long Anegada is one of the least visited of the British Virgin Islands, in part because it is so remote. "Some 15 miles north of Virgin Gorda - itself a backwater in the sparsely populated island chain - Anegada is usually discovered by tourists in one of two ways: on a chartered day sail from a larger nearby island or by arranging a stay at one of the handful of hotels there. "Unlike its rockier, volcanic neighbors, Anegada is a flat coral island where mile after mile of beach extends in undeveloped solitude. A walk from Cow Wreck Bay in the northwest to Loblolly Bay in the northeast is not great for people watching, but you'll see plenty of goats. If you make a rum punch pit stop at one of the bars along the beach, you'll see about as much commercial development as there is on Anegada. "HOW TO GET THERE: Tour boat companies from Virgin Gorda and Tortola drop day-trippers on the island, or you can go on your own by chartering a small plane." Read about the other choices of the NY Times on their blog. ]]> British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Maarten and the US Virgin Islands of St Croix and St Thomas." The new service will operate twice weekly to San Juan from London Gatwick Airport. A total of 15 destinations across the Caribbean Islands will now be serviced by the new flights.]]> Onboard Informatics, they've designed a search that is more about people... a Lifestyle Search Engine. "People are as emotional as they are rational," he continues. "They want to explore or dream, and through Onboard's creation, they can do that. It can be informational, but also entertaining." With Onboard's technology, visitors to the Coldwell Banker website can target larger geographic areas, down to the county or metro. By using different categories and ranking the importance of each, users get feedback with criteria. Search options include: fun; hip and trendy; schools; arts and music; median home price; fresh air to times square; commute; mass transit or private; golfers' paradise; convenience to amenities or "I want it all." "This search offers us so many ways to bring people in," says Anna Visioli, director of Interactive Production for Coldwell Banker Real Estate. "How many times has someone planned a move or relocation to a certain area, chosen an agent and then found a house in a different area that their agent didn't serve? "This way, you get so much more information about an area before actually looking at homes. You can choose an agent upfront - in the area you're educated about and know you want - even eight months before you're ready. It's about getting people to understand our value proposition and why our agents deserve their consideration. After all, they are connecting with more than 100,000 agents." Users can access Coldwell Banker's property information and then also view additional information, such as demographics about the neighborhood, schools and data on home sales - all courtesy of Onboard. "That additional information is a big help to consumers," adds Visioli. "Adding our new Lifestyle Search to the information we already provide engages our visitors from the very beginning - more along the lines of speaking to an agent than visiting a website. Now, visitors are led down the best path from the very start and when they do converse with their agent, the conversations are targeted, allowing the home buyers to match their lifestyle to their home." We at Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates like to think of ourselves as specialists, experts, in our island areas. We hope you will use our Coldwell Banker online resources, and then call, email, or stop by one of our offices to use the expertise our local agents offer you in buying and selling real estate.]]> 2.BVIPlatinum.com, the BVI Tourist Board will celebrate the day by 1) Decorating all ports of entry in CTO colors 2) Providing Caribbean music at the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport and the Road Town harbor ports of entry 3) Presenting tourists with a welcome gift at each port of entry in an effort to highlight the country's gratitude for their choosing the BVI as their destination of choice to spend their vacation. The celebrating of Caribbean Tourism Day will also serve as a launching pad for the upcoming Tourism Week slated for November 22nd to 26th ]]> PRNewsWire.com, "For more than 40 years, the YCCS has been one of the leading Yacht Clubs in the Mediterranean. Following the expressed wishes of the Club's Members for access to quality facilities and services on both sides of the Atlantic, YCCS decided to expand. The new location, on a private peninsula on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the protected waters of North Sound, was chosen based on a number of key attributes including the beautiful location, with beaches, protected anchorages and marinas; its accessibility by air and sea; the security and stability of the British Virgin Islands and finally, the region's renowned sailing waters. "This second YCCS base will enable the international sailing and yachting community to enjoy the YCCS' expertise in the organization of top-level international sailing events and exclusive hospitality services. Amenities at YCCS Virgin Gorda will include the Clubhouse, several docks, a marina, as well as a selection of restaurants, shops, a pool, outdoor recreation areas, bars and concierge service for yachtsmen. The Club and marina, developed in partnership with Victor International, will be linked to the new Oil Nut Bay Luxury Resort Community and Beach Club, as well as Biras Creek Resort, a Relais and Chateaux property. "The YCCS Virgin Gorda development includes a state-of-the-art marina, designed by ATM and built by Bellingham Marine. The marina, opening in December 2010, will offer up to 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters in length. The Club and marina will have easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the islands and anchorages of the Virgin Islands and the Leeward and Windward Isles."]]