Approximately one year ago, the Moorings
restaurant and bar was destroyed by fire. This past weekend,
scores of patrons came together to celebrate its re-opening.
The Reverend Edris O’Neal did the blessing of the new facility.
Mr. Lex Raas, Vice President of Global Operations, who is based
at the company’s head office in Florida, chaired the ceremony,
which took the form of a cocktail reception and dinner for staff
and invited guests. While the official opening of the new facility
was held Wednesday 4th April, the new bar had been operating for
some weeks.
During the tributes, Manager Myron Walwyn and staff came in for
much commendation for having a temporary restaurant up and running
within days of the fire, so that guests could continue to be
served. The BVI Fire and Rescue Services Department was also
commended for their prompt service, which saved the rest of the
property from damage.
With a new restaurant came an upgrade of the Moorings facility,
including new showers and the appointment of Mr. Clarence Malone
as the Director of Bareboat Operations.
Lead shareholder Henrik Vanderlip of Connecticut, USA, said it
was a very proud moment to see the wonderful facility now at
the Moorings. He has been involved with the Moorings for the
past five years.
Chief Executive Arthur Warshaw added his thanks to all who played
a part in the development of the property over the years and
expressed gratitude to all the guests who have patronized the
facility.
The Moorings has been in existence for 32 years now. The Chief
Executive attributed its success to three factors - mother nature
which provides the wind, the water and the beauty that makes
this a wonderful cruising ground; the people in the community
and the government, which has created a climate that allows businesses
to prosper and tourists to travel safely and comfortably.
His Excellency the Governor Frank Savage, in his remarks at the
ceremony, noted that the Moorings and the BVI have become synonymous
with everything that is first class in sailing. “So I’m
sure this facility is going to continue to enhance the reputation
of the British Virgin Islands; I wish the Directors, shareholders
and all employees of the Moorings a very successful second 30
years.”
Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal commented
on what he termed the “great transformation” at The
Moorings. He said he was concerned when the fire occurred a year
ago. “But look what we have now; we do have a real fine
building!”
Mr. O’Neal recalled when founder Mr. Charlie Cary came to
the Virgin Islands and started the Moorings with six boats and
his gradual expansion. Looking at the progress of the company,
he noted that they have invested quite a large sum of money.
“I believe they will invest more because of the investment
climate here and I wish to give them the undertaking that while
I am Chief Minister and the Virgin Islands Party is in government,
we will continue to encourage business investment in the country,”
he said.
The BVI Leader said they would also take whatever measures are
necessary to keep territorial waters as clear, pristine and un-polluted
as possible. He said along those lines, government might have
to introduce some measures that some people may not like.
He also said he was glad to hear of Mr. Malone’s promotion.
He encouraged management to give him all the support they can.
“We want to see our people excel.”
Global Technical Director Graham Talbot made a presentation to
The Moorings and has been a supporter of the BVI Spring Regatta
for the past six years. The regatta was held last weekend.
“Without youth sailing, there would be no events such as
the Spring Regatta and other regattas around the world. The Moorings
recognizes that and we recognize the importance of sailing and
youth sailing,” he said. He referred to the KATS Sailing
programme, as he donated a cheque for $5,000 to the Chief Minister’s
Cup, scheduled for July.
Mr. Talbot told The Island Sun that it was really quite remarkable
the amount of work that was done during the re-construction project
at the Moorings. He said the re-building began in October last
year and he credited all the contractors and the staff for their
hard work in getting the project completed.
The Moorings is one of the largest charter boat operators in
the world and certainly in the BVI, where it employs over 100
persons. The company has bases in the Pacific region, the Mediterranean,
Europe and the Caribbean.
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