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15 Vendors Craft Alive Locked Out Amid Long-Standing Rent Disputes
On what should have been a bustling day for tourism in the British Virgin Islands, the usually vibrant Craft Alive Village stood eerily quiet. Despite two major cruise liners docked at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, nearly 15 vendors found themselves locked out of their businesses today, April 1, due to years of unpaid rent.
The vendors, many of whom have operated in the Craft Alive Village for over a decade, reportedly owe back rent spanning between 10 to 12 years. The lockout left the typically welcoming shopping area subdued, as shuttered stalls and empty kiosks replaced the usual energy of tourists searching for souvenirs and keepsakes.
The situation highlights a long-standing challenge for Craft Alive vendors, who have struggled to meet rental obligations amid declining foot traffic and economic difficulties. Government records indicate that these financial strains have persisted for years.
Back in 2016, then-Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool presented a report to the House of Assembly detailing rental payments at the Craft Alive Village. The document revealed that, between January 15 and March 16 of that year, only $29,140 of the $192,150 due in rent had been collected. It also showed that all but one of the 61 businesses in the village were behind on payments, with many vendors failing to make any contributions during that period.
Vendors at the time attributed the downturn to shifting tourism dynamics following the opening of Tortola Pier Park. Before its construction, cruise passengers would often walk through Road Town and stop at Craft Alive before venturing further into the territory. However, many visitors are now shuttled directly from the pier park, significantly reducing foot traffic to the village.
Efforts to address the decline included proposals for a boardwalk connecting the Pier Park to Craft Alive, which was anticipated to help redirect cruise visitors to the struggling vendors. However, progress on the boardwalk has been slow, with no clear timeline on its completion.
Today’s lockout has reignited frustration among vendors, many of whom have repeatedly sought government intervention to help stimulate business. Some have suggested enhanced marketing, signage, and tourism initiatives to drive visitors to the village, arguing that their unique products offer a shopping experience distinct from that of the larger retail outlets at the pier park.
As the vendors remain shut out of their businesses, the future of Craft Alive Village remains uncertain. Whether the government will offer a path to resolution or vendors will be forced to vacate their long-standing establishments remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the struggles facing the village are far from new—and without intervention, its survival remains at risk.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority has recorded 10 vessel-grounding incidents between February and December this year, including four between October and December, prompting Chief Marine Accident Investigator in the Premier’s Office, Jerome Padmore, to call on vessel owners and operators to heighten vigilance while navigating Virgin Islands waters.
“This is a significant number and it is concerning, especially given that the marine tourism season is just beginning,” Mr. Padmore said. “It highlights the urgent need to reinforce strict situational and navigational awareness when operating in local waters.”
He said the incidents primarily involved bareboat charter catamarans and occurred under varying conditions, but all shared common contributing factors: reduced situational awareness, inadequate passage planning, and over-reliance on electronic navigation systems.
Mr. Padmore said most groundings are preventable and typically result from human error rather than mechanical failure. Common causes include lapses in concentration, misinterpretation of navigation tools, incorrect assessments of shallow areas, and excessive dependence on electronic charts.
“In regions like the Virgin Islands, operators must remain vigilant due to the complex geography, which includes numerous islands, cays, reefs, shoals, and submerged rock formations,” he said. “These elements can change with tides and weather, making attention to detail essential.”
He also warned that groundings pose serious environmental risks, including damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats. Even one incident, he said, can cause long-term ecosystem harm and require costly restoration efforts.
The MSIRA is urging all vessel operators—including charter crews, private owners, commercial operators, and bareboat charterers—to reaffirm their commitment to safe navigation. Recommendations include reviewing bareboat charter qualification criteria, ensuring proper briefings, consulting cruising guides and local charts before departure, following designated channels, monitoring water depth, observing navigational buoys, and reporting hazards.
All marine accidents, including groundings, must be reported to the MSIRA within 24 hours, as required under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2020.
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National Parks Trust Marks Arbour Day With Native Tree Planting at The Baths and Spring Bay
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands observed Arbour Day 2025 on Nov. 21 with native tree plantings at The Baths National Park and Spring Bay National Park, part of an ongoing effort to restore natural vegetation and strengthen coastal ecosystems.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Trust said the plantings support the replacement of invasive species and the long-term health of two of the Territory’s most visited natural sites. Officials said the initiative aligns with broader conservation priorities across the national park system.
“Arbour Day is an opportunity to give back to the land that sustains us,” the Trust said. “These plantings contribute to the resilience of our coastal landscapes and help ensure these sites remain healthy for generations to come.”
Alongside the plantings, the Trust’s annual Arbour Day Plant Sale is being held at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 28. The sale features a variety of fruit trees, including Suriname cherry, lemon, sugar apple, sugarcane fruit, and starfruit, as well as other native species. The Trust also made available the Ylang Ylang tree, known for its fragrant yellow blossoms used in perfumery.
Residents were encouraged to take part in Arbour Day by planting trees in their communities or visiting the Botanic Gardens to purchase native species. The Trust noted that public participation plays a vital role in advancing environmental stewardship across the Territory.
Arbour Day observances highlight reforestation, biodiversity, and the importance of native vegetation — key components in safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Virgin Islands.
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Government Retracts Bulletin on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions Amid Public Confusion
The Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development of the Government of the Virgin Islands has officially retracted a bulletin issued yesterday November 11, regarding the status of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions.
Individuals previously granted indefinite exemptions under the categories of Marriage or Minister’s Discretion were instructed to submit renewal applications, while those under the Education category must now apply for a standard work permit. The Ministry emphasized that work permit exemptions are a privilege, not a status, and encouraged eligible residents to apply for residence status instead.
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