> 2BVIPlatinum.com) ]]> 2.BVIPlatinum.com. ]]> sruss@hlscc.edu.vg. (resource: BVIPlantinum.com)]]> * Completed October 2010 * 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms * Pool with swim jet and fibreoptics * Underwater sound system * Crestron multi zone audio system * Lutron, energy efficient, lighting system * Insulated energy efficient structure * European appliances When designing his own house, where does an architect begin? After 30 years designing homes for clients in the BVI, Tim Peck, Chairman of OBMI, understands the essential ingredients of a Caribbean home. Tim and his wife Scottie are building three homes overlooking Ballast Bay and Cane Garden Bay - two for sale and one for themselves. "We set out to design the first of these homes based upon our preferred lifestyle: open, free-flowing, clean and modern, and thoroughly respectful of location and context," said Tim. The result is a comfortably scaled contemporary Caribbean home which makes the most of the location's spectacular views. Tim and Scottie endeavoured from the outset to preserve as much of the natural vegetation on the site as possible. They cleared the building zone themselves, working the location of the house and the access to the site in between the existing trees. "We were delighted that our contractors, Arthur and Eric, worked with us to minimise damage to the trees. Preserving the natural vegetation makes so much sense, in terms of limiting soil erosion and harmful runoff, and reducing future landscaping costs," Tim noted. The footprint of the house was kept simple to reduce site disturbance with the house stepping up three stories to accommodate the three bedrooms. Access is from the rear, slightly above mid level, with the house nestled in amongst the trees, keeping the visual impact of the three levels to a minimum. The approach from the uphill side means that the roof becomes a major visual feature. Tim and Scottie decided to opt for a neutral grey standing seam roof, reminiscent of the older traditional zinc-clad roofs with the simplicity of the lines complementing the stepped eaves and tall gable windows. The eaves were brought down low, to reduce the visual height externally, but internally the steep pitch of the roof and the exposed rafters enhance the volume of the bedroom spaces and allow for generous attic storage. Tim wanted to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior living where possible and opted for opening up the living area on two sides with pocketed sliding glass screens. With some structural gymnastics, the corner column was eliminated leaving the open corner appearing to defy gravity, bringing the swimming pool and water wall into the living space and completely opening up the living areas to the views. The living space is sleek and chic with travertine tiles flowing through to an open kitchen. A freestanding wood staircase to the upper bedrooms is a folded plate of butcher block dramatically cantilevered out from the living room wall. Stainless steel cables run through two levels of the house, passing through the edge of the staircase, offering a safe but creative alternative to the traditional stair balustrade. The effect offers an open sculptural solution for the vertical transition though the house. Tim and Scottie decided to paint the two master bedrooms' steeply pitched rafters and boarding white for a brighter, more contemporary feel. The dramatic lighting of the structure is further emphasized in the second master bedroom by the use of a large triangular gable window in the eaves. The bathroom has a double-ended bath with a view over Cane Garden Bay to Jost Van Dyke. Tim and Scottie were focused on designing a master bathroom with the ambience of a spa whilst maintaining the theme of outdoor living. The solution was to provide a wall of pocketing sliding glass panels opening up and an alfresco shower. The vanity cantilevers out in front of the wide opening, ensuring that the morning ablutions also take full advantage of the outdoor views. Overall, the house features generous internal and external spaces with a level of intimacy which respects their uses. The result is an interesting interpretation of an architect's design decisions for contemporary living in a Caribbean environment.]]> www.ce.org/techhomerating. Check with one of our Coldwell Banker agents to find the builders and homes to fit your needs, if you want today's technology in your new home.]]> page for the British Virgin Islands. Dr. Taylor White created the new site to minimize cultural, national, and linguistic barriers. This new BVI site has several advantages which are not provided by any other site, as he explains. 1. It is very easy to make an account. No questions are asked regarding personal information or credit card details, to ensure perfect safety to those registering with the site. 2. You can easily upload limitless British Virgin Islands real estate listings in the same account, after activating it. It makes no discrimination between British Virgin Islands rentals, British Virgin Islands real estate for sale, or British Virgin Islands real estate for exchange. 3. The lister can decide to direct the property on the Free Weekly Hot Sheet to send details across the world. 4. When the account holder lists property in the website, it remains as a Basic Listing for 6 months, and is free. When any additional info is added, then the lister can choose to email the details to all those who want to receive British Virgin Islands real estate listings. 5. Once the British Virgin Islands real estate listing uploaded, this list is then placed on the Facebook and Twitter pages of International Real Estate Listings, free of cost. 6. A circular created by the client is then posted on British Virgin Islands Craigslist, also a free service. 7. The lister can have the British Virgin Islands real estate set on a traditional emailer for directing it to local or international business ventures. 8. The property's location is automatically uploaded to social bookmarking websites like Yahoo real estate, Back Page, Vast, Zillow, Oodle, etc., at no extra cost. 9. The account holder can use the global emailer choice to message their British Virgin Islands real estate listings to the worldwide associates of International Real Estate Listings.com. This can assist them in renting, selling, or exchanging properties across the world in a few days. We wish Dr. Taylor good luck with his new web site and appreciate the increased opportunity to market Coldwell Banker British Virgin Islands property for sale. ]]> British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Martinique, Guadaloupe, St Maarten and the US Virgin Islands of St Croix and St Thomas," Walsh said. The new flights strengthen British Airways' position as the largest European airline flying to the Caribbean region. Walsh also said the airline would not give up its fight to persuade the British government to reduce air passenger duty to the Caribbean, by putting the region into the same tax band as the United States. ]]> About.com, "The inaugural Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous will be held on March 16-20, 2011 in the British Virgin Islands. The event will also mark the debut of a new superyacht marina and yacht club on the North Sound coast of Virgin Gorda that will be linked to the Biras Creek resort and the new Oil Nut Bay luxury resort community. "As part of the event, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda -- based in Sardinia and founded by the Aga Khan -- will organize superyacht races, and Oil Nut Bay will host various social events on land. The 300-acre resort community is currently under construction and will feature 88 homes, a marine nature center, kids club, full service spa, wellness center, beach club and marina." Come join us in BVI for the event, and stop by our Coldwell Banker office to talk real estate.]]