The Settlement is the main and only town on Anegada in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean . The Settlement lies near Lower Bay at the southeastern part of the island and has about 200 inhabitants.
Full Answer
Where is the British Virgin Islands (BVI)?
The British Virgin Islands (abbreviated BVI), officially simply the Virgin Islands, are a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, to the east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and north-west of Anguilla.
What does BVI stand for?
The British Virgin Islands ( BVI ), officially the Virgin Islands, are a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, to the east of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and north-west of Anguilla.
What was the first settlement in the US Virgin Islands?
Some sources suggest that the first settlements in the Virgin Islands were by the Spanish, who mined copper at the copper mine on Virgin Gorda. No archaeological evidence supports any settlement by the Spanish in the islands at any time, nor any mining of copper on Virgin Gorda prior to the 19th century.
Why did the British Virgin Islands not join the West Indies?
In 1958 the West Indies Federation was established, but the British Virgin Islands declined to join, in order to retain close economic ties with the U.S. islands. Under a constitutional order issued in 1967, the islands were given a ministerial form of government.
What is the settlement in BVI?
The Settlement is the main and only town on Anegada in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean....The Settlement, British Virgin Islands.The SettlementCoordinates: 18°43′7″N 64°19′1″WTerritoryBritish Virgin IslandsIslandAnegadaPopulation3 more rows
When was the BVI settled?
The History of the British Virgin Islands is usually, for convenience, broken up into five separate periods: Pre-Columbian Amerindian settlement, up to an uncertain date. Nascent European settlement, from approximately 1612 until 1672. British control, from 1672 until 1834.
What is the island called the settlement?
The Settlement is a city in Anegada, British Virgin Islands. It has many popular attractions, including Cow Wreck Bay Beach, making it well worth a visit. The Settlement is a city in Anegada, British Virgin Islands.
What is BVI?
The Virgin Islands, commonly referred to as the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago; the remaining islands constitute the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Why is it called BVI?
Etymology. The islands were named "Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes" by Christopher Columbus in 1493 after the legend of Saint Ursula and the 11,000 virgins. The name was later shortened to "the Virgin Islands".
Who settled the British Virgin Islands?
Denmark colonized the island with planters from St. Thomas in 1717. In 1733 they abandoned St. John after slaves rebelled, staged an uprising, and held the island for six months.
Why are Virgin Islands called virgin?
Early Inhabitants In 1493, Christopher Columbus visited these islands. He had been searching for a route to India and consequently he called the people he encountered Indians. Columbus named the beautiful islands 'The Virgins' in reference to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.
When was slavery abolished in the BVI?
The abolition of slavery occurred on 1 August 1834, and to this day it is celebrated by a three-day public holiday on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August in the British Virgin Islands. The original emancipation proclamation hangs in the High Court.
Who were the first settlers in the Caribbean?
Around 6,000 years ago, the first people to inhabit the Caribbean arrived in Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic by boat. They used stone tools and gathered or hunted for their food. We call them Archaic Age people. Based on archaeology, we thought these people probably came from Central America.
Are British Virgin Islands British citizens?
As of 2002, all British Virgin Island citizens are part of the list of BOTC territories that automatically became British citizens. Other territories that qualify include Turks & Caicos, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
How long can I stay in BVI?
No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to 90 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must: Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward and return flights.
Is the British Virgin Islands its own country?
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory. The country is administered under a constitution that came into effect in 2007 and provided greater internal self-government.
How were British Virgin Islands formed?
A long process of undersea mountain building and uplift brought submarine ridges and peaks to the surface. This was followed by periods of explosive volcanism, alternated with periods of coral reef deposits, changing sea levels and future intrusion, creating the island we call St. John today.
Who were the first inhabitants of the Virgin Islands?
The U.S. Virgin Islands were originally inhabited by the Ciboney and Arawaks, with some scholars thinking that the islands were inhabited from as early as 1000 BC. The Caribs arrived around the mid-15th century AD.
