Introduction to Final Essay

 

Pirates of the BVI

Who does not love the fantasy of pirates? Swashbuckling, ferocious, uncivilized vigilantes that pillaged ships and towns, drank too much rum, and buried their plunder in secret hoards. We have seen them in movies, read about them in books, and they are generally characterized as ruthless barbarians. You are likely thinking of a few right now, perhaps the names of Black Beard, Captain Kidd, or Long John Silver come to mind. Would you be surprised to learn that many pirates were not quite as savage as we have been led to believe? Better still, could you believe that piracy was the backbone of early economy in the Caribbean? The presence of Pirates and Privateers were instrumental to the early settlement and economic development of the British Virgin Islands; they possessed democratic and egalitarian views, supported local towns with plundered goods and gold, and established many of the first colonies that are still thriving today.

Black Beard and crew

Self-assessment of blogging

 

    I feel that my blog posts have regularly met the majority of the criteria set forth by my professor. I am vigilant in making sure that my posts contain plenty of interesting facts, both from personal experience and research. As well as, attention grabbing phrases and plenty of pictures to help break up all the text and give the reader a visual to associate with the places I write about. I feel that I have done well to meet blog criteria, however, I believe that I can be overly formal and have a difficult time of not making a blog post sound like an essay or research paper and I spend entirely too much time on it.  I believe it would be beneficial for me to work on my informal writing so as to make the reading more enjoyable and engaging. 

    Writing a blog still concerns me about what other people might comment on them. I am always worried that I won't have my facts straight, despite doing my best at researching them. That is why if I must write, I prefer to write about a place that I have visited. This way I know my personal account will help me be more accurate and potentially less formal than an essay that I'm used to writing.

    I still aim to put my best foot forward and give an honest effort to my blog. I have been guilty of procrastination out of dread however, that does not stop me from being overly critical of my work and spending absurd amounts of time writing, editing, and re-writing. I will go crazy searching for the perfect word or phrasing and will move sentences around till I am dizzy. I definitely spend too much time on one piece and get frustrated but, I find it helps if I take a break and come back to it later.

    I continuously review my blog before posting and long after I will still be re-reading and editing. I thoroughly check for grammar mistakes and make sure my post has a nice flow.

    I am not fond of anybody from anywhere being able to read my blogs but, I am not too concerned with fellow peers reading them as I believe they are more likely to give constructive criticism. I hold my teachers and professors at the highest value of critic and would look to their advice above all others.

I would like for us to discuss ways to write informally, preferably while still remaining neutral. 

I was surprised to learn that blogging has become increasingly popular as a reputable source of information.

Getting to know the British Virgin Islands

 From Pirate Hub to Tropical Paradise

    The British Virgin Islands is a collection of roughly 56 islands, located on the northern portion of the Lesser Antilles as part of the Leeward Islands. The BVI is composed of 4 large islands, 32 smaller islands, and 20 islands that remain uninhabited. The capital city of Road Town is located on the largest island, Tortola, which measures a total of 21 square miles. Originally populated by native Indian tribes for generations, old settlements and artifacts have been found throughout Tortola and many surrounding islands. The Islands would be visited many times through the years as explorers passed through on their way to the new world, however, it would be many years more before it was settled by the Europeans. In 1493, Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the islands and their beauty inspired him to name them after the legend of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. Although he and his men did not settle the area, the name stuck and the islands became known as The Virgins.

Captain Blackbeard

    After the Dutch first settled into the islands in 1648, a power struggle ensued. The Dutch, English, French, Spanish, and Danish all contested for power of the territory. It wasn't long before the area became consumed by piracy and Privateers, men who were given permission (letters of Marque) by their government to loot enemy ships. Some of these men began targeting any ship regardless of nationality, thus loosing their privilege to their letter of Marque and becoming true pirates. One man, Edward Thatch, became an infamous and widely known pirate by the name of Blackbeard. He was known for anchoring his ship in Soper's Hole and waiting for Spanish ships loaded with treasure to happen by. He also was said to have marooned 15 mutinous men on an inhospitable island called Dead Chest, leaving them with nothing but one bottle of rum and possibly, a cutlass (a popular sword used by sailors at the time). Many infamous pirate lords earned their place in history and it is for them that several islands were named, such as Great Thatch, Little Thatch, Norman, and Jost Van Dyk. All these tales of piracy inspired a man named Robert Stevenson to write a book called Treasure Island, as well as a sea shanty (song) that many of us have likely heard.