> Cane Garden Bay Cottages are comfortably sheltered in a beautiful coconut grove, just a short distance from one of the most magnificent beaches on Tortola Island. Sitting in a spacious 1 3/4 acres, each of the four cottages are of the highest quality construction, with furnishings and amenities to match. The cottages are enchanting and serene, with ample space. Each cottage has a screened-in dining area, living area, kitchenette, bathroom, ceiling fan in every room, and an air conditioned bedroom with a comfy queen-sized bed. Tropical decor and tiled floors throughout add to the charm of the cottages. With its proximity to beautiful Cane Garden Bay beach and rental income potential, this property presents an excellent development opportunity. Asking price $1,295,000. Enjoy more photos on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.]]> Stunning undeveloped beachfront land at Larmer Bay. Views of Guana Island and beyond. The site of Sugar Mill ruins. 1 acre. Priced at $750,000. Contact our Coldwell Banker office for details.]]> UltimateBVI.com says of Carrot Bay, "Once a bustling fishing village, Carrot Bay is a centre of local island life, glimpsed from the picturesque drive along its coastal road. Here you will find some of the best local food in the islands." (resource: BVIPlatinum.com)]]> LaVida is a brand new, luxurious, fully air-conditioned 5 bedroom, 7 bath beachfront villa in a secluded, private setting. Every room faces west with 8'x10' sliding glass doors that provide ocean and beach views as well as breathtaking sunsets. LaVida offers a large, extremely private, infinity-edged pool surrounded by expansive decks, hammocks, outdoor seating and a wet bar. The villa boasts 25 foot cathedral ceilings, stained concrete floors, coralstone decks and artisanal stonework pathways surrounded by palm trees, bougainvillea, jasmine and frangipani. Asking $5,500,000. See more photos on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.]]> Global Property Guide discusses the requirements to purchase property in BVI, and the best places to consider. "Purchasing property All overseas buyers need to obtain a Non-Belonger Land Holding License (NBLHL) to purchase property in the BVI. The process takes about one year, from application to closing. The NBLHL application is administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour. "Existing homes, apartments, condominiums, home sites and raw lands are available for purchase. Since belongers have the first choice of any property for sale in the BVI, the Ministry requires that the property the foreigner wishes to purchase must first be advertised locally for four consecutive weeks in a local newspaper. "A stamp duty of 12% is levied on property transactions. "If a foreigner wants to buy undeveloped land, he is required to build a single-family home, worth not less than US$250,000, within two to three years. If he fails to do so, the government can impose a fine up to 40% of the sales price. "Undeveloped land cannot be resold until the development commitment has been fulfilled, or a penalty is paid to the government." Your Choices Although several developments are underway on Tortola, such as Raffles, Cooten Bay, Scrub Island resort on the island of that same name, and Sands Hotel on Anegada, the article promotes Virgin Gorda as "The choice of the wealthy who want ultimate privacy. Prices for luxury villas typically range from US$1.2 million to US$3.5 million. Properties priced over US$10 million are also available. "Three-bedroom waterfront villas in Long Bay are priced at US$2,950,000. In Nail Bay luxury villa resort, a four-bedroom home starts at US3.5 million. "The newly opened Oil Nut Bay offers beachfront and hillside homes, and 27 estate lots ranging from 1.5 to 10 acres." You have many choices for luxury real estate in the British Virgin Islands. Contact any of our agents to discuss your options and how to buy in the BVI. ]]> LifePathUnlimited, "The British Virgin Islands are typically the highlight of a yacht charter in the Virgin Islands, as BVI offers its visitors the perfect blend of remoteness and Caribbean charm. While the main island of Tortola offers a central hub, variety of shops, and convenient airport, a majority of any sailing charter will be spent island-hopping through the remote outer islands of Norman, Peter, Salt, Cooper, Virgin Gorda, Anegad, and Jost Van Dyke. The uniqueness of this vacation lies in the ability to set sail to a new island destination every day, each with its own unique character and charm. "While sailing in BVI, guests may opt to snorkel the Caves at Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island; visit a world-class resort on Peter Island or take in breathtaking views from its many hiking trails; dive or snorkel above the RMS Rhone, just off Salt Island, one of the most spectacular wreck dives in the Caribbean and the setting for the movie The Deep; watch a remarkable Cooper Island sunset from the deck of your yacht; explore the Baths on Virgin Gorda, huge granite boulders set amongst crystal-clear waters and powder white beaches; take an exhilarating sail out to Anegada and walk its endless beaches; or enjoy a toast to the vacation of a lifetime at Foxy's Tamarind Bar, the world-famous beach bar on Jost Van Dyke. "A yacht charter in the Virgin Islands is generally referred to as an "all inclusive" vacation where food, beverage, standard bar, the yacht, the professional crew, and onboard water toys are included in the rate. In addition, whether your charter group consists of several friends, a group of couples, or a family grouping, the vacation offers something for everyone. Visitors may choose from a wide variety of featured yachts, including monohulls (traditional sailboats), catamarans, and power yachts. Captains are happy to teach the basics of sailing, let guests take the helm, and share their stories of the high seas. In addition, guests can choose to be as active as they like. An abundance of activities are available, including snorkeling, kayaking, waterskiing, shopping, beachcombing, and diving. You'll never run out of things to do while sailing in the BVI."]]