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Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina Returns to Independent Luxury Resort Status

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After an 11-year affiliation with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina will once again operate as an independent luxury resort starting August 1.

The popular private-island resort, known for its unique offerings and stunning setting, made history in 2010 as the first hotel in the Caribbean to join the Autograph brand. However, the decision to return to its independent roots comes as Scrub Island undergoes a series of enhancements and a major $8 million capital improvement plan.

Joe Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development, expressed his gratitude for the relationship with Marriott but emphasized the need for Scrub Island to reclaim its independent status. This move will allow the resort to further cultivate authentic and elevated vacations in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). With upcoming enhancements and expanded villa offerings, Scrub Island aims to cater to a targeted audience seeking luxury homes and suites with bespoke amenities.

Already underway, the multi-phase upgrade plan includes the recently opened Marina Cay Bar & Grill, situated on an eight-acre private island just offshore from Scrub Island. This addition offers lunch and dinner options for resort guests, locals, and island-hoppers. Other upgrades include the Harbor Boutique, The Leeward House, and The Shoreline House villas. A new round of capital improvements, set to be completed by Spring 2024, will enhance dining experiences, introduce new furnishings in Marina Village accommodations and select villas, and expand offerings on Marina Cay.

Perched on a rugged cliff with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and neighboring islands, Scrub Island Resort is an ideal destination for island-hopping adventures in the BVI. Sailing and boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the region’s fair weather, gentle trade winds, and easy access to over 60 nearby islands. Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, St. Thomas, Anegada, and Norman Island are just a few of the captivating destinations within reach of Scrub Island’s marina. The resort is also a short distance from the renowned North Drop, renowned for its exceptional sailfish fishing.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including 52 guest rooms with gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, and private balconies, as well as 13 two-, three-, four-, and six-bedroom villas. The resort features two private beaches, a waterfront infinity pool, an intimate spa, world-class dining, and on-site access to dive charters. With a 55-slip marina capable of accommodating mega yachts up to 160 feet, Scrub Island also offers a fully stocked provisions outpost and petrol station, providing 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel to both leased and transient dockers.

Accessing Scrub Island is a breeze with a quick ferry ride from Tortola via the resort’s complimentary water taxi. Travelers arriving at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island can easily transfer to Scrub Island for a memorable stay.

For reservations or more information, visit ScrubIsland.com, call (877) 890-7444, or email reservations@mainsailbvi.com.

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BVI Braces for Ripple Effects as U.S. Stock Market Sheds $5 Trillion

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In just three weeks, the U.S. stock market has lost a staggering $5 trillion in value, a downturn that could have significant implications for the British Virgin Islands (BVI), where the U.S. dollar is the official currency. As economic uncertainty grips the global financial system, concerns are mounting over how this sharp decline might impact the BVI’s economy, particularly in the areas of tourism, offshore financial services, and overall consumer confidence.

With the U.S. being the primary source of visitors to the BVI, any financial squeeze on American households could lead to a reduction in travel plans. A weaker U.S. stock market often means tighter budgets for vacationers, which could result in lower visitor numbers, reduced hotel bookings, and fewer yacht charters—critical sectors for the territory’s economy.

As one of the Caribbean’s leading offshore financial hubs, the BVI is deeply connected to global markets. A drop in stock values can shake investor confidence, potentially leading to slower financial transactions, reduced incorporations, and a cautious approach from high-net-worth individuals who use BVI-based structures for wealth management.

With the BVI using the U.S. dollar, economic shocks in the U.S. can quickly affect the cost of goods and services in the territory. A weaker U.S. market could lead to fluctuations in inflation, making imports more expensive. For a territory that relies heavily on imported goods—from food supplies to construction materials—this could put additional pressure on businesses and consumers.

The BVI government will likely keep a close watch on these developments, as a prolonged U.S. market downturn could impact tax revenues, business activity, and overall economic confidence. Policymakers may need to explore ways to strengthen economic resilience, whether through increased regional trade, diversification efforts, or measures to support local businesses in uncertain times.

While the full impact of this financial slide remains to be seen, one thing is certain: the BVI, like many other U.S. dollar-dependent economies, is paying close attention to Wall Street’s turbulence and preparing for potential economic headwinds.