When was Tortola founded?
Tortola was first settled in 1648 by Dutch buccaneers who held the island until it was taken over in 1666 by a group of English planters. In 1672 it was annexed to the British-administered Leeward Islands.
When did slavery end in the British Virgin Islands?
In 1834, abolition came to the British Virgin Islands. After 1834, many enslaved people attempted to escape to the freedom of the British Islands. After emancipation in the Danish West Indies on July 3rd, 1848, the formerly enslaved people of St. John abandoned life on the plantations.
How big are the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands comprise around 60 tropical Caribbean islands, ranging in size from the largest, Tortola, being 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide , to tiny uninhabited islets, altogether about 150 square kilometres (58 square miles) in extent. They are located in the Virgin Islands archipelago, a few miles east of the US Virgin Islands, and about 95 km (59 mi) from the Puerto Rican mainland. About 150 km (93 mi) east south-east lies Anguilla. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the east of the islands, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the west. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged terrain. The highest point is Mount Sage on Tortola at 521m. Anegada is geologically distinct from the rest of the group, being a flat island composed of limestone and coral. The British Virgin Islands contain the Leeward Islands moist forests and Leeward Islands xeric scrub terrestrial ecoregions.
How many electoral districts are there in the British Virgin Islands?
The territory is divided into nine electoral districts, and each voter is registered in one of those districts. Eight of the nine districts are partly or wholly on Tortola, and encompass nearby neighbouring islands. Only the ninth district (Virgin Gorda and Anegada) does not include any part of Tortola. At elections, in addition to voting their local representative, voters also cast votes for four "at-large" candidates who are elected upon a territory-wide basis.
Which island did the Dutch take over?
The Dutch established a permanent settlement on the island of Tortola by 1648, frequently clashing with the Spanish who were based on nearby Puerto Rico. In 1672, the English captured Tortola from the Dutch, and the English annexation of Anegada and Virgin Gorda followed in 1680. Meanwhile, over the period 1672–1733, the Danish gained control of the nearby islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix (i.e. the modern US Virgin Islands).
Why do British stamps say Virgin Islands?
In 1968 the British Government issued a memorandum requiring that the postage stamps in the territory should say "British Virgin Islands" (whereas previously they had simply stated "Virgin Islands"), a practice which is still followed today. This was likely to prevent confusion following on from the adoption of US currency in the Territory in 1959, and the references to US currency on the stamps of the Territory.
What is the name of the Virgin Islands?
The islands were named "Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes" by Christopher Columbus in 1493 after the legend of Saint Ursula and the 11,000 virgins. The name was later shortened to "the Virgin Islands". The official name of the territory is still simply the "Virgin Islands", but the prefix "British" is often used.
Why is the British Virgin Islands so popular?
Because of its location and climate the British Virgin Islands has long been a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Sailing is regarded as one of the foremost sports in all of the BVI. Calm waters and steady breezes provide some of the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean.
What is the coordinates of the British Virgin Islands?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. For the island group, which also includes the United States Virgin Islands and Spanish Virgin Islands, see Virgin Islands. Coordinates: 18°30′N 64°30′W.
Where are the British Virgin Islands?
The Virgin Islands, commonly referred to as the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago; the remaining islands constitute the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Who inhabited the Virgin Islands?
The Arawaks inhabited the islands until the 15th century when they were displaced by the more aggressive Caribs, a tribe from the Lesser Antilles islands, after whom the Caribbean Sea is named. View more about the territory's history, on the History of the Virgin Islands page.
How many islands are there in the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands comprise around sixty tropical Caribbean islands, ranging in size from the largest, Tortola 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide, to tiny uninhabited islets. They are located in the Virgin Islands archipelago, a few miles east of the US Virgin Islands. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north of the islands, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged terrain. Anegada is geologically distinct from the rest of the group and is a flat island composed of limestone and coral. View more about the geography of the territory, on the Geography & Climate of the Virgin Islands page
What are the Virgin Islands?
The Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays.
When was the Virgin Islands constitution adopted?
The most recent constitution was adopted in 2007 (the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007) and came into force when the Legislative Council was dissolved for the 2007 general election. The Head of Government under the constitution is the Premier (prior to the new constitution the office was referred to as Chief Minister), who is elected in a general election along with the other members of the ruling government as well as the members of the opposition. View more about the Government of the territory, on the Government of the Virgin Islands page.
Who is the ultimate executive in the British Virgin Islands?
Ultimate executive authority in British Virgin Islands is vested in The Queen , and is exercised on her behalf by the Governor of the British Virgin Islands. The Governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the British Government.
How many people live on Tortola?
The islands have a population of about 27,800, of whom approximately 23,000 live on Tortola. British Virgin Islanders are classed as British Overseas Territories citizens and since 2002 have had full British citizenship.
What happened to Tortola in 1640?
In 1640, Spain attacked Tortola in an assault led by Captain Lopez. The Spanish attacked again in 1646 and 1647, led by Captain Francisco Vincente Duran. The Spanish anchored a warship in Soper's Hole at West End and landed men ashore. They sent another warship to blockade Road Harbour. After a team of scouts returned a safe report, the Spanish landed more men and attacked Fort Purcell overland by foot. They massacred the Dutch, and next attacked Road Town, killing all inhabitants and destroying the settlement. They did not bother with the smaller settlements further up the coast in Baugher's Bay or on Virgin Gorda.
Why did the Dutch West India Company want to cede Tortola?
It sought to cede islands such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda to private persons for settlement, and to establish major slave pens to support the slave trade in the Caribbean, as they were importing slaves from Africa. The island of Tortola was sold to Willem Hunthum at some point in the 1650s, at which time the Dutch West India Company's interest in the Territory effectively ended.
What did Columbus call the Virgins?
Columbus gave them the name Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vírgenes (Saint Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins), shortened to Las Vírgenes (The Virgins), after the legend of Saint Ursula. He is also reported to have personally named Virgin Gorda (the Fat Virgin), which he thought to be the largest island in the group.
Why is the Caribbean Sea named after Arawak?
The Caribbean Sea is named for these people. Some historians believe that the popular account of the aggressive Carib chasing peaceful Arawak out of the Caribbean islands is based in simplistic European stereotypes, and that the true story is more complex.
Where are the Arawak artefacts?
Many other archaeological sites have been found with Arawak artefacts, including at Soper's Hole, Apple Bay, Coxheath, Pockwood Pond, Pleasant Valley, Sage Mountain, Russell Hill (modern day Road Town), Pasea, Purcell, Paraquita Bay, Josiah's Bay, Mount Healthy and Cane Garden Bay. Modern archaeological excavations regularly cause local historians to revise what they thought they knew about these early settlers. Discoveries reported in the local newspapers in 2006 have indicated that early Arawak settlement of the islands may have been more significant than had earlier been thought.
How many times did Francis Drake visit the Virgin Islands?
Sir Francis Drake visited the islands four times; its main channel was named in his honour. Drake returned in 1585, and is reported to have anchored in North Sound on Virgin Gorda prior to his tactically brilliant attack on Santo Domingo. Drake returned for the final time in 1595 on his last voyage, during which he died.
What is the island called that is known as the Dungeon?
In 1631, the Dutch West India Company expressed an interest in the rumours of copper on Virgin Gorda, and a settlement was set up on that island, which came to be known as "Little Dyk's" (now known as Little Dix).
When did the British Virgin Islands become a crown colony?
In 1950 a partly elected and partly nominated legislative council was reinstated. Following the defederation of the Leeward Islands colony in 1956 and the abolition of the office of governor in 1960, the islands became a crown colony. In 1958 the West Indies Federation was established, but the British Virgin Islands declined to join, ...
Why did the British Virgin Islands not join the West Indies?