> RISMedia.com. 1. What is the company's overall social media strategy? "The idea behind our getting involved with social media was to establish a better relationship between the Coldwell Banker brand and consumers as well as with our agents. Certain networks and platforms work better for different audiences. We have a strong Facebook and Twitter platform for our agents while our YouTube channel (On Location) and Blog (Blue Matter) focus on creating a conversation and establishing dialogue with our consumers. Social media has been a wonderful opportunity for the Coldwell Banker brand to continue the conversation beyond our internal newsletter to agents or website to consumers. "On Location meets an unmet need for home buyers and sellers. Our entire rationale in video is to combine an agent's personality, which clearly comes across in video, with the unique aspects of a property. It's a marketing opportunity our industry hasn't had before. We have had thousands and thousands of videos uploaded in a little more than a year... and consumers have responded as well." 2. Why is social media important? "We are committed to social media as it gives us the chance to create a two-way conversation within the brand as well as with our consumers. By being present in social media, we can put a face to the Coldwell Banker name so that our clients can connect with us on an even deeper level. "For example, On Location provides not only Jim Gillespie (CEO) with a forum to address real estate matters, but our agents are using the site to showcase their expertise on local market conditions and expose their listings." 3. How will the newly revamped coldwellbanker.com be valuable to today's consumers? "We have put a lot of thought and energy into our new Coldwell Banker website and have worked to create a site that is different from all the others on the Web. Revamping our website was all about helping consumers find the information they are looking for in a more straightforward way. One new feature is a rating system, which is used internally to drive algorithms on the backend that will recommend properties to consumers, much like iTunes recommends music according to songs you have purchased in the past. "In addition, our new BlueScape Search feature is a Pandora-inspired search that takes the rational thinking out of the home-search process and creates a truly emotional search. After rating at least five photos, BlueScape compiles a group of properties that are unique to an individual consumer's taste. It's more visual and completely new to our industry." 4. what was the motivation behind creating your Blue Matter blog? "We felt the real estate industry, when it comes to blogging, was not focused on the consumer. The Web is full of real estate blogs, but they are all just industry people talking to each other. With Blue Matter, we have an opportunity to share unique insights and thought-provoking commentary. "Coldwell Banker has a strong point of view on how to guide consumers through today's difficult market. Our blog gives us a chance to be honest with consumers and provide them with a reasonable path through today's real estate market." 5. Why is it important for today's real estate companies to not be content with just having a great-looking website? "Today's consumers want information where they are. The old philosophy of creating virtual brick and mortars and driving people to online sites is no longer going to cut it. Consumers want information coming directly to them or served in areas where they spend time, such as social media sites. Consumers are more mobile than ever, so we need to make sure we are reaching them - whether it be through an app, a mobile-enabled site, TV commercials or video." 6. What is the company's goal with social media? "Our goal in being involved with social media is to understand what our customers, brokers and agents want and need, and there is no better way of keeping a pulse on what is going on than by being involved in social media. While Coldwell Banker has been around for 104 years, we never want to rest on our laurels. We have always been interested in understanding what's out there as well as what we need to do as a company to adapt to consumers' needs and ensure we respond more quickly to these needs than other real estate companies. Our use of social media has differentiated us as a company, and at the end of the day, we want people to be proud of their association with us." 7. What do you see in the future for Coldwell Banker and social media? "As we move into the future, the social media platforms that are popular today will change as there are always going to be new ways of connecting. We are constantly working to stay on top of what is available and what is coming down the road so that when there is an opportunity to connect and engage with customers, we will have tried and understood the new medium and be ready to move forward." We at Coldwell Banker are pleased to offer you these new tools for your real estate needs. Stop by our office at any time and talk to one of our agents about our personal commitment to providing information and service.]]> Located on Loblolly Bay, several 1/2 acre freehold lots on Anegada are now available for sale. Priced at $65,000 each, this land is beachfront homesites. As noted by UltimateBVI.com, "Loblolly Bay is one of the most visited spots on Anagada, mainly because of its great snorkeling and diving just off-shore. Loblolly is also a fabulous beach - where you can while away many an hour on the un-crowded, pristine white sand. This beach was one of many in the BVI recently voted 'world-class' by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine." Contact our Coldwell Banker office for details on this opportunity. ]]> GlobalPropertyGuide.com, "The British Virgin Islands' property market is showing signs of recovery after slowing in 2009. US visitors are returning to the islands...Potential investors are not only looking for houses, but for land to develop - and the BVI is still largely undeveloped." Here are some highlights of their report. Strengthening tourism and financial services "Tourism accounts for about 45% of the BVI's GDP. Financial services accounts for over 50% of GDP. These are the two pillars of the territory's economy. The year 2009 was difficult due to reduced leisure travel from the US and UK, with a 17% decline in overnight tourism arrivals. Cruise tourism, however, was stronger in some months than in 2008...In 2010 there has been a recovery. "The government has been encouraging the tourism sector to improve the BVI's