Dead Chest Island BVI

Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest
Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
Drink and the devil had done for the rest
Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!

Traditional Festival Food

  Once a massive slave trading hub, the population mostly consists of the decedents of slaves, with a little mix of Europeans thrown in. The British Virgin Islands are steeped in rich culture and they passionately celebrate their Emancipation Day with festivals and activities that can go on from July to August. They hold parades, pageants, music festivals, boat races and even horse or donkey races, giving vendors plenty of opportunities to showcase their wares, art, and delicious food. Celebrations are colorful and extravagant, featuring vibrant costumes, local music, and performances. Despite the BVI getting off to a very rough start as a pirate stomping ground and then a massive slave trade, it is now one of the most welcoming and hospitable places to visit. The people of the Caribbean are very unique and have a special vibe that will imprint upon you and leave you wanting more.

Emancipation Festival 2019

Resources:

“British Virgin Islands.” Bareboat Yacht Charters in the British Virgin Islands, www.bareboatsbvi.com/uninhabited-islands/dead-chest-island.php.

“British Virgin Islands.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/place/British-Virgin-Islands.

“British Virgin Islands.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/british-virgin-islands/.

“History of Piracy in the BVI: Sail Caribbean.” Sail Caribbean | Sailing, Scuba & Community Service for Teens, 16 Aug. 2012, www.sailcaribbean.com/blog/history-of-piracy-in-the-bvi/.

“Our Cultural Events: Government of the Virgin Islands.” Our Cultural Events | Government of the Virgin Islands, bvi.gov.vg/content/our-culture.

Settlement of the BVI (British Virgin Islands)

    

  Paradise Found

     Long before their discovery, the beautiful tropical islands we know as the British Virgin Islands, were first home to native Indian tribes. One of the oldest tribes to live on the islands was The Arawak or Taino people, peaceful farmers who grew corn, tobacco, and cassava. Conflicting research suggests these people settled in the area somewhere between 100 BC and 200 AD. They appeared to be quite an intelligent and thriving society, they reportedly had large settlements, log and thatch homes, jewelry, religion, games, and a form of hierarchy government.

Taino Village

    They were also very effective farmers and industrious at making materials, such as baskets, pottery, and tools. Numerous artifacts have been found from Indian settlements all over the islands but particularly on the largest island, Tortola. They lived on these islands up until the 15th century when the Carib people (whom the Caribbean was named for) forced them to flee to the neighboring islands. Where they would later encounter Christopher Columbus and face slavery, starvation, disease, and near extinction. The Taino are still known to exist today in the West Indies and South America, though they are small in numbers.

    When Christopher Columbus first stumbled upon the islands, he named them, Saint Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins, after the legend of Saint Ursula. He also personally named what he thought was the largest island, Virgin Gorda (the Fat Virgin). However, the Spanish never settled the islands and merely claimed discovery. The islands were visited many times through the years by explorers and passed by ships hauling slaves to Hispaniola. In 1585, Captain Francis Drake in the Judith, reportedly anchored in the North Sound harbor before launching an attack on Santa Domingo. In 1598, it was used again by the Earl of Cumberland, to stage an attack on Puerto Rico. Some say that in 1607, John Smith may have sailed right past the islands on his way to found the new colony in Virginia. As the islands increased in popularity as a trade route and good ship harbors, it was only a matter of time before someone started a settlement.

Modern day Road Town and Road Harbor

    The first official settlement was coordinated by Dutch privateer Jost van Dyk, in 1615 he established a colony in Soper's Hole on the west end of Tortola. He and his men used it mainly for pirating, but he would farm tobacco and cotton in his free time, as well as participate in illegal trade with Puerto Rico. The Dutch West India Company began to see the islands as a perfect halfway trade point between North and South America Dutch colonies. Before long they built stone warehouses for trade storage and erected cannons to protect it that later would be build up into Fort Charlette. In 1640, Tortola was attacked by Spain and again in 1646 and 1647. The Spanish attacked every Fort, massacred every Dutch, and completely wiped out the population of Road Town. Fortunately, they did not bother to attack the small communities in Baugher's Bay or neighboring Island, Virgin Gorda. 