In 1958 the West Indies Federation was established, but the British Virgin Islands declined to join, in order to retain close economic ties with the U.S. islands. Under a constitutional order issued in 1967, the islands were given a ministerial form of government. The constitution was amended in 1977 to permit a greater degree ...
What were the names of the islands that Columbus visited?
Croix (which he called Santa Cruz), and sent a landing party ashore in search of fresh water and fruit. After a skirmish, the Caribs repulsed the Spanish. Columbus later encountered some of the other islands and named the group Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes (St. Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins). In 1555 the Holy Roman emperor, Charles V (Charles I of Spain), sent forces that defeated the Caribs, claimed the territory, and ordered the annihilation of the natives. By 1596 most of the natives had been killed or had left.
Why are there little demand for independence in the Virgin Islands?
Virgin Islands, mostly because of fears of disrupting the lucrative tourist industry and of incurring an increased tax burden.
How many slaves were there in 1742?
They then purchased St. Croix, which had been in the possession of the French since 1651. Slaves continued to be imported from Africa; by 1742 there were 1,900 on St. Croix alone, and sugar production was bringing prosperity to the islands.
When was Tortola annexed?
In 1672 Tortola was annexed to the British-administered Leeward Islands. In 1773 the planters were granted civil government, with an elected House of Assembly and a partly elected Legislative Council, and constitutional courts.
When did the Danish take over the West Indies?
The group came under the Danish crown in 1754, and the following year Charlotte Amalie was made a free port. The British occupied the islands from 1801 to 1802, and in the next year, 1803, the slave trade was abolished in the Danish West Indies.
What is the BVI trust law?
BVI trusts law. The principles of English common law and equity, both with respect to trusts and generally, apply in the BVI subject to variation by local statute. The principal trusts legislation is the Trustee Act (Chapter 303 of the Laws of the Virgin Islands), as amended (the “Trustee Act”) and VISTA, and these are supported by a body ...
How long can a trust be in BVI?
Perpetuities. Ordinary non-charitable trusts governed by BVI law may exist for periods of up to 360 years, and trusts established for charitable or non-charitable purposes may exist in perpetuity.
What is the purpose of a settlor of a discretionary trust?
The settlor of a discretionary trust may wish to ensure certain controls are placed around core powers of the trustees, whether dispositive or administrative. This can be achieved by requiring the trustees to obtain the consent of a third party before exercising such powers.
What is a visita trust?
VISTA Trusts are unique to the BVI. VISTA enables settlors to establish trusts designed to limit the responsibility of trustees, in the discharge of their fiduciary and other duties, from intervening in the management and affairs of an underlying BVI company whose shares form part of the trust fund and have been designated as within the VISTA regime. As such, a settlor can establish a trust to hold shares in an operating company (or a holding company that owns the shares in the operating company, the latter often a family business) confident that he will not be required, other than in extreme circumstances, to relinquish control over the company and its strategic direction.
Can a trust be governed by BVI law?
It is possible for trusts governed by B VI law to be established partly or wholly for non -charitable purposes. In a private wealth context such trusts may be used to collect and protect family heirlooms or antiques, or to hold certain assets such as the shares in a family trading company or private trust company or to pursue philanthropic purposes that may not fall within the traditional heads of charity. An enforcer is required to be appointed to enforce the terms of a trust in relation to its non-charitable purposes.
Does the British Virgin Islands tax gifts?
There is a specialist Commercial Court which handles trusts matters, and ultimate appeals to the Privy Council in the United Kingdom. There are generally no gift, estate, income or capital gains taxes in the BVI for individuals or companies. The BVI therefore offers fiscal neutrality for trusts established in the jurisdiction.
Do settlors confer fixed interests on beneficiaries?
Whilst some settlors wish to confer fixed interests on beneficiaries, that is, they wish to specify in the trust instrument the precise circumstances in which beneficiaries are to be given the income and/or capital of the trust fund, most settlors prefer to give trustees sufficient flexibility to take account of changes in the circumstances of the beneficiaries.