position in its main markets (US and UK) and introduce itself to new markets such as Asia. Recently, marketing campaigns to attract Canadian visitors have intensified. Efforts to promote heritage tourism have also increased. The Virgin Gorda Airport, which was closed for renovation from May to July, will re-open before the year ends and will accommodate larger aircraft and heavier traffic. "The financial services sector also suffered in 2009, [but] Several bills passed in 2009, such as the Securities and Investment Business Act and the Money Services Act, along with the Regulatory Code, to strengthen the regulatory system." Construction sector "Despite the recession, the construction of new resorts and residential developments in the BVI continued: *The Scrub Island resort marina opened in April 2010 *Oil Nut Bay, an exclusive residential community in Virgin Gorda *Cooten Bay, a subdivision in Tortola *The Raffles Tortola, scheduled to open in 2011. "The government strictly regulates the construction sector, having learned from other Caribbean countries' mistakes, particularly from the over-development of neighbouring St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands." Read the full article, complete with charts, rents and yields, and how to purchase, at GlobalPropertyGuide.com. And, of course, stop by our Coldwell Banker office to ask any agent your questions about British Virgin Islands real estate.]]> A rare Lot, just over half an acre on the hillside, and just off the road to the Coppermine with great views and very buildable. 0.602 ac, asking $450,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> The thing that sets the BVI apart from most of the Caribbean is the spectacular ocean vistas created by the proximity of its islands along Drakes Channel. Privateers Bay on the island of Great Camanoe, just to the East of Tortola, is just about the best spot to take full advantage of these stunning ocean and island views. There are currently only a handful of owners fortunate enough to call the island home and here is an opportunity for you to become one of them. Serendipity, a five bedroom Villa with bags of character, is a fabulous retreat for lovers of the sea. Sitting on a Lot of approx. 2.3 acres a few hundred yards from the dock, this lovely 5 bedroom/4 bath island home provides simply spectacular views out over Marina Cay, on to Virgin Gorda and beyond. The owners are open to offers and will even consider selling a share of the home that has served them so well for so many years. Asking $1,200,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for details and photos.]]> Sundown, an exceptional 3 bedroom/3 bath villa with pool and stunning views of Drake's Channel, Peter Island, Norman Island, St John, Soper's Hole marina and beyond. Designed by leading Architects OBM International, the great room and kitchen, which open on to the large pool terrace, are crowned by a beautiful, very tall vaulted ceiling. The master bedroom and bathroom suite, including natural stone outdoor shower, is positioned for perfect privacy and still more great views. The guest bedrooms and bathroom, aain with indoor/outdoor shower, are positioned to the east of the great room. On the terrace is a built-in barbeque and hot tub. The lot, which is nearly an acre, provides plenty of room for building a private guest cottage in the future. Home is 2500 SF, Towers Estate is gated. Asking $1,600,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> preferred attributes of the buyer being water views and proximity to water or mountain activities." Lake and ocean views combined for an overwhelming majority of the preferred attributes surveyed with mountain views coming second. Martin added that while spa and medical facilities have exhibited recent high growth rate forecasts in recent studies, respondents did not translate that growth into the highest motivation for second home purchases. Green-based second homes also did not show the highest appeal, nor has golf amenities translated into sales. The appeal of being close to the water with an ocean view should help keep our beautiful Caribbean Island as an attractive 2nd home location in the next few years. Contact a Coldwell Banker agent with any questions you have on investing in our real estate.]]> Oil Nut Bay is a luxury resort community on the eastern tip of Virgin Gordon, in BVI. Accessible by helicopter or boat, the 300-acre island is a private real estate development offering freehold whole ownership to 88 buyers. The community is committed to green practices, including maintaining 50% open space, using carbon-neutral elements throughout, and electric cars. Amenities for homeowners at Oil Nut Bay feature a marine nature center, full-service spa, wellness center, beach club, and marina. The Beach Club is planned to open this peak season in November or December. Victor International Corp, developers, offers distinctive design options in the architecture, with indoor and outdoor spaces flowing together. Vacation rentals are available for the investor-buyer. From the company's web site: "Many individuals considering home ownership in the Caribbean are drawn to the BVI because of its stability. This stability is evidenced by the BVI's financial services sector, which is one of the preferred corporate domiciles for international businesses. Additionally, with low unemployment rates (3.3%), one of the highest per capita GDP rates in the region (US$41,000), and extremely low taxation, home owners can feel confident knowing that their property will reap the benefits of an established, stable jurisdiction. Crime statistics demonstrate that the BVI is among the most secure and safe nations within the Caribbean. "Investing in home ownership in the BVI has historically proven to be financially beneficial. According to BVI real estate organizations, BVI home prices continue to grow steadily between 7-10% per year. Demand for luxury housing has remained strong, without experiencing the highs and lows (booms and busts) found in other property markets throughout the Caribbean. The BVI's limited portfolio of available oceanfront home sites and the BVI government's calculated measures to prevent over development and speculation have helped to ensure increasing property values." Contact our Coldwell Banker office with your questions on Oil Nut Bay. (photo courtesy of OilNutBay.com)]]> Normally all of Necker Island is hired privately by an individual or group, but during Celebration Weeks, held on selected weeks throughout the year, couples, singles or families can book one of 14 rooms individually and share the island with others. There is still some remaining availability