View of Road Harbor from Fort Charlotte

    With Tortola devastated, and the islands not making any money for them, the Dutch East India Company was suffering. So they decided to sell the islands to private persons and create large slave pens to accommodate the growing slave trade in the Caribbean. The Dutch were becoming regularly harassed by British pirates and some of them left. Fianlly in 1672, the British seized control of the Islands during the Third Angle-Dutch War. They had taken control of Tortola on July 13, 1672 and by 1674, the war was declared officially over. The Dutch were allowed to retain their rights to their land for a time, but eventually the British took all the land anyway.

Slave ship sailing the Atlantic

    The economy was booming with the slave trade and populations grew rapidly, by 1756 there was about 6,121 slaves within the territory. With their numbers swelling, revolts became common and increased in ferocity as some slaves earned their freedom but not others. By 1807, the slave trade was ended, but the current slaves were kept working until slavery was finally abolished in August of 1834. Although this act freed some 5,700 slaves, many were still forced into unpaid "apprenticeships" for the next 4-6 years. The economy shifted as former slave owners adjusted to their losses, and now if they wanted laborers they had to pay a small wage.

    In 1901, the islands were put under the charge of an appointed commissioner and executive council, as chosen by the Governor of the Leeward Islands. The islands were not prospering economically and were in fact suffering from large numbers of immigrants and little to no support from Britain. In 1949, a fisherman from Anegada, Theodolph H Faulkner, stood in the market for several straight nights and blasted the governments poor system aloud. It wasn't long before a movement started and he and 1,500 islanders marched on the Commissioner's Office with a petition to form their own laws and policies. By 1950, they had achieved control over their Legislative council and wasted no time making dramatic improvements to their islands. Over the next 12 years they added many new roadways linking towns, a bridge to Beef Island, an airport, and increased hotels and tourist attractions. Now their economy thrives mainly on tourism and it's easy to understand why. Its crystal blue waters, beautiful beaches, plentiful fishing, and marvelous sights is certain to draw a crowd to this thriving sea community!

    

Web Sources:

“British Virgin Islands.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/british-virgin-islands/.

“Government and Society.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/place/British-Virgin-Islands/Government-and-society#ref847.

O'Neal, Eugenia. Slavery and the Settlement of the BVI, Blogger, 12 Sept. 2019, caribbeanpast.blogspot.com/2019/09/slavery-and-settlement-of-bvi.html.

“Our Economy: Government of the Virgin Islands.” Our Economy | Government of the Virgin Islands, bvi.gov.vg/content/our-economy.

“Our History: Government of the Virgin Islands.” Our History | Government of the Virgin Islands, www.bvi.gov.vg/content/our-history.

Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/arawak-tribe-history-language-symbols.html#:~:text=The%20Arawak%20were%20a%20peaceful,often%20forced%20them%20to%20relocate.

Picture Sources:

“Taino.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Taino.

“Road Town.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/place/Road-Town.

“Fort Charlotte, Tortola.” Military Wiki, military.wikia.org/wiki/Fort_Charlotte,_Tortola.

Hooper, AoxoA. “The Middle Passage: Atlantic Slave Trade.” AoxoA, 25 Feb. 2016, aoxoa.co/the-middle-passage-atlantic-slave-trade/.

Top 3 Island Picks for Project: 1. Tortola 2. Virgin Gorda 3. Anegada

The British Virgin Islands

 

   Tired of being indoors? Would you rather be scuba diving over corral reefs? Or sailing to your hearts content on the Caribbean Sea? Just feel like you should be on some beach, somewhere?

Then pack for tropical weather and jump on a plane to the British Virgin Islands!

