The Duke of York visited Virgin Gorda's most famous historic site - the Copper Mine. Prince Andrew was accompanied by BVI Governor His Excellency Mr. Frank Savage (r.) and Chief Minister O'Neal - not in photo [photo by Cleveland Sam]

Prince Andrew Visits Virgin Gorda

It was a bright, sunny afternoon fit for Royalty as His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York disembarked the St. Ursula at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour last Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:35 PM. A round of applause went up as HRH passed through the large multicultural crowd gathered in the marina to get a glimpse of royalty and welcome him to Virgin Gorda.

HRH's first assignment was at the newly refurbished Virgin Gorda Police Station where he inspected the facility, reviewed a guard of police officers and unveiled a plaque to officially open the refurbished Police Station. "The building that you just inspected was built in the early 1960s by the British firm of Taylor Woodrow Overseas when they were building the Little Dix Bay Hotel" Chief Minister O'Neal informed the Duke. O'Neal said the building "needed to be enlarged and renovated because the Force (Police) has doubled." The Parliamentary Representative for the Ninth District said his government has "great respect for law and order."

"We want to keep ahead of the game and make sure that our policemen are well looked after" Chief Minister O'Neal noted. He added the new facility would provide the Virgin Gorda Police with "good physical surroundings and other things that will help to keep their morale" Commenting on the newly constructed building Prince Andrew noted, "I'm led to believe that just over three weeks ago there was only one wall up." His comment evoked laughter from the audience many of whom would agree that it was the fastest building to be constructed on the island. The Prince said, "this goes to prove that when a member of the Royal family comes, if you are having difficulty getting things done or built it does help if you have a member of the Royal family around." He jokingly added, "I bet you that one or two of the policemen who were standing at the back have discovered that if they stood still for too long they would be painted objects as well." The Prince told the crowd "the smell of fresh paint in that building is unbelievable" as he evoked more laughter.

During his tour of the audience he met several of Virgin Gorda's residents, among them was one-year and 10-months old Myron Junior Williams. The Prince shook the toddler's hand while he was seated in his mother's lap.

Copper Mine

Shortly after HRH journeyed to the historic Virgin Gorda Copper Mine. On arrival he was met by Chairman of the Copper Mine Restoration Committee Ms. Myrtle Reese who introduced him to the other members of the Committee. The Prince then proceeded to tour the Mine with Committee member Vaughn Wheatley, Nesbitt, NPT Director Joseph Smith-Abbott, Deputy Director Esther Georges and Virgin Gorda Warden Athley Stevens. During the tour of the Mine HRH asked several questions about the Mine and also examined samples of rocks containing molybdenite. NPT Warden Athley Stevens also showed HRH a piece of iron made with ore from the Virgin Gorda Mine. Stevens was given the metal while visiting Cornwall in 1998. The Duke also went into the ruins of the Mine's Engine House before leaving for a reception hosted by Chief Minister and Mrs. O'Neal at the Top of the Baths Restaurant.

Reception

While at the Top of the Baths Ms. Grace Flax-Waters presented the Duke with a gift and Ms. Franka Pickering of the Copper Mine Restoration Committee presented HRH with a booklet on the Copper Mine. During the reception Chief Minister OâNeal introduced HRH to members of the Virgin Gorda community. After hearing about the Baths just 350 yards away, HRH was unable to resist the allurement of visiting the world-famous National Park. He visited the boulder-studded beach along NPT officials before his departure from the second most populated island in the BVI archipelago.