in 2010 on Sir Richard Branson's private island paradise in the British Virgin Islands. For arrivals in 2010 rates are per couple/per week and start from USD $25,400, however, if you fancy a shorter break we have a few limited dates where you can book for 3 or 4 nights from $10,900 and $14,500 per couple respectively. Arrival dates still available in 2010: 17th September for 7 nights 24th September for 7 nights 9th October for 7 nights 16th October for 7 nights 23rd October for 3, 4 or 7 nights (Family Fun Week -children welcome) Rates include: - 3, 4 or 7 nights accommodation - All meals and drinks (including all alcoholic beverages) - Return launch transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports - A team of approximately 60 fabulous staff - Two freshwater pools and two Jacuzzis - Beach pool - Two floodlit tennis courts - Windsurfing and kite surfing equipment - Fully equipped gymnasium - Sailing and speed boats - Kayaks, water-skiing equipment, snorkelling equipment, inflatable banana etc. - Fishing equipment (not deep sea) - Local calypso band for one party evening - Extensive video, book and music libraries, and board games. - Full sized snooker table - Laundry facility (dry cleaning not available) - Business facilities - 7% local tax For bookings please call +44-(0)800-716-919 (toll free) or +44-(0)208-600-0430 alternatively visit http://www.virginlimitededition.com for more details. ]]> Construction is nearly complete on the second of two luxury homes on the hillside overlooking Brewers Bay on Tortola. These warm and inviting 5 bedroom homes are constructed from masonry, red cedar and local stone. The second home will feature a large wrap around deck from which to enjoy the glorious views of Tortola's fabulous North Shore and the ocean beyond. The main floor will consist of a spacious living room, a family room, gourmet kitchen, dining area, and office, as well as the master bedroom and spacious master bathroom, with jacuzzi and walk-in closet. On the lower level there will be guest bedrooms, a recreation room, wet bar and even a sauna. An inviting pool completes the package. Finishes are of a high standard. Asking $2,200,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> We are really excited to be able to offer this spectacular, brand new home, just completed at Trunk Bay, Tortola. With the development of Parkers Estate at Trunk Bay, homeowners can take advantage of this absolutely pristene stretch of Caribbean coastline. The home has been designed and built by Caribbean Architecture Ltd who boast many years of experience designing homes in Tortola and in Europe. A glance at this wonderful example of their work shows how they successfully combine traditional danish colonial design with modern clean lines and contemporary finishes. Lot size 0.9 acres, 4,000 SF home, 4 beds/3 baths, asking $1,550,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more details and photos.]]> www.sweetpatootee.co.uk]]> BVI Airways and was very positive. We quote his post in Blogs.Forbes.com: "BVI Airways started a few months ago providing point-to-point service between Tortola and St. Maarten and Antigua. They also do charter flights to the other islands. The airline was started by three US pilots who have worked in the regional airline and air charter industry for most of their aviation careers. They saw an opportunity to fill an unmet demand for travel between islands and took the leap of faith to start a small airline far from home. If you are going to start an airline it may as well be in a nice location like Tortola "BVI Airways has an excellent business plan that allows them to be flexible with their routes as travel needs change with seasonality and times of the year when the islands have special events like carnival and homecomings. "After a short 14 hour visit to Tortola we flew up to San Juan PR and met with a startup airline, Lebair, that will be providing both scheduled and on demand charter service out of San Juan to the Dominican Republic and other islands within a 250-mile radius of San Juan. They share a similar business plan as BVI Airways but serve a different niche market of travelers. "As I think about these two operations and other operators we have gotten to know in the Caribbean, including operators in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, I see a group of small airlines that are meeting demand for point-to-point intra-island and inter-island travel which the major airlines and their commuter feeders don't meet. "From the perspective of the operators we work with, the economic outlook for Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands is good. Like the U.S., they have waded through the recession, but the allure of the islands continues to spur development of new hotels and resorts and all the support businesses that go with it. With new resort development and tourism growth come jobs and economic growth for the entire region. As more travelers come to the Caribbean from Europe, North America and South America the demand for inter-island air travel will grow. "These small airlines that meet the market demand are poised to prosper as they provide a very critical transportation component to the region's economic development."]]> 2BVIPlantinum.com)]]> In the 19th century, stones from Ballast Bay were used by trading ships to balance their vessels as they sailed to and from the islands. In more peaceful times, fishermen would cast their nets from these shores. Today, Ballast Bay is the perfect spot for the more relaxing pursuits of soaking up the sun and enjoying the spectacular views of Cane Garden Bay and the sailboats that choose to drop their hook at one of the BVI's favourite anchorages. One of Tortola's finest sandy beaches is only moments away for those who love to feel the grains between their toes yet far enough to guarantee peace and tranquillity. Lot size 0.358 acres. Asking $120,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> Mikaya is quite simply the right house at the right price. With a spacious open plan of lounge/kitchen/dining area, 3 bedrooms, large shady terraces and a pool, it ticks all the boxes. Two bedrooms and bathrooms are on the upper level and the third, again with ensuite bathroom is on the lower level, next to the pool. There is also an inviting jacuzzi on the lower level. The views out over North Sound are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you are simply looking for a home in the sun or a vacation home with rental income potential, Mikaya will prove ideal. Leverick Bay Resort, a short distance down the hill, provides a bar, restaurant, shop, beach, tennis and watersports. Leverick is also one of the few places in the BVI you can own a home and park your boat out the front. Asking $1,600,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> their blog for all of the 100 tips. Here are the 1st 12, for General Supplies: 1. Pack a to-go bag: This overnight bag should be easy to take with you if you have to evacuate in a hurry and should include a change of clothes, bottled water, flashlight and important documents. 2. Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not work for a while after the storm. 3. Battery-operated radio: Make sure you have extra batteries too, so that you can keep up with news reports and alerts. Hand-crank radios work well, too. 4. Secure a two-week supply of prescription medicine: Anyone on prescription medications, as well as pregnant women, should pack a two-week supply of their meds in a sealable plastic bag, clearly labeled. Include instructions for taking the medications, too. 5. Flashlight and lanterns: Make sure you have a couple of flashlights, candles, matches, lanterns and other alternate sources of light. 6. Personal hygiene items: It might be hard to get to the store to buy toilet paper, tissues, soap and other sanitary items after the storm. 7. Extra keys: Having an extra set of keys in your kit is a good idea in case people get separated or if they're lost in a flood or the confusion. 8. Pet items: Remember food, medicine and water for your pet, too. 9. Disinfectant: You never know what mess you'll have after a storm. 10. Checklist: This printable checklist can serve as a guide for your own personal checklist. Give one to each family member to personalize. 11. Extra batteries: You'll need extra batteries for your radio, flashlights, and other items. Get these early before they all sell out. 12. Prepare early: Emergency items sell out quickly at the stores, so stock up your kit before hurricane season even starts, and replenish food supplies every six months. Other categories in this extensive review are *First Aid *Repair & Maintenance *Food & Water *Power Outages *Entertainment *Special Needs *Evacuating *Paperwork *Staying Informed *Safety Be sure and read the full blog, as you will probably find some ideas to help you and your loved ones be ready for our next major storm.]]> Rose Lodge sits in a magnificent hillside location that allows you to capture the full beauty of those classic BVI sunsets. The two bedroom main house is perfectly placed to capture views to the west including the beach at Long Bay and the islands of Jost Van Dyke, St Thomas and beyond. The very private one bedroom guest cottage faces due north and enjoys fantastic vistas of Cane Garden Bay. The garden at Rose Lodge is wonderfully mature and full of character. A lovely tropical collection of tall palms, fruit trees and plenty of color surrounds a flat, usable grass lawn, a rare find amongst the hillsides of Tortola. A single car garage sits beneath the Guest Cottage. The main house offers some potential for further development. Asking $1,100,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker listing page for more photos.]]> Jewels of the BVI, has been developed by the BVI Tourism Accommodation Properties (TAP) with the support of the BVI Tourist Board, to showcase the range of locally-owned and operated accommodations in BVI. The "Jewels of the BVI" is a collection of 43 hotels, inns, and villas owned by BVIslanders on the territory's four main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. In addition to the website, potential visitors can call toll-free 1-866-GOTOBVI (866-468-6284) to learn more about what each property has to offer and make bookings. The website lists all 43 BVI TAP member properties and provides valuable information about the properties, the BVI's main islands, and activities for tourists. Website visitors can search for properties by island, type of accommodation, and number of guests. The properties range from economical accommodations with rates of less than US$150 per night to more luxurious villas and hotels. As locally-owned hotels, villas, and intimate inns, each property is carefully maintained and offers an authentic experience imbued with the stories and culture of the British Virgin Islands. Not unlike the overall sense of the destination, a stay at one of the Jewels of the BVI offers a relaxing pace, a personal connection, and a warm feeling of hospitality that cannot be replicated. (resource: bvitourism.com) ]]> This recently constructed, pristine example of rarely available waterfront property has been built to offer uncompromising luxury and seclusion to satisfy the most discerning of clients. From the grand Living Room with its elevated ceilings and breathtaking views out over the spacious, covered main terrace, to the sumptuous Master Bedroom and bathroom Suites, every element is practically perfect. At the water's edge, along with the private dock for vessels of up to approx 30', a slipway for hauling out boats and a deep water mooring ball for larger vessels just offshore, sits a delightful entertainment terrace with outdoor kitchen, shady pagoda and carp pond. A swim ladder allows snorkellers to easily enter the turquoise ocean and enjoy the warm waters teeming with fish and coral right off the dock. Asking $5,200,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos and details.]]> RisMedia.com)]]> We are pleased to offer 3 units in the Islands Time Condos of Virgin Gorda. Each is one bedroom, one bath, 1,200 SF interior, priced at $595,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> www.coldwellbanker.com, which has been in beta form since December 2009. Wholly re-thought and re-designed, the site features optimizations that completely alter and enhance the experience of searching for a home online, the company stated. The site includes a variety of new features, such as: -BlueScape Search - Taking cues from popular music recommendation websites, Coldwell Banker developed BlueScape, a visually-driven real estate search platform to help "dreamers" find just that - the home of their dreams. Instead of limiting search options to zip code or the number of bedrooms, users begin the search by rating abstract images with a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" from landscape scenery to images of snow mobiles and taxi cabs. At any time, users can submit a query and the BlueScape technology will identify homes that are a good fit using all properties available through ColdwellBanker.com nationwide. -Keyword Search - For those who prefer a more traditional approach to searching for a home, Coldwell Banker has added keyword capabilities to its general real estate search function