The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

I am excited and proud to showcase this local pottery business in this post. The name of the pottery shop is Pottery Garden and it is located in the Josiah's Bay Valley, Tortola. The owner, Karl Burnett, a pleasant young man, gave me a tour around his business a few days ago. He expressed his passion for pottery. I learned so much about his business during the short time I was there. I also notice that he has a passion for landscaping as the place is beautifully decorated with flower plants and fruit trees.

As you enter the compound, there is a container where he does the actual pottery work, then to the right of that there is a wood kiln which he built himself. He also shared the trials he experienced during hurricane Irma in 2017.

Next to the wood kiln is a building where all the finished products are displayed. I can see that he thought about every detail. There is a guest book for his guest to write about there experience, there are cold beverages available, he even used some old equipment as decor. Great BVI tourism product 👏👏👍👍

Wood Kiln - The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

Young entrepreneur Karl Burnett - Owner of The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

Low Cost Accommodations In The British Virgin Islands

I received a request for recommendations for inexpensive places to stay in the British Virgin islands.  I submitted a question on a Facebook group and found about the following.  I am so glad that I did this because this is not the first time I am looking for inexpensive places to stay in on Tortola.  

This listing consist of beautiful accommodations for parties of different sizes.  The properties are located on the Western part of Tortola.  There are numerous photos and reviews to help you make a selection.  Click here

The rates are for accommodation only. Food is a possible add on but must be organized in advance. All the rooms are different and it's important to read the full descriptions. Some have no parking, or kitchen access at all and others are full homes with living and dining and kitchen areas.

This other property, quaint and cozy, is located East End, close to the airport.  Click here

I highly recommend that you rent a vehicle to be to visit the other parts of the island.

My Experience At Labour Department BVI

In this blog post I share with you a 2018 post I left on Facebook sharing my experience at the British Virgin Islands labour department.

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I spent the morning at the BVI Labour and Immigration offices and you know how that goes.  You have to make up your mind to spend almost half day there.  Anyway  kudos to the labour department I am impressed with their service.  Actually its the security guard.  I heard people calling him Zuz or something like that.  His uniform was a black polo shirt and black trousers.

He provided an impressive service of dealing with the customers as they entered the door.  He first asked what you came to do and guided you appropriately.  Some people came in and attempted to get served before people who were there already.  He politely told them there were other people before them and that they should sit and wait their turn.  Occasionally he would make some corny jokes and have the customers laughing and entertained.😁😁

He seems to be very knowledgeable about the BVI Labour policies.  Some people had questions and he was able to answer their questions or send them to the relevant department.  This saved the customer alot of time.

In respect to the Immigration department they need to organise themselves better.  The new arrangement is when you go to collect your work permit at the Labour department, Immigration expects you after.

Well when I got there I didn't know how to proceed.  I had to ask a lady what I should do next because I saw her in the Labour department.  Anyway I saw an immigration officer, he took my passport and told me to sit in the waiting area until my name was called.

A gentleman walked into the immigration office shortly after  (he came from the Labour Department) and stood in line for almost half hour before being served!!!  Other people too!!👎👎👎 

One good thing though, when I was called (I could hardly hear the person) it was the cashier.  I didn't have to go inside to see a senior immigration officer.

So until next year same time!!

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Posted on Facebook on October 23 2018.  Click here to see the post.

Remembering The Hurricanes In 2017 - BVI

On Wednesday 6th September 2017, hurricane Irma struck the virgin islands.  It was the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Caribbean.

Irma caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure exceeding the gross domestic product (GDP) of the territory.  Four live were lost and 125 person reported injuries.  Fourteen days later, Hurricane Maria also struck the Virgin Islands.

This plaque is dedicated to the memory of all those who perished during Irma as well as to the people of the Virgin islands: the survivors and to the many donors and volunteers who contributed to the rebuilding of our beautiful Virgin Islands.

Through great devastation, the people of these virgin islands will find the will and strength to work together in building BVI Stronger, Smarter, Greener and Better For all