Hotel on Anegada Island

    With a comfortable year round subtropical climate, picturesque scenery, great food, vivid night life, and an endless list of adventures, you will never forget the British Virgin Islands! The BVI boasts 4 larger islands, Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke; as well as 50 smaller isles brimming with Caribbean flavor. Stay in a magnificent hotel with gorgeous ocean views at every turn or charter one of the numerous sailboats and yachts available for travel between islands. Hire a captain to guide your journey around the islands or set out on your own to sail the open seas.

Moorings 4800 catamaran rental

     To save a bit of money and add for more adventure, first take a short flight to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands, whereupon entering the airport you will be greeted by friendly locals and free rum shots! Next grab a local cab and head for the ferry that will take you to Tortola, the largest and most densely populated island in the BVI. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins on the ferry ride! A quick trip through customs and you are free to roam at your leisure. Relax in a luxury resort, private rental house, a quaint bed and breakfast, or charter a boat and begin touring the numerous beautiful and unique islands on your own. Of course, you can hire a captain or bring your own crew of family and friends to man your ship!

  

Once you are aboard your vessel and fully stocked with supplies, it is time to hit the open seas! Pick one of the numerous islands and set sail. The journey by boat is half of the adventure and in many locals opinions, sailing is the best way to visit the islands! Bring your good camera because the BVI is wonderfully photogenic. Explore the glorious Caribbean like never before as you sail around beautiful islands and perfectly blue clear seas. Moor (tether) your vessel in any designated harbor and use your provided dingy to motor ashore. Take note that anchoring is not allowed in specific locations. This is due to the very delicate and protected corral reefs living beneath the waves. As anchors are known to tear them up, the harbor provides mooring balls that allow you to safely tether your boat. You may also explore some of these reefs with the help of a scuba guide from a local shop.

Bitter End Harbor

    A tourist and local favorite is the Island of Virgin Gorda. Moor your ship in the harbor at Bitter End and perhaps stay at The Bitter End Yacht Club, a full service resort. You can peruse the many shops or stop for a bite at the seaside pub called, The Crawl. But don't be alarmed, if you sit under the trees you will have tiny visitors dropping on your table from above. Hundreds of thousands of inch worms call this island home and occasionally fall from the trees. Don't worry, they are completely harmless. The food and atmosphere are well worth it.

    After all this sailing, shopping, and delicious food tasting, I think it is about time to visit The Baths! No, not a real bath. How about a dip in a refreshing sea pool formed by natural massive granite slabs? On the southern tip of Virgin Gorda, you will find a popular tourist spot known as the Devil's Bay, wherein you will find The Baths. The granite makes natural "caves" that are easily accessible at low tide and open to exploring and swimming. Be sure to keep the tides in mind as the caves will fill with water again come high tide.

    There are so many endless possibilities, activities, and sights to see in the BVI that they can't possibly be done all in one trip! The unforgettable scenery, food, attractions, and friendly locals will leave you wanting more!

The Baths

Devil's Bay on Virgin Gorda

Resources:

All pictures used were made by me, from my own private collection.

“British Virgin Islands.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/british-virgin-islands/.

“BEYC History - Virgin Gorda, BVI.” Bitter End Yacht Club, 31 Aug. 2017, beyc.com/about-beyc/our-history/#:~:text=Bitter%20End%20Yacht%20Club%20dates,Christopher%20Columbus%20and%20Sir%20Francis.

About lil' 'ol me

            Born and raised in the north Georgia foothills, I consider myself a modern southern belle. I say yes sir and yes ma'am, I drink my sweet tea from a mason jar, and I have ridden my horse through town. Growing up in what was once the country, I have developed a deep love for nature, animals, and southern home cooking. One of my favorite activities as a child was baking cookies and cakes with my grandmother every weekend. I became enthused with cooking and participated in culinary classes in my high school. However, my absolute favorite past-time is horseback riding. I started riding lessons when I was 8 years old and have been obsessed with horses ever since. On my 13th birthday, my parents finally bought me a draft horse named Silverado. I loved and cared for him until the ripe old age of 24.

            With a love of the countryside and nature so close to my heart, I can think of no better career suited to me than one that involves the great outdoors. I care deeply about our fragile planet and every creature that inhabits it. With the help of my loving family, I was able to get into a college and start down the career path for Environmental Science. I do not know exactly where I may go, but I do know that I intend to make a difference.