so that consumers can more easily narrow down the properties they are interested in viewing. -Similar Properties - Coldwell Banker also added a "You May Also Like" feature that offers additional homes of interest, based on a range of characteristics from properties consumers select as "preferred." -Expansive Use of Video - Taking advantage of the popularity of Coldwell Banker On Location, the brand's YouTube channel which has had more than 13,000 videos posted by agents and 1.3 million video views in a bit more than one year, the new site integrates video into real estate search. Additional capabilities of the ColdwellBanker.com site include: Technology that immediately identifies the current location of visitors via their IP address, offering up homes for sale in that area; Join Us: a recruiting resource enabling brokers to promote job opportunities and create local career pages; Learn: helpful real estate news and tips for consumers, such as real-time industry articles from the Associated Press and Home File: Place for consumers to store, share and organize a limitless amount of property searches, sales associate and real estate office information and industry articles. Coldwell Banker also included integrated video and social networking capabilities to the new site. Visitors will have access to an array of videos powered by Coldwell Banker On Location, the company's branded YouTube channel, offering behind-the-scenes looks at towns and neighborhoods, tips and timely news on real estate topics and video listings of homes for sale. (resource: RISMedia.com)]]> BVI News.com) ]]> SummerSizzleBVI.com. Summer Sizzle leads into BVI's 56th Annual Emancipation Festival held the first week of August. International guests will have an opportunity to kick off festivities and experience the aura of carnival. ]]> As reported in GoCaribbean.about.com, "Now through Dec. 19, families traveling to the British Virgin Islands can take advantage of some friendly rates at the upscale Rosewood Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda. "Mom and dad can pick up a second guest room for the kids at half off the usual nightly rate (rooms start at $450), while bigger groups can make use of free nights in the resort's three- and four-bedroom villas. "Book four nights in a villa and receive the fifth free, book five nights to get two free, or book a stay for 10 nights or more and receive four additional nights gratis. Villa rates begin at $3,500 per night." For more information on the Little Dix Bay Resort, visit About.com's web site.]]> Coldwell Banker Isla del Coqui is one of the largest and most successful real estate companies in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Coldwell Banker Isla de Coqui has had a terrific track record for over 20 years and has been the top producing brokerage in their marketplace, with 7 offices and approximately 226 sales associates. Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates Managing Director Jim Reed said, "With the addition of Puerto Rico to our region, Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates now boasts 51 offices and over 500 sales associates throughout the Island countries of the Atlantic & Caribbean. We are excited about the growth and the potential synergies that Coldwell Banker Isla de Coqui brings to our group. We are proud to welcome Puerto Rico to Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates." Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates is the Coldwell Banker Master Franchisor for the Caribbean and Atlantic Island region. For further information on Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates, please contact the Managing Director, Mr. Jim Reed, at (561) 691-8130 or email jireed@mindspring.com. About Coldwell Banker Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2009, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system number one in real estate for the ninth straight year and number eight among all franchisors. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,200 residential real estate offices and more than 110,000 sales associates in 41 countries and territories around the world. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, the world's largest real estate franchisor. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Each office is independently owned and operated. ]]> Guardian.co.uk.]]> Stay five nights for the price of four at the BVI's newest luxury destination of Scrub Island, for stays booked through Aug. 31, 2010. The Book Four and Stay Five special starts at $359 for double occupancy in the oceanview guest rooms and $959 for families of four in the two-bedroom suite. Rates include complimentary breakfast and transportation. A 7% nightly government tax and 10% resort fee does apply. You can upgrade your stay with their meal plans, which are $115 per person, per day. An exciting selection of services and activities will leave the five-day agenda packed for couples in search of a romantic adventure or for families in search of time to reconnect with one another. *Take a day trip to Anegada -- the only Coral Atoll island in the British Virgin Islands -- and bask in the warm sun along the longest and most pristine beaches in the world. *Children ages 8 to 14 up can enjoy a Bubble Maker Experience, which helps them learn "controlled supervised underwater breathing" so they can explore the area's underwater wonders under the direct supervision of experienced instructors. *Rent a boat (or bring your own) from the Scrub Island Marina, which offers 55 deep-water slips, including five slips capable of accommodating yachts up to 150 feet, as well as supplies, diesel fuel, pump-out station, metered electricity, laundry facilities and more. *Spend an idyllic day on one of the island's natural beaches -- bring along one of the island's romantic picnic lunches, or a picnic lunch with enough fabulous food to feed hungry children and adults. *Explore a culinary world at the island's dining establishments, like Caravela, which blends old world European dishes with classic Caribbean fare, or enjoy Tierra! Tierra!, which offers a casual dining atmosphere adjoining the resort's dramatic lagoon pool with a waterfall. For more information on Scrub Island or the Book Four and Stay Five special, call (877) 890-7444 or visit www.scrubisland.com. ]]> The home was built originally for Peter Jennings, the journalist and regular visitor to BVI. He unfortunately passed away before completion. This treasure is now available for the most discriminating buyer. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for a full description, and ask for a Listing brochure by email.]]>