“We are island people and the sea is an ever present and central fixture in our lives.
In BVI, views of the seascapes are legion. They calm our spirits and at times, make us look beyond ourselves, perhaps to the god of the seas. (not Poseidon)
None can dispute the fact that the BVI is an amazingly beautiful part of the creation. We believe evolution would have been severely challenged to install such a masterpiece.
The seas are a major source of food. Through desalination, it provides us with potable water. It is the highway that we use to move between our islands for work, school, play.
A major part of the industry that sustains us, tourism, is played out on our seas, in coves, on beaches, in the life that teems in the marine environment and the relics that have taken their own sad and painful stories to the seabed.
The history tells us that some of the most glorified pirates and privateers used these islands as a playground and a point from which to orchestrate their plunder.
We have rewarded those like Sir Francis Drake and Blackburn with the names of highways that would shock them for the abandoned state of disrepair were they to miraculously rematerialize.
The recreational activities we enjoy on the sea are almost endless although the sea hurts us at times. For, like fire, when the sea turns against us or we let down our guard and are overpowered, the price in pain and death is usually exorbitant.
BVI people love their power boats. For many, they represent an accomplishment but for others they are simply a source of pride and joy.
They were out in their numbers on Sunday; One hundred and thirty by some counts, for the time of the 20th installment of the Leverick Bay annual poker run had come.
Only COVID19 has succeeded in stopping that run which begun in 2001. And nowadays, it draws participants from TCI, St Marteen, St Thomas, St Croix, Puerto Rico and, of course, BVI.
As the participants sped around to choose their cards, those who watched from their various vantage points on land saw what might have been classified as the buzzing of bees around a hive.
The white wake from each boat was the only tell-tale sign that something different was happening. And it was nothing short of spectacular.
The participants do not perform this ritual for the meager prizes. Rather, for the thrill, excitement, and camaraderie. The day after the poker run is finished, preparations begin for the next.
The charities are the big winners: Raw Skillz Track Club and ARC. They deserve support.
Fridays salute Leverick Bay for this annual activity that helps to improve the experiences of visitors and residents alike; That brings joy to the participants and acclaim to the Territory.
Happy Friday!”