New Full Colour BVI Guidebook is Launched

Many BV Islanders and residents spoke highly of the new full-colour BVI guidebook that was launched on Wednesday 13 December at a party that was held at the Tortola Sports Club. The author of this highly praised book is Claudia Colli. The ceremony was chaired by Nelda Farrington, Managing Director of Island Services, the book’s local distributor.

‘Sheltered Isles of Sea and Sun’ is the name of this splendid and timely addition to the BVI’s list of literature for tourists. The lavishly produced book includes over 100 pages of important and interesting information that pertains to the Territory. The vibrant photographs, many of which were taken by resident photographer Jim Scheiner help to make the book even more enlightening.

After reading “Sheltered Isles of Sea and Sun”, booklovers should become very knowledgeable of the BVI’s history, culture, geography, flora, fauna and historic sites. This lively and informative guide introduces the BVI friendly and easygoing people; and explains how visitors can enjoy many leisure activities such as sailing, diving and hiking. From national parks to beaches, from wildlife to arts and crafts, the visitor will find all the information needed to make the most of a trip to our delightful islands.

The BVI Tourist Board, Island Services, and Macmillan, the book’s publisher, sponsored the launch. During the ceremony Chief Minister, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, His Excellency Governor, David Pearey, Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Janice Braithwaite and former Deputy Governor, Elton Georges, who wrote the book’s foreword all made remarks.

Chief Minister Smith said that when he read the book he was amazed at the list of things  to do and see in the BVI.

The Director of the Tourist Board informed that the launch of the book was originally scheduled to take place during the Tourism Month observances. Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards said that she has read the book and found that it does a good job in marketing the BVI as a destination.

Mr. Elton Georges, stated that ‘Sheltered Isles of Sea and Sun’ is “a great addition to the BVI book scene. I know the hard work it took to produce this book, and it is a job that was well done. I expect that this book will sell like hot bread.”

This is Ms. Colli’s second guidebook.

Born in New York City, Ms. Colli has a degree in journalism from New York University. She moved to the BVI in 1973 where she freelanced for the BVI Welcome Tourist Guide and later became Associate Editor of the BV Islander, as well as the Virgin Islander magazine, which was based in Tortola and published by movie actress, Maureen O’Hara.

In 1987 she became editor of the Welcome Tourist Guide and now also manages Island Publishing Services, which in addition to the Welcome, publishes the Limin’ Times, the BVI Restaurant Guide and the BVI Cruise Ship Visitor Guide. She has freelanced for newspapers, yachting and travel publications in the Caribbean, US and UK. This is Ms. Colli’s second guidebook on the British Virgin Islands, her first, Introducing the BVI was published in 2001. Ms. Colli was commissioned by Macmillan to write this new BVI guidebook at the suggestion of Island Services founder, Sonia Williams, who as the Macmillan distributor wanted the UK publishing company to add the British Virgin Islands to their prestigious Guidebook Series to the Caribbean.