When did the Arawak settle?
They are thought to have settled in nearby St. Thomas as early as 300 BC. There is some evidence of Amerindian presence on the islands.
Who inhabited the Caribbean islands?
The Arawak inhabited the islands until the 15th century, when they were displaced by the more aggressive Carib , a tribe from the Lesser Antilles islands. The Caribbean Sea is named for these people. Some historians believe that the popular account of the aggressive Carib chasing peaceful Arawak out of the Caribbean islands is based in simplistic European stereotypes, and that the true story is more complex.
Overview
Etymology
The Settlement lies near Lower Bay at the southeastern part of the island and has about 200 inhabitants. The coordinates are 18°43′07″N 64°19′01″W / 18.71861°N 64.31694°W .
The center of this very small town, often also called "the Village", consists of the area along the main road.
Besides the Government Administration Building, a small medical clinic, a post office, a police b…
History
Geography
Climate
The British Virgin Islands (BVI), officially the Virgin Islands, are a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, to the east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and north-west of Anguilla. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and part of the West Indies.
Politics
The islands were named "Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes" by Christopher Columbus in 1493 after the legend of Saint Ursula and the 11,000 virgins. The name was later shortened to "the Virgin Islands".
The official name of the territory is still simply the "Virgin Islands", but the prefix "British" is often used. This is commonly believed to distinguish it from the neighbouring American territory whic…
Economy
It is generally thought that the Virgin Islands were first settled by the Arawak from South America around 100 BC to AD 200, though there is some evidence of Amerindian presence on the islands as far back as 1500 BC. The Arawaks inhabited the islands until the 15th century when they were displaced by the more aggressive Caribs, a tribe from the Lesser Antilles islands.
Transport
The British Virgin Islands comprise around 60 tropical Caribbean islands, ranging in size from the largest, Tortola, being 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide, to tiny uninhabited islets, altogether about 150 square kilometres (58 square miles) in extent. They are located in the Virgin Islands archipelago, a few miles east of the US Virgin Islands, and about 95 km (59 mi) from the Puerto Ri…
Pre-Columbian Settlement
The British Virgin Islands have a tropical rainforest climate, moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. In the capital, Road Town, typical daily maxima are around 32 °C (89.6 °F) in the summer and 29 °C (84.2 °F) in the winter. Typical daily minima are around 26 °C (78.8 °F) in the summer and 23 °C (73.4 °F) in the winter. Rainfall averages about 1,150 mm (45.3 in) p…
1492 - Early European Exploration
The territory operates as a parliamentary democracy. Ultimate executive authority in the British Virgin Islands is vested in the Queen, and is exercised on her behalf by the Governor of the British Virgin Islands. The governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the British Government. Defence and most foreign affairs remain the responsibility of the United Kingdom.
First Dutch Settlements
The twin pillars of the economy are financial services (60%) and tourism (roughly 40-45% of GDP). Politically, tourism is the more important of the two, as it employs a greater number of people within the territory, and a larger proportion of the businesses in the tourist industry are locally owned, as are a number of the highly tourism-dependent sole traders (for example, taxi drivers …
Decline of The Dutch West India Company
There are 113 kilometres (70 mi) of roads. The main airport, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, also known as Beef Island Airport, is located on Beef Island, which lies off the eastern tip of Tortola and is accessible by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Cape Air, and Air Sunshine are among the airlines offering scheduled service. Virgin Gorda and Anegada have their own smaller air…
1672 - British Colonisation
Slave Revolts
1834 - Emancipation
Modern Developments
1950 - Self Government
- England took control of the British Virgin Islands in 1672, at the outbreak of the Third Anglo-Dutch War, and has retained influence since. The Dutch averred that in 1672 Willem Hunthum put Tortola under the protection of Colonel Sir William Stapleton, the English Governor-General of the Leeward Islands. Stapleton reported that he had "captured" th...