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Tropical Shipping Warns of Severe Impact on Caribbean Trade from Proposed U.S. Tariff on Chinese-Built Vessels

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A proposed tariff set to be enacted by the United States government next month threatens to unravel decades of economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean. The new policy, which would impose a hefty $1 million port fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports, could raise shipping costs by thousands of dollars per container, potentially shifting the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean to foreign competitors. For Caribbean exporters, this tariff would be a major blow, raising the cost of goods and disrupting established trade relationships that total $92.3 billion annually.

While the United States government has framed the proposal as a trade measure aimed at countering unfair practices, it will have profound implications for Caribbean economies that depend on efficient, cost-effective shipping services to move goods. Most of the vessels serving the region were built in China, meaning the vast majority of Caribbean trade will be directly impacted by this policy.

For Caribbean businesses, the stakes are high. With rising shipping costs, many companies could be forced to either absorb the additional costs or pass them along to consumers. Both scenarios are unsustainable. Higher prices on exports to the Caribbean would make American goods less competitive, pushing businesses in the region to turn to other nations for supplies. The result? U.S. exports to the Caribbean could plummet, damaging a $92.3 billion trade relationship and costing both U.S. and Caribbean businesses valuable market share.

The proposed tariff will also hurt the livelihoods of many Caribbean workers who rely on a robust, affordable shipping network to support industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Rising shipping costs could result in fewer goods reaching the islands, driving up prices and making it harder for businesses to operate. For smaller Caribbean economies, the impact could be even more severe, as many rely heavily on U.S. imports for basic goods and supplies.

Tropical Shipping, a key player in U.S.-Caribbean trade, has raised its voice against the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposal, warning of the far-reaching consequences for both American and Caribbean workers. “This tariff will not only raise costs for Caribbean businesses but will hurt American workers as well,” said Tropical’s President and CEO in a letter to the USTR. “American workers in port operations, warehousing, trucking, and logistics will feel the impact, while exporters from the U.S. will find themselves less competitive compared to foreign rivals.”

At its core, the proposal threatens to destabilize Caribbean economies by driving up the cost of goods exported from the U.S. and weakening the region’s reliance on U.S. ports. The Caribbean is the United States’ largest trading partner in the Western Hemisphere, and this tariff would directly reduce the volume of goods passing through U.S. ports, ultimately harming jobs in both regions. It would also make it increasingly difficult for Caribbean countries to maintain consistent access to the goods they need, further straining already delicate economic conditions.

The Caribbean’s stake in this decision is clear. Tropical Shipping is urging businesses and individuals across the region to submit comments to the USTR, outlining how this tariff would affect their operations. This simple step could be a turning point, helping to prevent a trade policy that could ultimately disrupt the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

For more information about the USTR Section 301 proposal and how to submit your comments, visit the USTR Public Comment Page.

Tropical Shipping remains committed to protecting the interests of both Caribbean businesses and American workers, recognizing that both regions are interconnected in ways that cannot be ignored. The outcome of this decision could have lasting consequences for U.S.-Caribbean trade — a relationship that is essential to both economies’ continued prosperity.

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Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Celebrates 9th Anniversary

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Today marks the ninth anniversary of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, a cornerstone of the British Virgin Islands’ cruise tourism industry. Since its official opening on February 16, 2016, the park has become a vibrant hub for visitors and locals alike.

Construction of the Tortola Pier Park commenced in mid-2014, aiming to enhance the territory’s capacity to accommodate larger cruise ships and provide an enriched visitor experience. The project culminated in a grand opening ceremony on February 16, 2016, unveiling a modern facility featuring a blend of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The event was a significant milestone, reflecting the territory’s commitment to bolstering its tourism infrastructure.

In recognition of the late Cyril B. Romney’s pivotal contributions to the territory, particularly in the development of the cruise tourism sector, the facility was officially renamed the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on February 15, 2019. Mr. Romney, who served as Chief Minister from 1983 to 1986, was instrumental in pioneering initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the BVI’s economic landscape.

The renaming ceremony was marked by the unveiling of a statue in Mr. Romney’s honor, symbolizing his enduring legacy. The event was attended by government officials, family members, and residents, all paying tribute to his visionary leadership and dedication to the territory’s progress.=

Over the past nine years, the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park has evolved into more than just a cruise port; it has become a cultural and social epicenter. The park hosts numerous events, including local festivals, concerts, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents and visitors.

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